I had the opportunity to visit Slovenia a little over a year ago and fell in love with it. So, I am thrilled to share with you this guest post on the two places I visited, Ljubljana & Lake Bled! Enjoy!
Thanks partly to strong showings from its teams at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, Slovenia has captured the interest of individuals from around the globe. Wedged between Italy, Hungary, Croatia, and Austria, this nation of two million residents stands at the crossroads of European culture and geography and offers diverse activities for travelers. From ancient castles to modern resorts, Slovenia’s rich heritage has placed it on the bucket list of travelers from across the world, and there are sure to be more grabbing late deals in 2014 to the country.
While it’s impossible to summarize all of Slovenia in just a few hundred words, a look at two major travel destinations in the country can illustrate the different sights open to visitors to Slovenia.
Ljubljana: Capital City, Cultural Center
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and also the nation’s largest city. Additionally, the city is a microcosm of the country as a whole, with natural wonders, historic buildings, and a variety of cultural venues such as museums and art galleries. Ljubljana has a strong commercial and industrial presence, with BTC City standing out as the most significant entertainment and business center in Slovenia.
Sports are also central in Ljubljana, as the city is home to a number of venues, including Stožice Stadium, the nation’s largest football stadium. Spectators can cheer on the Slovenian national soccer team or check out amateur teams in many other sports at the adjacent complexes of Stožice Sports Park.
History buffs will love the fusion of different cultural heritages, with medieval castles, beautiful gardens, and WWI-era statues. Those interested in architecture will marvel at the traces left from the different periods, including the Renaissance, throughout the city’s facade.
Bled: Lakeside Beauty, Natural Retreat
Far removed from the busy commerce and city life of Ljubljana is Bled, which provides visitors with a peaceful opportunity to enjoy natural beauty. Bled lies next to Lake Bled, known for its mountain-backed vistas and the historic church tower located on an island in the middle of the lake.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find Bled to be like no other place on earth, with the chance to go hiking, boating, and horseback riding. Fresh air, clear water, and thermal springs make for an unforgettable experience.
No matter what the season, Bled possesses eye-catching beauty and provides a range of activities for people who love the outdoors. Visit Triglav National Park, home to Slovenia’s highest mountain, and you can see endangered species in the wild.
Those are just two destinations in a country’ that’s just that little bit different if you’re looking to travel to someone out of the norm this year. For a taste of Eastern European city life and a touch of the past, you can head to the capital, and if you want to get away from it all and experience the glory of nature, Bled is the place for you. Wherever you choose, Slovenia is sure to produce the goods. Happy traveling!
