Slovenia
Europe · Ljubljana · SI
Slovenia is a small Alpine country at the hinge of central and southern Europe, big enough for mountains, a coastline and a capital but small enough to cross in an afternoon. Ljubljana, the friendly capital, runs along a green river under a medieval castle hill with a lively student pulse. The Julian Alps rise in the northwest, crowned by the three-headed peak of Triglav and studded with the glacial lake of Bled and its island church. Below the peaks, Postojna's cave system bores through the limestone for miles, and the short stretch of Adriatic coast around Piran keeps a Mediterranean mood just an hour from the hills. Vineyards, thermal springs and beech forests fill the rest of the land, and the country's knitting trails in the mountains and the wine roads of the hills make it an easy, rewarding place to travel.
Overview
Slovenia is a country in Europe. Its capital is Ljubljana and the international dialling code is +386. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include Slovenian. Local currency is the Euro (EUR). We also list 1 city in Slovenia: Ljubljana.
Getting around Slovenia
Slovenia is small — you can cross it from the Alps to the Mediterranean coast in about three hours by car. The railway links Ljubljana with Vienna, Venice, Zagreb and Budapest, and the "Bohinj" branch line runs through stunning scenery. Buses cover the smaller towns, and the airport at Ljubljana is 25 minutes from the centre.
Driving is on the right, the motorways are excellent, but require a vignette (electronic sticker) bought at petrol stations, post offices or online before entering. The Julian Alps, Lake Bled, and the coastal town of Piran are best reached by car or organised tours from Ljubljana.
When to visit Slovenia
May to September is the best season, with Lake Bled at its prettiest and the Karst vineyards green. July and August are warm and busy, and the Occasionally sunny "Bohinj" hiking and the Julian Alps (Triglav) reach their ideal conditions. Autumn's "re-shaping" colours over the Soča valley make September–October a favourite.
Winter brings the ski season to Kranjska Gora and Vogel, and Slovenia's sunny side shines in April and October for walking and cycling. The Triglav National Park's high trails open after the snow, usually from June.
Eating and drinking
Slovenian cuisine draws from Central Europe and the Mediterranean: carniolan sausage, štruklji (rolled noodle pastries), goat's cheese from the Karst, and the famous "potica" (rolled nut cake) at celebrations. The coast offers fish and Adriatic seafood, while the inland carries the Alpine-Mountain tradition.
The country's wines are underappreciated abroad: the family estate producers of the Karst and the Styrian hills grow Gewürztraminer and the orange-skinned "Rebula". Pair the local craft beers and a glass of "teran" (refosco) with meats and cheeses. Tipping 10% is appreciated in restaurants.
Money and local customs
Slovenia uses the euro. Cards are accepted in the cities and tourist areas, but carry a little cash for village shops, mountain huts (koča) and small wineries.
Slovenians are easy-going and friendly; a "dober dan" (good day) and a handshake with eye contact open most encounters. In the mountains, the "krnica" mountain-hut culture values leaving no trace — pack out what you pack in. Keep your passport at hand, as accommodation registers guests, and enjoy the relaxed pace of life that makes Slovenia one of Europe's hidden gems.
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- Capital
- Ljubljana
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- Slovenian
- Calling code
- +386
- Internet TLD
- si
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Slovenia.
Which nationalities can enter Slovenia?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Cities (1)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Slovenia?
For the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Australia currently enter Slovenia visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Slovenia?
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, and the country sits in Europe.
What currency is used in Slovenia?
You pay with Euro (EUR) in Slovenia. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Slovenia?
The languages we list for Slovenia are Slovenian. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Slovenia?
The dialling code for Slovenia is +386 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which cities in Slovenia do you cover?
Our guide lists 1 city for Slovenia: Ljubljana (capital).