Slovenia
Maybe the best way to describe Slovenia would be ‘small is beautiful’ or maybe better still ‘small and beautiful’. It may sound like a cliché but this country has everything to offer many larger countries also have. Slovenia lies in the heart of Europe, where the Alps meet the Mediterranean and the Pannonian Plain meets the Karst. Having said that, you could find yourself swimming in the Mediterranean Sea and then skiing in the Alps, all in the same day. Where else in the world can you do that? And it only takes about 2 hours drive with a car to experience both.
Its neighbours are Italy on the west, Austria and Hungary to the north and Croatia to the east. The amazing thing is that in Slovenia you are able to find almost everything you would be looking for in all the other European countries. Maybe not so famous and popular but on the other hand possibly more authentic and unspoiled. It is not said that this place is one of the world’s best kept secrets for no reason. And don’t forget, almost everybody speaks English!
In general, Slovenia is a small but amazing country, with really diverse attractions, culture, cuisine and much more. There is a place and activity for everyone. A must for any backpacker! What better place to start your adventure than in its capital city Ljubljana. It is practically positioned in the middle of Slovenia and that makes it the perfect base for exploring Slovenia’s other regions.
Just go and experience it for yourself… it touches everyone differently. But anywhere you go you will find Slovenian people hospitable, and the landscape breath-taking. Everybody is welcome!
Ljubljana
It may be one of Europe’s smallest capital cities, but Ljubljana is as cosmopolitan as they come. Ljubljana is bursting with cultural entertainment for its people which is also enjoyed by tourists where the language is not a barrier. During the summer, many streets of Ljubljana change into small markets, street theatres and concert venues. There are also a number of cinemas, galleries and museums to keep you entertained throughout the year.
Ljubljana lies in a basin between the Karst and the alpine regions at 298 metres above sea level. It is sufficiently large to contain everything that a capital should have, and small enough to preserve the individuality of its inhabitants. It is a city with a soul, featured by the Baroque Old Town which is nestled at the foot of Castle Hill. The Art Nouveau mansions as well house some of the masterpieces of the world renowned architect Jože Plečnik.
If one is to believe the legend, then the founder of Ljubljana was the Greek prince Jason, together with his companions, the Argonauts. According to the legend, Jason and the Argonauts, while fleeing from King Aites, from whom they had stolen the Golden Fleece, sailed from the Black Sea up the Danube into the Sava and from the Sava into the Ljubljanica.
Around about here Jason encountered a terrible monster, which he fought and slew. This monster was the Ljubljana dragon, which now has its permanent abode on top of the castle tower on the Ljubljana coat of arms.
Hostel Ljubljana
The Youth hostel Ljubljana has a capacity of 35 beds. Bathrooms and showers are all situated in the corridor close to the rooms. An information board and internet access is available in the lobby of the hotel. Our receptionist at the front desk will be glad to provide you with any information you may need. Further details to book Hostel Ljubljana can be found here.
The youth hostel offers you the possibility to practice a vast choice of sport facilities, including badminton and fitness. Near the hostel you will find various restaurants, a post office, a petrol station, a supermarket and bars. The biggest shopping centre in Slovenia-BTC City is also located close to the hotel. Every year 18 million people visit this huge shopping mall which has over 400 shops, restaurants, movie theatres, a water park and many other facilities. The hostel is well served by public transport and there are buses to the city centre every ten minutes. The hostel is also easily accessible from the city ring motorway.
Hostel Alibi
Hostel Alibi has definitely the best location in town. Hostel Alibi is settled in the very heart of the old town (centre) of Ljubljana, a step away of everything you would like to see! It is located by the Ljubljanica River and under Ljubljana’s castle, from where all the city’s main attractions are within walking distance.
Place yourself in hostel Alibi and wander around charming Old Ljubljana, where you can choose among the various cafes and bars in the surroundings. Experience the life on the famous ‘Ljubljana beach’, the perfect spot to meet locals and tourists hanging out at the riverbanks. It is very close to Slovenia’s most important museums and art galleries. Open air concerts, regular flea and antique market, restaurants, shops and book stores – you just need to step out and start your adventure!
Hostel Alibi has colourful rooms and a groovy indoor Graffiti Gallery spread throughout its floors. In the common room you can relax, plan your trip, or meet other travellers to share stories. For sleeping you can choose among double rooms, private fours, dorms (8 beds) or even a 6 bed private en suite with kitchen on the top, overlooking the Ljubljanica River. Check out our Hostel Alibi page for booking details.
Maribor-Pohorje
Maribor is the capital of Štajerska, and the second largest city in the country. At the same time Maribor is pleasantly small and set in the wonderful natural surroundings of Pohorje. The city has wine growing hills to one side and the Drava River winding its way past to the other side. Maribor is a great diverse city with many quality attractions. Surrender to the best that can be offered in one of Slovenia’s key tourist destinations!
The rich wine tradition of the oldest vine in the world; the buzz of the city with its thriving cultural history and its location between wine growing hills and green Pohorje offer great possibilities for exploring, relaxing and exploring. Maribor has a heart and soul and its inhabitants are also excellent hosts.
The old town core promises unforgettable experiences. Go for a walk along the banks of the river Drava and through the lively streets and squares where history and tradition mix with dynamism and contemporaneousness. Let Lent, the oldest part of the town enchant you along with the Old Vine, the Old Vine House, medieval towers and remains of the city walls. Maribor also offers Grajski trg square with its castle and museum and Glavni trg square with its Plague memorial and Town Hall. Bishop Slomšek’s Cathedral with its viewing tower also offers great views over this historic city.
A trip up green Pohorje enraptures hikers, cyclists, adrenaline seekers, as well as lovers of the tranquillity of nature in Pohorje’s primeval forest, waterfalls and peat moors. And after activities what better than relaxation – according to your choice in city or mountain wellness centres. Also during the wintertime when Mariborsko Pohorje, covered in snow, turns into one of the most attractive ski centres in Slovenia.
Hostel UNI
The Hostel UNI is tailored to visitor’s needs including single, double or triple rooms, all favourably priced and appropriately furnished with work area, Internet access, direct telephone line, refrigerator and bathroom with a shower.
Extremely important is also the location of the hostel. The hostel is situated in the centre of Maribor in the approximate vicinity of the Rectorate of the University of Maribor, the Faculty of Economics and Business, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Law and also the University Library.
Hostel Videc – Pohorje
The hostel Videc has 28 rooms with some family rooms available. During winter the hostel is suitable for youth tourism and families, with winter sports available; and during the summer the hostel is ideal for training camps, cyclists and family activities. The hostel is just 20m away from the Mountain Wellness Centre Bolfenk – the house of well-being. The hostel also offers parking for guests and an extra room for skiing equipment and bicycles. The hostel has modern facilities including internet access and a café/bar where meals are available throughout the day.
Bled
Slovenia has only one island but its uniqueness makes it more attractive than many in the archipelago. Sheltered by picturesque mountains, its charm has made it a symbol for the town to which guests from all over the world love to return. This town, which has already existed for a thousand years, is Bled.
On the island in the middle of the lake, the ancient Slavs worshipped Živa, goddess of love and fertility. Pilgrims later came to the church of St Mary on the island. A thousand years ago, on 10 April 1004, the town of Bled was mentioned for the first time when the Holy German emperor, Henry II, gifted it to the Bishop of Brixen. At that distant time, a Roman tower already stood at the top of the cliff rising vertically 100m above the lake, and it still forms part of the mighty castle that now houses a museum collection.
The town flourished in the middle ages with pilgrims, and these were replaced in the 19th century by its first tourists. The Swiss hydropathist, Arnold Rikli, discovered that the gentle climate and the lake’s thermal waters are a source of good health and well-being.
The town, already famous at the beginning of the 20th century as the most beautiful health spa of the then Austrian empire, attracted the European aristocratic elite. After WWII, one of the most attractive state residences of the former regime was located in Bled. Many of the world’s most important people thus enjoyed the beauties of Bled. And now pilgrims of the new age have been discovering this beautiful town.
Cosmopolitan seekers of diversity and beauty, relaxation and tranquillity will find here a multitude of opportunities. Walking and coaching trails around the lake, traditional boats ringing the island’s wishing bell, the castle treasures, mountain trails, golf courses, hunting, fishing, the casino and congress facilities offer just a fragment of Bled’s attractions.
Hostel Bledec
Completely renewed, Youth Hostel Bledec is a continuation of our 80-year-old tradition of youth tourism in Bled. The hostel is situated in a tranquil part of the town, only a few steps from St. Martin’s Church. It is also only a five-minute walk to the lake. A pleasant footpath leads past the hostel in the direction of the castle. The railway station Bled – Jezero is a 20 minute walk away and the bus station it is only a five-minute walk. A well-supplied store is right on the corner and there are many cafes, bars and restaurants within the vicinity.
The capacity of our hostel is 12 rooms with 55 beds. Rooms are multi-bedded, but it is possible to rent a double-bedded room. Our pleasant staff are always willing to help with their local knowledge of the area. You can book several activities including canyoning, rafting, horse-back riding, or trips to near and distant attractions. Reviews, tips and booking details for Hostel Bledec.
Radovljica: The sunniest town in Slovenia
The Radovljica plane is also called the heart of the country. Its geological shape dates back to the last ice age. You enter the town through the upper town gate, that used to be protected with a drawbridge. You can also enter using the only late-medieval defense trench in Slovenia that has recently been restored. Regardless which way you enter, you’ll reach the restored town center, full of medieval and renaissance architectural monuments. Among them is also our manor, with the hostel, café, pastry shop and sociable cellar. The baroque manor next to it includes the town museum of Anton Tomaž Linhart, the bee museum, music school and many halls with various concerts and similar events.
In the summer time the town hosts a festival of old music and there are many fairs, concerts and other events which take place in the town square. Near the manor is also the church of St. Peter, built in the Romanesque style and was completed some three quarters of a millennium ago. Nearby are the swimming pool which is available all year around, sport’s and children’s parks, bus and train station, post office, bank, as well as many shops and cafés.
The sunny location and the healthy Alpine climate, make Radovljica perfect for a relaxing getaway for nature, with options to visit the natural learning trail, castle ‘pusti grad’, seeing the ‘Fuksova brv’ or tracking the learning trail Grabnarica. The town also has very good transport connections for visiting many attractions that are further away.
Lesce: 2km away from the hostel, has the biggest golf range in Slovenia – known as the kings range. It also has a sport airfield with a collection of old aircraft. They also host several events all year round.
Begunje: Just 5km away also has many world famous sights. You can visit the museum and gallery of Slavko and Vinko Avsenik, the founders of Oberkrein music. Nearby is also the Hostage museum, where the Gestapo had its prisons during WWII. Begunje is also famous for the ELAN factory that produces various sport equipment, but is best known for its skies that numerous winter athletes achieved Olympic medal with. There is also a sport center with a skiing slope nearby.
Brezje: It is a village known for its pilgrimage church ‘Marija pomagaj’.
Kropa: 10km away and the cradle of the blacksmith and iron industry of Slovenia. The oldest founding’s place and settlement in the antique period, but it was more important in the medieval period, with the oldest Slovenian furnace in Europe, and its handmade nails that were known all throughout the Mediterranean.
For further information and booking details please visit our Hostel Radovljica page.
Please visit our Hostels in Slovenia page for details of all the hostels we have in this beautiful country.
