Top 12 Day Trips From Ljubljana, Slovenia - Updated 2024

day trips from ljubljana
Eleanor
Eleanor 
Updated
| 6 min read

One of the cleanest capitals in Europe, Ljubljana, Slovenia is a gorgeous city with an emerald-green river winding through its heart. During the dog days of summer, charming cafes set up lovely terrace seating along the gentle stream, complementing the city’s early-modern architecture of Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau buildings. The places to stay in Ljubljana also highlight this destination’s other treasure - its people. You can choose to stay in one of the Airbnb vacation rentals here to immensely experience the local hospitality. In spite of the beauty of this culturally diverse city, it remains a fact that its small size may leave the more active of us a little restless. For those wanting to see most of Slovenia during their time there, be sure to check out our top day trips from Ljubljana, Slovenia.

1. Piran (from USD 38.0)

Piran is a picturesque coastal town perched on the very tip of the Piran peninsula, along the Adriatic coast. With incomparable views of the cerulean sea and some of the best Venetian Gothic architecture in Europe, Piran is a must-visit attraction in Slovenia.

Not only can it offer idyllic snapshots of nature and city alike, but Piran is also a culinary haven. Local food is so thoroughly cherished that a Mcdonald’s restaurant which opened there closed after less than a year. Famous for its olive oil, la fleur de sel sorts salt, truffles, and seafood, Piran is also a health and wellness cornerstone, with several reputable spas for your stiff muscles.

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Piran Walking Tour with Local Wine and Food Tasting

Duration: 2 hours

268 reviews

2. Ptuj

Ptuj
Source: Photo by Flickr user Daniel Thornton used under CC BY 2.0

Ptuj is the oldest known city in Slovenia, dating back to the Stone Age. Its architecture is delightfully charming with waves of terracotta roof tiles, washing in from the Drava River and niche cobblestone alleys. The town even has a majestic whitewashed castle, reigning from high above on its grand perch. Ptuj is also home to one of the most colorful carnivals in the world. Meant to honor the ancient Slavic pagan god of spring and fertility, the rite includes Kurents, figures dressed in masks, cow bells, horns, feathers and colorful ribbons, going house to house to scare off evil spirits. One of the most extravagant festivals you’ll ever see here is the Kurentovanje, which was also included into the European Federation of Carnival Cities and draws thousands of participants every year.

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3. Maribor

Maribor
Source: Photo by Flickr user Daniel Thornton used under CC BY 2.0

Those looking to see more of the countryside would find Maribor a delight. This quaint town oozes charm with its old-town vibe, in spite of being the second-largest city in Slovenia. Nestled between Calvary Hill and Pyramid Hill, both sides of Maribor stretch into green forests and sunny vineyards that evoke a sense of pastoral charm. Those willing to hike Pyramid Hill will be rewarded with a lovely bird’s-eye-view of Drava River, while exploring the ruins of the first Maribor castle and chapel from the 11th and 19th centuries.

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4. Kamnik

IMG_0957
Source: Photo by Flickr user Athena Lao used under CC BY 2.0

Resting snugly among the Kamnik Alps, the medieval town of Kamnik is another one of the oldest cities in Slovenia, with its oldest reference dating back to 1229. Known as an economic centerpiece with plenty of influence, Kamnik lives and breathes history as it remains home to two Bavarian castles and a Franciscan monastery. Today, Kamnik continues to be inextricably linked to the Velika Planina plateau and its tradition of shepherding. It also has many small artisan workshops lining its colorful streets.

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5. Koper

Koper, Slovenia
Source: Photo by Flickr user Stephen Colebourne used under CC BY 2.0

Koper is Slovenia’s largest coastal town. Its busy port attracts many cruise liners and, in spite of its lacklustre appeal, it carries oodles of political influence. Koper also has a unique ecology, and as such is considered an important natural resource on top of being a successful tourist destination. One of its biggest attractions includes a 15th-century Praetorian Palace that is built in the style of Venetian Gothic architecture. Another noteworthy attraction is the Cathedral of the Assumption, which houses one of the oldest bells in the country. Visitors to the cathedral may be lucky enough to indulge in magnificent views of the Bay of Trieste when the upper terrace is open, or at worst may still be able to admire a masterpiece from the Renaissance, the Sacra Conversatione.

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6. Kranj

Kranj (Eslovenia)
Source: Photo by Flickr user Francisco Javier ... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Derived from the Celtic root meaning ‘pile of stones’, Kranj, is the capital of the Slovenian Alps, where nature meets the city. With a rich and complex history, the heart of Kranj is a well-preserved medieval town, with clean simple lines and wide paved streets. Built at the confluence of the rivers Kokra and Sava, the town’s centre is a rather unorthodox river canyon. Visitors looking to reconnect with nature will find Kranj the best place to rejuvenate themselves, as the city lies right by the foot of the Alps and has plenty of verdant green fields to picnic on.

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7. Trieste

Trieste
Source: Photo by Flickr user Albert Schäferle ... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Situated at the head of the Gulf of Trieste, the lovely town of Trieste hugs verdant hills and sprawls across the Karst Plateau that stretches alongside the Adriatic. The stunning views make it a great candidate for a quick getaway from Ljubljana.

Once a hub of activity, Trieste was an influential seaport of the Habsburg Empire and hence its town has the dignified air of neoclassical architecture while offering panoramic views of the Azalean sea, spotted with the white scales of yachts trembling against the water and drifting parallel to the sandy beaches. Visitors are sure to adore the slow, sweet pace of life here.

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8. Škofja Loka

Škofja Loka
Source: Photo by Flickr user Bernd Thaller used under CC BY 2.0

Škofja Loka, also known as the Bishop’s Meadow, is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Slovenia. This charming settlement is a protected historical monument and is the cradle of Slovenia’s oldest play, the Škofja Loka Passion Play. At the very heart of Slovenia, Škofja Loka is home to thousands of years of culture and heritage for all to enjoy. Be sure to stay after sun down, when the grand castles and older buildings are illuminated at night, transforming the quaint city into a magical town from a fairy tale.

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9. Lake Bohinj

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Source: Photo by Flickr user Federico Badalassi used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Those not keen on elbowing others out of the way to admire some nature may prefer to visit Lake Bohinj. Though less glamorous than Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj has just as much beauty. With azure waters bordered by the luscious Alps, Bohinj offers just as many recreational experiences as Lake Bled and more if you count a visit to the idyllic villages northeast. These crystal clear waters are home to tons of wildlife, hence visitors shouldn’t be too surprised to find a school of trout swimming alongside them.

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10. Graz

Graz, Austria.
Source: Photo by user Steven Penton used under CC BY 2.0

The second largest settlement in Austria, Graz, is just 45 minutes from Maribor and simply two hours from Ljubljana. Located in the lush green forests of Styria, on the eastern border of the Alps, Graz is home to the vast plains of land and a strong vein of water coursing through the city centre. Known as the “small castle”, much of Graz’s architecture is inspired by its Italian neighbors and their Renaissance and baroque features. Imbued with an electrifying energy, Graz has a vibrant arts scene and relaxed lifestyle that is sure to capture your heart.

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11. Postojna Cave (from USD 106.78)

Postojna Cave is a wonder that must grace your travel itinerary in Ljubljana, Slovenia. This natural beauty boasts an extensive underground network of tunnels and chambers adorned with stunning stalagmites and stalactites. Embark on a guided tour through this subterranean marvel, learning about its fascinating geological history and its delicate ecosystem. Marvel at the stunning stalagmites and stalactites that adorn the cave shaped over millions of years.

Hop aboard the cave’s electric train, a unique experience that takes you deep into the heart of this enchanting underground realm. Be captivated by the magical lighting that illuminates the cave, enhancing its ethereal ambiance. Learn about the cave’s fascinating history, geology, and the unique olm amphibian, found exclusively in this region.

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Ljubljana: Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle Tickets and Tour

Duration: 6 hours

682 reviews

12. Soča and Kranjska Gora (from USD 105.92)

day trips from ljubljana | soča and kranjska gora

Discover the stunning beauty of Soča and Kranjska Gora in Slovenia’s Julian Alps. Soča, known as the Emerald River, will captivate you with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and breathtaking surroundings. Enjoy thrilling outdoor activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, and canyoning, or relax by the river’s banks, taking in the stunning vistas.

Kranjska Gora is a picturesque alpine town with outdoor adventures like skiing and hiking. Experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding during the winter months, or explore the hiking and cycling trails that unveil the region’s natural beauty during the summer.

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From Ljubljana: Guided Day Tour to Soča and Kranjska Gora

Duration: 9.5 hour

79 reviews

13. Lake Bled (from USD 61.0)

Lake Bled is a must-see in Slovenia; its cerulean lake is one of the most photogenic destinations in the world. With a picture-perfect church posed on a sliver of land and a medieval castle perched high above with the Julian Alps as a backdrop, Lake Bled attracts droves of tourists to the area. Tourists can partake in a variety of water sports, drop by the museum next to Bled Castle or sample the region’s hallmark cream pastry for a real taste of culture. If you’re still at a loss for ideas to do while visiting this town, then be sure to book a tour now for a guided excursion around the rocky cliffs.

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From Ljubljana to Lake Bled and Bled Castle Half-Day Tour

Duration: 5 hours

10 reviews

Explore the medieval gems

With a rich and layered history, Ljubljana in Slovenia and its neighboring towns are home to some of the best views of the Alps and countryside. A simple tour around the charming castles and wide streets alone is enough to reveal the timeless beauty of Slovenia that has continued to capture the hearts and minds of people from all across the world. So load the car with the essentials and go on a day tour from Ljubljana this coming weekend.

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Frequently asked questions about the day trips from Ljubljana, Slovenia

1. Which coastal locations are near Ljubljana?

As it’s hard to get bored when at the beach, it’s natural to want to spend your free time on the coast. From Ljubljana, you can head over to Piran or Trieste to enjoy the salty breeze.

2. Which destinations around Ljubljana feature historical sites?

The heritage of Slovenia is truly distinct. You can have an enriching tour around Ljubljana if you include these destinations in your travel itinerary: i) Škofja Loka, ii) Kamnik, iii) Kranj, and iv) Koper.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Eleanor, a writer and traveler, has a profound passion for exploring the world and generously offering the insights and wisdom she gathers during her journeys. She firmly believes that travel...Read more

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