Slovenia is an incredible destination and one of the most underrated places in Europe. With charming villages, breathtaking mountains and beautiful cities, Slovenia is the perfect destination for those looking for unique experiences.
Probably the most popular tourist destinations in the country are Lake Bled and Ljubljana, the capital city. However, there are plenty of hidden places in Slovenia, waiting to be explored. Venturing into the heart of the country will reveal an incredible culture and authentic traditions.
If you’re looking for unique places to visit in Slovenia, I’m here to help you. These 20 stunning destinations are hidden from mass tourism. Located deep in the mountains, these incredible places in Slovenia are a must-see!
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Incredible Hidden Gems in Slovenia
20. Soca River
One of the most beautiful sights to see in Europe is the Soca River, with its emerald green sparkling water. The river meanders into cascades and waterfalls creating a beautiful spectacle for its visitors.
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, you can go kayaking, rafting, canoeing, camping, zip-lining, paragliding. If you’re looking for a relaxing activity, you can go fishing.
Soca Valley offers many amazing gorges where you can enjoy a picnic while enjoying the views. The river flows through the Triglav National Park, one of the off-the-beaten-path destinations in Slovenia.
19. Rakov Skocjan Valley
Located in southwestern Slovenia, in the Inner Carniola Regional Park, Rakov Skocjan is the oldest landscape park in Slovenia. One of the most popular places to visit here is the Big Natural Bridge, a beautiful arch carved into stone.
The karst valley was nominated to be included in the UNESCO world heritage sites. While in the area, I recommend exploring the cave of Krizna Jama and the educational trail that the valley has to offer.
18. Cerknica Lake
Cerknica Lake is one of the secret places in Slovenia, at least for international tourists. It’s part of the Notranjska Regional Park, which bears an enormous ecological system. Here you can visit the Rakov Skocjan Gorge, the Museum of Lake Cerknica and many other fascinating places.
If you’re visiting Cerknica at the beginning of the year, I recommend attending the Pust Carnival. People dress as witches and huge sculptures are paraded on the streets.
17. Logarska Valley
This valley is straight out of a calendar picture with a single road slightly twisting towards the alpine valley and slowly disappearing into the mountains with snow-covered peaks of the magnificent Kmanik-Savinja.
Some of the activities you can enjoy include hiking, horseback riding and cycling. Stop at a local restaurant and enjoy farm-to-table dinners, fresh cheese, apple strudels, dough rolls filled with cottage cheese and sauerkraut soup.
16. Stanjel Old Town
Get off-the-beaten-track in Slovenia and visit the beautiful old town of Stanjel. Here you can enjoy wine tasting and a gourmet lunch. The castle itself is a treat to the eyes, being a Renaissance Baroque castle.
From Stanjel old town you can go on multiple tours to explore Slovenia’s hidden gems like Skocjan Caves, Predjama Castle and many others!
15. Rinka Waterfall
One of the outstanding sights of Slovenia is the Rinka waterfall, also called Slap Rinka. The waterfall has a 90-meter magnificent drop, and it’s the source of the Savinja River. In winter, however, the waterfall freezes.
Located in the Logar Valley, the waterfall is just 10 minutes’ walk away through a forested slope. The waterfall offers a 20 minutes hike for travelers to climb up to the top of it.
14. Lipica
If you’re looking for alternative things to do in Slovenia, stop at Lipica. It is a small village, home to the Lipica stud farm that breeds Lipizzaner horses. These horses are all white steeds, and their classical riding training is a glorious sight to witness.
This old stud farm is a source of pride for the locals and these horses are valued all over Europe. While here, make sure to visit the carriage museum and explore the nearby caves. Also, if you’re looking for a bit of fun, you can spend a few hours at the Grand Casino Lipica.
13. Kamnik-Savinja Alps
Visit this beautiful mountain and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Southern Limestone Alps. The mountains offer several hikes for beginner-level hikers as well as enthusiasts.
These hikes will welcome you with meadows filled with blooming flowers, stunning villages and other amazing places. Hike Kamniski vrh Peak, Konj Peak and the Valika planina Plateau or admire the Kokrsko sedlo Pass.
12. Savica Waterfall
For those looking for natural wonders in Slovenia, a stop at the Savica Waterfall is a must. To get to the falls you’ll have to pay an entry ticket (3 euros) and walk for 5-minutes from the entrance.
There is a restaurant near the car parking that offers amazing meals and various premium drinks but it is quite expensive. However, you can also opt for other restaurants within the vicinity like the Foksner, Triglav Bohinj Restaurant, and the Gostilna Bohinj. A trip to this waterfall can be followed by a visit to Lake Bohinj and the Mostnica Gorge as these spots are within less than 20 kilometres from each other.
11. Pokljuka Plateau
Located in Triglav National Park in Slovenia, the plateau is a forested karst area that stretches for 20 kilometers. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, this postcard-perfect place is perfect to explore rural Slovenia.
During winter, you can enjoy different activities like snow-shoeing, sledding, ski-tours, and cross-country skiing, etc. However, in summer and spring, this is a fantastic destination for cycling, bike tours, hiking, etc. Pokljuka Plateau is definitely one of the most underrated places in Slovenia.
10. River Mura – Pomurje
The Mura River in Pomurje offers a wide range of activities including cycling trails, boat rides, old bridges, parks to explore, and cultural attractions. Hop on Tinek’s and travel between the two villages of Mota and Gorjna Bistrica while admiring the views.
The Mura River and Pomurje are lively places. The area is known for its spa treatments, being blessed with thermal and healing waters.
9. Radovljica
Located in the northern part of Slovenia, Radovljica is a small town with a fascinating history and ancient architecture. It is host to old houses built back in the 16th and 17th centuries that are well-preserved. Nearby you can admire the Sava river and the Julian Alps.
The town is famous for the Beekeeping museum, the Museum of Pharmacy and Alchemy, St. Peter’s Cathedral, Municipal Museum of Radovljica, Sivec House Gallery, and much more. Radovljica is one of Slovenia’s hidden gems so make sure to add it to your itinerary!
8. Krupa River
I visited Krupa River during my visit to the Bela Krajina region in Slovenia. The river is 2.5-kilometer-long and runs on the Southeast side of Slovenia, sourced by a karst spring. The river has the characteristics of a canyon, and it offers a relaxing setting with its crystal blue water and rocky mountainsides.
The Krupa Spring is a little corner of paradise. The Monastery on Krupa River is also a major attraction for trekkers as it preserves the cultural and religious values of the reign of King Milutin.
7. Otlica Window
Otlica Window is one of the hidden gems in Slovenia. Get off the beaten path and explore this natural stone window. You’ll be rewarded with some stunning views.
The trail starts from the Pale Sports Park and offers beautiful views of the Vipava Valley, Adriatic Sea, and Karst Plateau. The trail has a medium difficulty level and is 8 km long. This hike is perfect for family trips!
6. Solcava Panoramic Road
Solcava Road is one of the most scenic roads in Slovenia. While traveling, sitting in the car for long hours is the most hectic part, but passing through this road will refresh your souls with its serene beauty.
Stunning views of lush green meadows, snow-capped mountain peaks and valleys await you along this road. You’ll also come across highland farms that grow organic produce, and you’ll see a few shepherds driving their herds on the surrounding hills and mountains.
5. Spicnik Heart Road
The heart-shaped road hidden between the vineyards of Spicnik is a sight to see for the hopeless romantics. You can also go wine tasting while admiring the view with your significant other.
This once unknown destination in Slovenia is becoming increasingly popular due to Instagram and social media in general. Newlyweds and couples come here for photoshoots and to admire the scenery.
4. Zice Monastery
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path places in Slovenia, you have to stop at Zice Carthusian Monastery. It’s the perfect representation of ancient Slovenian architecture. The Carthusian Monastery is a piece of art and is home to a vast library.
The Monastery is accompanied by a guest house called the Gastruz Inn, an ancient wine cellar, apothecary shop, and the renovated upper Monastery. All these elements, combined with an exhibition of The Cultural Heritage of Zice Charterhouse, take visitors back to the primitive Slovenian era.
3. Kostanjevica na Krki
The Kostanjevica is a small town, located in the Lower Carniola region, in the northern foothills of Gorjanci Hills and the views are to die for. While visiting the city, head to the Galerija Bozidar Jakac, a museum of art, and the Cistercian Monastery, the perfect attraction for history buffs.
You can also explore the cave of Kontanjevica and admire the geological formations. Kostanjevica na Krki is a beautiful town and one of the less-known places in Slovenia.
2. Lake Bohinj
This picturesque lake covers 318 hectares in the Bohinj Valley, being part of the Triglav National Park. While exploring the lake, stop at the beautiful St. John Cathedral and admire its reflection into the lake.
You can also hike the gorge of Mostnica, explore the trails of Lake Bohinj, go on a cable car ride, and visit the magnificent Savica waterfall. From Lake Bohinj, you can go on a day trip to Lake Bled. It only takes 30 minutes by car to get there.
1. Skofja Loka
The town of Skofja Loka is one of Slovenia’s secret places. With a beautiful castle, lots of museums and the beautiful Selska Sora River crossing the city, Skfja Loka should be on your itinerary!
There are countless buildings and cathedrals in the city for those who have an eye for architecture. Capuchin Bridge, a 600-year-old stone bridge, is an incredible sight and a dream for any photographer. Put on your most comfortable shoes and explore this town on foot!
Final thoughts
Slovenia is a country with many incredible places. Villages tucked away in the mountains, beautiful waterfalls and scenic hikes are just some of the things that you can enjoy during your trip.
I hope that these hidden gems in Slovenia have inspired you to visit this country and get off the beaten path. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments section below.
May the travel bug bite you!
Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.
She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.
To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!