When we told people were going to Slovenia over the holidays we got some differing reactions. We got from jealousy of people who had heard of the country’s beauty to shrugs like what is a Slovenia? Well, it is a little country about the size of Massachusetts just east of Northern Italy and south of Austria. It is a country that has a bit of tourism but certainly isn’t overrun like so many European areas.
Our first time in Slovenia was a stop on the way to Vienna. We stayed in maybe my favorite hotel of all time, Kendov Dvorec in Idrija. The manor, dating back to 1377, is definitely off the beaten path. It is in a quiet, semi sleepy little town with only a few streets to explore but the hotel is really something special. The service is exceptional. The food is all local, like it all came from within a few kilometers from the hotel, fresh and homemade. It is very kid and dog friendly as well. They brought Cash a bed and asked to feed him salami left overs. The staff tells you to treat the hotel like your home and you will wish it is. I wished I could stay forever.
In addition to enjoying the hotel and its expansive gardens and views, we walked along the river, Dylan played in the park, and we shopped in the town.
We also explored Ljubljana, the capitol of Slovenia. It is a big city with everything you could need plus a load of charm. The symbol of Ljubljana is a dragon and it is a through line in the city, you see dragons everywhere. The river runs through the city and is crossed by three special bridges, triple bridge with three walkways, dragon bridge and the Slovenia’s love lock bridge full of pad locks.
On our second visit to Slovenia we stayed in Ljubliana at Exe Lev. It was perfectly located just outside the centre. We loved it, but we want to try an airbnb next time.
We booked a traditional dinner with games and dancing. The food was good and we all had a great time. You can find more info here.
We drove to Lake Bled for the afternoon and it was stunning. We hope to come back in warmer weather to enjoy some of the water activities on the lake.
We also did and escape room, a scavenger hunt and I took Dylan to a trampoline park. You can find all those details here.
MUST TRY: Klobasarna in Ljubljana is a popular spot known for its delicious traditional Slovenian sausage, “kranjska klobasa.” Located in the city’s historic center, it offers a quick and tasty way to enjoy authentic local flavors.
My overall impression of Slovenia is I LOVE Ljubljana. I could see myself living there. The country is beautiful. It’s mountainous, green and stunning. The architecture in the countryside is not my favorite. Just my opinion, the buildings don’t feel as special or maintained as they do in other countries or even in the capitol. We ate like kings at the hotel and outside the hotel!
