The Epic Pass allows travelers to hop around the world, skiing at some of the best mountains out there. But come Memorial Day, it’s going to get more expensive.
03.05.2024 - 10:15 / lonelyplanet.com
For proof that good things come in small packages, one need only visit Slovenia. In an area half the size of Switzerland, this Central European country packs in breathtaking mountain scenery, lively coastal resorts, fashionable cities, crystal-clear lakes and rivers, and charming, isolated villages.
Better still, because of this compact size, you can take in most or all of these delights within the course of one trip. In the span of a few days, you can walk in the Alps, kayak a glacial waterway, visit some world-class winemaking regions, and take a dip in the sea. Don't worry if you're not able to name many cities, regions or landmarks in this stunning country. Slovenia – hiding in plain sight – is waiting to be explored.
Best for spectacular architecture
All roads in Slovenia lead to the capital, and not just because it’s situated in the center of the country. Ljubljana buzzes with active, cycle-riding residents, alternative culture and eclectic restaurants, museums and cafes. However, the setting alone is worth a visit – every square features stunning architecture that reveals the city’s history in stone and eye-catching ornamentation.
Start your investigation at the fairytale-like Ljubljana Castle, an ancient hilltop fortification whose origins date back to the 12th century. You can either hike a short but steeply inclined path to the top or take the funicular. Once there, poke around old medieval rooms that have been preserved and take in attractions like the Slovenian History Exhibition or Museum of Puppetry.
Make your way back to the Old Town to admire the main square, Prešernov Trg, and its baroque, salmon-pink 17th-century Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. Several buildings here sport beautiful art nouveau and secessionist facades from the early 20th century.
Fans of early-modern architecture will want to scout out the works of native son Jože Plečnik, a gifted architect who bequeathed several breathtaking bridges and buildings to the city during the first half of the 20th century. Many of his creations, including the dazzling Triple Bridge and the interior of the National & University Library, are UNESCO-protected works of cultural heritage.
Best for a romantic holiday
Whether you know it or not, you’ve likely seen Lake Bled before. The image of a seemingly mythical church standing in the middle of a turquoise lake is Slovenia’s most iconic image. Even in two dimensions, this magical place pulls at your heartstrings. When you see it in person, with that special someone by your side, get ready for fireworks.
Begin with a sunrise walk around the lake, about 5km and almost entirely flat. Three footpaths signposted "Grad" lead toward Bled Castle; each one involves a climb but it's worth it for
The Epic Pass allows travelers to hop around the world, skiing at some of the best mountains out there. But come Memorial Day, it’s going to get more expensive.
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Last year, when Micha Pycke, 40, and Albane Paret, 39, bought an apartment in Ostend — a once run-down Belgian seaside town that, in recent years, has become a favorite of artists and designers — they knew they wanted the place to be, says Pycke, “something more than an Airbnb or holiday home.” Instead, the couple, who co-own the Ghent-based arts- and design-focused communications agency Club Paradis, envisioned what he calls “a new kind of space”: essentially, a gallery where guests could stay overnight. To that end, they’ve filled the 1,000-square-foot two-bedroom, which is on the eighth floor of a ’60s-era building overlooking the North Sea, with works by some of their favorite artists and designers, many of whom are also their clients. In the living room, a lacquered wood coffee table by the Dutch designer Linde Freya Tangelder’s studio, Destroyers/Builders, sits atop a limited-edition rug by the Swiss textile artist Christoph Hefti woven with images of foxes. In one of the bedrooms, a copper-colored, ruched-felt tapestry by Rooms Studio — a women-led company from Tbilisi, Georgia — hangs above a Duo seat by the Belgian team Muller Van Severen for Valerie Objects. And if you like something, you can probably take it with you; most of the pieces are for sale, and Pycke and Paret are also happy to connect guests directly with designers. . —
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Slovenia is small and it’s possible to cross the country by car, bus or train within the course of a day.
Slovenia is an all-year destination. Every season has its appeal, but the best time to visit depends on your interests and priorities.