Slovenia Winter Map

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Slovenia’s capital truly comes alive as winter sets in. It all starts with the fes-tive lights that turn the already-gorgeous city centre into a veritable glisten-ing extravaganza, resembling the most dazzling of circuit boards from above. In the streets underneath the lights we find a beautiful festive market, as the walkways alongside the Ljubljanica fill up with stalls of all kinds, selling souve-nirs and much more as everyone who is anyone in the capital heads out into the street to sip on mulled wine and take in the atmosphere. As expected, a number of events flesh out the winter schedule, as each square in the city plays host to a number of open-air concerts. The celebrations reach their heights with the impressive New Years celebra-tion, where the focus turns to Ljubljana Castle and the extraordinary fireworks display that emanates from the top of the hill. It truly is a sight to behold, and further proof that Ljubljana is the place to be this winter.

The little town of Ptuj lies in northeastern Slovenia, and it just so happens to have on particularly grand claim to fame; Ptuj is the oldest city in the country. There is evidence of settlements here as far back as the Stone Age, the first written mention of the town comes in 69AD. The history of the town is im-mensely long and varied obviously, incorporating every element of outside that influence that has hit the entire region.One of the most important carnivals in Slovenia takes place here as winter blos-soms into spring. We’re talking of course about Kurentovanje. As the picture that accompanies this text attests, the carnival is full of bizarre characters stroll-ing around the town, making for one of the most entertaining spectacles in all of Slovenia. They were once described as looking as though they had ‘just escaped from hell and made friends with the devil itself’. We aren’t going to argue with such a portrayal.

Piran is to the Adriatic what Bled is to the Alps and Slovenia as a whole is to Central Europe: tiny, friendly and overwhelmingly picturesque. It’s a town that is almost impossible not to fall in love with on your first visit, and if you only have time for a day drip you’ll likely want to make plans to return. Despite its modest size, Piran is awash with superlatives. It boasts with is unde-niably the country’s finest square, the 19th-century Tartinijev Trg named after the composer Guiseppe Tartini, and what has to be one of the most dramatical-ly situated churches anywhere in Europe. In addition, its numerous restaurants not only turn out some of the best seafood we’ve ever eaten but also serve it in some equally unforgettable settings.The weather at the coast is usually a little perkier over winter compared to the belly of the country. This isn’t to say it’s scorching, but blustery romantic winter walks in this prettiest of towns can’t be recommended enough.Q

Kamnik, a medieval town some 23km northeast of Ljubljana, is crammed in an area of varied topography with dense forest sitting next to sharp mountain peaks and wooded valleys. The city centre has an undeniable grace, something that is accentuated in winter as snow dots the narrow streets and red roofs. The history of the town is visible to all through its varied (and well-maintained) architecture, the affluence of the past sat next to more modern times. Nearby we find Velika planina, one of the oldest shepherd settlements in Europe still in use today. Hordes of herdsmen’s cottages sit at an altitude of over 1500 metres, surrounded by pine forests. It is a remarkable place, one that is truly a must-see when in Kamnik or Ljubljana. At such a height the winter months see snow blanket the landscape and understandably the shepherds head down to more hospitable climes, but the excellent skiing and sledding more than make up for that, not to mention stunning vistas across the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.

It might not be one of the 20 largest towns in Slovenia, but Postojna is arguably its most well known throughout the world. The reason for this of course is not the town, but the amazing network of karst caves that lie just below its surface. First opened to the public in 1819, the world famous Postojna cave is said to have attracted more then 35 million visitors over the past two centuries, with one of its first being Austro-Hungarian Emperor Francis I the year before it opened. Open to the public every day of the year, in winter tours run three times a day.If this were not enough, Postojna is also blessed with the magnificent Predjama Castle just 11km to the northwest. Built in the 13th century and partially situated under an enormous natural stone arch, it’s not only a fine castle in its own right but also sits atop another tourist cave and is associated with several fascinating legends. Postojna has a couple of good accommodation options in and around it, making it a good base for exploring parts of central Slovenia as well as the Karst region.

When we were children, many of us visualised this scene: a frozen lake, a none-more-romantic island and church providing the centrepiece, surrounded by snow capped mountains and with a dramatic castle overlooking it all. Bled in winter truly is an alpine paradise come to life, fairy tale visions in live action. There’s more to Bled in winter than just staring at the scenery of course, as can be expected with any Alpine resort worth its salt. A variety of events will enter-tain the masses during the winter months, including one particular event that confuses us on an annual basis. On February 21st 2015, a number of people who must be madder than a box of frogs will take to the frozen waters for the annual Winter Swimming Cup. It is exactly what you imagine it to be. A fee is required to enter, and we’ve used that as an excuse for not taking part so far. This won’t change. We’ll make do with the unforgettable landscapes, thank you very much.

The second largest city in Slovenia and the capital of the Štajerska region, Mari-bor deserves much more press than it currently receives. Whilst the proximity of it to Ljubljana (it is less than an hour and a half by car) lead many to visit for only a day, the 2012 European Capital of Culture has more than enough for longer stays. The Drava River winds through the town, separating the industrial and commercial area from the patchwork-esque old centre, home to quaint squares, pedestrian streets and the oldest vine in the world.Pohorje, the mountain range just outside Maribor, attracts skiers by the thou-sands during the winter. A richness of flora and fauna attracts a good number of nature experts along with the tourists, many of who are hoping to catch a glimpse of the largest butterfly in Europe. The views from the top are predictably stunning, and a variety of hiking options are available.

The town of roses, Nova Gorica is the second largest urban area in western Slovenia and a very young town indeed. It was built after the former regional main city (Gorizia) was give to Italy after the Second World War. Gorizia (or Stara Gorica to the locals) was off limits to the Yugoslav population during these times, so the new city was built in 1952 according to modernist principles of architecture. As the regional capital, Nova Gorica boasts a lively cultural life, as well as making the most of its privileged geographic position.Nova Gorica is also a gaming town, boasting several casinos with state-of-the-art equipment and a sizeable stream of Italian clientele from across the border. As the temperatures drop over the winter months, the lure of bright lights, warmth and potential riches becomes too strong a temptation for many. We can’t promise that you’ll make your fortune here, but we can promise you’ll have a good time trying.

Slovenia’s top mountain resort, Kranjska Gora is famous for its skiing and other win-ter sports. The area has produced a number of excellent skiiers and you’d be hard pushed to find someone around who hasn’t tried it, as parents have their kids rac-ing down the toughest runs as soon as they learn to walk. Slovenia’s professional skiiers have enjoyed a significant amount of success in World Cup and Olympic competitions and most of them hail from Gorenjska. The Vitranc World Cup and the annual ski-flying event in nearby Planica bring thousands of spectators to Kranjska Gora, turning it into the party capital of Slovenia, at least for a weekend or two. All of this is accentuated with the hearty traditional food that is seemingly never-ending, thick slabs of meat and potatoes among the norm. This might sound like a lot, but something needs to soak up all the schnapps. You’ll find that Kranjska Gora ticks almost all the boxes for a splendid winter destination.

Quite simply put, Slovenia’s Škocjan Caves are one of the most astounding nat-ural attractions on the planet. You don’t have to take our word for it, as there is a significant amount of official documentation to support this assertion. One of only three locations in Slovenia to be recognised as a world heritage site by UNESCO, Škocjan is the only one to be on the natural monument list, with this distinction also notably given to only three other caves in the entire world.Created by the Reka River, one of the two possible tours of the cave follows the natural entrance near the village of Škocjan. The more popular tour begins at the other end however, through a man-made entrance, and passes by the main sights such as the so-called Silent Cave and exits by way of the under-ground Reka River canyon, traversing the dizzying 50m-high Cerkvenik Bridge. Škocjan is easily reached by car and train from Ljubljana.

Ljubljana Ptuj

Slovenia BasicsIntroducing Top 10 Events Top 10 Ski Top 10 Spa

Piran Kamnik & Velika Planina Postojna

Bled Maribor & Pohorje Nova Gorica Kranjska Gora Škocjan

IBU World CUp BIathlon pokljUka (17. 12. - 21. 12. 2014)This year the Pokljuka Sports Centre yet another staging of the famed Pokljuka Biathlon. In case you're wondering exactly what that entails: tech-nically Biathlon means any dual-sport competition, but most commonly it refers to cross-country skiing combined with rifle shooting. It just so hap-pens that Pokljuka plateau is Slovenia's cross-country skiing capital, now with modernised IBU (International Biathlon Union) tracks, which are open to the public outside competition time. There's also a new Biathlon shoot-ing range with 30 electronic targets. Pokljuka Sports Centre is well-pre-pared for spectators with the 62-bed Hotel Centre and restaurant, stadium with tiers of seats, and new car parks. In addition to the competition, for guests there's 5000m² of recreational grounds, roller-skiing/blading tracks and the pristine, untouched natural beauty of the Julian Alps.Q+386 (0)4 2791 920, [email protected], Tickets €10 per day. VIP tickets €100.

neW Year’s eve In ljUBljana (31. 1. 2014 - 1. 1. 2015)As the festive celebrations come to a close in the capital, the squares of the city centre play host to a joyful occasion that will entertain people of all ages and tastes. As the clock strikes midnight, fireworks will light up the Ljubljana sky heralding the arrival of another year, and with it another year of failed New Years resolutions for sure! This is the only way to start the New Year when in the capital.

telemark World CUp (20. 1. - 21. 1. 2015)The beautiful surroundings of Golte host a Telemark World Cup youth skiing event in January 2015, with teams from 18 nations competing in the Tele-mark sprint. Held over two days, the young skiers and spectators can expect a programme of formal training followed by both men's and women's races. There's also live music and a party atmosphere on Friday night for all to enjoy, presumably not too much though in the case of the competitors.Qwww.data.fis-ski.com

ljUBno ladIes skI jUmpIng (24. 1. - 26. 1. 2015)Ljubno, the home of women’s ski jumping on the sunny side of the Alps, hosts one of the most renowned competitions in the sport, and holds the record for the highest attendance (9000). Participation of the fairer sex in the sport dates back further than one might expect, to the mid-nineteenth century in fact, but this has only recently been recognised on an interna-tional level. Women’s ski jumping was, following a rejection in Vancouver, finally accepted into the Olympic games programme for Sochi 2014. Here in Ljubno ob Savinji, Slovenia, the friendly locals welcome the event every year. Q +386 (0)3 583 42 48, ljubno-skoki.si/en, [email protected]

alpe-adrIa: toUrIsm and leIsUre shoW (28. 1. - 31. 1. 2015)Held at the end of January, Slovenia’s largest tourism event brings together seemingly every tourism related business, organisation, association and government office in the country. The show not only aims to promote all of Slovenia’s numerous tourist offering, but also bring together people from all of tourism’s diverse sectors in order to facilitate cooperation as well as innovation. As the name suggests, the organisers devote special attention to leisure activities available in Slovenia and abroad, with foreign representa-tive also presenting their respective countries. Participants range from min-istries, airports and railways to casinos, ski resorts and restaurants to golf courses, caravan dealers and the publishers of high quality locally-produced city guides.QGospodarsko Razstavišče, Dunajska 18, Ljubljana, www.alpeadria-tourismshow.com, Admission €7 regular, €5 discount, free for children under 14 and those in wheelchairs.

kUrentovanje (ptUj CarnIval, 7. 2. - 17. 2. 2015)Taking place in Spring and without doubt one of the most important carni-

vals in all of Slovenia, the Kurentovanje truly is a something to behold. We’ve honestly never seen so many strange looking characters in one place at one time. The main characters are the Kurent themselves, once described as look-ing as though they ‘just escaped from hell and made friends with the devil itself’. To us, that is fairly accurate. In an outfit made of sheep skin with horns made of straw and ears made of turkey (or goose) feathers, these figures stroll through the town throughout. To add some clarity to their peculiar-ity, the devil himself is responsible for their smooth procession. Many other strange characters can be seen, all coming together in one of the most en-tertaining spectacles in all of Slovenia. Q+386 (0)1 250 75 00, [email protected], www.kurentovanje.net.

prešeren’s FaIr (8. 2. 2015)One of Slovenia’s most important cultural events takes place in Kranj each year on 8 February, the country’s official day of culture, which is a work-free public holiday chosen because it was the day famed poet France Prešeren passed away in 1849. As Kranj is the unofficial guardian of Prešeren’s heri-tage, it’s only fitting that it hosts the largest celebration of not only his life and work, but also the period in which he lived. For one day the streets and squares of Kranj’s old town are transported back to the early-19th century, and some 20,000 visitors are entreated to experience the time of Prešeren with recitals of his poetry, concerts of period music, all manner of costumed performers and various other activities. All of the city’s cultural institutions also open their doors with their own programmes of activities and events. Definitely a festive experience not to be missed!Qwww.tourism-kranj.si, [email protected]

Zlata lIsICa (marIBor, 21. 2. - 22. 2. 2015)The Zlata Lisica, or Golden Fox, women’s ski championship is one of the largest sporting events in Slovenia, and the highlight of Maribor’s winter events season. Over two days the sports top athletes compete in the Sla-lom and Giant Slalom, with the combined best score taking home the pres-tigious Golden Fox trophy. Some 20,000 spectators will be in attendance, with the majority supporting Slovenian favourite, Olympic medalist and current world number one Tina Maze. In addition to the actual ski competi-tion at Pohorje, the city will host several music concerts and other events, with a festive holiday spirit inviting visitors to stay for the weekend and explore Maribor’s excellent restaurants, nightlife and cultural offerings.Q www.goldenfox.org

pokal vItranC CUp (14. 3. - 15. 3. 2015)Aside from Planica, the Vitranc world cup event (Pokal Vitranc) is what brings the international crowd to Kranjska Gora; it is the place to be for one week-end in March, when skiers from the world’s competitive winter sports nations gather and compete. Slalom and giant slalom world cup races are held on the slopes above the town, and the day is rounded off with concerts and other entertainment at the foot of the Kranjska Gora ski slopes, courtesy of the presently named ‘Q-Max Party’. QPodkoren, +386 (0)4 588 53 00, [email protected], www.pokal-vitranc.com

planICa (19. 3 - 22. 3. 2015) Planica is actually busy all year, the village of Rateče undergoing a certain level of ongoing preparation, to be ready for its time to shine every March, and the onslaught of 50,000 people. Being amongst dramatic alpine peaks soaring over 2000m, it’s the only kind of setting worthy of such an interna-tionally prestigious ski event. As such, records have been made and broken here since all the way back in 1934. It is Slovenia’s sporting highlight, but there’s more to it than this however, as the weekend is also synonymous with traditional music, parties and drinking till the sun comes up. Q+386 (0)4 588 70 60, [email protected], www.planica.si

Celjska kočaQPečovnik 34, Celje, www.celjska-koca.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)5 907 04 00

CerknoQSedejev trg 8, 5282 Cerkno, www.hotel-cerkno.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)53 74 34 00, Open: Daily 09:00-16:00

golteQRadegunda 19c, 3330 Mozirje, www.golte.si, Tel: +386 (0)3 839 12 00

kopeQSlovenj Gradec, www.vabo.si, [email protected] , +386 (0)2 883 98 50

kranjska goraQwww.kranjska-gora.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)45 80 94 40, Open: Daily 09:00-16:00

krvaveCQGrad 76, 4207 Cerklje na Gorenjskem, www.rtc-krvavec.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)42 52 59 30, Open: Daily 08:15-16:00

marIBor pohorjeQMladinska 29, Maribor, www.pohorje.org, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)26 03 65 57, Open: Daily 09:00-16:00

roglaQKovaška 10, 3214 Zreče, www.rogla.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)37 57 61 54, Open: Daily 09:00-16:00

starI vrhQZapreval 3, Poljane nad Škofjo Loko, www.starivrh.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)41 65 08 49

vogelQUkanc 6, 4265 Bohinjsko Jezero, www.vogel.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)45 72 97 12, Open: Daily 09:00-16:00

moravske toplICeQKranjčeva 12, 9226 Moravske Toplice, www.terme3000.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)2 512 22 00

rImske termeQToplice 10, 3272 Rimske Toplice, www.rimske-terme.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)3 574 20 00

terme čatežQTopliška 35, 8251 Čatež ob Savi, www.terme-catez.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)74 93 50 00

terme doBrnaQDobrna 50, Dobrna, www.terme-dobrna.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)3 78 08 110

terme dolenjske toplICeQZdraviliški Trg 7, 8350 Dolenjske Toplice, www.terme-krka.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)7 39 19 400

terme olImIa QZdraviliška 34, 3254 Podčetrtek, www.terme-olimia.com, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)3 829 70 00

terme snovIkQSnovik 7, 1219 Laze v Tuhinju, www.terme-snovik.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)18 34 41 00

terme spa rogaškaQZdraviliški Trg 12, Rogaška Slatina, www.terme-rogaska.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)38 11 20 00

terme ZrečeQCesta na Roglo 15, Zreče, www.terme-zrece.eu, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)3 75 76 000

thermana laškoQZdraviliška 6, 3270 Laško, www.thermana.si, [email protected], Tel: +386 (0)34 232 100

gettIng to slovenIaEven the most cursory glance at a European map can tell you that Slovenia is as central as nations in this great continent come. Bordering Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, it is surrounded by four different historical cultures that it has taken within itself to create something special. As such it is im-mensely accessible through a number of means, just a few hours drive from Venice or Vienna, from Budapest or Belgrade. Whether it is by car, train, bus, plane or boat (although not so easy in winter via the sea), it has never been easier to get to Slovenia.For those arriving with their own vehicle, it is vital to know that in order to drive on the motorways of Slovenia one must have a vinjeta (veen-yeh-tah) sticker. This system exists in lieu of tolls, and the vinjeta is easily obtained at nearly all gas stations and kiosks. Yearly/monthly/weekly stickers cost €110/30/15 for cars, and for more information head to www.dars.si. Lju-bljana, the nation’s capital, has a vast range of train and bus links to other countries, and from the main city it is possible to head out to other parts of the country by the same means. Head to www.ap-ljubljana.si (bus) or www.slo-zeleznice.si (train) for more details). Slovenia also has three inter-national airports (Ljubljana, Portorož and Maribor), with the vast majority of flights heading into Ljubljana. Adria Airways is the national carrier, but a number of budget airlines such as EasyJet and WizzAir also fly here.

langUageSlovene is a Southern Slavic language, closely related to Serbian and Croa-tian but with a mind of its own. It’s a fairly phonetic language with very few irregularities. Most Slovenes speak English, Italian or German embar-rassingly well, but here are the very basics to help you win over your local hosts.Hello - Živjo (zheeve-yoh)Thank you - Hvala (HVAL-a)Please - Prosim (pro-SEEM)Excuse me/Sorry - Oprostite (oh-PROS-tee-tay)Do you speak English? - Govorite angleško (Goh-vo-REE-tay Ahn-GLESH-ko)?

BasICsPopulation 2,048,951 (2011 estimate)

Area20,273 square kilometres

Ethnic compositionSlovenian 83%, Former Yugoslav Minorities 5.3%, Hungarian, Albanian, Roma, Italian and others 11.7%

Official LanguagesSlovenian, Italian, Hungarian

Local TimeCentral European (GMT +1hr)

Longest RiverSava (221km in Slovenia)

Highest MountainTriglav 2,864m

BordersAustria 318km, Italy 280km, Hungary 102km, Croatia 670km

Alcohol and SmokingAlcohol and cigarettes only sold to people over 18. Alcohol cannot be bought in stores after 21:00, smoking banned from public indoor space except special smoking area.

Majestic Triglav is Slovenia’s highest peak and only national park

Summer might see the peak of the tourist season throughout the conti-nent, but only the idiotic and foolish would consider winter a time where hibernation is the only option. In our eyes, everything becomes significant-ly more romantic when it is lightly dressed in pure white snow, walks with loved ones are all the more enjoyable when wrapped up in multiple layers underneath scarves and hats. Winter is when the senses truly get to work.All of the above well and truly applies to Slovenia. Widely regarded as one of the most adorable countries in Europe, winter weather accentuates this no end. Her collection of small picturesque towns takes on new life under the white stuff. The same can be said for the natural sights in the country, as the mountains become snow-tipped, the lakes freeze over and the val-leys move from inviting to challenging. Slovenia truly is an aesthetic winter wonderland.This isn’t to say you should only visit to stare, far from it. Slovenia in winter is a ready-made destination for active tourists, and nowhere is this truer than in the dozens of ski resorts dotted through the nation’s mountains. Skiing is many Slovenes favourite pastime, a fact that has led to some im-pressive development in the mountaintop resorts. Many esteemed inter-national ski events take place in Slovenia over the winter months.For those wanting to escape the cold, a wide range of spas and casinos will more do more than just provide shelter. The former offers relaxation in some of the most picturesque surroundings, whereas the latter brings pure entertainment to one and all. Topping it all off, almost every town in the country has an event over the winter months that we would describe as must-see. Kurentovanje in Ptuj takes the prize as our favourite however, mostly because of the truly bizarre costumes that will dominate the streets during that time. Read on for more information about the winter events being held.There you have it; Slovenia truly is an all-too-ideal winter tourist destina-tion. You’d be a fall to pass it up.

ŠKOCJAN CAVES

POSTOJNA CAVE

Wolfsberg

Döbriach

Velden a.W./Vrba

Bad St.Leonhard

Deutschlandsberg

Feldkirchen

Friesach Feldbach

Leibnitz/Lipnica

Kalsdorf

VILLACH/BELJAK

St. Veit/Št. Vid

SeebodenRadenthein

St. Andrä/St. Andraž

Gniebing-weissenbach

Guttaring

Bad Radkersburg

Paldau

Gmünd

Bleiburg/Pliberk

Stainz

Bleiberg

Brückl/Mostič Gamlitz

/Gomilica

Bad Kleinkirchheim

Wildon

Schwanberg

Althofen

Malta

Finkenstein/Bekštanj

Hermagor/Šmohor

Eisenkappel/Železna Kapla

Jennersdorf/Ženavci

KÜhndorf/Sinča vas

Unterpremstätten

Bad Gleichenberg

Feistritza. d. Drau

Klein St. Paul

Völkermarkt/Velikovec

St. Paul/Št. Pavel

Strassburg

Ferlach/Borovlje

Spittal

KLAGENFURT/CELOVEC

Krapinske Toplice

Vrbovec

Križ

Bedekovčina

Nedeliće

Zabok

Kloštar Ivanić

Buzet

Sv. Ivan Zelina

Krapina

Oroslavje

Mursko Srediće

Klana

Dubrava

Cestica

Gornji Kneginec

Varaždinske Toplice

Novi Marof

Lepoglava

Rugvica

Zlatar Bistrica

Delnice

Donja Stubica

Trnovec Bartolovečki

Marija Bistrica

Jastrebarsko

Duga Resa

Glina

VELIKAGORICA Ivanić-grad

Samobor

Lekenik

Opatija

Zaprešič

Motovun

UMAG/UMAGO

Lupoglav Čavle

Petrinja

Buje

KRIŽEVCI

Sunja

Ivanec

SISAKKARLOVAC/KARLOVEC

ČAKOVEC

VARAŽDIN

ZAGREB

Villa Opicina/Opčine

Cividale/Čedad

Monfalcone/Tržič

Cormons/Krmin

Tarvisio/Trbiž

Moimacco

TRIESTE

Vinica

Kostel

Osilnica

Trzin

Ig

Trojane

Dolenjske Toplice

Sečovlje

Lipica

Moravske toplice

Mengeš

Medvode

Lukovica

Dol pri Ljubljani

Bohinjska Bistrica

Železniki

Gorenja vas - Poljane

Cerklje na Gorenjskem

Žirovnica

Preddvor

Jezersko

Vransko

Polzela

Vitanje

Šmarje pri Jelšah

Zreče

Podčetrtek

Solčava

Bizeljsko

Bistrica ob Sotli

Kostanjevica na Krki

Črna

Ravne na KoroškemMežica

PiranPortorož

Ilirska Bistrica

Idrija

Škofja Loka

Lendava

VelenjeMozirje

Kamnik

Domžale

Šentjernej

Trebnje

Zagorje

Litija

Semič

Tržič

Žalec

Kočevje

HrastnikTrbovlje

Radeče

Kranjska Gora

Šentjur

Slov. BistricaPtuj Ormož

AjdovščinaBrežice

Vipava

Krško

Izola

Postojna

Divača

Metlika

Črnomelj

Logatec

Tolmin

Slovenj Gradec

Sevnica

Lenart

Slov. KonjiceBovec

Rogaška Slatina

Laško

Cerknica

RibnicaSežana

Grosuplje

Žužemberk

Pivka

Kobarid

Vrhnika

Ljutomer

Cerkno

Gornja RadgonaRadenci

Bled

Beltinci

Radovljica

Žiri

Radlje ob DraviDravograd

NOVA GORICA

KRANJ

JESENICE

NOVO MESTO

CELJE

MURSKA SOBOTA

MARIBOR

KOPER

Kondorfa

ŐriszentpéterZalalövő

LJUBLJANA

LENTI

Ljubljana Airport

Portorož Airport

Maribor Airport

ADRIATICSEA CROATIA

Lake Bohinj

Lake Bled

LakeCerknica

Lake Ptuj

J U L I A N A LP S

P O H O R J E

S L O V E N S K E G O

R I C E

GO

RI C K O

H A L O ZE

KO

ZJ

AN S K O

GO

RJ A

N C I

BE

LA

KR

AJ I

NA

SU HA KRAJINA

BR

KI N I

TRN

O

VO FOREST

KA

R A VA N KE

Š KOFJ A L OKA HILLS

POLHOV GRADEC HILLS

BLOKE

POSAVJE HILLS

N AN

OS

K RA S

B R D A

Mura

Drava

Savinja

Sava

Sava

KrkaKrka

Sava

Soča

Soča

Ljubljanica

Reka

Vipava

Sora

Kolpa

KA M N IK - S A VI NJA A

LPS

HUNGARY

ITALY

AUSTRIA

Sava

Drava

Kupa

Sava

Drava

Gulf of Trieste

Drau

Drau

Drau

Mur

GORIZIA

SLOVENIASCALE 1:870,000

0 9 18 27 364,5Km

MONOLIT©

Capital city

City 5,000 - 50,000 citizens

City > 50,000 citizens

Border Crossing

Airport

Cave

Legend

Top 10 Tips Top 10 CasinosslovenIan alpIne mUseUmPerhaps the most popular pastime in Slovenia, the tradition of mountaineering is presented in museum fashion in the hometown of many famous national sports-men and women. www.planinskimuzej.si

Bled Castle mUseUmPerched high above Bled’s gorgeous lake is its equally stunning castle, and kept with-in the baroque rooms of the castle we find the Bled Castle Museum. It covers the en-tire history of Bled, from the first settlements to the present day. www.blejski-grad.si.

koBarId mUseUmYou don’t win the Best European Museum (1993) award for nothing, and the Kobarid Museum truly lives up to this prestigious prize. Two and a half years of fighting during World War One are covered, including one of the major mountain battles in history. www.kobariski-muzej.si

ptUj regIonal mUseUmIt’s not surprise that a town with 5,000 years of history also happens to have a very good museum, and the amazing collection of art, archaeological artifacts and ethnographic items on show make for one of the best in the country. pmpo.si

Celje CastleArguably the grandest castle in all of Slovenia, Celje Castle may not be as restored as Ljubljana’s or have the dramatic location of Bled’s but its history, views and sprawling grounds are more than a match. www.grad-celje.com

vIrtUal CastleAn excellent 12-minute projection showing the history of Ljubljana Castle in a

wide variety of languages, Virtual Castle covers the architectural development of Ljubljana’s most recognizable sight throughout its history. www.ljubljanski-grad.si

velenje Castle mUseUmAnother fine Slovenian castle, Velenje’s castle is home to an extensive collection covering the history of the Šaleška valley and the largest collection of African art in the country. www.muzej-velenje.si

eCo-mUseUm oF hop groWIngKnown as the valley of green gold, the lower Savinjska valley is one of the fore-most hops producing regions in the world, and is home to one of the most orga-nized, informative and interesting hops museums in the world. www.ekomuzej-hmelj.si

IdrIja mUnICIpal mUseUmIdrija’s award winning museum is housed in the 16th century Gewerkenegg Cas-tle perched above the town, and highlights include the mineralogical and petro-graphic collection and the Idrija Lace collection. www.muzej-idrija-cerkno.si

pIvovarna UnIon mUseUmEstablished in 1987, the Union Brewery museum is one of the largest brew-ing museums in Europe. Carefully arranged in the attic of the old malt-house in the old brewery yard, the museum showcases the proud history of union, now stretching to 150 years, as well as the history of brewing itself. Insights into transportation of beer, inn keeping, bottles and labelling and much more are also a part of the tour, as well as a visit to the production facilities and the possibility of tasting some fine Union beer at the climax. www.pivo-union.si

perla CasInoOne of the largest casinos on the entire continent, Perla contains over 900 slot machines and a huge variety of table games for the avid gamer. A large open-air casino adds to what is the complete gambling experience in Slovenia. www.thecasinoperla.com

CasIno FontanaLocated at the much-adored health resort Rogaška Slatina, Casino Fontana of-fers gamers a rare chance to mix health with pure entertainment. If the gaming doesn’t quite go to plan, the resort will see to any and all stresses that may be developed. www.thecasinofontana.com

grand CasIno lIpICaFamous for its Lipizzaner horses, the Grand Casino Lipica adds a gaming expe-rience to this famous Slovenia tourist spot with great live entertainment on top. The interior is worth viewing on its own, designed thematically along the lines of the surrounding landscapes. www.casino.si

grand CasIno portorožIf you find yourself playing poker in Slovenia’s most popular seaside resort town, you want to do so close to the ocean right? Grand Casino Portorož offers gamers just this, with gorgeous views out over the Adriatic. www.casino.si

mond CasIno and CaBaretNot far from Maribor, Slovenia’s second city, Mond offers exactly what you would expect considering its name. For excellent gaming accentuated by a rich and varied program of live entertainment, Mond is the place to go. www.thecasinomond.com

CasIno FotUnaSituated in Rožna Dolina just 200 metres from the Italian border, Casino For-tuna is the first casino one will encounter when travelling from Italy. It also happens to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. www.casinoslovenia.com

CasIno portorožThe longest-standing casino in Portorož, Casino Portorož has carved itself a most respectable reputation in Slovenia’s well-populated casino world, and is just another reason to visit this charming seaside town. www.casino-porto-roz.si

grand CasIno lIdoAt Čatež thermal spa, Grand Casino Lido is a most-modern gaming centre. It also happens to sit near to many wine-growing slopes. Perfect for wine sam-pling followed by a night of gaming entertainment. www.casino.si

park CasIno and hotelThis American-style casino in Nova Gorica has 25 years of celebrated history behind it. Famed for its wonderfully friendly staff, once inside Park Casino is dif-ficult to leave, as all the games we know and love are available to play. www.thecasinopark.com

korona CasIno and hotelWho wouldn’t want to play at the foothills of the Julian Alps? We refuse to believe such a setting isn’t any and all types of enjoyment, and the casino is no different. One of the jewels of Kranjska Gora without doubt. www.theca-sinokorona.com

Koroška 14, 4280Kranjska Gora, Slovenija

T: +386 (0)4 582 00 00 M:+386 41 355 925 F: +386 (0)4 582 0021

www.penzion-lipa.si [email protected]

Learn about the rich history of brewing in Slovenia in one of the largest brewery museums in Europe.

BREWERY MUSEUM

Enjoy the perfect blend of a modern pub atmosphere, superb local cuisine and a wide selection of beers from Union, the local brewery.

BEER PUB & RESTAURANT

www.pivnica-union.si | #pivnicaunion22 Celovška Street, Ljubljana

01 Pivnica_oglas83x210+3_IN_YOUR_POCKET.pdf 1 12/12/2014 08:13

www.vogel.si

Publisher IQBATOR Ltd.Director Niko Slavnic M.ScEditor John BillsWriter Yuri Barron, John Bills, James Cosier, Will DunnDesign Mateja ŠtrucSales & Operations Irena Jamnikar, Stanka Parkelj Ro-zina, Karmen HribarMap Monolit

POSTOJNSKA JAMA

CAVEGROTTE HÖHLE

www.postojnska-jama.eu

Admire the splendour of the largest cave in Europe aboard the unique cave train.

Visit the Queen of all Caves

Info: +386 30 316 607, [email protected].