Slovenia is a hidden treasure in Europe. Nestled between Italy and Croatia, this small country boasts a wealth of experiences. It was Braino who recommended we include it in our travel plans after coming across a baseball player sharing videos of Slovenia on social media. And I’m so glad we did! We had an incredible, leisurely six days of exploring the charming capital of Ljubljana and the picturesque Lake Bled.
We stayed in a magnificent old hotel/apartment complex right in the heart of the city, offering breathtaking views of the castle perched atop the central rocky outcrop.
The central area of the town is pedestrian-friendly, making it a delightful experience to stroll through the streets, especially after navigating the narrow, uneven footpaths of Athens and Naxos.
The primary tourist attraction in Ljubljana is a visit to the castle, which was a short walk from our place. We decided to hike up the winding forest trail but opted for the funicular train for our descent. The girls enjoyed a fun activity book where they had to find answers to questions scattered across various locations around the castle.
The highlight of our visit was the 4D film that delved into the history of the castle and Ljubljana. It was exceptionally well-produced, featuring 4D elements like wind, light rain, and vibrations. It was the best historical film we've experienced at a castle or museum.
Additionally, the castle houses a Puppet Museum, an Armoury Museum, and a section dedicated to its history as a prison.
One of the other iconic landmarks in Ljubljana is the Dragon Bridge. The city’s history is rich with dragon legends. According to the tale, Saint George—a revered soldier in Christianity—defeated the dragon that tormented the villages of what is now Ljubljana.
Initially depicted as a monster, the dragon eventually evolved into a symbolic guardian of the city, representing power, courage, and wisdom. This transformation is reflected in the four dragon statues that stand proudly at each corner of the bridge, as well as in the city's coat of arms.
We also enjoyed a leisurely walk through the town to Tivoli Gardens, where we admired the stunning autumn foliage. It was a delightful transition from the summer vibes of Greece to the vibrant autumn colours of Slovenia.
One noteworthy destination to consider when visiting Ljubljana with children is the House of Experiments, an interactive science center specifically designed for kids. Unfortunately, it was closed on the day we planned to visit, but it appears to offer a lot of fun for families.
Ljubljana is a charming, compact city that boasts a fascinating mix of cultural influences. We also encountered incredibly friendly locals, and English is widely spoken. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Slovenia and explored much more beyond Ljubljana, which I will share in separate blog posts.