DESTINATION
FACTS
SLOVENIA
- Nature & Geography
- Over half of Slovenia is covered in forests, and the amount is even growing.
- With over 8,000 caves, including the extensive Postojna Cave, it's a subterranean marvel.
- It uniquely combines the Alps, Mediterranean, Pannonian Plain, and Karst regions.
- Slovenia has a brief but picturesque 46.6 km (28 miles) coastline on the Adriatic Sea.
- Nearly 30,000 km of rivers and streams crisscross the country, feeding into the Black Sea and Adriatic.
- Slovenian natural resources are lignite coal, lead, zinc, building stone, hydropower, and forests.
- Slovenia is home to 260 waterfalls.
- Slovenia has more than 10,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails.
- Mount Triglav is the highest mountain, with its 2864 meters. Mt. Triglav is located in the heart of Triglav National Park and it is part of the Julian Alps.
- Culture & People
- Slovenia is the only country with the word "love" in its name, fitting its welcoming vibe.
- With roughly 5 beekeepers per 1,000 inhabitants, Slovenia has a strong beekeeping tradition.
- There's a vineyard for every 70 people, and wine is a big deal.
- Slovenians are known for being active, with many working out several times a week.
- The national animal is the brown bear, a significant figure in folklore, and Slovenia hosts one of Europe's largest bear populations. There are more than 900 brown bears living in the forests.
- The majority of the population is Roman Catholic; Slovenia also has 40 other officially registered religious communities.
- Refusing food etiquette: If you are offered food in Slovenia and you refuse only once, it usually means you actually want to eat. To be taken seriously, you often have to refuse at least three times before hosts believe you truly don’t want more food.
- Unique Landmarks & Records
- The famous Lipizzaner horses originate from the Lipica Stud Farm in Slovenia.
- Planica hosts the world's second-largest ski hill, setting world records.
- The longest stone arch railroad bridge is located in Slovenia. It’s called the Solkan Bridge and it’s 220 meters long.
- Slovenia hosts the most vertical race in the world ‘The Red Bull 400’, which is (only) 400 metres long.
- Some scenes from the film Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian were filmed in the Soca Valley in Slovenia.
- Despite having a population of just over two million, Slovenia has won more than 50 Olympic medals since gaining independence, placing it among the very top countries in the world when medals are measured per inhabitant. When viewed per capita, Slovenia consistently outperforms much larger nations with far bigger populations, budgets, and sports systems. This success comes from a strong outdoor culture, early involvement in sport, and a tradition of excellence across both Summer and Winter Olympic disciplines — proving that Slovenia is one of the most efficient Olympic nations in the world.
- In 2016, Slovenia became the first ‘green’ country in the world – having achieved 96% compliance with the required sustainability criteria of the international organisation, Green Destinations.
- History & Language
- A 55,000-year-old bear femur flute (Divje Babe Flute) shows early musical talent.
- The Freising Manuscripts are the oldest surviving documents in the Slovenian language.
- Slovenia was the first former Yugoslav country to join the EU in 2004.
- There are 46 different dialects in Slovenia.
- There are around 500 castles in Slovenia, which means there is approximately one castle per 25 kilometres.
BLED
The town of Bled is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Slovenia, both for foreign and native guests. Everyone wants to see Lake Bled, Bled island with a magnificent church, and try the famous cream cake, also called “kremšnita”. Another interesting fact about Slovenia is that it has only one island, Bled Island.
Lake Bled is Slovenia's only natural island, reached by traditional "pletna" boats, features a wishing bell in its island church, and is famous for its legendary cream cake (kremšnita); grooms carry brides up 99 steps for luck, while the lake's thermal waters are fed by springs, making it a unique glacial-tectonic marvel.
- Island & Church
- The tiny Bled Island is Slovenia's sole natural island, home to the picturesque Church of the Assumption.
- To reach the church, you climb 99 steps; grooms traditionally carry brides up them for good luck.
- Lake & Activities
- Despite glacial origins, the lake's waters are warmed by thermal springs, perfect for swimming in summer.
- To keep the waters pristine, motorboats are banned, leaving pletna boats (rowed by standing oarsmen) as the main transport. As a result, the water is clean, and the atmosphere still, quiet and delightfully peaceful.
- Lake Bled has hosted the World Rowing Championships multiple times.
- Discover the stunning scenery of Lake Bled featured in the film The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Jude Law and Matt Damon.
- Lake Bled is well-known for its extraordinary beauty. The backdrop for this paradise are the wooded hillsides of Jelovica and Pokljuka, the mountain peaks of the Julian Alps with Triglav, their highest mountain and the symbol of Slovenia, and the Karawanks.
- Food & History
- Bled Cream Cake: Try the famous kremšnita (cream slice) from Hotel Park, where the original recipe was perfected in 1953.
- Most visitors to Lake Bled can’t resist a cruise on one of the lake's pletna boats. These wooden, flat-bottomed boats date back to the 12th century. But what visitors might not realise is that the role of pletnarstvo, and the unique stehrudder rowing technique (where the oarsman is standing and propelling the boat forward with two oars), has been passed down for generations. The boats are also hand-built, hand-painted and lovingly maintained. For a glimpse into a centuries-old Slovenian tradition, this is one soul-stirring adventure you will never forget.
- Beyond the tangible beauty lies a captivating folk tale that weaves enchantment into Lake Bled’s origins. According to local folklore, the lake was not formed by natural forces alone but owes its existence to fairies. The myth suggests that these magical beings created Lake Bled, turning it into a sanctuary of unparalleled beauty. This tale adds a touch of whimsy to the already magical ambiance, creating a sense of wonder for those who explore its depths.
- Another folk tale tells of a young woman who lived in Bled Castle. After thieves killed her husband, the widow collected all her silver and gold to buy a small bell. She intended for the bell to be installed in the chapel on Lake Bled’s island where she prayed daily after her husband’s death. Unfortunately, a storm hit the lake during transportation, and the bell and boat sank to the bottom of the lake. Devastated, the widow gave away her fortune, built a church on the island, and moved to Rome where she became a nun. After her death, a different bell was blessed by the Pope and was sent to the island’s church in memory of the widow. Since then it is believed that the church bell on the island grants a wish to whoever rings it.
- Climate
- Bled's is a mild, healthy sub-Alpine climate with the longest swimming season of any Alpine resort. The ridges of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke protect it from the chilly northern winds. During the summer months there is no fog. The average monthly temperature in July is 18.7°C and in January -1.2°C.
