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Perfect 5 Days Itinerary Slovenia - By Train
- Eveline | Rail Voyage
- Mar 2
- 5 min read
Dreaming about that perfect postcard summer? In love with Italy or Austria but feel you want to explore something a bit different yet similar this year? Let me introduce you to Slovenia - a beautiful small country filled with nature experiences, turquoise waters, rich history & culture.
To give you an idea of where to start, where to go and what to explore - in this article you will find a 5 days itinerary by train, packed with dreamy scenic trains and destinations not to miss. Let's dive in.
Table of Contents
When to Visit Slovenia
Slovenia is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences. The best time to visit Slovenia largely depends on what you're looking to experience.
Spring (April to June) is ideal for hiking and exploring Slovenia’s natural beauty, as the weather is mild, and flowers are in full bloom. Summer (July to August) brings warm temperatures, perfect for visiting Lake Bled, Ljubljana or even the coastal town of Piran.
Autumn (September to October) is another excellent time, with fewer tourists and stunning fall colors in the countryside. Winter (November to March) offers a magical atmosphere, especially for winter sports lovers visiting the Julian Alps or Lake Bled’s snow-capped landscapes. For a well-rounded Slovenia itinerary, consider visiting in spring or autumn for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a chance to enjoy the country's natural beauty.
Where to Stay in Slovenia
Stay in Kranj with a a garden or & a photogenic hotel in Ljubljana
For the best experience, consider staying in accommodations that reflect Slovenia’s natural beauty and sustainability. Options range from vineyard cottages nestled among rolling hills, where you can sample local wines, to eco-friendly stays like glamping sites or treehouses that prioritise sustainability.
For a more authentic experience, try farm stays or agritourism, where you can engage with local farming practices and enjoy farm-to-table meals. You can even try staying at a castle. Slovenia also offers a variety of sustainable hotels and eco-lodges, which focus on environmental responsibility.
I typically use Booking.com for convenience, but you can also find unique, locally-owned stays through platforms like Airbnb or find some unique inspiration at Slovenia's own official website. Whether staying at a winery or an eco-chalet, your choice of accommodation can enhance the slow travel experience while supporting local communities.
For the itinerary in this article, a suggestion would be to book 2 days accommodation in Ljubljana and then either 2-3 days in Kranj or 1 day in Kranj and 2 at Lake Bled and explore from there.
How to Get Around in Slovenia
Slovenia’s train network is a great way to explore the country, offering a scenic and relaxed mode of transportation. While the trains may be quite slow and unfortunately not always on time, they however offer stunning views of the countryside, lakes, and mountains — perfect for those who appreciate the journey as much as the destination. As the country is quite small, the distances between towns are not too far.
If you have an Interrail pass, you can simply hop on the train without needing to buy a ticket. However, for those without an Interrail pass, regular tickets are affordable and easy to purchase at the Slovenian Railways website (SZ), at ÖBB app/website or at stations. Trains are well-connected to major cities like Ljubljana, Maribor and Bled, making them a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel through Slovenia at a slow pace.
Ultimate 5 days Itinerary Slovenia
Let's dive into the dreamy 5 day itinerary. Starting in the capital, Ljubljana, and taking you to smaller towns, boarding scenic trains and exploring breathtaking nature.
Day 1-2: Ljubljana - the Stunning Capital of Slovenia
Our journey will start in Ljubljana, the small picturesque capital of Slovenia.
One of the highlights is to walk around in the city centre and especially the old town. Admiring the beautiful houses and architecture such as the Triple Bridge. Walk up the winding roads to Ljubljana Castle or grab the funicular there. At the top you can enjoy the views of Ljubljana from above, have a wine tasting and learn about Slovenian wine, grab a bite to eat - or if you are lucky to visit in the summer, even catch a "Film Under the Stars" during the annual summer cinema event at the castle area. If you enjoy good food, don't miss visiting the outdoor food market at Central market.
Ljubljana impressions
Day 3: Kranj - the Heart of the Slovenian Alps
On the morning of day 3 and after spending two days in the capital, it's time to head to Kranj, the third largest city of Slovenia and a charming medieval town located closely to the Slovenian Alps. The train journey to Kranj takes about 30 minutes.
When in Kranj, wander the old town and watch it's stunning architecture, picturesque stores and charming cafes. Take a stroll to admire the beautiful river canyon and if you have time - why not explore the beautiful surrounding nature through cycling or skiing?
Day 4: Lake Bled & Julian Alps
No Slovenian itinerary is complete without a visit to the fairytale Lake Bled. Turquoise waters, scenic train rides & mountains perfect for postcard hikes. Here you can definitely spend more than a day, and I highly recommend visiting Julian Alps for a longer time. But a day is enough if you just want a taste of the area. A tip is to go here early especially if you visit during summer, as some areas around the lake can get quite crowded in the middle of the day.
How to go here: From Kranj you first take a train to Jesenice and change to a train towards Nova Gorica. Get off at Bled Jezero.
A tip is to walk around parts of the lake, on this walk you will see several beautiful castles, and especially the most famous, Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. You can go for a hike, rent a kayak, swim in the lake and enjoy a coffee or lunch at one of the restaurants along the lake.
Day 5: Julian Alps & Kanal ab Soci
This area is a true hidden gem. Start the day by boarding the train from Bled Jezero towards Nova Gorica and make sure you sit by the window - this train ride is beautiful & very scenic. Slowly taking you through the Julian Alps, going alongside rivers and displaying perfect mountain views.
Finally, you will arrive in the very small, but extremely picturesque town of Kanal ab Soci. Here you can swim in the river, enjoy a view of the arch bridge and grab a bite at any of the delicious restaurants. My tip is to grab a lunch at Fontana Kanal ob Soči.
In the late afternoon you can either board the train back to Lake Bled or Jesenice. Or you can take the train towards Nova Gorica and Italy - why not explore more of Slovenia before heading to the land of pasta?
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Now, hopefully you feel a bit more ready for your trip to Slovenia. There are of course a lot more to see, but this itinerary is a good start if it's your first time visiting this beautiful country.
And if you want help planning your own European train adventure - my digital train travel book has everything from planning tips and hacks to inspiration. Get it here:
Enjoy your dreamy trip through the land of turquoise rivers!
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