Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Scenic Beauty
Slovenia offers pristine panoramas in the middle of Europe, with soaring vistas of Alpine
peaks, hills and dales straight out of a 19th-century landscape painting, and sparkling
lakes and rivers that appear to be underlit by emeralds. Slovenes are well attuned to natur-
al beauty, and the inclination is nearly always to protect and preserve it. Where human-
kind intrudes, it's often to good effect, such as at Lake Bled, where a tiny baroque chapel
atop Bled Island and a dramatic cliffside castle complete a harmonious whole. You may
well return from your holiday thinking Slovenia is the prettiest country you've ever seen.
Food & Drink
Slovenian cooking borrows a little from each of its neighbours - Italy, Austria, Hungary
and the Balkans - synthesising and reinventing dishes that emerge both familiar and
unique. The 'Slovenian' touch, as it were, might well be a local obsession for using fresh
and (where possible) locally sourced ingredients. The result is a terrific foodie destination,
where you'll sample dishes in unusual combinations featuring items you may not be fa-
miliar with, like buckwheat groats or mashed beans. Slovenian wine, both white or red, is
an unheralded strength, and regional varietals pair well with local specialities.
Friendly Faces
The people are the 'X' factor in any visit to a foreign land, and rest assured you'll find
plenty of friendly people here. Wherever you go, you'll get an enthusiastic, helpful, wel-
coming response, often in English. Numbering only around two million people, Slovenes
punch well above their weight class in international sport, science, academics and even
philosophy. In the days of old Yugoslavia, Slovenia was regarded as the most open of the
country's republics, and it's not any different today. Slovenes are proud of their country
and happy to show it off.
Fresh-Air Pursuits
Slovenia is an outdoor destination. Of course, there are great museums and historic
churches here too, but the locals seem to favour active holidays, and you'll be invited -
even expected - to join in. The most popular pursuits remain mountain walks and hikes,
though increasingly Slovenes are discovering cycling (especially in the capital,
Ljubljana). Fast rivers like the Soča cry out to be rafted and there are ample chances to try
