The ultimate solo travel guide to Slovenia: Everything you need to know
Slovenia and solo travel go hand in hand. The country is often hailed as Europe’s last unspoilt destination – but if that suggests primitive and uninviting, think again. Not only has it become a top destination for outdoor adventure, but its compact size and well-established infrastructure makes it ideal for a solo holiday.
Just half the size of Switzerland, Slovenia packs a lot in. From its snow-capped highest peak, Mount Triglav, and fairytale Lake Bled, to the turquoise-green Soca River and sliver of Adriatic coast, it’s a country of extraordinary natural beauty dotted with caves, castles and vineyards.
And let’s not forget the leafy capital, Ljubljana: a tangle of cobbled streets and terracotta rooftops, with Michelin-starred castle dining and a riverside cafe culture. From this cosmopolitan base, you can reach all parts of the country within a couple of hours. You could find yourself hiking in the Julian Alps after breakfast, sipping world-class wine at a local cellar over lunch and relaxing by the beach for dinner.
Don’t want to go entirely alone? Travelling with Flash Pack will help you seek out Slovenia’s best adventures in the comfort of a group with other like-minded solo travellers in their 30s and 40s. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about planning a solo holiday to Slovenia, one of Europe’s greenest countries.
Slovenia travel facts
An independent republic bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary, Croatia and the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia is home to just over two million people. The majority of the country is mountainous and 60% of it is covered in thick forest, where wild bears still roam. Triglav National Park is home to the highest mountain, Triglav at 9,395 feet, as well as one of the highest ski jumps in the world – Letalnica bratov Gorišek.
The rest of the country comprises flower-filled valleys, karst-lined plateaus and a 26-mile stretch of coast. With over 10,000 caves, including the Unesco-listed Škocjan Caves, and the 12-mile Postojna Cave, Slovenia is a speleologist’s dream. Equestrians, meanwhile, will want to visit the Lipica stud farm, where the country’s famous white Lipizzan horses are bred.
Is Slovenia good for solo travel?
With its efficient transport network and widely spoken English, Slovenia is a straightforward country to explore as a solo traveller. Its compact size means you won’t have to spend hours travelling between sites, instead maximising your time with activities and adventures. Outdoorsy types will be in their element with a wealth of adrenaline sports, from white-water rafting and canyoning to ziplining and paragliding. Culture vultures are equally well catered for when it comes to solo travel in Slovenia, with plenty of castles, wine tasting and gastronomy on offer.
Joining a Flash Pack group of solo travellers means trips are carefully planned to pick out the country’s highlights, go off the beaten track and immerse you in the landscape in ways that would be hard to do on your own. Learn more about solo travel with Flash Pack.
Best places to visit in Slovenia
What should you do on a solo trip to Slovenia? Flash Pack picks out the country’s highlights – like beautiful Lake Bled and the dramatic Vintgar Gorge – and immerses you in the culture through a series of original experiences. Want to dine on Michelin-starred food in the tower of a medieval castle? Or learn to paddle a canoe along one of Europe’s longest rivers? You can with Flash Pack, who also choose the best places to stay, whether that’s in Ljubljana’s Old Town or on the shores of Lake Bohinj. And, of course, you can meet like-minded people to experience all the beauty of Slovenia with.
Where to stay as a solo traveller in Slovenia
What are the hotels like in Slovenia? Well, in most corners of the country, you’ll find enough high-end resorts, wellness retreats, vineyard stays and restaurants with rooms to make any five-star traveller feel at home. Wherever you lay your head, you’ll also find top-notch food that pairs perfectly with the excellent local wine.
With Flash Pack’s group solo trips to Slovenia, we arrange all the accommodation for you, handpicking places for their special character and style. Sharing a room and saving on the single supplement allows solo travellers to stretch their budget to more exclusive accommodation. But if you prefer to pay a little extra to have your own room, that’s fine too.
How to get to Slovenia
The easiest way to travel to Slovenia is by plane. Jože Pučnik Airport in Ljubljana is the only international airport, so you might also want to consider flying to those in neighbouring countries and travelling on to Slovenia by boat, train or coach. Trieste in northern Italy is the most convenient of these, just a short hop across the border. Or why not fly to Venice and take a scenic catamaran to the Slovenian town of Piran.
The country pairs particularly well with a visit to Croatia, especially now there’s no longer a hard border between the two countries. Major Croatian airports with good access to Slovenia include Zagreb and Pula, which are both included in Flash Pack’s 9-day Adriatic Adventure.
How to get around Slovenia
With its diminutive size and excellent public transport system, you can reach most locations in under two hours from Ljubljana. Rental cars are affordable and the roads are well maintained, making it relatively easy to get around on your solo travels in Slovenia. The mountain roads might be winding but you’ll be rewarded with incredible views. A scenic train journey links the lakeside spot of Bohinj to the town of Nova Gorica within striking distance of the coast. With Flash Pack, a private minibus and driver are included in the price of your trip, leaving you free to gaze out of the window and enjoy the epic scenery – and believe us, you’ll want to.
Best time to visit Slovenia
Slovenia has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. In summer, the average temperature is around 30ºC while winters drop to a chilly zero degrees – sometimes dipping below that. The best time of year to visit depends on what sort of holiday you’re looking for. The northwest mountains are covered in snow from December to March and many of Slovenia’s alpine resorts transform into ski destinations. May to September is warmer and ideal for hiking through flower-flecked meadows and other outdoor activities. The coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers.
Slovenia travel itineraries
On Flash Pack’s 9-day Adriatic Adventure Slovenia & Croatia, trip you’ll dine in a gourmet restaurant in the tower of Ljubljana’s hilltop castle. You’ll visit beautiful Lake Bled – the jewel in Slovenia’s crown – and hike the wooden walkways that cling to the steep-sided Vintgar Gorge. And you’ll hone your canoeing skills before riding the rapids on the beautiful Sava River.
Staying a stone’s throw from Lake Bohinj – wilder, but just as beautiful as Bled – you’ll be right on the edge of Triglav National park, with endless opportunities for hiking, biking and paddleboarding from the doorstep of your hotel. And that’s before you even cross the border to Croatia where a whole new adventure awaits.
What to pack for solo travel in Slovenia
When packing for your solo holiday to Slovenia, take into account the weather and activities you’ll be doing. Generally, lightweight, breathable layers will help you keep cool in the heat. In the evenings, a warmer top is useful and a light jacket will make sure that you’re prepared for any showers. You’ll need a comfortable pair of hiking shoes, plus old trainers or water shoes for activities, such as canoeing or canyoning. And you’ll definitely want to pack swimwear for the lakes, rivers and hotel pools.
Solo travel advice for Slovenia
Slovenia is a destination full of beautiful scenery and space for outdoor adventure. Naturally, as a solo traveller it should be on your wishlist. Whether you visit the mountainous north or the flower-filled valleys of the east, the scenic Soca Valley or the 26-mile stretch of Adriatic coast, you’ll be surprised by the charming rustic culture and sophisticated cuisine. If you feel like your solo holiday to Slovenia would be even more fun travelling with a like-minded group, Flash Pack trips showcase the country with carefully selected activities led by a local guide and the chance to make new friends along the way.
Is it safe to travel solo in Slovenia?
With minimal crime, small cities and progressive attitudes, Slovenia is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. However, do check out the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UK), the Department of State Travel Advisories (US) or your country’s local government guidelines for the latest advice before travelling.
As with any country, it’s best to follow local advice and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and keep a close eye on valuables. If you’re hiking alone in the mountains, make sure someone knows where you’re going and what time you’ll be back. With a solo group trip to Slovenia, you’ll have an expert guide on hand to offer advice and ensure your trip runs smoothly.
Ready for your next adventure? Try group solo travel to Slovenia with Flash Pack – designed exclusively for people in their 30s and 40s, seeking the independence of solo travel within the safety of a group.
A cool 98% of Flashpackers arrive solo to join our group adventures. So, you’ll be in good company – whether a first time solo traveller or a seasoned pro looking for like-minded new friends.
Images: Flash Pack and Unsplash
