Head to Slovenia for a summer of outdoor fun

This country ticks all the scenery boxes: picturesque mountain plateaus, lakes, hiking and biking trails amid carpets of Alpine flowers.

To discover the mountain peaks, meadows and tranquil lakes that appear on the classic summer postcard from Slovenia, travel to the Julian Alps – the mountain range which extends from north-east Italy and is dominated by the lofty summit of Mount Triglav.

Even better, you could time your visit between 26 May and 11 June, when the Bohinj Wild Flower and Walking Festival will see the landscape around Lake Bled explode with the colours of alpine flora in bloom.

This region of Gorenjska has at its heart the Triglav National Park, where every panorama gives mesmerising beauty and purity of air. Hiking, biking and leisurely outings on the lake are high on the agenda.

Designated trails lead you through the steep-sided glacial Tamar Valley to mountain tops or through the sweet-scented woods of the Jelovica and Pokljuka plateaux. In early summer, all routes are carpeted with glorious wild flowers.

Another event in May is World Bee Day, a United Nations initiative created in cooperation with the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association.

Slovenia is recognised as a leading beekeeping destination, creating honey-therapy programmes to demonstrate how bees positively impact human lives.

Visitors can choose from a “bouquet” of bee-themed events on 20 May, including guided beekeeping study tours, honey tastings, lectures on natural history, art exhibitions, embroidery workshops and wildflower cooking demonstrations. You can even learn how to build a “bee hotel”.

Across Slovenia’s green terrain, there are more than 5,000km of footpaths for Nordic walking, 10,000km of mountain hiking trails as well as cycling and mountain biking routes built to suit all daredevil levels and to cater for those interested in mountain biking, on-road or long-distance cycling, trekking, family cycling or scrambling.

The aroma of Slovenian one-pot stews entices you along the way, emanating from the 150 or so mountain huts dotted along the trails dispensing local kitchen delicacies.

Straddling the border with Austria, the Karavanke Alps reward the energetic explorer with incredible waterfalls, pastures, wildlife and spring daffodils on Mount Golica.

South of the Karavanke Alps lie the 2,500m-plus peaks of the Kamnik and Savinja Alps, which are popular among mountaineers.

A hike to the Mount Skuta glacier is a unique experience; at lower altitudes, hikers and bikers can aim for the Velika Planina mountain pasture – considered the most iconic of Slovenian mountain pastures – and the beautiful valleys of Logar, with its Rinka waterfall, and Kamniska Bistrica.

Numerous hiking trails are close to towns so you can embark on a one-day trip rather than an expedition. The Pohorje Hills are nestled close to Maribor on the River Drava; the area comprises ancient woodlands and waterfalls.

Recommended walks include the trail to the peat bogs around the Lovrenc Lakes, to Lake Crno and Ribnica Lakes, the mighty Veliki Sumik and Mali Sumik waterfalls, and the River Lobnica. As this is wine country, you can also hike or cycle through vineyards.

Winter-sport facilities are a given here, particularly value-for-money ski resorts that are perfect for the whole family, with easy access to transport.

What’s more, the abundance of crystal-clear waters from the network of fresh springs means that Slovenia is paradise for water-sports aficionados, too.

Again, there is scope for a variety of paces and pursuits from kayaking and rafting in the turquoise waters of the unspoilt limestone Soca valley to sedate “stand-up paddle boarding” on the river through the centre of Ljubljana. Spa resorts, meanwhile, provide a range of thermal water therapies.

Another surprising revelation in Slovenia’s extensive menu of outdoor pursuits is its range of both Alpine and Mediterranean golf courses, including a beautiful one at Lipica, near the Italian border; while you’re there, you could also visit the nearby stud farm and admire the beautiful Lipizzaner horses.

Slovenia is emerging as one of Europe’s top undiscovered golfing destinations. Mark Twain once described golf as “a good walk spoiled” – but walks around 18 holes in this majestic landscape do not come better.

Beautiful Slovenia

Slovenia is a land of natural beauty, its mountains, lakes and thermal springs inviting superb outdoor activities. 

It is also a country where a friendly welcome, unsurpassed hospitality and gastronomic treats await. 

To find out more and to plan your trip, see slovenia.info