Slovenia a travel destination often overlooked for its more established neighbours in Europe but it shouldnt be. Located in the heart of Europe Slovenia is the ideal place to get away from it all. In one of Europes greenest countries youll be treated to vineyards and meadows throughout with snowy white peaks never too far away. Its home to one of Europes most colourful and quaint capital cities the beautiful Triglav National Park arguably one for the Adriatics prettiest coastal towns and of course the iconic Lake Bled. Here weve listed 5 of our favourite must-see destinations on any visit to Slovenia. Ljubljana Slovenias capital and largest city perfectly mix baroque facades with 20th-century native architecture. Its iconic Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) spans the tightly curving Ljubljanica River. With colourful houses cobbled streets and Ljubljana Castle which sits impressively on a hill looming over the city it is impossible not to be charmed. Slovenias most famous architect Jože Plečnik is largely responsible for the citys pretty matchbox feel. Ljubljana is known for its green spaces including the expansive Tivoli Park which lead to the city being awarded the prestigious green Capital of Europe in 2016. The central old town is pedestrianised which makes exploring the citys sights all the more pleasant. Ljubljana has many museums including the National Museum of Slovenia displaying historic exhibitions and the Museum of Modern Art home to 20th-century Slovene paintings and sculptures. Lake Bled Famous for being Slovenias most popular attraction Lake Bled is a destination not to be missed. Set in the middle of the lake on the incredibly picturesque and iconic island is the stunning Church of the Assumption. In its present form it dates back to the 17th century when it was renovated after another earthquake. The bell tower was built in the1 5th century and contains the wishing bell which is said to grant whoever rings the bell a wish. Bled Castle is thought to be the oldest in Slovenia. Perched atop a steep cliff 130 meters above the lake below the medieval castle offers fabulous views of the lake the Church of the Assumption and the mountains. Enjoy a wander around the castle towers and ramparts and learn about its captivating history. Velika Planina Near Ljubljana and only a few kilometers from the town of Kamnikyou will find a cable car which takes you into the mountains to Velika Planina a stunning plateau surrounded by nature and mountains in the heart of the Kamnik Alps. Velika Planina translates as big pasture plateau and its not difficult to see why! Stunning scenary with livestock roaming the lush green pastures and against the magnificent mountain backdrop. You can explore your surroundings with a tour of the herdsmens settlement learn about their traditions and be sure to taste their organic dairy products. For those that want to you could even help with the milking! There is also the Preskar Museum which offers more information on the area. Triglav National Park Magnificent views from the tall peaks green Alpine valleys babbling brooks and lakes that reflect the blue sky and a huge diversity of flora and fauna. No youre not dreaming! You can experience all of this in Triglav National Park Slovenias largest protected area and only national park. It takes its name from Slovenias highest mountain Triglav (2864 m) and is seen by many as a kind of holy mountain. The park encompasses the majority of the eastern part of the Julian Alps. Apart from the abundance of nature and wildlife there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied in particular for adrenalin lovers there is whitewater rafting canyoning and kayaking and hydro-speeding on one of the two large rivers that pass through the area the Soca and the Sava which flow into the Adriatic and the Black Sea respectively. For those wanting to keep dry there is zip-lining plenty of panoramic hikes as well as the fascinating forts Kluze and Hermannwhich both share history with the Napoleonic and First World wars. Piran Piran is a beautiful multi-pastel coloured coastal town and the biggest on what little coastline Slovenia processes. Its a tranquil town with a small port and crystal clear waters. Its renowned for its Venetian architecture colourful building and fortifications. Many choose simply to relax and soak in the seaside atmosphere people walk and stroll through Tartini Square but there is also plenty to see. Take the short uphill walk to the Cathedral of St. George and its bell tower which is separate and sits next to the Cathedral. The Cathedral sits above the town and offers fabulous views from which on a clear day you can see both Croatia and Italy. Then take a walk along the city walls which offer a different perspective of the city. For something different the is also the surprisingly interesting and pretty Magical World of Shells Museum to visit which features more than 4000 specimens of rare and unusual mollusks. If youre interested in coming and visiting for yourself please dont hesitate to get in contact or have a gander at our Slovenia Experiences on our website. Written by James Chisnall The post Top 5 Destinations to Visit in Slovenia appeared first on Untravelled Paths. via Untravelled Paths https://blog.untravelledpaths.com/blog/top-5-destinations-to-visit-in-slovenia/