Know before you go : Slovenia Edition

In this article, I’ll make an overview of everything useful to know before going to Slovenia, including some travel tips.

You’ll find : 

Slovenia is a country located in Central Europe. It shares borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and the Adriatic Sea to the southwest.

The capital is Ljubljana, which is also the largest city in the country. Ljubljana is situated in the heart of Slovenia, along the Ljubljanica River.

Known for its Alpine mountains, beautiful lakes, medieval castles, and charming coastal towns, Slovenia offers a wide range of cultural and natural attractions.

As of 2024, Slovenia covers approximately 20,300 km² and has a population of around 2.1 million people.

The best time to visit Slovenia is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). Nature is at its most beautiful and temperatures are mild, ranging from 15°C to 25°C.

When we visited in October, the weather still nice for hiking and exploring Romania’s towns, and we had the stunning autumn colours in the forests. Plus, there were not many tourists at this time of year.

The currency in Slovenia is the Euro (€).

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the country, but I recommend withdrawing money just in case, for parking or local markets for example. For cash withdrawals, it’s best to use SKB, UniCredit and Addiko bank ATMs to avoid bigger fees.

Slovenia is moderately priced compared to Western Europe, for example it will be cheaper than France, Germany or Austria. A meal at a casual restaurant costs around €10-15 per person, while traditional places in smaller towns can be even cheaper.

Regarding the places to visit such as the various lakes or the different national parks, the entrance fees are usually around 3-10€ and more famous attractions such as the Ljubljana Castle are around 20€.

As for accommodation, expect to pay between €50 and €80 per night for two people in mid-range hotels or cozy Airbnbs.

Clothing: Even in summer, don’t forget to pack a light jacket and a sweater for cooler evenings, especially if you plan to visit the mountains. In winter, temperatures can drop significantly, so make sure to bring thermal layers, gloves, warm socks, and a heavy coat, particularly for exploring Slovenia’s alpine regions. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for hiking in nature.

Rain Gear: Slovenia’s weather can be quite unpredictable, plus many trails passes next to waterfalls so it’s wise to pack a waterproof rain jacket and an umbrella.

Adapter: Slovenia uses Type C and F power outlets, like most European countries. Travelers from outside Europe will need a plug adapter. A power bank is also handy for keeping your devices charged during a long day of exploration !

There’s a lot to bring back from Slovenia !

Traditional Items: Slovenian beekeeping has a rich history, so you can bring back hand-painted bee panels. Handmade Idrija lace and wooden carvings or sheep wool products are also great for a gift.

Food: Alcohol-wise, you can bring back schnapps (blueberry or honey liqueur) or local wines from regions like Goriška Brda or Vipava Valley. You can also buy a jar of forest honey, pumpkin seed oil, cheese from the Soca Valley, or štruklji, a traditional rolled pastry.

The official language is Slovenian, but English is widely spoken, especially in touristic areas.

Here are a few Slovenian phrases that might come in handy :

Hello: Pozdravljeni [POHZ-drahv-lyeh-nee]

Thank you: Hvala [HVAH-lah]

You’re welcome: Ni za kaj [NEE zah kahy]

I (don’t) understand: (Ne) razumem [(NEH) rah-ZOO-mehm]

Sorry: Oprostite [oh-PROHS-tee-teh]

My name is…: Ime mi je… [EE-meh mee yeh]

Yes / No: Da / Ne [DAH / NEH]

If you’re traveling to Slovenia from Europe, most mobile plans include internet and calls without additional charges due to EU roaming agreements.

However, if you need a local SIM card, providers like A1, Telekom Slovenije, or Telemach offer affordable options, starting at around €10 in airports and train stations.

If you are planning on visiting only Ljubljana, you absolutely don’t need a car. But if you plan to visit more of Slovenia, such as Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, or the Soča Valley, I recommend booking a car at the airport. Be sure to check the rental requirements, as a credit card is often needed.

There’s a lot of things to see in Slovenia ! You can spend a day in visiting Ljubljana, discover the stunning lakes and Julian Alps, or explore the Soča Valley …You won’t be bored a second !

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Slovenia :

That’s it for my Slovenia travel tips !

I have also made a detailed post about the ultimate four days itinerary in Slovenia, and another one about the best hikes to do in Slovenia.