Traveling to Ljubljana? Check out my Wandering Ljubljana Guide a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know.
Want to learn some Slovenian? Then start with my Slovenian Language Learning Guide.
Traveling to Slovenia this summer? Then definitely check out The Definitive Guide to Traveling to Slovenia (Summer 2020) Edition.
When I first began learning Slovene, I was overjoyed to learn that the name of the months would be fairly easy to learn. Januar for January, februar for February, and so forth. Easy right? If you have been in a Slovenian home then you might have noticed that calendars have two names for each month. …
The Interesting Evolution of Month Names in Slovene Read More »
Slovenia Travel Guide [2022] Slovenia is a tiny country in central Europe. It borders Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and Austria and still enjoys 29 miles of coast to the Adriatic Sea. With 2 million people, 48 dialects, 23 gastronomic regions, and 3 wine growing regions you can safely say there is a lot going on here. This …
Saying somewhere in Slovenia is beautiful is probably starting to lose its meaning, but once you visit this incredible country you will understand. There are plenty of easy hikes at gorges around Slovenia, one of the most popular being Vintgar Gorge near Lake Bled. As a self-proclaimed local (how many years until I can say …
The Complete Guide to Visiting Tolmin Gorge in Slovenia Read More »
After living in Slovenia for a few years and stumbling through the language horribly, I can now safely share this ridiculous list of words I have been saving in the notes folder on my phone. This list is for Slovenian words that have amusing or interesting literal English translations. If you are learning Slovenian don’t …
11 Slovenian Words with Hilarious Literal English Translations Read More »
There are many wonderful things about Slovenia and its culture that I have come to love since moving here, and Kurentovanje is one of them. Originating in one of Slovenia’s oldest cities, Ptuj, this festival is a culturally rich and vibrant celebration meant to scare away winter. It is part of the celebration of Pust …
Kurentovanje: The Slovenian Festival You Don’t Want to Miss Read More »
The ground beneath became distant until it disappeared as we quickly and quietly ascended in the hot air balloon into the clouds. I remember getting into the basket with Jaka, two German tourists, and the hot air balloon operator, but how it happened felt like magic. I have dreamt of that moment my entire life. …
Hot Air Balloon Over Lake Bled: A Bucket List Experience Read More »
Since I moved from the US one question I get asked often is about holidays. Holidays in the American sense (sorry British friends). And each Halloween at least a few Americans ask me, “Do Slovenians celebrate Halloween?” or “Do they trick or treat there?” The answer is… it’s complicated. Through this article, I will explore …
This is an ongoing project to help everyone access fresh and healthy food, especially during these tumultuous times. Below you will find all types of food delivery for the Ljubljana region. It will include delivery via grocery stores, farms, takeaway, fresh meat and fish, wine, and also resources to help during the hard times. Companies …
Here at Wandering Helene I am all about supporting local and that means if you are visiting Slovenia I’d love for you to buy Slovenian made! Here are a list of shops you can find in the center of Ljubljana that offer Slovenian products that make perfect souvenirs or gifts. Read | Why Supporting Local …
Driving in a different country can be daunting and many travelers opt to go without a car. While traveling around Europe is the perfect place to be without a car because many cities have affordable and well-connected public transportation. Having access to a car and driving in Slovenia can help you to reach a lot …
13 Things You Should Know BEFORE Driving in Slovenia Read More »
Open Wine Cellar Days, or Dnevi odprtih kleti in Slovene, took place across Goriška Brda over the weekend of June 20th and 21st. There were 30 different vineyards participating in the event. Familiar names such as Klet Brda, Marjan Simčič, Vinarstvo Mužič, or Vina Pulec opened up their wine cellars to visitors. The event centered …
Another year, another update to our guide to visiting Slovenia in the Summer. This stunning country thrives in the sunshine as its land is lush with shades of green, the Alps towering in the distance, and crystal clear glacial water for a cool down. Slovenia might not be on your radar for travel plans this …
It is often forgotten that Slovenia has a coastline. Tucked between Italy and Croatia and part of the Istrian Peninsula is where you will find Koper, Izola, Piran, Portorož, and some smaller towns between. There are endless things to do in Koper and surrounding areas, perfect for a beach city break, day trip, and especially …
Mini Adventures asked me if I would like to take one of their products out while exploring Slovenia. Being a travel and game lover, I jumped on the opportunity. Mini Adventures sets you out on an imaginary quest to help you explore a chosen location. They have 18 locations across Slovenia as well as a …
By June, Slovenia is lush and shades of green. It begins to feel warm even in the shade, like true summer. From Ljubljana, it is just a short one hour drive to Idrija. Perfect for a day trip. I had traveled to Idrija once before, for the famous žlikrofi festival, but it was terrible weather so …
Before 2015 I never considered traveling to Slovenia, let alone imagine that one day I would live here and grow to love it as my home. Ljubljana is the perfect size for a capital city. I’ve lived in Washington DC, Rome, and London, and all of them, while fascinating and inspiring, slowly become noisy and …
If there is one place you should visit in Slovenia it should be Velika Planina. It is by far one of the most beautiful and unique locations I’ve ever been to. Velika Planina is part of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. It is a karstified mountain plateau with an average height of 1500 meters above sea level. …
Can you imagine dining in a real castle? Sitting in the main dining room of a beautifully preserved medieval castle while tasting dishes from the best chefs and award-winning wine is a once in a lifetime experience. Fortunately, it is one that you can have over and over again across Slovenia. Below I am sharing …