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 summer, but I won’t be the first to tell you that no one is disappointed in stopping by for a visit. Most travelers tell me that they wish they could stay longer or can’t wait to return again.
Slovenia has not just the Alps and forests, but it has the Mediterranean, it has thermal waters, breathtaking views, and once in a lifetime experiences surrounded in unspoiled nature. I didn’t even mention the world-renowned chefs, wines, and food that are shockingly accessible (see: affordable).
Don’t sleep on Slovenia. This emerald gem will be your next favorite getaway.
I created this guide out of love for this country (my second home) and to help visitors get the most out of their time here. There is a lot to do and see. Can you believe that I have nearly 50 articles all about Slovenia?! It has been a labor of love and I hope that you will find something inspiring.
Traveling to Slovenia? Don’t forget to check out these guides.
- The Complete Slovenian Itinerary Planner
- The Ultimate Guide to Castles in Slovenia
- How to Spend One Day in Ljubljana
- An Introduction to Slovenian Food
Table of Contents
Safety and Health in Slovenia
Safety in most cases in Slovenia is not even a question. I have traveled around on my own to many remote corners of the country and had no issues or hesitations.
Do be mindful of pickpocketers in Ljubljana’s center. It can happen.
The 2021 Global Peace Index has Slovenia ranking 5th in the world.
In regards to any ongoing health and medical situations, please check local regulations, follow the rules, stay safe, and be kind. Here are some resources available in English.
Republic of Slovenia Offical Website
Republic of Slovenia Border Crossing During COVID-19 (includes countries on red list)
Summer Festivals and Events in Slovenia
Below I will be adding interesting events or opportunities for tourists throughout the summer. Using Ljubljana tourism events page is a great way to see what events are taking place including temporary exhibitions at museums.
Jump ahead to…
JUNE | JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER
If you would like to see your event here, reach out at admin [at] wanderinghelene.com
ALL SUMMER
Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhna)
Ljubljana | 10am – 9pm every Friday
Every Friday throughout the summer in the beautiful Pogačarjev Square you will find rows of stands each one with delicious offerings. You can explore Slovenian cuisine, Turkish, Iranian, Chinese, vegetarian, and more at this highly popular event.
Check the official Site for updated times and vendors.
JUNE
MENT
Ljubljana| June 8th-10th
MENT is a music festival that showcases local, regional, and Eastern European music – but also includes artists from across Europe. This year the festival is a three-day event across the city with over 70 musical artists confirmed.
Check their event page for more info.
Open Wine Cellars (Dnevi odprtih kleti) 2022
Goriška Brda | June 11th-12th
A yearly wine festival celebrating Rebula (Ribolla) in Goriška Brda with 34 different vineyards participating. It is hosted by Kontrabant. The day is spent wandering around vineyards, taking wine cellar tours, and of course wine tasting. 🍷 Read about my experience at DOK.
Street Food Market Maribor
Maribor | June 16th-18th
A festival of food trucks and food stands in the center of Maribor.
Check their Facebook event page for more info.
Lent Festival
Maribor | June 24th-July 2nd
One of the oldest and largest open-air festivals in Central Europe, the Lent Festival is held in Maribor every year with stages across the city hosting various events. It is a multi-cultural and multi-genre event with performances in pop, jazz, ballet, comedy, circus acts, yoga, and workshops (to list a few!). Read more at the official site.
JULY
Gin and Brin Festival
Dutovlje | July 1st-2nd
A summer festival dedicated to gin! Try local producers’ products, see presentations, and eat traditional Slovene dishes made street food style.
Film Under the Stars (Film pod zvezdami)
Ljubljana | July 14th – August 6th
This event takes place at the Ljubljana Castle every summer. Watch movies under the stars with Ljubljana beneath you. Films are screened in their original language with English subtitles. English spoken films will have Slovenian subtitles.
Check Kinodvor’s event page for the schedule.
AUGUST
Floating Castle
Snežnik Castle (Stari trg pri Ložu) | August 4th-7th
A several day event that centers around Snežnik Castle with music performances, visual art installations, food and drink stalls, seminars, workshops, puppet shows, and much more. The festival proclaims it is an ethno/folk/fusion experience in nature.
Check the facebook page for updated information.
Teran and Prosciutto Festival (praznik terana in pršuta)
Dutovlje | August TBA
A food and wine festival celebrating one of Slovenia’s beloved wines, Teran, along with their other love, prosciutto. The festival has been taking place since 1970 and is the largest of its kind in Karst.
Read more 🍷 about exploring the Karst region in Slovenia and tasting its delights!
Street Food Market Maribor
Maribor | August 25th-27th
A festival of food trucks and food stands in the center of Maribor.
Check their Facebook event page for more info.
Idrija Žlikrofi Festival (Praznik idrijskih žlikrofov)
Idrija | August 20th
Žlikrofi originates in Idrija and Idrija žlikrof was the first Slovenian dish to be awarded protected geographical status in 2010. Every