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 year the town of Idrija has a festival to celebrate their beloved dish.
Check the official site for the latest information.
Sad that you will miss the žlikrofi festival? 🤤 Check out this food and hertiage tour you can take in Idrija year-round.
Hotiza Fishing Days
Hotiza | TBA
Life along the Mura River means fish is a pretty important staple in your diet. Here you can have fish prepared in the traditional way done in the village of Hotiza for more than a century.
Check the official event page for more information.
Bogračfest
Lendava | TBA
Bograč is a type of goulash from the Prekmurje region. It is prepared with three types of meat in equal parts of onion among other ingredients. Each year in Lendava they have a cooking competition lining the street with large cauldrons slowly preparing this delicious treat.
Check the official event page for more information.
SEPTEMBER
Lendava Grape Harvest
Lendava | TBA
Check the official event page for more information.
The Old Vine Festival
Maribor | Sept 29th – October 2nd
A wine festival to kick off the wine season in Slovenia. Explore and taste various Styrian and Slovenian winemakers’ products at this multi-day festival in the place where the oldest grapevine in the world still lives today.
Check the official site for the latest information.
Things to Do in Slovenia in the Summer
I’m sharing some of the best things to do in Slovenia during the summer months. These are some of my favorite places and at the top of my recommendations list.
Seaside and Swimming Experiences
There are no shortages of water in Slovenia with over 300 lakes, more than 50 rivers, a coastline to the Adriatic Sea, and mineral waters with healing properties throughout the country. Here are some of my personal suggestions:
Trip to Koper and Piran
Piran is my favorite seaside town in Slovenia with the colorful Tartini Square, breathtaking views, and fresh seafood this Venetian influenced town gives you a taste of the Adriatic. Koper is often overlooked next to Piran, but I adore the Medieval center and Tito Square. It is also a great place to get some fried calamari from the market! Both are relatively small places and can be visited in one day.
Visit the Velenje Castle and Beach
Velenje is underappreciated by tourists but known and enjoyed by locals. The Velenje Castle is a treat for castle lovers and history buffs with incredible collections you will not see anywhere else. Saying beach is misleading, but this is what it is called in Slovene. Velenje Lake offers swimming, food stands, diving board, restroom facilities, and more for a fresh swimming adventure.
Take a Dip in Lake Bled
Sure Lake Bled is famous for its Lake, Bled Island, Bled Castle, and especially kremšnita but did you know that you can swim in the lake? There is a designated area called Grajsko kopališče (Castle Bathing Area).
Cool off in Alpine Lakes
Head up into the Alps to visit Lake Bohinj, Lake Jasna, or Zelenci Nature Reserve for crystal clear waters and dramatic backdrops.
Adventure Sports at Soča River
One of the crowned jewels of Slovenia is the Soča River. With striking blue-green color and 138 kilometers long, the Soča River is a must-see. For the active and adventurous you can go rafting, kayaking, SUP, fishing, canyoning, and more.
Hiking and Nature Experiences
Visit Triglav National Park
Triglav National Park is the only national park of Slovenia and without a doubt worth a visit. Here you will find hiking trails and water sports during the summer. Some highlights are Kranjska Gora, Bohinj, and the Triglav Lakes.
Food and Wine Experiences
Slovenia was announced as the European Region of Gastronomy for 2021 and 6 restaurants were just awarded Michelin stars, including 2 to famed Hiša Franko.
Cuisine and wine shift colors, taste, and smell as you travel throughout the country. Neighboring countries, climate, and most certainly the landscape have influenced Slovenian dishes immensely.
- Goriška Brda: The Wine Capital of Slovenia
- A Food and Heritage Walk in Idrija
- Explore Kras: Kraški Pršut at Pršutarna
- Eat Like Royalty in These Slovenian Castles
City Breaks and Castles
If city breaks are more your style and you fill your days with wandering streets, window shopping, stopping in cafes, browsing museums, and more then these itineraries are for you.
- How to Spend One Day in Ljubljana
- The Ultimate Guide to Slovenian Castles
- Visiting Škofja Loka Castle in Slovenia
- A Weekend of Slovenian Castles
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