Top 5 Most Beautiful Lakes in Slovenia

Picturesque country under the Alps

Slovenia has despite its small size extremely varied landscape which includes the coastal area, its terrain consists largely of karstic ridges and plateaus, Alpine peaks, valleys and basins. The highest Alpine peak in Slovenia is Triglav. Slovenia is a great tourist destination. You can ski in the morning and surrender yourself to the luxury of the Adriatic Sea in the afternoon. Slovenia has many lakes which are especially popular in hot summer time.

Lake Bled

Lake Bled is the most famous lake in Slovenia. It is wonderful all year around and therefore attracts many visitors from Slovenia and abroad. Around the lake and its surroundings are marked walking and cycling paths. Part of the shore on the north side, under the Bled Castle, and on the west side is arranged for swimming. In the Lake Bled is about 20 different fish species and for sport fishing are most interesting catfish, lake trout and pike. On the lake is the famous island, which is accessible by boat, electric boat or by Pletna boat.

Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is located in the municipality of Bohinj. It is the largest permanent natural lake in Slovenia, which is 4100 meters long, 1200 meters wide and 45 meters deep. In the summer time is on the surface heated to 22 degrees Celsius. The main permanent surface flow is Savica, resulting in a picturesque waterfall Savica in the far upper end of the valley. Waters in the lake are renewed three times a year. In the lake live five species of fishes. The clear and clean lake is attractive for swimming and boating. Due to the weaker wind is suitable for less experienced sailors and surfers.

Plansar Lake

Plansar Lake is a small lake located in the Municipality of Jezersko. It has a beautiful shape of a heart. By the lake is the restaurant Gostisce ob jezeru, where they have delicious local food. Around the lake goes a nice walking path. Plansar Lake is the most known tourist point in the village and their symbol. In the winter time we can go ski running or skating. In the summer time we can go hiking, cycling, boating or climbing in the small artificial wall.

Lake Crnava

Lake Crnava is located in Preddvor near Kranj. It is a popular place for local people and others. There is a hotel with a small terrace from where we can enjoy in wonderful views to the mountains and to the lake. Around the lake goes a nice walking path. In the summer time we can borrow a boat and in the winter time we can slide. Lake Crnava is a starting point for hiking trips to Saint Jakob, Kalisce, Storzic and other hills.

Smartinsko Lake

Smartinsko Lake is located near the town Celje. It is a popular and an attractive place for local people and tourists. The lake belongs to the largest artificial lakes in Slovenia. Its fundamental task is to hold back the torrential waters. The Smartinsko Lake and its surroundings become sporting, recreation and tourist place over the years. There are available different possibilities for recreation and relaxation. We can walk around the lake, ride a bicycle, drive with a boat, fish and do many other activities.

 

Attractions of Škofja Loka

Old medieval town 

Škofja Loka is a small town in Upper Carniola. It is a cultural, economic, administrative and educational centre of the Municipality of Škofja Loka. It has one of the best-preserved medieval urban centres in Slovenia.

Cultural monuments

The town was proclaimed a cultural monument in 1987. It is the birthplace of the Škofja Loka Passion Play, the oldest play in Slovene. Škofja Loka has many cultural and natural attractions. Among cultural attractions are Castle of Škofja Loka, Puštal's Castle, Stone bridge, Devil's footbridge and many other.

Castle of Škofja Loka

It must have been built before the year 1202 because it was mentioned in the document from the same year. The castle was built by the bishops of Freising. The Castle was almost demolished in the big earthquake in the year 1511, but it was restored by the bishop Filip. Today is in the Castle of Škofja Loka a Museum and there are held many entertainments.

Stone or Capuchin bridge

A promenade through the old town centre begins on Stone bridge which takes you to the Upper square. The Capuchin bridge was built by bishop Leopold in the middle of the 14th century. It was built from carved stone in the semicircular form. In the year 1888 was restored and equipped with iron fence. The Stone bridge is one of the oldest monuments of its architectural kind in the Central Europe.

Puštal's Castle

It was built in year 1220 and it was inhabited by the family of Puštal's lordship. In the beginning of the 17th century the castle was passed over to the family Oblak from Gorenja vas, which was granted the noble title of barons. Today is in the Castle a Music School.

Devil's footbridge

It is a wooden footbridge in Puštal, which is a suburban locality on the right bank of the river Poljanska Sora. Under the Devil's footbridge foaming river could be seen.

Portorož

Portorož is a coastal settlement in the Municipality of Piran in the southwestern part of Slovenia. It has been known as a health resort since the 13th century, when monks from the Monastery of Saint Lawrence treated people with brine and seawater.

Its modern development started in the late 19th century with appearance of first health resorts. In the 20th century it became one of the popular seaside resorts in Europe, along with Lido, Abbazia and Grado. Today is one of the major tourist areas.

In the centre of Portorož is located Kempinski Palace Portorož, until 2008 known as Palace Hotel, once one of the most important resorts for the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. The hotel was built upon the plans of the architect Johann Eustacchio and opened on August 1910.

Economy of the place is mainly based on tourism and gaming industry. The facilities include numerous sporting facilities, a marina and several casinos, along with many hotels and apartments. In the western part of Portorož is located a popular hotel resort Bernardin.

Portorož is famous for its spa and wellness centres. Its is an ideal location for pampering and relaxation throughout the year, even during the coldest winter months. The beach is well-maintained and we can go swimming in the warm Mediterranean sea.

What to see in Piran?

Piran is an old port town in Slovenian Istria. The city is bilingual, its Italian name is Pirano. It is situated on the cape of the Piran peninsula. Town has preserved the medieval appearance with narrow streets and houses, giving it a typical Mediterranean character and special charm. The most beautiful attractions in Piran are the Saint George's Church, Tartini Square, Town Walls and Kidric Quay.

Saint George's Church was built in the 12th century. It got its name by Saint George who was a patron of the town. The belfry was added in 1608 and the baptistery in 1650. Today's image the church got in 1637 by the baroque renovation. From the church is a wonderful view to the old town, marina and to the clear blue Adriatic sea.

Tartini Square is located in the centre of Piran. It is the largest square in the old part. It got its name by Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770), the famous composer and violinist. The main square became at the end of the 13th century. In the square are situated Tartini house, the Saint Peter's Church, a baroque house, Hotel Tartini, Town Hall, Tartini monument, Loggia and other historical buildings.

Piran has an amazing town wall, which offers beautiful views. It was built for defense. The city was surrounded with the wall in the 7th century. It was divided to quarters, which were named by town doors: Stolna, Osrednja, Poljska and Miljska. Town wall is easily reachable from the old town centre and worth seeing.

 

Kidric Quay is situated in the coastal part of the old town centre. It is mostly popular as a promenade place. In this area we can see the neoclassical Travesini palace from the year 1826, the Marina, the Tartini's Theatre, the Aquarium, Hotel Piran and other. There are also many cafes and restaurants where we can enjoy under the sun.

Ljubljana Castle

The Ljubljana Castle is an imposing medieval fortress, which represents a symbol of Ljubljana. It is located on the edge of the castle hill, just above the picturesque medieval Ljubljana. The castle can be reached by car, by foot from the old town centre or with a cable railway.


The castle has envolved from a fortified tower with a defensive wall before the first mention of Ljubljana. On the castle hill was confirmed a presense of man since the time of the Late Bronze Age. In the Ljubljana castle can be seen many interesting historical remarkableness, such us the lookout tower, a Chapel of Saint George, a permanent exhibition of Slovenian history, Frederick's Tower and a Frederic's room, pentagonal tower and many other. The Castle Cafe offers guests fruit salads, coctails, cakes and beverages.


The spacious courtyard is in the summer time intended to the various events, one of which is the most visited the viewing of movies under the stars. The Ljubljana Castle is a very attractive tourist destination that is visited throughout the year from local and foreign tourists.

Hotels in Bled

Bled is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Slovenia. Unforgettable image shows Lake Bled in the middle of which is a romantic small island with a church. Above the lake proudly rises the Bled Castle, which was first mentioned in the year 1011.

Bled offers many different accommodations as are hotels, pensions, garni hotels, villas, private rooms and apartments, tourist farms, youth hostels and camping. Hotels in Bled are with five stars, four stars and three stars. The five star Grand Hotel Toplice is characterized by a rich history, luxurious comfort and a traditional style.

Hotels in Bled with five stars are Best Western Premier Hotel Lovec, Hotel Kompas, Hotel Park, Hotel Vila Bled, Hotel Golf, Hotel Triglav and Hotel and restaurant Ribno. The Hotel Park is the Bled's largest hotel. The Hotel Golf has one of the best Slovenia's wellness centres and from the pool is an amazing view to the Bled Lake.

Hotels in Bled with three stars are Hotel Astoria, Hotel Krim, Hotel Savica, Hotel Jelovica, Hotel Trst and Hotel Jadran. Hotel Jadran is a charming small hotel of antique appearance where pets are welcome. Hotel Astoria was recently renovated and offers modern rooms and a wellness centre.

Negova

Negova is a picturesque village which lies on the edge of the hilly Slovenske gorice. It was already populated during the Stone Age and the Bronze Age. The village was first mentioned in 1106 under the name Negoinzelo and in the year 1265 as Negowe. The area of Negova has rich cultural and natural heritage. The most important sights are the castle Negova, the Church of Virgin Mary, sacred signs, a plague, a pillory stone and more. Among the natural heritage belongs the Negova lake, many ponds, which are remains of lakes and mineral springs in the Scavnica valley. The castle of Negova was first mentioned in the year 1425 as vest Negav. The castle is divided into three parts, which are the front part, the new part and the old part. The first owner of the castle with surroundings was the family Spanheim. Near the castle is located interesting herb garden Negova. Negova lake is situated southeast from the village Negova. On the lake we can see the white water lily and a rare water nut. Negova is recognized by many famous people, such as Ivan Kramberger, politician and benefactor, Anton Trstenjak, psychologist, theologian, anthropologist, philosopher, graphologist and Matej Slekovec, historian and theologian.