The town of Hrastovlje is nestled within the karst landscape of southern Slovenia, amidst hillsides clothed with lush mediterranean vegetation. And on the outskirts of the town stands a fortified church dating from the 13th Century A.D. Though from the outside it appears rugged and weather-worn, the interior is a treasure-house of early Renaissance ecclesiastical... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #15: The Russian Chapel at Vršič
The Vršič pass is reached from Kranjska Gora in the Julian Alps via the Russian Road, so called because it was built by Russian Prisoners of War under Austro-Hungarian command during the First World War. About halfway up the pass, there is a chapel, built in wood. It is set back a little way from... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #14: Predjama Castle
Predjama Castle, or Predjamski Grad, means literally 'the castle in front of the cave.' But it is in fact built into the mouth of a cave, as you will see from the featured image. Today we are visiting a remarkable medieval castle which is sure to appeal to children with wild imaginations dreaming of knights... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #13 Postojna Cave
No trip to Slovenia would be complete without a visit to the remarkable Postojna Cave, or Postojnska Jama, which surely takes joint first place with Lake Bled as the country's main tourist attraction. Though closed during the coronavirus quarantine, it reopened in May and is enjoying a modest return to business by mask-clad visitors! History... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #12: Korita Mostnice
Today I bring you yet another gorge walk, this time close to Lake Bohinj. If you notice a theme to these last three posts, then that's because there are so many delightful gorges in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, all with their own unique character and beauty. I think each one is worth a visit,... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #11: The Pokljuka Hole
In my last postcard, I took you to Vintgar Gorge, a breathtaking natural beauty spot most definitely on the tourist trail. Today I want to tell you about a neighbouring gorge, making up in dramatic rock landscapes what it lacks in crystal clear waters, and rewarding more intrepid explorers with a walking itinerary which is... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #10: Vintgar Gorge
Today I bring you another of Slovenia's natural wonders: the Vintgar Gorge. Located just 4km from the town of Bled, it is a deservedly popular tourist destination. The dazzlingly clear turquoise waters of this natural masterpiece make Vintgar Gorge well worth the visit, if you don't mind some easy hiking (2-3 hours in total). Introduction... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #9: A Visit to Bled Castle
In keeping with the Kings of Bled theme, today we're taking a trip to the dramatic Bled Castle, perched atop a dramatic 125m high cliff overlooking the lake. If you're in the Bled area, make sure you visit the castle to find out more about the region's dramatic and multi-layered history. History of the Castle... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #8: A Trip to Bled Island
We've already taken a walk around Lake Bled, but no trip to Slovenia's most celebrated beauty spot would be complete without a trip to its iconic island, memorialised in many a postcard and calendar. Here's everything you need to know about Bled Island... A Potted History of Bled Island Bled Island seen from Straža Bled... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #7: Škofja Loka
Škofja Loka is one of Slovenia's best preserved medieval towns, located at the foothills of the Alps some 23km from the Capital, Ljubljana. Its centre is a time-capsule of a bygone age. It has a delightfully picturesque setting and boasts not one, but three castles (albeit two of them ruined) built on a plateau above... Continue Reading →