Official name:............Republic of Slovenia
Political system: ...........parliamentary republic
Area: .............20,273 km2
Forest: ...........10,124 km2                                                                                                               slozastava300
Vineyards: ..........216 km2
Length of border with Austria: .........318 km 
Length of border with Italy:............232 km
Length of border with Hungary:.........102 km
Length of border with Croatia: ..........670 km
Length of coast:...........46.6 km
Capital: ............Ljubljana5
Population: ..............2.025.866 (31. December 2007)         
Ethnic origin of population: ............Slovene(83.06%), Italian(0.11%), Hungarian
(0.32%), Others (16.51%)
Language: ..........Slovene
Religion: .............Roman Catholic (60%)
Climate: .............Alpine, Continental, Mediterranean
Time zone: .........Central European Time GMT+1
Average temperatures July: .........21°C  January: -2°C
Political system: ...........multiparty parliamentary democracy
Economy: .............GDP p.c. (2005) 17.076 EUR, imports (2007) 21.5 billion EUR, exports (2007) 19.4 billion EUR
Currency: ............Euro, 1 January 2007
Education: ............Universities in Ljubljana and Maribor 90,403 students (2005/2006)
Culture: ............38 professional and numerous amateur theatres, 2 operas, 45 permanent galleries, 121 museums, 19 professional orchestras and a symphony orchestra
Media: ............14 daily newspapers, 45 weeklies, state television, private televisions, state radio station, local radio stations


  Getting to Slovenia

 1. BY AIR
Slovenia's national carrier Adria Airways offers regular schedule flights to most major European cities. Ljubljana is linked to Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Zurich, Brussels, Paris, Barcelona, London, Dublin, Manchester, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Moscow, Split, Skopje, Sarajevo, Ohrid, Tirana, Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Podgorica, Prague, Priština and others.

You can best get to know a country if you visit it by car. You can reach Slovenia via one of the border crossings with Italy, Austria, Hungary or Croatia, or you can rent a car in one of our car rental agencies. Slovenia’s highways are good and clearly signposted, beside the roads you will find rest stops, inns with overnight accommodation, and motels.

Almost every important tourist destination is served by modern and comfortable trains. Connections abroad are also excellent: you can come to Slovenia on direct lines from  Italy, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland and Serbia. Train travel is convenient and inexpensive.

Vessels arriving in the territorial waters of Slovenia from abroad may land only at the docks of the international border crossings in Koper, Piran and in Izola (seasonal border crossing). Upon mooring the vessel, the vessel, its crew, and the passengers must be registered with the border authorities. The following documents are needed for the procedure: the original documents for the vessel (proof of ownership of the vessel or authorization for its use), the captain's certificate of qualification to operate the vessel
and identity documents of people on the vessel.

It is also possible to reach Slovenia from neighbouring countries by bus. International bus transport is well organized and relatively inexpensive. The timetables and other information can be found at the web address.

 Regions & Towns

Julian Alps

Ljubljana and its Surroundings

Coast and Karst
Where the sun strokes the picturesque Mediterranean towns on the Adriatic coast. Its rays are infatuated with the beauty of the Karst region planted with olive groves and vineyards, with peach orchards and cherry trees. Some of the most beautiful underground worlds of our planet lie below their roots. There are more than six thousand karst caves and sinkholes in Slovenia, and ten of these treasuries of limestone masterpieces created by disappearing karst rivers have been adapted and opened for tourists. 

Maribor and Pohorje and surroundings
Wherever travellers come from, the Pohorje region, the green specialty of Slovenia’s mountain world, greets them with remarkable peat moors with lakes, extensive grassy plains and slopes that in winter become attractive ski areas, mighty forests and gigantic trees, well-marked mountaineering and hiking trails, hospitable inns, and inviting sporting and tourist centers. 

Kranj and Kamniške-Savinjske Alps Region
Where the Sava River reveals its true face and its power is invigorated by tributaries from the left and right, the land widens. Here, cities and towns with venerable traditions together with towns and villages scattered across the high alpine mountains and softly rounded hills create a land of new experiences not far- from the nation’s capital.  


Dolenjska, Bela krajina and Posavje
Wine-growing hills and small churches, castle and monasteries, mighty forests and gentle birch groves give the extensive region of southeastern Slovenia a very picturesque appearance. Dolenjska, which shakes hands with Bela krajina across the scenic Gorjanci mountain range, is a region with countless possibilities for relaxation, exploration, and pleasure and numerous fascinating stops on its heritage trails and wine roads.

The dreamy countryside along the Mura River in eastern Slovenia is a land of wide fields and rounded hills, storks and wind-rattles, floating mills, healing waters and energy points, picturesque wine-growing hills, original traditions and dialects, and most of all, a land of hospitable people, who live in Slovenia’s largest agricultural region.


Discover Slovenia the new star of Europe

Slovenia is a relatively small country, but as the saying goes all good things come in small packages. If you compare the size of Slovenia, it's roughly the size of Wales or half the size of Switzerland, tucked into a mountainous corner between Austria, Italy, Hungary, and the Adriatic Sea. Despite its modest size, Slovenia is big in what it has to offer to its visitors. There are a few countries in Europe that could offer such a magnificent mixture of history, nature, things to do and see, activities and leisure. We have something for everyone, majestic Alps with their glacial valleys, rivers and lakes, mysterious Karst caves, warm Adriatic.
In just one holiday you can explore the underground world of the Postojna Caves system, walk in the clean mountain air of the Triglav National Park, climb the peaks of the Julian Alps and admire medieval treasures of old cities and towns.
If you are looking for a peaceful, value for money destination with mountains, lakes, seaside, ski resorts, health spar resorts, historic cities and villagers, castles and churches, then discover "little - big" Slovenia
Coast and Karst - the region loved by the sun

Yellow is the colour of the sun that strokes the picturesque Mediterranean towns on the Adriatic coast, its rays infatuated with the beauty of the karst region planted with olive groves and vineyards, with peach orchards and cherry trees. Some of the most beautiful underground worlds of our planet lie below their roots. There are more then 6000 karst caves and sinkholes in Slovenia, and ten of these treasuries, those of limestone masterpieces created by disappearing karst rivers have been adapted and opened for tourists.
Every kilometer of the Slovene coast is a new surprise. You can see: •  Piran, Izola, Koper that draw visitors with their medieval cores
•  Portorož mentioned as early as in 1251 offers numerous modern hotels, a modern marina, a sport airport, thermal baths, a casino and a varied offer of summer cultural, entertainment and sports events. •  Strunjan cliff, which with its 80 meters presents the highest flysch wall on the Adriatic coast
•  Sečovlje saltworks, first mentioned in the 13th century
Behind the Slovene coast is the Karst region with numerous attractions including:
•  Postojna Caves these were first mentioned in 1213 and has attracted more than 26 million visitors so far
•  Škocjan Cave boast a 1400-meter long and 150-meter deep underground canyon
•  Križna Cave lakes can be seen from boats in the glow of carbide lamps
•  Lipica where the stud-farm was established in 1580. The home of the famous Lippizaner horses, and the original stud where these creatures were first bred.
Lakes & Mountains - the kingdom of friendly peaks

Imposing but accessible mountain beauties invite you to experience the Julian Alps, the Karavanke Mountains , the Kamniško-Savinjske Alps and many solitary peaks. According to an old Slavic legend, Mount Triglav , Slovenia ' s highest peak (2864 m), is a three headed-god whom keeps a watchful eye over the earth, the sky and the underworld.
Below the mountain spreads the Triglav National Park , covering 84,805 hectares. The sources of the Sava and Soca rivers are here, along with the beautiful Seven LakesValley.
Lake Bled - the world re-nowned resort with its picturesque lake lies on the edge of the Triglav National Park . With its thermal springs, natural attractions, recreational opportunities, congress centre, casino and a 27 hole championship golf course, Bled has been a true tourist paradise for more than a century.
Bovec - situated in the heart of the picturesque Soca River valley is known as a place where the world's best kayakers and canoeists compete.
Lake Bohinj - Slovenia ' s largest glacier lake with its unspoilt surrounding mountains is found in the Triglav National Park . Kranjska Gora the most famous Slovenia n ski resort, the scene of World Cup alpine skiing lies in this area. Together with Planica famous for its ski jumps on which competitors surpassed 100 and 200 meters for the first time in history.
Throughout the year, Slovenia 's mountain world offers splendour for the spirit and activity for the body. Seven thousand kilometres of marked and protected trails, 166 mountain lodges, and recreation centres that offer peaks with steep cliffs, steep cliffs, and not forgetting lakes that during the winter become skating and curling rinks - all these attract travellers.

Cities and towns - bridges of lively experience

Slovenia is indeed a small country and so are our cities, if we compare them with European ones. We can truthfully say that the rainbow of the world is at home in Slovene cities and towns. The capital Ljubl jana inspires visitors with its rich antique and medieval heritage, the Renaissance, baroque and Art Noveau facades of its buildings, and with the impressive work of the famous architect Jože Plecnik. Ljubl jana represents Slovenia ' s political, cultural, scientific and university center, and is an excellent starting point for becoming acquainted with Slovenia . In eastern Slovenia , only 18 km from the Austrian border is the attractive city of Maribor , known for its opera, museums and galleries. The old part known as the Lent district, lying along the Drava river, is famous for its 400 year old grape vine. Nearby Ptuj one of Slovenia 's oldest cities and a genuine treasure house of the centuries, draws visitors with its beauty. Preserved and carefully protected medieval buildings also charm visitors to smaller towns such as Škofja Loka, Radovljica, Kamnik, Piran, Kranj, and more.
The countryside - hospitable people in green surroundings

Green is the colour of an awakening that calms and refreshes the colour of wide meadows, mysterious forests, spring fields, autumn vineyards and orchards. In every season visitors are welcomed as friends at more than 300 Slovene tourist farms. These farm households offer their guests excellent Slovene wines, in the dining room with beautiful ceramic heating stoves they serve generous home cooked meals.
Tourist farms are an attractive prospect for families with children, many offer special children ' s holiday programs. Lovers of active holidays will be drawn to the countryside with opportunities for walking mountaineering, riding, cycling, boating, and fishing. In the winter, cross-country skiing is possible in many places and many tourist farms are close to local ski areas.

Health Spas - springs of health and beauty

In the variety of Slovenia ' s fifteen health spas, you will become familiar with all the diversity of Slovenia n landscapes, their cuisine and not forgetting their natural and cultural character. Restful and active holidays are provided at the thermal pools with 27 ° C to 38 ° C water temperatures and unlimited opportunities for excursions, recreation and sport. The beneficial effects of the spa waters are complemented with healing muds, mineral peloids and peat, a healthy climate, salt-water, and brine. Through various medical, preventive, and above all, holiday programs, over the decades Slovenia ' s health spas have fulfilled their mission " With nature to health. " .

Painting, Sculpture and Architecture

As with all cultural divisions within Slovenia, they have been influenced by the multitude of people and nationalities that have crossed through the country. Italian baroque architecture, for example is common particularly among churches and government buildings, the best example being the cathedral in Ljubl jana . One of the most famous Slovenes is Joze Plečnik who is the architect responsible for designing the “new” Ljubl jana after the devastating 1895 earthquake. Joze Plečnik is commemorated on the 500 Tolar note.
Gothic frescoes are particularly common, the best examples being in the Church of Saint John at Lake Bohinj . Famous Slovenian painters of this time were Johannes de Laibaco, Johannes Aquila and Jernej of Loka. The most important Slovenian painters were the Impressionist who exhibited in Ljubl jana in 1990. These were Ivan Grohar, Matej Sternen and Rihard Jakopič. More recently Lojze Doliner was popular during the Tito regime and modern day painters include Rudi Spanzel (who designed the new tolar notes) and a group of painters called Neue Slowenische Kunst who mainly exhibit in multi-media form.
Particularly interesting examples of Baroque sculpture are Jozef Straub's plague pillar in Maribour or Francessco Roba's Fountain of the Carniolan Rivers in Ljubl jana .

Music and Dance

Slovenian folk music has mainly developed from songs that were sung at ceremonies or rituals. The most popular Slovene folk group are the trio Trutamora Slovenica, who play on original folk instruments such as the cymbalom (a stringed instrument played with sticks), zvegla (a wooden cross flute) and even a rattle made from dried pumpkin.
Classical music started from the conversion of Slovenes to Christianity, the oldest of these songs date from 1440. The most important composer of this form was Izak Pos. The first Slovenian opera was composed in 1780 by Jakob Zupan. However the most famous person connected with the opera is Mar jana Lipovšek, who is the country's foremost mezzo-soprano.
Ljubljana has it's own ballet school as part of the national theatre. However the first ballet was performed in 1918. Contemporary dance is best exemplified by the group Betontanc that perform rock operas.

It is though that it was the Irish monks that introduced the Latin alphabet to Slovenia around the 8 th century. The oldest example of any Slovene language dates from 970. The romantic period produced the Slovene's greatest poet and hero France Peršeren (born near Bled). Peršeren was rather vain and arrogant as he refused to have any likeness of himself painted or published.
The official language in Slovenia is Slovene, but don't worry if it doesn't fall naturally off your tongue as virtually everyone speaks at least one other language. German, Italian or English are spoken by the majority of people but just because you will never “need” Slovene shouldn't stop you from learning a few words and phrases.
Slovenia's two million people speak Slovene, which in addition to singular and plural has the special grammatical number dual, a rarity among world languages. No, it is not the same in Slovene if one, two or more people are talking, nor is it the same if men or women are doing it.
The Slovenian alphabet has 25 letters. It drops the letters q, w, x and y but adds the following in both upper and lower case:- č - “ch” as in church, š - “sh” as in ship and ž - “zh” like the “s” in measure.