Krvavec

Since the winter months are here, many people are planning on going skiing or snowboarding in the mountains. In my last blog post I spent some time talking about our capital, Ljubljana. If you are planning on going to visit our largest city in the coming months, you have to take some time and experience a beauty of the winter on a whole new level. It will only take you 30 minutes of driving to arrive at the Mt Krvavec Winter Ski Resort, which is on the altitude between 4757 and 6466 feet. Krvavec is one of the most popular winter resorts in Slovenia. During the ski season, the snow at Krvavec is guaranteed for 100 days. The skiing extends across 262 acres, 138 acres of which has been converted into ski-slopes with a combined length of around 20 miles. On 90% of the ski-slopes and on the cross-country ski-course at Krvavec, natural snow is backed up by artificial snow if needed. Due to the center's favorable location, the skiing season usually starts as early as the end of November and may last over 150 days until early May. The ski routes are varied and ideal for both recreational and professional skiers. The rich additional package includes a ski school, rental and service of ski equipment, a polygon for beginners and a playground for children, and thus attracts and delights beginners. A huge attraction at the Krvavec Ski Resort is the snow hotel, the so-called Igloo Village, which is a must-see attraction. The pleasant atmosphere, the food and beverage offer, and numerous parties will enchant you and may ensure that you come back. One advantage of the ski resort that has to attract you is the fact that when the sun is especially generous, Krvavec is as beautiful as the beach for sunbathing.

Ljubljana - The Capital

Has anyone already decided to go to Slovenia? I have more places that you need to see when you get there. Today I will introduce you to our capital city, Ljubljana.

For all of you who are used to live in big cities in America, Ljubljana represents more of a town with its population of 276,000 people. The city is located in the middle of the country, between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, in a basin where the Ljubljanica River flows into the Sava. It has all the facilities of a modern capital, and yet it has preserved its small-town friendliness and relaxed atmosphere. We like to say it is sufficiently large to contain everything that a capital should have, but small enough to preserve the individuality of its people. It is a vibrant city full of surprises. The city’s surrounding area, packed with natural beauty and cultural sights of a city's dynamic history, is renowned for the walking, hiking and cycle trails and a wide variety of culinary pleasures. It is a city with a soul. Ljubljana is also a heart of the political, economic, cultural and scientific life of the Slovene nation.
The first impression that most visitors get of Ljubljana is that it is an exceptionally young city. It is home of the University of Ljubljana with over 50,000 students, who give it a special vibe. As four Slovene regions meet in Ljubljana, the city's numerous restaurants and inns offer a wide range of local delicacies and superb wines that you have to try. Ljubljana did not earn the label of "the city of wine and vine" for nothing.

Ljubljana Castle, the city's most striking landmark, adds a special touch to the city's cultural vibrancy. It is an attractive tourist sight and a picturesque venue for concerts, theater performances, exhibitions, conferences and official functions.

Ljubljana is also a city of culture. It is home to numerous theaters, museums and galleries, and boasts one of the oldest philharmonic orchestras in the world. For the people of Ljubljana culture is a way of living and thinking and is very much a part of everyday life. Over 10,000 cultural events take place in the city every year, among which there are 10 international festivals.

Ljubljana is a city that people often return to because of the work or all the pleasant memories of previous visits. It is similar to a number of other pleasant European cities, but yet it is different. If you want to be fully assured that Ljubljana is an interesting, pretty and friendly place then you have to experience it on your own.

Triglav Mountain and The Triglav National Park

Once you visit Slovenia you definitely need to see our highest mountain. If you are not excited about the climbing on the top of the country, however,you can at least see the Triglav National Park, part of which is the Triglav Mountain. Triglav, with 2864 m (9396 feet) is the highest peak of Slovenia and also of the Julian Alps. The meaning of its name, "three-headed", can describe its shape as seen from the Bohinj area. The mountain is located between valley of Trenta, Vrata, Krma, and Bohinj. From top you will have a spectacular view of the whole country. On a sunny day you can even see the mountains in Austria and Italy, or all the way to the Slovenian Sea. The mountain represents an important symbol of my country. A stylized depiction of its distinctive shape is the central element featured on our national flag.

As I have mentioned, the Triglav Mountain is part of the only Slovenian national park, The Triglav National Park (TNP). It extends along the Italian border and close to the Austrian border in the north-west of Slovenia, that is, in the south-eastern section of the Alps. The park covers 880 square kilometers, or 3% of the territory of Slovenia. The Triglav National Park is among the oldest European parks. The day-tour to these amazing features of the country will enable you to explore the green-parts of Slovenia. And believe me, it is worth of visiting.

Piran & Portoroz

Hello my friends. Are you ready for some new attractions? I have more exciting places that I want to share with you. Today I will introduce you two Slovenian coastal towns.

Piran, the most beautiful coastal town in Slovenia, is perched on a tiny piece of land extending into the sea. The town was part of the Venetian empire from the late 13th century to the end of the 18th century. It has preserved the medieval layout with narrow streets, houses that are huddled close together, rising in cascades, the contact with the sea, numerous squares, and churches. It is the best preserved cultural monument of Slovenian Istria and the closest neighbor of Portoroz, the luxurious city of flowers. When you visit Piran, you should take a closer look at its architecture, influenced by the Venetian Republic, which left its mark on most Istrian towns. Tartini Square is the pearl of the town located in the very center. It was named after the famous violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini. The town of Piran is a national historical monument. The Church of St. George, the patron saint of Piran, rises above the town. It is worth of visit since the lookout tower gives you an amazing view of Piran, its surroundings, and the sea all the way to the Croatian and Italian Coast.

Second town is Portoroz which is in a walking distance from Piran. It is worth of walking because along the way you will have a wonderful view at the seaside. Once in Portoroz, you can revitalize your body and soul through refreshing jog on the beach, swimming in pools and the sea, beauty and health care programs at thermal spas, sports, and recreation. Portoroz has it all. The Terme & Wellness LifeClass features the most comprehensive thermal, medical and wellness offer in Europe. The spa is unique thanks to use of five local natural factors: salt pan mud - fango, brine - Aqua Madre, climate, sea and thermomineral water. You can enjoy yourself in 7 different wellness centers. Portoroz offers a large number of comfortable hotels with modern pools, a wide range of restaurants with different varieties of cuisine, and popular events. The town is also a well-known convention center. Numerous seminar and convention halls are host to prominent local and international meetings and events.

These two places are a wonderful summer destination for you to combine the sightseeing with relaxation.

Directions:

Being close to Italy and Croatia, Piran and Portoroz are very easily accessible by car. Slovenian capital Ljubljana is about 1-1.5 hours away, while the distance to Trieste in Italy is about 30 minutes. The international Ljubljana airport is 145km/90miles from Piran, if you are arriving by plane.

Bled

With immense natural beauty, Bled, together with its surroundings, ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts in Slovenia. The place is renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. Part of it is Lake Bled; probably the most popular tourist spot in Slovenia. It is sheltered by picturesque mountains. In the middle of the lake reigns an island on which is a castle- called Bled. The beauty of the mountains reflected on the lake, the sun, the serenity and the fresh air arouse pleasant feelings in visitors throughout the year, guaranteeing an ideal base or a relaxing break or an active holiday. While visiting you can rent your own boat to row around the island or just board a tourist boat called "Pletna" which will take you to the island. If you like to hike you can walk around the lake or climb up some hills above the lake. I would also recommend you to use a bike because there are many well marked biking routes that will take you around the lake. In summer you can also swim and enjoy on the beaches around the lake. Due to its variety, Bled attracts businessmen, artists, explorers, sport enthusiasts, the old and young; people from all over the world, enchanting them to return again and again.

Would you like to know how to get there?

Bled lies in the extreme northwestern part of Slovenia, at the foot of the Julian Alps and between the Sava Bohinjka and Sava Dolinka rivers. It is accessible in all seasons. The nearest international airport is Brnik which is 36 km/22.5 miles away. Basically you are almost there when you first land in Slovenia. It is about a 30 minutes drive from the airport. You can also use the train. The Bled railway station lies on the Villach - Jesenice - Ljubljana - Belgrade - Istanbul - Athens railway line. Another way to get to the Bled is by bus since there is a good connection with all larger cities in Slovenia.

I have enjoyed my time in Bled and I really recommend you to experience this part of Slovenia on your own.