Ljubljana, Lake Bled and Postojna Cave – the land of dragons

Slovenia is a small green country between the Alps, the Mediterranean and the Pannonian Plain, more than half of it covered in forest. Its capital, Ljubljana, is one of Europe’s most pleasant small capitals, with a car-free centre, a river lined with bridges and a castle on the hill. The city’s symbol is the dragon. Less than an hour away are fairy-tale Lake Bled and the underground world of Postojna.

Ljubljana

• The Triple Bridge and the Dragon Bridge – the first by architect Jože Plečnik, the second guarded by four copper dragons, the city’s emblem.
• Prešeren Square – with the monument to poet France Prešeren, whose seventh stanza of one poem is now Slovenia’s national anthem. The pink Franciscan Church stands here too.
• Ljubljana Castle – on the hill above town, reached on foot or by funicular.
• The Central Market, with Plečnik’s riverside colonnade.
• St Nicholas Cathedral, with its bronze doors.
• Metelkova – an alternative quarter of graffiti and clubs.

Lake Bled

About 55 km from Ljubljana is Bled – an Alpine lake with a tiny island and church in the middle and a medieval castle on a cliff above the water. You reach the island in a traditional pletna boat and, by tradition, ring the wishing bell. The walk around the lake is about 6 km. Try the famous cream cake (kremšnita). Nearby is Vintgar Gorge, with wooden walkways above the river.

Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle

Postojna is one of Europe’s largest show caves. The tour starts with an underground train that travels kilometres into the mountain. The cave is home to the olm (“human fish”), a blind amphibian that can live more than 100 years. Ten km away is Predjama Castle, built into the mouth of a cave in a 120 m cliff. Legend says the robber knight Erazem hid here.

Four-day route (from the old programme)

1. Overnight drive from Sofia to Slovenia, arriving in Ljubljana in the evening.
2. Ljubljana – a guided walking tour, then free time or a coach trip to Bled.
3. Postojna and Predjama.
4. Back to Bulgaria.

Getting there

By car – about 1,000 km via Belgrade and Zagreb (about 11 hours). Slovenia requires an electronic vignette. By air – fly to Ljubljana or a nearby airport (Zagreb, Trieste, Venice).

Practical tips

• The currency is the euro. Slovenia is in the EU and Schengen.
• Ljubljana’s centre is pedestrianised. Park in the garages outside it.
• Bled is very busy in summer – go early in the morning.