Our winter trip to Slovenia took place at a time when the festive season was in full swing and the year slowly coming to a close. Winter reveals the country through snow-dusted Alpine landscapes, quiet lakes, and historic towns dressed in festive lights.

In this setting, the experiences we enjoyed were shaped by local life, tradition, and a deep connection to place.

Balancing moments of relaxation with active days outdoors, alongside village life, local crafts, and memorable food and wine experiences, our journey offered a little bit of everything.

Bohinj: Active Days on a Winter Trip

Set in the heart of the Julian Alps, Bohinj is a tranquil Alpine valley centred around Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest natural glacial lake. Often quieter and less known than Lake Bled, Bohinj offers a raw and authentic Alpine atmosphere, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and unspoilt nature. It is a destination that truly shines for travellers drawn to the outdoors and adventure.

We chose a balanced mix of experiences — cycling around the lake alongside a local guide, followed by a hiking route leading to a beautiful waterfall hidden within the landscape. Bohinj offers a wide range of carefully curated activities, from active adventures to hands-on encounters with local craftsmanship.

Slovenians take great pride in their traditions, skills, and local produce, and this is especially evident here. From cheese tastings to hands-on encounters with local producers and traditional crafts, the region offers countless opportunities to connect with local culture and flavours. Bohinj is the kind of place where it’s difficult to put experiences into words — it’s best felt through the pace, the people, and the landscape itself.

Bled: Tradition and Local Life

Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most recognisable sights, known for its island church, Bled Castle perched above the lake, traditional pletna boats, and the famous Bled cream cake. And for good reason — it truly is a special place to see.

Alongside the classic experiences, we also explored a different side of Bled. Surrounded by pristine nature, we leaned into the region’s deep connection to tradition and sustainability. One of the most memorable moments was a honey tasting experience, with bees active around us even on a crisp winter day. The gentle hum of bees, the scent of cold mountain air, and the rich taste of local honey came together in a sensory experience that felt both grounding and unique.

Perhaps we reversed the order of things — dessert before the main course — but the day continued with a traditional cooking class. We prepared “ajdovi krapi”, a historic Slovenian dish made from buckwheat dough, traditionally cooked in salted water. These hearty dumpling-like pockets are filled with a mixture of millet porridge and can be served with cracklings, cream, as a savoury dish, or even as a dessert. 

This was just one of many traditional dishes that can be explored through Slovenian cooking, each rooted in regional ingredients and seasonal customs. Prepared step by step alongside a charismatic local chef, the dish came together slowly — simple and full of flavour.

After the cooking class, the day came to a close in the simplest and nicest way — a relaxed dinner, a glass of champagne, and the quiet warmth of a fireplace back at our mountain stay.

Ljubljana: Festive Season and Creative Moments

After days immersed in nature, it was time to experience Slovenia’s capital. Ljubljana is often described as one of Europe’s greenest capitals, a quality that is felt rather than announced. The city is shaped by a blend of Central European architecture and the lasting influence of Jože Plečnik, with the Ljubljanica River running through its centre, the dragon as its enduring symbol, and the castle rising above the old town.

Visiting Ljubljana during the festive season adds another layer to the experience. The Christmas markets bring warmth and energy to the city, and strolling through the decorated streets felt both lively and intimate. Our hotel’s central location allowed us to enjoy the city at a relaxed pace — festive walks, a wonderful lunch at a local restaurant, and time to simply observe daily life.

To add a creative note to the day, we joined a ceramic workshop, crafting our own small souvenirs to take home. It was a hands-on way to connect with the city’s creative spirit and a reminder that Ljubljana is a place you can return to time and time again without ever growing tired of it.

A Journey That Stays With You

Our winter journey through Slovenia confirms why this country is one we continue to return to. Experienced through its people, traditions, landscapes, and everyday rhythms, each place reveals a distinct layer of its character. From Alpine scenery and historic towns to local crafts, flavours, and quiet moments of stillness, Slovenia offers depth and ease in equal measure — a destination that reveals more with every visit.

So, are you ready for your Journey2Slovenia?

Cover photo: Slovenian Tourist Board, Mediaspeed, Jernej Srebrnic