Slovenia · This or that
Slovenia: the Alps without the Swiss bill
Slovenia gives families most of what they go to Switzerland for: alpine lakes, rivers the colour of glacier water, big peaks and an easy capital, at a fraction of the cost. Rooms, food, lifts and activities are all noticeably cheaper. The trade-off is that you will need a car for the mountains, and the lifts and trains are fewer.
How they compare
- 1
The Soca's turquoise river
The Soca rises in the Julian Alps and runs south-west through a valley around Bovec and Kobarid, coloured bright green and blue by limestone. The water is cold, fed by snowmelt, so swimming is best in July and August, and stronger swimmers should avoid fast sections. Families can walk the Soca Trail, visit the Kozjak waterfall near Kobarid and see the old stone bridges. Bovec is the base for rafting, with family trips on gentler stretches in summer.
- 2
The Julian Alps
The Julian Alps fill the north-west of Slovenia, with Triglav, the national peak, at around 2,860 metres and a large national park around it. The scale is smaller and less crowded than Switzerland, and families can choose easy valley walks, gondola rides and hut hikes. Lift and activity costs are lower than at the main Swiss resorts, which makes a multi-day plan easier. Kranjska Gora is a base for skiing in winter and walking in summer. Check mountain weather before any high walk.
- 3
Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia, in the Julian Alps in a glacial valley west of Lake Bled. It is calmer and less developed than Bled, and the water is clear and swimmable in summer, with small beaches and walking paths. Families can walk part of the shore, take the Vogel cable car for a mountain view, or visit the Savica waterfall. Stay two nights if possible. Bled is close enough for a half-day visit.
- 4
Ljubljana, a fairytale capital
Ljubljana is a small capital, with a centre that is largely closed to cars. The river Ljubljanica runs through the old town lined with cafes, and the Triple Bridge, the Dragon Bridge and the market are on foot from each other. A funicular goes up to the castle for views. The city is compact enough to see in a day, and good for children thanks to its parks and pedestrian streets. Stay here a night at the start or end.
- 5
Family rooms for a fraction of the Swiss price
Accommodation in Slovenia is considerably cheaper than in Switzerland, including family rooms, apartments and farm stays, and food and activities follow the same pattern. Self-catering and set lunch menus cut costs further. Book mountain and lakeside rooms early for July and August, when the best choices go. Motorways need an electronic vignette, which you can buy online before driving, so add that to a car trip and compare the totals, not just room rates.
Plan it
- Best time
- June to September for swimming, hiking and open lifts. July and August are warmest for the Soca and the lakes, and busiest. September is calm, with clear weather. Winter brings skiing around Kranjska Gora and Bohinj.
- How long
- A week lets you see Ljubljana, Bled and Bohinj and the Soca valley without rushing. Five days works if you drop the Soca.
- Getting around
- Rent a car at Ljubljana airport. Distances are short, Bled is under an hour from the capital, but the Soca valley needs more time and a mountain pass. Buses and trains link the main towns, but run less often to the valleys.
Good to know
- Pack for cold water and changeable mountain weather, even in summer. Rain and cool evenings are common.
- Buy the motorway vignette online before driving. Fines for driving without one are high.
- Try the local cream cake in Bled, but eat meals in less touristy villages.
Frequently asked
Is Slovenia cheaper than Switzerland? +
Yes, noticeably. Rooms, meals, lifts and activities cost a fraction of Swiss prices, though Slovenia is not the cheapest country in Europe. Car hire and a motorway vignette add cost, so compare the whole trip, not just the hotel.
How many days do you need in Slovenia? +
Five to seven days is enough for Ljubljana, Lake Bled and Bohinj, and the Soca valley. A longer stay lets you add the coast and caves, and gives room for weather changes in the mountains.
Is Lake Bohinj better than Lake Bled? +
Bohinj is quieter, larger and better for swimming and walking, while Bled has the island church and the castle view. Most families do both. Stay at Bohinj for fewer crowds and visit Bled for a half day.
Do you need a car in Slovenia? +
For the mountains and the Soca valley, yes. Ljubljana is easy without one, and buses connect Bled and Bohinj, but they are infrequent and slower. A car gives the freedom to stop at viewpoints and trailheads.