Photograph by Kristijan Jesenovic, National Geographic Your Shot
The series of three Križ Lakes, with views into the Trenta Valley and Soča River below, are among the many surprises found in Triglav National Park, which showcases the country’s Julian Alps and occupies much of Slovenia’s northwest corner.
Photograph by Aleš Krivec, National Geographic Your Shot
The turquoise, clear Soča River, which runs for 85 miles from the heart of Julian Alps to the Adriatic Sea, is a magnet for kayaking, rafting, canyoning, and trout fishing.
Photograph by Rachael Tailford, National Geographic Your Shot
Perhaps the most photographed spot in Slovenia—if not Southeastern Europe—is the Assumption of Mary Church, on the island in Lake Bled. The Baroque icon is a must-see in every season, even if boats have to break ice to get there.
Photograph by Jošt Gantar, National Geographic Your Shot
Slovenia is nearly 60 percent forests, and around 40 percent of the country is protected. Artificial structures, like this road running along the eastern edge of Triglav National Park, can provide stark and sometimes beautiful contrast.
Photograph by Vasily Iakovlev, National Geographic Your Shot
About 21 miles north of Ljubljana, Velika Planina is billed as one the largest shepherds’ settlements in Europe. With around 140 huts spanning this alpine plateau, the time to visit is in June when the residents, and their herds, return until September.
Photograph by Domagoj Sever, National Geographic Your Shot
Some 50 tight turns wind up dense larch-tree forests to the 5,285-foot Vršič Pass, which was constructed as a military road. Drivers and cyclists conquer switchbacks from the Trenta Valley, in the south, then head north toward the resort town of Kranjska Gora, famous for its ski center and ski jump facilities.
Photograph by Matej Mlakar, National Geographic Your Shot
A winter sun sets on Slovenia’s mountainous landscape, as clouds roll in near the settlement of Kvok, between the Adriatic and the Alps.
Photograph by Alen Milavec, National Geographic Your Shot
Lake Cerknica is among the largest intermittent lakes in Europe. For about eight months, the body of water reappears on the karst field—reinvigorating an entire ecosystem of birds, mammals, and insects—and stretches for more than 11 square miles, making it, when full, the largest lake in Slovenia.
Photograph by Nina Lozej, National Geographic Your Shot
Mount Triglav is the highest point in Slovenia and the Julian Alps, and it’s the main attraction within the country’s lone national park: Triglav National Park. It is said that every Slovene must climb the 9,396-foot peak at least once.
Photograph by Gregor Skoberne, National Geographic Your Shot
The end of a day of hiking brings solitude in the mountains of Slovenia’s Bohinj region. This area—much of which lies within Triglav National Park—boasts many of the country’s most famous draws: Bohinj Lake, which is Slovenia’s largest natural lake; top-end skiing; and alpine-village traditions.
Photograph by Matic Ritonja, National Geographic Your Shot
Celje—Slovenia’s third largest city, with a population of around 38,000—is a dense combination of nature and history. Located on the banks of the Savinja River in the eastern half of the country, its attractions include Roman ruins and a medieval castle.
Photograph by Jure Maticic, National Geographic Your Shot
Nestled in the Julian Alps, every season brings a new view of Lake Bled, arguably Slovenia’s most famous body of water. For photographers, the perspective from the shoreside castle is considered one of the best for shots of the lake, its island, and church.
Photograph by Silvia G., National Geographic Your Shot
Koper is the largest city on Slovenia’s oft-overlooked Adriatic Coast, which stretches less than 30 miles. A stroll along the town’s pedestrian boulevards to the central Titov Trg, or Tito’s Square, means traveling through five centuries of Venetian architecture.
Photograph by Jaka Ivančič, National Geographic Your Shot
Stara Fužina is an alpine village on the banks of the Mostnica River and within a 10-minute walk to Bohinj Lake in Triglav National Park. Herding cows into the mountains is still a family affair here.
Photograph by Jure Maticic, National Geographic Your Shot
The Slovenia’s main urban hub, which was named the 2016 European Green Capital, can trace its roots back some 4,000 years. Over the last 2,000 years, Illyrians, Romans, the Franks, and Hapsburgs settled here, before Slovenia became part of Yugoslavia in the 20th century. Today, Ljubljana—with its bridges, market squares, pedestrian-only avenues, castle, and mountain backdrop—combines influences to form one of Europe’s most photogenic cityscapes.
Photograph by B. Fortuna, National Geographic Your Shot
The Križna Jama, or Cross Cave, near the village of Bloška Polica in the southern third of Slovenia, has some 45 lakes, 22 of which can be toured by boat.
Photograph by Peter Gedei, National Geographic Your Shot
Like so many spots in Slovenia, Planinsko Polje, which is a karst field on the Unica River that floods and drains with the weather and seasons, is a hidden treasure. Just up the road from the more famous Postojna Cave and its 15 miles of twisting and turning caverns, the polje, or field, is a fertile spot for birdwatchers.
Photograph by Nina Lozej, National Geographic Your Shot
The settlement of Koprivnik sits in the foothills close to the Croatian border. This type of village is common in the region and in Slovenia, where around 50 percent of the population is classified as rural.
Photograph by Gaby Barral, National Geographic Your Shot
The Trenta Valley, in Triglav National Park, is as picturesque as it is classically Slovenian. Enveloped by the Julian Alps, the valley cradles the Soča River, showcases mountain peaks and villages, contains waterfalls, and is a dream locale for hikers and photographers.
Photograph by Gregor Skoberne, National Geographic Your Shot
