Discover why Slovenia is the perfect place for sport and nature lovers
When you enter Slovenia for the first time, you will be amazed by its pristine nature at every step, even in urban areas. The country is a natural playground that makes you want to move, so it is unsurprising that Slovenia is the first choice of sports lovers. Many famous athletes live there, for example, the world champion in road cycling Tadej Pogačar, Olympic gold medalist in cycling Primož Roglič, and two-time Olympic gold medalist in rock climbing Janja Garnbret. Also, NBA basketball players Luka Dončić and Goran Dragić were born and raised in Slovenia. So what makes this small country in the heart of Europe so successful in the sporting world?
Cycling, hiking, running, and climbing are some of the most popular sports in Slovenia. The main reason behind it is probably the diversity of the natural landscape which offers the perfect training ground for all levels of athletes – from beginner to professional.
Slovenia is a hiking paradise – almost every holiday destination in Slovenia is surrounded by walking or hiking trails suitable for all ages. Dedicated hikers will find more than 10,000km of marked mountain trails and 5,000km of themed hiking trails. You can start at specialised hiking accommodation facilities and find refuge in mountain huts, shelters, and bivouacs. More experienced hikers can explore the Juliana trail, a 270km-long circular long-distance trail at the doorstep of the Julian Alps. A long-distance Alpe-Adria trail will make you feel like you are in paradise. The route will take you from the Julian Alps to the Karst, through flowering meadows and lush forests, surrounded by the majestic backdrop of Alpine peaks, and alongside clear Alpine rivers. Great alternatives for those who are less experienced hikers but still love spending time in nature are Pohorje, Rogla or Kočevsko.
Alpe Adria Trail will lead you from the Alpine glaciers to the Adriatic coast. Photograph: Jost Gantar
Rogla is a mountain in the heart of Pohorje hills with a beneficial Alpine climate and green forests. Take the 1000-metre-long treetop walk, which rises 20 metres above ground, and discover numerous hiking and cycling trails. One of the most eye-catching trails is the area of the Lovrenc Lakes, which are like windows in the broad peat bog. While walking along the gentle meadows and the mossy wetlands, you can marvel at the peat bog pools and beds of rare plants and enjoy the amazing views.
The Treetop Walk on mountain Rogla offers stunning views in every season. Photograph: PR
If you travel to the southern part of the country, you will enter the world of the mysterious, primeval forests of Kočevje and explore nature in its primal glory. This area is also home to the largest brown bear population in Europe. Join an expedition to examine the brown bear’s migration paths and discover the Kočevje forests’ wilderness under the experienced guidance of a local guide. It will change your view of the forest and wild animals!
Engage your senses and meet native wildlife in the primeval forests of Kočevje. Photograph: Ciril Jazbec
The fact that Slovenia has so many great cyclists is not a coincidence. You can explore the country by bike, such as Parenzana in the Karst and Mediterranean region or Via Bela Krajina in the Thermal Pannonian region.
Suppose you want to experience the Slovenian sea coast. In that case, we suggest biking along the Parenzana, a biking trail running along the former railway line between Trieste and Poreč, which connects Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. The Slovenian part of the trail is suitable for mountain and trekking bikes. Stop in picturesque Slovenian coastal towns – the sunny Koper, the fishing town Izola or romantic Piran.
Another excellent biking trail, suitable for families or those who like more demanding trails, is Via Bela Krajina in the country’s southeastern part. The path will take you across the Bela Krajina region among the white birches and wine-growing hills, all the way to the river Kolpa, which offers a pleasant refreshment in the summertime.
Outdoor sporting enthusiasts are well acquainted with the fact that Slovenia is a country with abundant water and offers plenty of fun water activities. Adrenaline water experiences on the rivers of Alpine Slovenia are particularly appealing. For example, the Soča Valley is known for kayaking, canoeing, rafting, hydrospeeding and thrilling canyoning, but you can also hire a raft or a kayak on Savinja River. Calmer rivers such as the river Kolpa are more suited for boating and standup paddleboarding. Furthermore, learning to dive, sail, kitesurf or windsurf on the Adriatic Sea is possible.
Slovenian rivers offer an abundance of options for water activities, such as kayaking, rafting and canyoning. Photograph: PR
If you crave a truly unique experience, we recommend joining a kayaking adventure through the underground of Mount Peca. You will enter a maze of subterranean tunnels and lakes, which you can explore with a local guide and row through the flooded tunnels of the largest lead and zinc mine in this part of Europe.
Visit slovenia.info and discover more opportunities for outdoor activities in Slovenia