Last Updated:August 11, 2026, 11:30 IST
From Shahid Kapoor and Ishaan Khattar to South superstar Yash, Indian celebrities love Slovenia. Here’s a look at what you can do in Slovenia.
Lake Bled in Slovenia (Photo: Pexels)
If you have never heard of Slovenia, it might be because you are living under a rock. The relatively tiny country in Central Europe has fast become a favourite vacation spot for Bollywood celebrities. It has also been featured in quite a few Indian movies.
Slovenia is currently in the news because the Indian embassy premises in the country was defaced with “anti-India elements”. The embassy is situated in Ljubljana, the capital of the country. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the defacement and said the incident was unacceptable. It also stressed that diplomatic missions are protected under the Vienna Convention.
With a population of just over 2 million people, the country is known for its mountains, quaint towns, picturesque landscapes, ski resorts and lakes. It is bordered by Italy in the west, Austria in the north, Hungary in the northeast, Croatia in the south and southeast, and the Adriatic Sea in the southwest.
And this European destination has found a beloved crowd among Indian celebrities, with actor-brothers Shahid Kapoor and Ishaan Khattar taking a road trip to the country’s capital on their bikes last year. Avid bike enthusiasts, the brothers are known to take vacations together and travel where the road leads them.
Ramanyana’s Yash and his wife Radhika Pandit also visited the country in 2022. The latter shared a slew of photos with her actor-husband. She showed her love for the country in her Instagram caption, ” This country literally spells LOVE ❤️.. and how!! Warm people, stunning sights, delicious food. A brilliant combination of the sea and the hills!”
In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, actor Kriti Kharbanda spoke about her trip to Slovenia in 2017, when she was shooting a film. She said, “I honestly didn’t even know Slovenia existed till I was told we were going there to shoot a movie…The population is scarce, and it is one of the quaintest places with eye-catching architecture…Everyone walks in Slovenia. You don’t see too many cars on the streets. Like the locals, I would walk or cycle to the shoot too. The weather was nippy, and you get everything you need within a radius of five kilometres.”
It has also emerged as one of the toughest countries for Indians applying for a Schengen visa. Slovenia has recorded a non-issuance rate of 46.1%, meaning nearly half of all applications submitted by Indians did not result in a visa being granted.
If you do get granted a Schengen visa and can visit Slovenia, here’s what you can do:
Most trips begin in Ljubljana, a compact, walkable capital with cobbled streets, riverside cafés, and a hilltop castle offering panoramic views. From there, the fairytale Lake Bled is a must: take a traditional pletna boat to the island church, climb to Bled Castle, and enjoy the backdrop of the Julian Alps. Nearby, Lake Bohinj offers a quieter, greener alternative for swimming, hiking, and boat rides.
Nature lovers should explore Triglav National Park, with its dramatic valleys, waterfalls, and high mountain trails, or head to the Soča Valley for kayaking, rafting, and striking turquoise waters.
Underground, the Postojna Cave and Škocjan Caves reveal vast limestone chambers and underground rivers, while Predjama Castle, built into a cave mouth, looks like something from a storybook.
On the coast, the Venetian-style town of Piran is perfect for wandering narrow lanes, tasting fresh seafood, and watching sunsets over the sea. With short distances, good roads, and a mix of outdoor adventure and culture, Slovenia is ideal for a relaxed yet activity-filled European getaway.
Abigail Banerji is a Senior Sub Editor with News18’s English desk. She brings 6 years of experience across both print and digital newsrooms, spanning editorial planning, reportage, copy editing, conte…Read More
August 11, 2026, 11:30 IST