|
With its breathtaking scenery of lush forests, caves, waterfalls,
picture-book castles, and mountain backdrops, Slovenia is
the perfect destination for any traveler. Although it is the
smallest country in Eastern Europe, Slovenia is profitably
located between eastern and western Europe and controls some
of Europe's major transit routes. It shares borders with Italy,
Hungary, Croatia and Austria.
While its former-Yugoslav counterparts, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina,
were entangled in bitter fighting with Serbia, Slovenia succeeded
in declaring its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 after
defeating the Serb-dominated Yugoslav's People's Army
in a war that lasted only ten days. On 1 May 2004, Slovenia
entered the European Union along with nine other states with
90 percent of Slovenes voting in favour of joining. At the
time it was the only candidate country from the former Yugoslavia.
The capital Ljubljana is a city filled with baroque
architecture, overflowing with art galleries and museums,
with a thirteenth century castle overlooking the city. Travel
southwest towards the Adriatic Coast where the Secovlje
saltpans are located - a botanical Mecca scattered along
the coast line with 45 endangered plant species, 200 species
of bird, and a natural fish farm.
When to Go
The busiest and most crowded time to visit Slovenia is July
and August, when most Europeans are on vacation. Temperatures
are at their highest during this time averaging at around
85ºF (29ºC). During May to October the weather is
pleasant and dry, making this a good time of year to visit.
Winters are cold and snowy with an average temperature of
18ºF (0ºC). Ljubljana hosts the International
Summer Festival between July and September, exhibiting
the finest opera, theatre and classical music the country
has to offer.
People
Slovenia has a population of two million people living within
its 12,500 square miles, 70 percent of whom are Roman Catholic.
Together the four largest cities, Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje,
and Kranj, hold only a quarter of the country's
population. Around 80 percent of people are Slovenian with
Croats and Serbs contributing to the majority of the rest
of population.
Language
Slovenian is comparable to Croatian and Serbian and
is a southern Slavic language. Written in the Latin alphabet,
it is a difficult language to learn with its many cases and
genders. Most people do speak Croatian and Serbian as well,
and sometimes German and Italian. English is quite predominantly
spoken amongst young people.
Travel
Getting around Slovenia is not always easy. The bus system
is often the best option when it comes to public transport.
It is possible to buy tickets from the driver when boarding
or you can purchase tickets one day in advance to ensure a
seat, which is recommended if planning a Friday afternoon
trip when travel is at its busiest.
Slovenske Zeleznice (Slovene Railways) run on just
745 miles of track and offer some of the loveliest scenery
for those wanting to take in the lush landscape Slovenia has
to offer. Although the train service connects many parts of
Slovenia, it is better utilised for long distances as the
bus service is often faster for short distance trips. The
rail service is linked to all major European cities.
Cash
The currency in Slovenia is the Euro. For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
There are only a small number of hostels in Slovenia, however
those on offer are of good quality with prices that are comparable
to those of other European countries. Over the summer period
it is advised to book in advance, when beds are in very high
demand.
Camping grounds are abundant and are a popular choice for
many travelers, particularly in the summer months. Most camping
grounds are small but are generally organised for activity
and fun. Sports and leisure facilities are often included,
and if not, are usually close by and most have playgrounds
for those travelling with children.
Hotels are not overly pricey, however prices are on the increase
and expect to be even higher once the Euro in fully in place.
Those who can afford to indulge in higher-priced hotels will
be delighted with the health programs many of them have on
offer, such as steam baths, massage, Finnish saunas, and bowling.
Food
Heavy and wholesome dishes such as njoki (potato dumplings),
klobasi (sausage), and golaz (goulash) are traditional
Slovenian cuisine. Influenced by its bordering Hungary, Dunajski
zrezek, or Wiener schnitzel as it is more commonly
known as, is often seen on menus. For holiday events, Slovenian
breads are made stuffed with meat, vegetables, or for lovers
of all things sweet, sugary fillings. Struklji are
cheese dumplings and are a favourite. On Slovenia's short
coastline fish is also predominant on Slovenian menus along
with other sea food.
Dress
There are no dress restrictions in Slovenia, however, even
during the summer months it is wise to carry a light jacket,
particularly during the evenings or when visiting the mountains
where the air can be fresh.
Visas
Citizens of European Union countries, along with Canada, the
United States, Israel, and Australia do not need a visa for
stays of less than 90 days. |
