Slovenia - Living up to its reputation for natural beauty

While living in Albania for 4 1/2 years, we traveled all the Balkan countries save Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia. People had raved about the natural beauty of Slovenia so we headed there to hike and play.

Ljubljana - Capital of Slovenia

A city of 278,000 people, the buildings quietly and gracefully line the Ljubijanica River. Decorative bridges and winding streets complete the scene.

 

Very clean country with containers for trash and recycled dry and wet waste. McDonalds, the waste producer!

Walking up to the castle with views down to Ljubljana and surrounding circle of mountains

Our first selfie!

To the caves, south west of the capital. These are the Postnja Caves, 26 miles of underground stalagmites and stalactites. Millions of them. 

To note that while this is the second biggest set of caves, in Kentucky, Mammoth Caves run 600 kilometers underground. That would be some walk!

This stalactite type is called "bacon". 

On to the our anniversary dinner at Hisa Franko. This is a rolling countryside setting with chef, Ana Ros who is #48 out of the 50 best chefs in the world. Four hours of gastronomical delight! It is worth squinting your eyes and reading the 11 courses. Each was paired with a unique but tasty wine.

From the feast we traveled west to north east Slovenia across mountains, 56 U turns and rushing rivers. Peter was a natural after Albania!

Up by the Italian border is a cross country ski center, Planica, with ski jumps and outdoor activities. We walked up to the end of a valley floor for a nice lunch by a small church.

Yummy cabbage turnip soup

Lake Bled our next stop. It could be a bit touristy but an early morning walk around the Lake was great. 

This is a well photographed church on an island in the middle of Lake Bled

Back neighborhoods from Lake Bled where our hotel was located, The Old Bled Hotel

Next stop is Vintgar Gorge, near Lake Bled. Clearest water we have ever seen.

Example of the clear water such that you would think this foreground is dry shoreline

Numerous trout in the rushing gorge waters and mighty tasty dinner at night

Alpine towns with a northern Austrian feel to us

These structures were everywhere in the countryside. It is/was to dry hay after being cut

One lane winding roads through many small Alpine towns

Lake Bohinj is the next stop. It was far less developed than Lake Bled and more dramatic mountain ranges surrounding the Lake. From the shore line to the top of the tram and a ski area, the views are breathtaking.

From the tram at the top of the mountain looking down at Lake Bohinj

Visit to the oldest city in Slovenia, Skofja Loka with buildings from the 1700s on the main square.

Old city hall

 

Concluding our trip with a big piece of the famous "Kremna Rezina"

Crispy buttery crust, creamy vanilla custard, whipped cream and crunchy topping, Betsy was in heaven!

Slovenia, a special blend of Italian, Austrian and Slovenian cultures. Two million inhabitants of Slovenia are proud of their country's natural beauty and many take advantage of it whether they be 90 or 30 with 3 young kids.  Thoroughly enjoyable vacation.