Introduction
When people think of Slovenia, they often picture breathtaking scenery like Lake Bled, but its cities are also quite आकर्षive. In this article, I’ve summarized my impressions after visiting the capital Ljubljana and the second-largest city, Maribor.
Rather than feeling like large metropolitan areas, both cities have a calm, relaxed European atmosphere where time seems to pass slowly.
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Ljubljana Edition
Impressions of Ljubljana
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, but it feels quite different from what you might expect of a typical big city.
There are hardly any high-rise buildings north of the central station (HBF), and compared to Vienna or Zurich, the atmosphere is much more relaxed.
The entire city is compact, which makes it easy and enjoyable to explore on foot.
Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle is located on a hill above the old town.
Unlike many other European castles, this one was not originally built as a noble residence but as a military fortress. As a result, you can see many gun ports along its walls.
There are several routes to reach the castle, and you can also take a cable car. It’s only about a 10-minute walk, making it an easy climb—many locals even use it as a dog-walking route.
I walked up from STUDENTOVSKA ULICA, taking the route that turns toward OVINKI along the way.
However, one thing to note:
👉 There is a lot of dog poop.
It’s understandable since it’s a popular walking route, but you may find yourself watching your step more than enjoying the scenery.
You can see the city from outside the castle, but trees partially block the view. The terrace observation deck inside offers a much better panorama. There are also cafés and a museum, though I didn’t visit them this time.
Old Town and Bridge Walk
Most of the highlights are concentrated in the old town, which spreads north of the castle.
The Ljubljanica River flowing through the city center is lined with several unique bridges.
From east to west, you’ll find the Dragon Bridge, Butchers’ Bridge, and the Triple Bridge.
The Dragon Bridge is a famous tourist spot known for its dragon statues.
Butchers’ Bridge is covered with countless padlocks, even extending onto its decorative elements.
The Triple Bridge, as the name suggests, consists of three parallel bridges. However, it can be a bit hard to appreciate in photos due to the crowds.
Nearby stands the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, and the surrounding area is always lively.
On the south side of the river between Butchers’ Bridge and the Triple Bridge, there’s also a market where you can enjoy everything from food to souvenirs.
Maribor Edition
A City Worth Visiting
I originally planned to stop by Maribor briefly on my way back from Ljubljana to Graz, but it turned out to be a much better city than I expected.
It has a calm atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and stay longer.
From the Station to the City Center
As you exit the station, the first thing you’ll notice is a displayed train, which serves as a small photo spot.
Walking from there toward the city center, the atmosphere gradually becomes more charming. It takes about 30 minutes on foot to reach the main attractions.
Riverside Terrace
One of the most memorable spots in Maribor was the riverside terrace.
With its open atmosphere, lined with restaurants and cafés, many people enjoy dining outdoors here. Rather than feeling like a tourist spot, it blends naturally into local life, making it a very comfortable place to spend time.
The Oldest Vine in the World (History and Role)
Near this terrace stands what is considered the oldest grapevine in the world.
It is over 400 years old and has survived since the Middle Ages, enduring wars and fires throughout its long history.
It still produces grapes today, which are used to make wine. However, the production is extremely limited and rarely available on the market.
This wine is sometimes used by the Slovenian government as a diplomatic gift, making it a truly “special wine.”
Maribor Castle
You’ll also find Maribor Castle along the way through the city.
While not as large as Ljubljana Castle, it’s still worth a visit as a place where you can feel the city’s history.
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Conclusion
Ljubljana and Maribor are not flashy tourist destinations, but each has its own charm.
Ljubljana is compact and easy to explore, while Maribor offers a शांत atmosphere perfect for relaxing.
Slovenia is a country where you can experience “everyday life in Europe,” making it a highly recommended destination for those who want to enjoy that kind of atmosphere.
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