Following the recent Green List status change, Slovenia is ready to welcome back UK holidaymakers in time for a late summer break or autumn escape. With direct services available on British Airways and EasyJet in addition to indirect services with Air France and Lufthansa via a short stopover in Frankfurt, travellers will arrive at the cultural capital of Ljubljana in under two hours.
Upon entry, travellers are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival and those that have been fully vaccinated will no longer need to quarantine on return.
From towering mountains in the Julian Alps to vast lakes and rural backwaters in the majestic Lake Bled, Slovenia is small and easy to navigate. Ideal for travellers looking for outdoor adventures, Michelin-Star food and drink, and a spot of mythical culture, the country is perfect for walking, hiking, biking and kayaking, and exploring the diverse regions wineries, towns and unique history.
London Gatwick (LGW)
EasyJet flies direct to Ljubljana from London Gatwick twice weekly (Sunday and Wednesday) with fares starting from £29,99 one way. Flight duration 2h 20m and departing UK at 22:00 arriving into Slovenia at 23:20 LT and 07:00 arriving into Slovenia at 10:15 LT.
London Heathrow (LHR)
British Airways flies direct to Ljubljana from London Heathrow twice weekly (Mondays and Fridays) with fares starting from £73 return. Flight duration 2h 20m and departing UK at 15.15 arriving into Slovenia at 18:25 LT.
Here are some walks or bike rides you might like to take while in Slovenia:
Juliana Loop biking route
Following the huge success of the Juliana Hiking Trail, a new Juliana Loop trail launched this year to offer bikers the chance to enjoy the beautiful Julian Alps mountain range. Covering a total of 280km along 8 stages, the average stage length will be around 35km with a total tour ascent of 11,000m. The trail connects villages, towns, valleys, passes and plateaus along a variety of roads, bike paths, forest and agricultural trails and cart tracks. There will also be an emphasis on hidden experiences and encounters with authentic food and drink producers that promises a truly unique adventure travellers are unlikely to find elsewhere.
This new 80km circular route connects the border regions of Slovenia and Hungary allowing bikers to tackle it using an e-bike, a hybrid or a road bike depending on their fitness levels. The most unique thing about this trail is that it offers the opportunity to visit four energy spots with the fundamental energies of nature – water, earth, air and fire. It encompasses three energy parks and some other springs of earthly energy where you can heal your inner self and improve mental wellbeing. The region is also rich with natural, historical and cultural monuments and delicious cuisines, such as homemade local cheese and prosciutto, carniolan sausage, homegrown seasonal vegetables, smoked burgers and much more.
Bike Slovenia Green Gourmet route
Starting in Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana, the route pedals under the Alps (Soča Valley), hugs the Italian border (Vipava Valley and Karst), and then heads to Posavje (cycling along Sava river) and ends in Maribor, the country’s second city. The trail, which stops in Green-certified-only destinations (Slovenia Green), follows quiet country byways and forest roads and takes cyclists to vineyards, farms, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Krokar Primeval Forest Hiking Trail
The circular Krokar Primeval Forest Hiking Trail is approximately two km long with 150 meters of relatively steep ascent. It represents a major step towards regulating and directing visitors to the UNESCO-protected forest area. The trail takes visitors to the edge of this pristine beech forest, which was added onto the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List in 2017. The path through the Borovec forest reserve takes hikers to the edge of the Krokar primeval forest, where visitors can respectfully admire and feel the mighty power of ancient beech forests, a result of thousands of years of undisturbed natural development. The Krokar primeval forest, together with the forest reserve Snežnik and 76 other areas in 12 European countries, represents the most valuable remnant of Europe’s ancient beech forests.
A culinary hike across the Krvavec mountain with an emphasis on tasting local culinary delights. Discover the secrets of Krvavec while enjoying some of the finest local produce (and views) the country has to offer. Every meal is served at a different location, where hungry hikers can stop to take in the vast scenery. All courses are traditional and presented in a spectacular way so hikers can carry packages easily on route. This tour costs just €50 and will take around four hours to complete.
Juliana Hiking Trail (opening in September 2021)
The much-awaited new circular hiking trail will officially open at the nd of September. This marked and regulated trail will take explorers around the highest mountain of the Julian Alps, Triglav, which is also the highest mountain in Slovenia. Along the trail, hikers will be able to admire Triglav National Park from all sides.
For more information, see slovenia.info/en. For the most up to date health and safety information and covid travel guidelines click here
