Slovenia, a country in Central Europe, is known for its mountains, ski resorts and lakes. On Lake Bled, a glacial lake fed by hot springs, the town of Bled contains a church-topped islet and a cliffside medieval castle. In Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, baroque facades mix with the 20th-century architecture of native Jože Plečnik, whose iconic Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) spans the tightly curving Ljubljanica River. 

An earthly paradise of snow-capped peaks, turquoise-green rivers and Venetian-style coastline, Slovenia enriches its natural treasures with harmonious architecture, charming rustic culture and sophisticated cuisine.

For proof of the idiom “good things come in small packages,” one only needs to visit Slovenia. In an area about half the size of Switzerland, this Central European country packs in mountain ranges, an Adriatic coastline, fashionable cities, rivers, lakes and perched villages.

Slovenia has something to offer visitors every month of the year. This full calendar of discoverable moments stems largely from the geography of the country, which is wedged in between the Alps, the Adriatic and the Pannonian Basin and which allows for gorgeous vistas all year long. But Slovenia’s ability to please in every season is about more than just topography. Slovenes have a hearty, can-do swagger, and the country’s culture is epitomized by vigorous outdoor activities in every season. Read out for our guide to the best times to visit Slovenia.

Better still, the country, which takes pride in its avant-garde sustainable-tourism philosophy, is actually all the easier to take in because of its compact nature. In one day, travelers can easily walk in the Alps, kayak a glacial waterway, drive to one of several world-class winemaking regions, and then take a dip in the sea. At the moment, you may not be able to name multiple Slovenian cities, regions or landmarks, but that’s a positive. Slovenia — hiding in plain sight — is waiting to be discovered.

Municipalities

Slovenia is divided into 212 municipalities (Slovene: občine, singular – občina), of which 12 have urban (metropolitan) status. Municipalities are further divided into local communities and districts. Slovene is an official language of all the municipalities. Hungarian is a second official language of three municipalities in Prekmurje: Dobrovnik/Dobronak, Hodoš/Hodos, and Lendava/Lendva. Italian is a second official language of four municipalities (of which one has urban status) in the Slovene Littoral: Ankaran/Ancarano, Izola/Isola, Koper/Capodistria, and Piran/Pirano.

In the EU statistics, the municipalities of Slovenia are classified as “local administrative unit 2” (LAU 2), below 58 administrative units (upravne enote), which are LAU 1.