A small country, half the size of Switzerland in the south of
central Europe, Slovenia is packed with unusual and often unique
attractions and experiences, from primeval forests to a lively
architecturally beautiful city, and thermal springs to the
mysterious Karst (limestone plateau) caves.
The country is sandwiched between Italy, Croatia, Hungary and
Austria, with a coastline on the Adriatic Sea to the south
west.
Visitors to this picturesque corner of Europe can enjoy several
amazing contrasting experiences in the space of one day: start with
a morning dip in the Adriatic, followed by a couple of hours skiing
on Alpine slopes, then explore the subterranean wonders of the
Karst or become invigorated with a thermal bath, before strolling
through vine-clad hills or ancient forests, and ending the day in a
sophisticated casino. Ideally, though, it takes much longer than a
day to sample all the delights of this fascinating Republic.
The vibrant capital city, Ljubljana, sports a mix of Baroque,
Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture, exuding an Austro-Alpine
atmosphere gleaned from belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Empire
for many centuries.
Finally, Slovenia boasts of having 2,000 hours of sunshine a
year in which to enjoy all its offerings. The locals are proud to
explain why visitors are enchanted with their country: Slovenia is
the only country in the world with 'love' in its name.
General Information
Communications
The international dialling code for Slovenia is +386. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relative country code (e.g.
0044 for the United Kingdom). City or area codes are in use, e.g.
(0)1 for Ljubljana. Public telephones are operated with tokens or
magnetic cards, which are available from newsagents, post offices
and tobacco kiosks. Two major mobile phone operators provide GSM
900/1800 coverage. Internet cafes are prolific in Ljubljana and the
larger towns.
Emergencies Emergencies: 112.
Language(s) Spoken The official language of Slovenia is Slovene. Italian and
Hungarian are also spoken in some communities.
Duty Free
Travellers to Slovenia from within the European Union may import
the following goods duty-free: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200
cigars, one kilogram tobacco, 10 litres spirits over 22%, 20 litres
liquor under 22%, 90 litres wine (no more than 60 litres sparkling
wine), 110 litres beer. Visitors from non-EU countries may import
up to 200 cigarettes/100 cigarillos/50 cigars/250g tobacco, and
medicinal products for personal use. Those 17 and older may import
one litre spirits over 22%, two litres spirits under 22% or
sparkling wine, two litres wine, and 16 litres beer. Visitors are
also restricted to importing only 50ml of perfume or 250ml of eau
de toilette. Other goods up to EUR430 (EUR150 for those under 15
years old) will not be taxed.
Time Zones
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round pin
attachment plugs and
Tourist Office
Slovenian Tourist Board, Ljubljana: +386 (0)1 589 8550 or
www.slovenia.info
Customs
A copy of a passport or other form of identification should be
carried at all times.
Business
Business etiquette in Slovenia is similar to the rest of Western
Europe. Men and women should dress conservatively in formal
business suits. Shaking hands of both men and women is the common
form of greeting and it is considered polite to shake the women's
hand first. Slovenians are referred to as Mr., Mrs. or Ms. (or
other titles) followed by their surnames. Business cards are often
exchanged after introductions. Appointments should be made in
advance and confirmed. Business hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to
Friday.
Tipping
A 10% tip is expected in restaurants, hotels and by taxi
drivers.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into
100 cents. Banks offer the best exchange rates for cash and
travellers cheques. Banking hours are 8am to 12.30pm, and 2pm to
6pm on weekdays, and from 8am to 12pm on Saturdays. Numerous
bureaux de change are open outside banking hours throughout the
country. ATMs are readily available in major cities. Credit cards
are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants and shops.
Real-time currency conversion provided by webserviceX.net
Passport
Passports should be valid for the period of stay. Those with
non-EEA passports are also recommended to hold documents for onward
or return travel, and sufficient funds of at least EUR70 for adults
and half that amount for children under 18, per day of stay, or the
equivalent in another hard currency. The borderless region known as
the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria,
Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a
standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows
the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly
recommended that passports have at least six months validity
remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel
destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to
those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
Canadians do not require a visa to enter Slovenia for a stay of
up to 90 days, but a valid passport is required.
US
passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 90
days, but a valid passport is required.
Holders
of British passports endorsed British Citizen do not
require a visa. British Overseas Territories Citizen, British
National (Overseas) or British Subjects with right of abode in the
UK do not require a visa to stay in Slovenia for up to 90 days. A
valid passport is required. Passport exemptions include holders of
a National Identity Card issued by the United Kingdom, and holders
of Identity Cards issued by the Gibraltar Authorities endorsed
Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United
Kingdom.
Canadians
do not require a visa to enter Slovenia for a stay of
up to 90 days, but a valid passport is required.
Australian
citizens do not require a visa to stay in Slovenia
for up to 90 days, but a valid passport is required.
South
African passport holders require a visa to visit Slovenia.
A valid passport is required.
Irish
nationals do not require a visa, but a valid passport is
required.
New
Zealand nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to
90 days, but a valid passport is required.
Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended. In
forested areas hikers should guard against tick bites, as
tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are a risk. Mains water is
safe to drink, milk is pasteurised and local meat and produce safe
to consume. Free emergency treatment is available from hospitals
and private doctors contracted. Slovenia has a reciprocal health
agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing
emergency health care on the same terms as Slovenian nationals. EU
travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Safety
There are extremely few risks involved in travel to Slovenia.
The threat of terrorism is low, as is the crime rate, however
sensible precautions are advised with valuables.
Emergency Phone Number: Emergencies: 112.
Climate Info
Slovenia has a Mediterranean climate on the coast, and a
continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in
the plateaus and valleys to the east. Most of Slovenia's annual
rainfall occurs during spring in the interior regions away from the
coast. Winters are cold, particularly along the eastern part of the
country and in the Slovenian Alps, which are often covered in snow
during the winter period. The Slovenian coastline has a
sub-Mediterranean climate while the interior regions have a
continental climate with chilly winters and hot summers.
Getting around
Getting around by bus is relatively inexpensive and is the best
way to get around for shorter distances. The well-organised,
frequent services connect all major towns and cities. For longer
journeys, travel by train is the most popular form of transport.
Car rental is available from various major international car hire
companies at reasonable rates, and hiring a car is a pleasant way
to see the country, as roads are excellent, and the scenery
picturesque.
Getting around
Ljubljana is a small, compact city that is easy to explore on
foot, especially for those intent on appreciating the architecture.
The next best option is the inexpensive and efficient bus service.
Exact change is required for fares paid on boarding, or tokens can
be bought at any newsstand. Cars are a liability in the city, which
is largely pedestrianised, and parking is at a premium. Bicycles
are a fun and convenient way of getting around, available for rent
for a nominal fee and small deposit. Taxis are available and a good
option after dark, when the bus service is radically reduced.
The airport is situated 16 miles (26km) north of downtown
Ljubljana.
Time Difference:
GMT +1 (GMT +2 between March and
October).
Contacts:
Tel: +386 (0)4 20 61 000.
Getting to the city:
There are frequent bus connections between the airport and city,
the journey taking about 45 minutes. Taxis are available in front
of the terminal building for the arrival of each flight. Taxi fare
into central Ljubljana generally costs EUR45 and the journey takes
between 25 and 35 minutes.
Car rental:
Car rental companies Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Dollar and
Thrifty, Sixt, Atet-Advantage, and National are all represented at
the airport.
Airport Facilities:
Facilities at the airport include a bank, bureau de change,
restaurants and bars, shops (including duty free), a tourist
agency, lounges, a mobile phone rental shop, and a post office.
The impressive National Museum of Slovenia is housed in a lovely
neo-Renaissance style palace, the most interesting and popular of
Ljubljana's many museums. The permanent exhibition consists of
archaeological material, displayed in chronological order, such as
ancient Palaeolithic artefacts discove....
The impressive National Museum of Slovenia is housed in a lovely
neo-Renaissance style palace, the most interesting and popular of
Ljubljana's many museums. The permanent exhibition consists of
archaeological material, displayed in chronological order, such as
ancient Palaeolithic artefacts discovered in Karst cave sites and
even the only Egyptian mummy in Slovenia.
Architect Joze Plecnik is largely responsible for the city of
Ljubljana being as neat and well-planned as it is, with his
insistence on classical lines and uniform dimensions. The renowned
architect's home and studio, furnished and equipped as he left it,
is open to the public twice a week. His inf....
Architect Joze Plecnik is largely responsible for the city of
Ljubljana being as neat and well-planned as it is, with his
insistence on classical lines and uniform dimensions. The renowned
architect's home and studio, furnished and equipped as he left it,
is open to the public twice a week. His influence is, however,
everywhere to be admired in the city at sites like the wide
Shoemaker's Bridge and the colonnaded market beside the river.
The imposing landmark castle towers over the city, offering
spectacular views of the Ljubljana River and the attractive skyline
of the old town, with the distant Alps providing a backdrop. The
medieval castle with its impressive tower, which was added in the
19th century, is linked to the old town ....
The imposing landmark castle towers over the city, offering
spectacular views of the Ljubljana River and the attractive skyline
of the old town, with the distant Alps providing a backdrop. The
medieval castle with its impressive tower, which was added in the
19th century, is linked to the old town by a steep cobbled street.
The castle complex includes a museum, restaurant and chapel.
Address:Grajska Planota 1
Telephone:+386 (0)1 232 9994
Opening Time:Daily 9am to 10pm (May to September), 10am to 9pm
(October to April). Tours 10am to 4pm (1 June to 15 September).
From 16 September to 30 May tours are by request
only
Admission:EUR5 for guided tour (concessions available)
The magnificent Baroque cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint
of fishermen, dates from the early 18th century, but was renovated
and had beautiful carved bronze doors added for the Pope's visit in
1996. The doors depict the development of Christianity in Slovenia,
and give on to a richly ornate ....
The magnificent Baroque cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint
of fishermen, dates from the early 18th century, but was renovated
and had beautiful carved bronze doors added for the Pope's visit in
1996. The doors depict the development of Christianity in Slovenia,
and give on to a richly ornate interior below the impressive
cupola, and the stunning Giulio Quaglio frescoes.
The quaint Ljubljana zoo is situated in a forested area a short
walk from the city centre. The small size of the zoo gives visitors
a more intimate experience with opportunities to handle some of the
animals, particularly the scary ones such as snakes and scorpions.
Other animals at the zoo include....
The quaint Ljubljana zoo is situated in a forested area a short
walk from the city centre. The small size of the zoo gives visitors
a more intimate experience with opportunities to handle some of the
animals, particularly the scary ones such as snakes and scorpions.
Other animals at the zoo include wild cats, lions, sea lions,
giraffes, elephants and as well as over 100 other spiecies. The zoo
offers visitors to Slovenia a chance to stray from the normal
tourist list of things to do in Ljubljana.
Tivoli Park is a massive wooded area in Ljubljana. The park
covers an impressive five square kilometres and is the perfect
place for a picnic or evening stroll. Tivoli Park is a popular
place to visit in Ljubljana and includes a number of ponds,
playgrounds, sporting facilities, flower beds, grassy....
Tivoli Park is a massive wooded area in Ljubljana. The park
covers an impressive five square kilometres and is the perfect
place for a picnic or evening stroll. Tivoli Park is a popular
place to visit in Ljubljana and includes a number of ponds,
playgrounds, sporting facilities, flower beds, grassy patches,
forest and fountains. Visitors to Ljubljana will find that the park
is the perfect place to go when they want to relax and really
breathe in the beauty of this wonderful Slovenian city.
