Mission-Erde-Entdecken

Travel Diary

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Slovenia (12 September – 25 September 2025)

What a wonderful country

Our journey took us on to Slovenia; we spent two weeks in this beautiful country. This time we hired a car to reach the remote villages and the mountains. With one exception, we deliberately chose not to take any drone footage this time, as restricted zones apply in the mountains. This report took a little longer to put together because we had to process all the impressions first. But now there’s plenty to read and look at.

tourist attraction

Lake Bled

Slovenia is a land of water. From the iconic Lake Bled, where we took a boat trip, to the wild Vintgar Gorge and the peaceful moments by Lake Bohinj. Lake Bled, with its island and traditional pletna boats, is a symbol of Slovenian romance – whilst Villa Bled, once Tito’s summer residence, serves as a reminder of the country’s turbulent history. The traditional Pletna boats on Lake Bled have been rowed by hand for centuries and remain to this day the symbol of one of Slovenia’s most beautiful boat trips.

Take a moment

Water and rivers

The Soča, often referred to as the Emerald River, rises in the Julian Alps and flows through the Triglav Mountains to Italy, its waters a unique turquoise-green. It is famous for its dramatic gorges, crystal-clear pools and its importance for outdoor activities such as kayaking, rafting and fly fishing. The water is spectacularly clear, yet remains refreshingly cool even in summer – usually between 10 and 15 °C. The smaller Nadiža, a tributary near Kobarid, is quite different. It is considered one of the warmest rivers in the region and, with temperatures of 20 to 25 °C in summer, is ideal for swimming. With its natural pools and idyllic rock formations, it is a popular spot for families and those seeking peace and quiet who wish to enjoy nature in a relaxed atmosphere.

Mountains

Triglav Mountains

The Mangart Road is Slovenia’s highest panoramic road, climbing to an altitude of 2,055 metres in the Julian Alps. It winds its way through tight hairpin bends and offers spectacular views all the way to the vicinity of the Mangart Saddle, directly below the 2,679-metre-high summit of Mangart. Along the way, breathtaking views open up of the Triglav massif, the Italian Alps and, on a clear day, even as far as Carinthia. But the journey here is an adventure in itself. The road is only 2.50 metres wide and has a few passing places here and there for oncoming vehicles. Those driving uphill have right of way, and what lies behind the next bend only becomes clear once you’re there… The road was built as early as 1938 and is now considered one of the most impressive high-altitude roads in Europe. Due to its exposed location, it is only passable during the summer months – usually from June to October, depending on snow conditions. Anyone driving on it should have a head for heights and drive safely, but will be rewarded with unforgettable views.

Piran

A city on the Mediterranean

We fell in love with the coastal town of Piran straight away – with its narrow streets, Venetian-style houses and the lively Tartini Square right by the sea. From the old city walls, you can enjoy a wonderful view over the old town and the Adriatic Sea, and especially in the evening, as the sun slowly sets, there’s a very special atmosphere over the harbour. Although it was already September, we were still able to enjoy sunny days with a pleasant 25°C – perfect for strolling through the town, sitting on the promenade and simply soaking up the Mediterranean way of life. For us, Piran proved to be a place where culture, history and relaxing moments by the sea come together in the most beautiful way.

Emerald-green water

Soca gorges

The Soča Gorges are deep ravines and pools carved out by the force of the water near Bovec. Here, the emerald-green Soča squeezes through narrow rock crevices in a confined space before opening out again into wider pools. The interplay of turquoise water, steep rock faces and small waterfalls makes the gorges one of the river’s most spectacular natural wonders. The Soča gorges are a particularly popular destination in summer. Whilst the clear water here usually reaches only 10–15 °C and remains rather too cold for swimming, the rocks and riverbanks invite you to linger and take photographs. The gorges can be explored safely via small bridges and well-marked paths, provided you are sure-footed – a highlight for anyone wishing to experience the wild beauty of the Soča up close.