Van Life Slovenia – The most underrated country in Europe

If you’re looking for somewhere that’s totally underrated and a little less touristy than other countries in Europe, then you need to visit Slovenia.

Van life Slovenia can be a dream come true for those who enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and adventure.

This small European country offers stunning scenery, from the snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps to the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and some of the most beautiful and tranquil lakes in all of Europe.

With its friendly locals and easy-going vibe, van life in Slovenia can be a wonderful way to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life on the road.

We wanted to share with you everything that we did during our time in Slovenia and give you all of our hints and tips on one of our most favourite countries in Europe.

Van Life Slovenia Quick Facts

Our Route – Lake Bled – Vrsic Pass (Kranjska Gora) – Skocjan Caves – Lake Bohinj – Savica Waterfall -Vogel Ski Resort – Pericnik Waterfall

Duration – 2 Weeks

Currency – Euro

Language – Slovenian

Schengen Zone – Slovenia is in the Schengen zone so for people from the UK, it does count towards your 90 day allowance in the EU

Fuel / LPG Cost – Roughly £1.30 a litre

Toll Roads – You must have a vignette to travel on the motorways and toll roads in Slovenia and you have to purchase it online. We bought ours here prior to arriving in Slovenia so that as soon as we entered the country, we were ready to go – Receive your e-vignette Slovenia immediately – si-vignette.com

Water / Electricity / Emptying – Wild camping is not permitted in Slovenia so it’s not so easy to find free spots for services. We used campsites whenever we needed services.

Laundry – Available at campsites and laundrettes.

Supermarkets – The main supermarket chains in Slovenia are:

• E. Leclerc
• Lidl
• Hofer
• Spar and Interspar
• Mercator
• Tus
• Eurospin

Our Van Life Slovenia Destinations

Lake Bled

Whenever you think about Slovenia, the first thing that comes to mind will probably be the beautiful image of Lake Bled.

Lake Bled is the most iconic and popular tourist attraction in Slovenia. It’s a picturesque alpine lake in north-western Slovenia that is considered one of the country’s most beautiful destinations.

The lake is surrounded by the towering Julian Alps, and in the centre lies a tiny island with a church and bell tower, accessible only by traditional wooden boats known as pletnas or by hiring a rowing boat, which we highly recommend doing. We had so much fun rowing to the island and it was our favourite thing that we did at Lake Bled.

Visitors can also explore Bled Castle, perched high on a cliff overlooking the lake, which dates back to the 11th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Lake Bled is popular for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding in the summer months, while in the winter, the surrounding mountains offer excellent skiing and snowboarding.

The lake is also known for its famous Bled Cream Cake, a sweet treat made from layers of pastry and vanilla cream that can be enjoyed at the many lakeside cafes and restaurants. No trip to Lake Bled is complete without enjoying this delicious treat!

With its breath-taking scenery and range of activities, Lake Bled is a must-visit destination in Slovenia and should be high on your list of places to visit, not just in Slovenia but across the whole of Europe.

If you’d like to know more about some of the best things to do at Lake Bled, you can find out everything you need to know here – Best Things To Do At Lake Bled

Vrsic Pass (Kranjska Gora)

If you’re looking for one of the most scenic drives in Europe to do in your motorhome or campervan, then you need to add the Vrsic Pass to your list.

Vrsic Pass, located in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, is a mountain pass that offers absolutely incredible views and a thrilling driving experience.

The pass, which reaches an elevation of 1,611 meters, is known for its numerous hairpin turns, narrow roads, and steep inclines, making it a popular destination for thrill-seekers and adventurers.

For this reason, it should only be driven by confident drivers who feel comfortable taking on this type of driving in a larger vehicle. If you have a really large van or motorhome, you may need to consider whether this type of road is good for you.

Along the way, you can stop at several viewpoints to take in the stunning scenery, including the Russian Chapel, a small Orthodox church built by Russian prisoners during World War I.

The pass is also a popular starting point for hiking and mountaineering, with several trails leading to nearby peaks and valleys. We did an absolutely stunning hike in this area in the snow, and it was a complete winter wonderland, one of the most beautiful hikes we have ever done.

The nearby town of Kranjska Gora makes it a convenient base for exploring the area. For those seeking an unforgettable driving or hiking experience in the heart of the Julian Alps, Vrsic Pass is a must-visit destination in Slovenia.

Skocjan Caves

If you’re looking for something different and unique to do in Slovenia, then the Skocjan Caves are a must visit spot.

The Skocjan Caves are a network of limestone caves located in southwestern Slovenia, near the Italian border.

These caves are less expensive and less touristy than the Postojna Caves, another very popular spot in Slovenia.

The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest underground canyons in the world. The unique geology of the area, shaped by the Reka River, has created an underground wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites, waterfalls, and underground lakes.

The caves have been open to visitors since the early 19th century and are a popular tourist attraction in Slovenia. You can take guided tours through the caves, which include a series of tunnels and paths, suspended bridges over the underground canyon, and breath-taking views of the natural wonders inside.

Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is a stunning alpine lake located in the heart of Triglav National Park, in north-western Slovenia.

Lake Bohinj is Lake Bled’s more quiet and relaxed neighbour, but we think it’s equally as beautiful.

With crystal-clear waters surrounded by majestic mountains, Lake Bohinj is one of the most picturesque natural attractions in Slovenia. It is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia, stretching for over 4 kilometres in length and up to 1 kilometre in width, and is fed by the pristine waters of the Savica River.

The lake is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking.

You can take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore or hike one of the many trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We highly recommend doing a full look hike of the lake, which is roughly around 12 kilometres and is absolutely beautiful from start to finish.

In the winter, Lake Bohinj is a popular destination for skiing and other winter sports. We’ll discuss our skiing experience at Vogel Ski Resort a little later in this blog post.

Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a peaceful escape, Lake Bohinj is a must-visit destination in Slovenia.

If you’d like to know more about some of Slovenia’s best lakes, you can check out our blog post here – HIdden Gems Of Slovenia’s Lakes

Savica Waterfall

There are many beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia, but Savica Waterfall is one of the best.

Savica Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction located in the heart of Triglav National Park, near Lake Bohinj.

The waterfall is fed by the crystal-clear waters of the Savica River and drops from a height of 78 meters into a deep, emerald-green pool below. The beauty and power of the waterfall are awe-inspiring, and you can feel the mist on your face and hear the roar of the cascading water.

To reach the waterfall, there is a short hike through a scenic forest trail, which adds to the overall experience. The trail is well-maintained and offers several viewpoints from which to admire the waterfall.

Savica Waterfall is a popular destination for tourists, hikers, and nature lovers, and is one of the most impressive natural wonders in Slovenia. If you’re visiting the Triglav National Park or Lake Bohinj, the Savica Waterfall is an absolute must-see attraction.

Vogel Ski Resort

Vogel Ski Resort is where we had our first ever taste of skiing!

Vogel Ski Resort is a popular winter sports destination located in the heart of Triglav National Park, near Lake Bohinj.

The ski resort is situated at an altitude of 1,535 meters, offering breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains and the best views over Lake Bohinj.

Vogel Ski Resort boasts 22 kilometres of ski runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, ranging from gentle beginner slopes to more challenging terrain for experienced skiers. The resort is also equipped with several ski lifts and gondolas, ensuring easy access to the slopes.

Catching the cable car from Lake Bohinj up to the ski resort is a great experience in itself with beautiful views, even if you don’t fancy skiing or snowboarding once you get to the top.

In addition to skiing, Vogel Ski Resort offers a variety of winter activities, including snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledging.

The resort has several cosy mountain lodges and restaurants where visitors can warm up and enjoy traditional Slovenian cuisine.

Vogel Ski Resort is an excellent destination for winter sports enthusiasts, offering a unique combination of breath-taking natural beauty and world-class skiing and snowboarding.

Pericnik Waterfall

Of all the waterfalls in Slovenia, Pericnik is one of the most special and unique as you actually have the opportunity to walk right behind the waterfall, an experience that offers an unforgettable perspective of the cascading water!

Pericnik Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction located in the heart of the Julian Alps. The waterfall drops from a height of 52 meters, surrounded by sheer cliffs and a beautiful, moss-covered gorge.

To reach the waterfall, you must take a short hike along a scenic trail that runs through a picturesque alpine forest. The trail is well-maintained, and you can enjoy several viewpoints along the way. You can either view the waterfall from the viewpoint at the bottom, or carry on hiking a little further to get to the points where you can walk behind the waterfall, which we totally recommend doing if you are able.

There are not so many waterfalls that we have been to in Europe where you can actually walk behind them and have this unique viewpoint!

In the winter, Pericnik Waterfall is transformed into a frozen wonderland, creating a spectacular ice cave to explore.

The waterfall is a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers, and is one of the most impressive natural wonders in Slovenia.

Van Life Slovenia Hints and Tips

For those considering van life Slovenia, there are a few hints and tips to keep in mind to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

Firstly, it’s important to research campgrounds and wild camping spots in advance to ensure you have a safe and legal place to park your van.

While wild camping is illegal in Slovenia, it is tolerated in certain areas and more so during the off season. You are more likely to get away with it if you go off the beaten track, but if you try to wild camp in the obvious areas such as the national parks or major tourist spots, especially in the high season, you are running the risk of being moved on by the Police or even a fine.

It’s important to respect the laws of the country, environment and leave no trace.

In terms of driving, the roads in Slovenia can be narrow and winding, so it’s important to take your time and drive carefully, especially if you’re in a larger van or motorhome. It may be worth researching parking spots in advance to save any stressful driving, especially if you’re travelling into the small towns.

To drive on the motorways and toll roads in Slovenia, you will need a vignette, which you need to purchase online before you arrive in Slovenia. It’s an electronic vignette which registers your numberplate online. We purchased ours here – Receive your e-vignette Slovenia immediately – si-vignette.com

Finally, be sure to take advantage of Slovenia’s local markets and food stands to sample the delicious local cuisine.

With a little planning and a sense of adventure, van life in Slovenia can be a wonderful experience full of beautiful scenery, tasty food, and warm hospitality.

Other great things to do in Slovenia

• Ljubliana – The capital city of Slovenia
• Soca Valley – Incredible alpine river valley
• Vintgar Gorge – A deep gorge carved by the Radovna River
• Triglav National Park & Mountain – The highest mountain peak in Slovenia and the Julian Alps
• Postojna Cave – The second-longest cave system in the country
• Predjama Castle – The world’s largest cave castle
• Koper – Beautiful coastal town

Our Favourite Campsites & Parking Spots in Slovenia

Lake Bled – Area CC stat. fee, Bled, Ljubljanska cesta 21, , Slovenia (park4night.com)

This is not so much a campsite, more of a motorhome aire and it’s very expensive for what it is in the high season, but it is one of very few parking options for motorhomes and campervans around Lake Bled.

It’s very convenient, only a short 10/15 minute walk from Lake Bled, and it’s right over the road from a supermarket. Sometimes when you visit the major tourist spots, you have to pay the prices unfortunately.

Lake Bled – Camping, Bled, 10c Kidričeva cesta, , Slovenia (park4night.com)

If you’re looking for a campsite around Lake Bled, rather than a car park, then this is one of the most popular campsites in Slovenia. Right on the shores of Lake Bled, this is a large campsite with over 200 spaces. With its prime location, and with it being the only real campsite so close to Lake Bled, you are going to pay the price.

Savica Waterfall – , Ukanc, 103 Ukanc, , Slovenia (park4night.com)

This is the car park to visit the Savica Waterfall. It is prohibited to stay overnight, so this is just for day parking, and is also totally prohibited to motorhomes and campervans in July and August.

Skocjan Caves – , Matavun, 12 Matavun, , Slovenia (park4night.com)

This is the spot to park to visit Skocjan Caves. Parking is prohibited overnight so this is just for day parking only.

Kranjska Gora (Vrsic Pass) – , Municipality of Kranjska Gora, 105 Borovška cesta, , Slovenia (park4night.com)

This is the spot that we parked in to go on a hike around the Vrsic Pass area. We visited in off season and we were the only ones there, and we were ok to park overnight. In the high season, we’re not sure that overnight parking is so tolerated here.

Lake Bohinj – , Ukanc, 2 Jezero- Savica, , Slovenia (park4night.com)

This is where we parked to visit Lake Bohinj, it is a great large car park with plenty of space for motorhomes and campervans, and we also got the parking for free in the Winter! Again, this is day parking only.

Summary

In summary, we can’t recommend Van Life Slovenia enough. We absolutely love this wonderful country, and there are so many parts of it we haven’t been to yet, so we’ll most definitely be returning!

From the incredible natural scenery, the friendly locals, delicious cuisine and relaxed atmosphere, in our opinion, Slovenia is one of the most underrated countries in Europe and is a must-visit van life destination.

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You can take a look at some of our other van life posts which include lots and lots of hints and tips on all things van life here – Van Life – Travel Information, Hints, Tips and Advice

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