Should You Rent a Car in Slovenia?
- You can visit Ljubljana and Lake Bled with only public transportation, the bus system is reliable.
- But… you need a car if you want to visit: Lake Bohinj, Vintgar Gorge (easily), and any of the caves.
- Bottom Line– If you want the best experience rent a car (roads are wide and easy, not scary driving!)
Day 1 – Ljubljana Charm & Castle Views
Stay: Ljubljana (near Old Town — everything is walkable)
Transportation: Walk + funicular (optional)
Morning
- Slow wander through Old Town + along the river cafés
Afternoon
- Free Walking Tour (genuinely one of the best we’ve done)
Covers: Prešeren Square, Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, riverside market, cathedral bronze doors, WWII memorial alley - Take the funicular or hike up to Ljubljana Castle for city views
Evening
- Dinner at Figovec (traditional Slovenian cuisine, warm vibes)
Day 2 – Lake Bohinj + Savica Waterfall + Lake Bled
Stay: Lake Bled (lake-view splurge is worth it)
Transportation: Rental car (1 hr Ljubljana → Bohinj → Bled)
Morning
- Drive toward Bohinj with scenic photo stops
- Walk around Lake Bohinj (peaceful + glassy water)
- Savica Waterfall hike (about 1 hour round-trip, steps but manageable)
Afternoon
- Arrive at Lake Bled + check in
- Walk / bike around the lake (~3.7 miles)
- Swim, kayak, or rowboat to Bled Island
- If swimming, bring a waterproof bag for clothes, you need clothing to enter the church
Evening
- Dinner at The Oldest Bled Cellar (local + amazing atmosphere)
- Try the famous Bled Cream Cake 🍰, lives up to the hype
Wish we stayed two nights — magical evenings here.
Day 3 – Vintgar Gorge + Cave/Castle Adventure
Stay: Return to Ljubljana or continue to Croatia
Transportation: Car
Morning
- Vintgar Gorge (book online, and go early to avoid crowds)
- Optional: Hike Ojstrica / Mala Osojnica for iconic lake views instead of going into the castle
Afternoon Options (choose based on mood)
· Postojna Cave (~1 hr from Bled)- Massiv cave system, dramatic + impressive
· Predjama Castle (20 mins from Postojna)- Biggest Cave Castle in the World
· Škocjan Caves (~1 hr 20 mins from Bled)- UNESCO site, and more dramatic than Postojna
Evening
- Return to Ljubljana (45 min drive)
or - Cross into Croatia to continue your trip (no passport check at border, you won’t even notice!)
Tips
- Do the free walking tour, in Ljubljana best intro to Slovenia
- Bring swimwear + waterproof bag if swimming to island
- Snacks for hikes, limited food at sites
- Check weather, mountain rain comes fast
Smart Splurges & Saves
Splurge:
- Lake-view hotel in Bled
- Rental car, freedom to stop everywhere
Save:
- Ljubljana lodging, walkable city, no need to splurge here
- Hikes instead of paid lookouts (Bled Castle), the best views are free
✨ Loved this itinerary?
Read the full Slovenia guide for extra tips, restaurant notes, and what I'd do differently. 👇
