Slovenia – Travel Guide
Slovenia captivates with its breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant culture from the heart of Europe. Explore the charming capital city of Ljubljana, where cobblestone streets lead to medieval castles and lively cafes along the Ljubljanica River. Discover the stunning beauty of Lake Bled, with its iconic island church and medieval castle perched on a cliff. Wander through the underground wonders of the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike in the majestic Julian Alps or cycle through the picturesque vineyards of the Karst region. With its blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures, Slovenia promises an unforgettable journey for travelers seeking adventure and tranquility.
All about Slovenia
Slovenia FAQ
What is Slovenia known for?
Slovenia is a small country, and one you may not know a lot about. It is well-known in Europe and abroad for its varied geography, breathtaking scenery, and gorgeous views. Since there is so many beautiful areas of the country to see, you should explore some by hiking, walking, or enjoying other fun outdoor activities. Slovenia`s history is in plain view, even as it looks ahead to tomorrow; its history can be seen everywhere from the historic towns like Ptuj and Piran to its many marvelous cathedrals and castles. Slovenia had so many castles at one time that the country was referred to as `the country of castles`! Be sure to enjoy lots of delicious Slovenian food and drink while you`re here, ranging from Carniolan sausage and prosciutto (pršut) to Karst wines and Laško beer.
What are the best places to visit in Slovenia?
You should definitely visit the beautiful capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, and Lake Bled, nestled in the Julian Alps. From there, you can venture west to the Slovenian Riviera, with such famous beach towns as Piran and Portoroz; or you can venture east to Styria, where Maribor is the largest city, and the Savinja River Valley, home to Laško and Celje.
How many days should I spend in Slovenia?
We recommend approximately 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and the Slovenian Riviera and 2 nights in other regions of the country.
What is the best way to get around Slovenia?
We recommend seeing Slovenia by car or by train.
By Car: Slovenia`s motorways are modern and of top quality. There are no border controls if you are arriving from Italy, Austria, or Hungary, but there are border controls as you leave Slovenia to drive to Croatia. There are six major motorways (avtocestni) that connect all parts of the country most frequented by tourists. E-vignettes are used for toll roads and you must have one to drive on motorways in Slovenia. For more information, visit Driving in Slovenia.
By Train: Slovenian Railways administers rail service in Slovenia, which is fast, efficient, clean, and modern. Main train lines reach all corners of the country while smaller lines reach the countryside. The trains run all the way to the Slovenian Riviera where there is a train station in Koper. International services run from Slovenia to Klagenfurt and Vienna in Austria; Budapest in Hungary; Udine, Venice and Trieste in Italy; and Pula, Rijeka, and Varazdin in Croatia.
What is the currency of Slovenia?
The currency of Slovenia is the Euro. U.S. dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for euros upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at many locations throughout the country. For more information, visit Tipping in Slovenia.
Do people speak English in Slovenia?
The Slovenians are perhaps some of the most multilingual people in Europe. Many Slovenians can speak and understand English, Russian, Italian, and German in addition to Slovene, although English is by far the most popular foreign language. Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States, is said to speak five languages fluently. This may sound impressive to Americans, but this is typical of many Slovenians. You should be understood just fine if you speak English to someone. It is still courteous to learn some phrases in Slovene, such as yes/no (da, ne), the numbers from 1-10, please (prosim), thank you (hvala vam), greetings like `Good morning/Good day` (Dobro jutro/Dober dan), and `Do you speak English?` (Govoris anglesko?)
Best time to visit Slovenia
The best time to visit Slovenia varies by region. Most of the country can be enjoyed from late spring through mid-to-late autumn.
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Many people assume that the summer would be the best time to visit, and it is a good time, but it is also a time that many Slovenians take their vacations, so many tourist attractions end up crowded not just with international tourists but domestic visitors as well. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October are great times to visit because crowds are thinner, prices are a tad lower than in the summer, and temperatures are more mild. Winter can be bitterly cold throughout most of the country, but December through March is a great time to visit the ski resorts in the Alpine northwest and in Styria. Slovenia offers lots of options for visiting travelers no matter the time of year. In the pages below, we`ll break down what to expect by season as far as weather, holidays, and closures are concerned.
January – March
Slovenia can be bitterly cold in the first few months of the year. Heavy snowfall is expected in the Alpine regions, and even Ljubljana can expect moderate snowfall in January and February. March tends to be a drier month for much of the country. In the first few months of the year, many parts of the country experience a lull in tourism. Many hotels and attractions in rural and mid-size areas close. It is high season at the ski resorts, however. Highs in Ljubljana start the year in the upper 30s Fahrenheit on average, with lows in the 20s. By March, temperatures warm into the low 50s on average, with morning temperatures in the middle 30s. Lake Bled is just a tad warmer, but more snow falls here. Maribor`s lows in January drop to the low 20s, with highs in the upper 30s. Morning temperatures rise above freezing only in the month of March. Winter highs in Koper range from the mid-40s in January to the mid-50s in March; lows are in the middle 30s to low 40s on average.
Holidays and festivals:
January 1-2: New Year`s Day (Novo leto). For the first two days of the year, nearly all businesses are shut down as the country celebrates with their families and friends. (national holidays in Slovenia)
January 6: Epiphany (Razodetje), the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. Observed by many Slovenian Catholics but it is not a state or work holiday.
Early February (one week): Winter Swimming World Championships, Lake Bled
February 8: Prešeren Day (Prešernov dan), observed on the anniversary of the death of Slovene national poet France Prešeren (1800-49). It is a celebration of Slovene culture and achievements. (national holiday in Slovenia)
February or early March (10 days, moveable): Kurentovanje Carnival, Ptuj, one of the oldest and most popular carnivals in the country. The carnival celebrates the rites of spring and fertility and occurs on and around Shrove Sunday, the Sunday before Shrove Tuesday/Ash Wednesday.
Shrove Tuesday (February or March): The Grand Carnival Ball and the International Carnival Procession, Bled, attended by more than 50,000 visitors.
March or April: Easter Sunday and Monday (Velika noc, meaning `great night` — as in Jesus Christ rising from the dead at the end of `that great night`). These days are not national holidays, but since Slovenia is a traditionally Catholic nation, everyone is given time off work, so there will be widespread business and infrastructure closures across the country on both days.
April – June
The months of April and May are considered the first of two shoulder seasons across Slovenia. The snow begins to melt in April, and by May the Alpine regions are open for spring and summer activities such as whitewater rafting, hiking, and canoeing. The highest rain chances of the year occur in the months of April and May. More people visit tourist attractions nationwide, as prices continue to be affordable while the temperatures rise to more comfortable levels. Highs in Ljubljana average in the 60s and 70s in the spring, with lows in the 40s and 50s. Lake Bled is a tad warmer, with temperatures approaching 80 during the day and 60 at night by June. Maribor`s temperatures rise from the low 60s during the day in April to the mid-70s by June; lows are in the 40s and low 50s. Koper experiences temperatures similar to Ljubljana and Maribor around this time.
Holidays and festivals:
March or April: Easter Sunday and Monday (Velika noc, meaning `great night` — as in Jesus Christ rising from the dead at the end of `that great night`). These days are not national holidays, but since Slovenia is a traditionally Catholic nation, everyone is given time off work, so there will be widespread business and infrastructure closures across the country on both days.
April 27: Day of Uprising Against Occupation (Dan upora proti okupatorju), commemorating the Liberation Front of Slovene Partisans who fought against Nazi German, Italian and Hungarian occupation of Slovenia during World War II. (national holiday in Slovenia)
May 1-2: May Day (Praznik dela) holidays. The equivalent of the American Labor Day, the worker is celebrated with parades and activities for families and children, and everyone gets time off work. (national holidays in Slovenia)
May or June: Whit Sunday (Binkoštna nedelja), or Pentecost (Binkošti), observed seven Sundays after Easter. A work-free day for the country, although not many would be working in government offices since the day is observed on Sunday.
Early June (two days): Medieval Days at Bled Castle, featuring sword fighting, a knight`s jousting tournament, archery, Medieval-era food, and a farmers` market.
June 8: Primož Trubar Day, honoring the man who is considered to be the father of the Slovene language. While a national holiday, it is not one that many people get off work. (national holiday in Slovenia)
June 11: Corpus Christi (Sveto rešnje telo in kri), a religious festival observed by Slovenian Catholics, some closures can be expected.
Mid-June (3 days): International Rowing Regatta, Bled, the largest rowing regatta in Central Europe, which has been held at Lake Bled for over 60 years.
Mid–June (3 days): Idrija Lace Festival, west of Ljubljana. Idrija lace is one of Slovenia`s best-known exports and there is an entire festival and market dedicated to the prized fabric.
Mid–June (5 days): Ljubljana Jazz Festival, one of the most noteworthy jazz festivals in the world, first presented in 1960 and held nearly every year since.
Mid–June (5 days): Jurjevanje Folklore Festival, southeast of Ljubljana in Crnomelj. It is the oldest cultural festival in Slovenia and is the place to be if you want to see traditional folk dancing and costumes.
June 25: Statehood Day (Dan državnosti), commemorating Slovenia`s independence from Yugoslavia on this day in 1991. Widespread nationwide business and infrastructure closures to be expected. (national holiday in Slovenia)
Late June and early July (two weeks): Festival of Lent, Maribor, a large performing arts festival featuring theatre, ballet, opera, and other live performances, as well as a big fireworks show.
July – September
Slovenia`s high season starts in the month of June and continues through July and August, finally transitioning into the shoulder season in the month of September, when Slovenian children return to school and many Slovenians (and Croatians, and Italians) wrap up their vacations. Lines at popular attractions will reach their peaks, so if there are specific sights you want to see, make sure you visit them either in the early morning or in the final two hours before closing time. The weather becomes drier nationwide, but also more humid. Temperatures are firmly in the upper 70s and low 80s during the day across the country in July and August, with lows in the 50s and low 60s nationwide. By September, temperatures retreat to the low 70s during the day in most spots, except in Lake Bled, where average highs are still in the mid-70s. Average lows nationwide are in the low and mid-50s.
Holidays and festivals:
Late June and early July (two weeks): Festival of Lent, Maribor, a large performing arts festival featuring theatre, ballet, opera, and other live performances, as well as a big fireworks show.
July–August: Ljubljana Summer Festival, the largest music event in Slovenia, a two-month extravaganza including every type of performance, from opera to ballet to rock and jazz music.
July (two weeks): Bled International Music Festival, a concert series held at various venues throughout town such as Bled Castle and the Bled Festival Hall.
Early July (four days): Ana Desetnica Street Theatre Festival, Ljubljana. The largest improvisational arts festival in Slovenia, it goes on to tour 10 cities across the country in the next few weeks after the Ljubljana festival.
Early to mid-July (four days): Festival of Beer and Flowers (Pivo-Cvetje), Laško, in the Savinja River Valley. Laško is home to the Laško Brewery, Slovenia`s largest brewer. Not only are there beer and flowers, there are lots of live music performances.
Mid-July (three days): Bled Days and Bled Night, the most popular tourist event in Bled. The lake promenade area is filled with folk music, dancers, and other performers, as well as local arts and crafts available for sale. At night (specifically Bled Night), the buildings and landmarks on and around the lake light up in a beautiful show, which includes fireworks and floating candles.
Late July to early August (10 days): Okarina Ethno Festival, Bled, a popular world music festival featuring performances at Bled Castle and along the lake promenade.
August 15: The Assumption of Mary (Marijino vnebovzetje), a work-free day for the traditionally Catholic Slovenians. Expect closures at many businesses nationwide.
Late August and early September (2 weeks): Tartini Festival, Piran, a classical music festival dedicated to Piran`s most famous son, the Baroque composer Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770).
Early September (three days): National Costumes and Clothing Heritage Days (Dnevi narodnih noš), Kamnik, near Ljubljana. There are parades which showcase folk costumes from all parts of Slovenia and from multiple historical eras.
Mid-September (10 days): Old Vine Festival, Maribor, a wine festival celebrating what is said to be the oldest vine still alive in the world. The festival includes folk music and dancing.
Mid-September (weekend): Cow Ball (Kraviji Bal), on Lake Bohinj in Ukanc. The festival, which honors the local cows of the region (who are adorned with beautiful wreaths and other flowers), signifies the end of the traditional summer season in Alpine Slovenia. The festival is also known for its folk dancing and Alpine summer sports.
October – December
By October, the country is in the shoulder season, which goes on through mid-November. Temperatures begin a steady decline, with highs around 60 nationwide in October, declining to the upper 40s and low 50s by November and the 30s and 40s by December. The second of two rainy seasons starts in October and persists through November. The first snowfall happens in Lake Bled on average in early November and in Ljubljana by the third or fourth week in November. Snow can be expected in nearly every part of the country by the second half of December. The Christmas market season is a popular time of year and many tourists come to Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and other locales to peruse them. It is a high point in an otherwise low season, which begins in this month and continues through the end of February (except for the ski resorts in Alpine Slovenia and Styria, which see an uptick in visitors due to the snowfall).
Holidays and festivals:
Mid-October (2 weeks): Maribor Theatre Festival, the oldest theatre festival in the country, hosted in the Slovene National Theatre.
October 25: Sovereignty Day (Dan suverenosti), commemorating the day the final Yugoslav soldier left Slovenian territory in 1991. It is a state holiday but not one many people get off work. It is the newest holiday, instituted in 2015. (holiday for state workers in Slovenia)
Late October: Ljubljana Marathon
October 31-November 1: Reformation Day (Dan reformacije), in remembrance of the day the Reformation officially began: October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg, in what is now Germany. Also observed is the Day of the Dead (Dan mrtvih) the next day. Widespread nationwide business and infrastructure closures to be expected. (national holidays in Slovenia)
November 11: St. Martin`s Day (Martinovo), which is observed across Slovenia and is the official start of the wine harvest. Many towns and villages celebrate with wine festivals.
December: Christmas market season in Slovenia, including the Festive Winter Village in Lake Bled and the Ljubljana Christmas Market in the nation`s capital.
December: Christmas events at Postojna Caves, Postojna. There is a live nativity tableau presentation inside the caves, and there is a Christmas market outside the caves.
December 25: Christmas (Božic), not a national holiday, but a day everyone gets off work just the same. Widespread nationwide business and infrastructure closures to be expected.
December 26: Independence and Unity Day (Dan samostojnosti in enotnosti), honoring the certification of the country`s plebiscite results (held on December 23, 1990), in which 95% of Slovenes voted to declare independence from Yugoslavia. Widespread nationwide business and infrastructure closures to be expected. (national holiday in Slovenia)
December 31: New Year’s Eve (Novo letni vecer). There are celebrations and fireworks displays in Ljubljana, Bled, and other cities across the country. (some closures expected)
Tipping in Slovenia
The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter.
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Tipping in Slovenia
Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Euros?
The currency of Slovenia, like many European Union nations, is the Euro (symbolized as €). One Euro is broken up into 100 cents. Other currencies are not accepted anywhere in the country. Credit and debit cards are widely used in Slovenia and you will find most businesses accept them. U.S. dollars and travelers checks can be exchanged for Euros at banks and bureaux de change in Ljubljana, all other major cities, and most towns. Bank and currency bureau hours are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with an hour break for lunch typically taken at noon or 1 p.m. ATMs are widely available in Slovenia; many of them do not charge fees themselves, but note that your home banking institution may charge a fee for withdrawing money abroad.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
A value-added tax (VAT) of 22% is added to most purchases in Slovenia. For restaurants, cafes and bars, that figure is revised downward to 9.5%. This tax will already be included in your bill.
Waiters, waitresses and bartenders are paid well in Slovenia; on average they earn above the minimum wage, at approximately €6.5 an hour ($7.75). Slovenes themselves typically do not tip in restaurants, although in Ljubljana and other major tourist areas, it is customary to leave about 10% if you felt the service was good. (If you feel your service was absolutely exquisite, tip 15%; this may not sound like a lot but it will speak volumes — in a good way — with your waiter.) Keep in mind that if you leave a good tip, you will be greeted with more enthusiastic and swift service should you return to the same restaurant later on.
As far as bars are concerned, rounding up is considered proper. For example, if your total is €8, round up to €10; if it`s €13, round up to €15, etc. That small token is considered appropriate.
Note: A few higher-end restaurants in Ljubljana, Maribor, Bled and other tourist areas may charge a `table fee` which is basically a fee collected by the restaurant for the privilege of dining in that specific establishment. This fee can range from €1 to €3.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Hotel workers are not expecting tips from guests, but they do receive them from time to time. Room service includes gratuity in many hotels. Tip your housekeeper approximately €2 per day, and tip your bellhop or porter €1 for each bag of luggage he or she handles. (€2 for more unwieldy or heavy bags.)
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping cab drivers is unusual, but appreciated, especially if they help you with your luggage or provide you with useful info about getting around in that particular place. In Austria just round the fare to the next whole Euro. Feel free to tip up to an additional 10% if they are extra helpful, they will appreciate it. Always remember when travelling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Slovenian tour guides are not accustomed to receiving tips but they will accept them if they are presented to them. Keep monetary amounts small, as in €10 or under. Gifts are also accepted but keep in mind that Slovenes can buy most of the same products as Americans, so make sure the gift is unique.
Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?
Other Services: When receiving and enjoying a service (spa, etc.), round up to the closest €5 if unsure. When in doubt, you will find most services, spa or otherwise, do not require tipping.
Final Thoughts
Slovenia is a beautiful country to visit and many service professions not only do not require tips, many do not expect them. If you leave a tip, rest assured that you will leave a positive impression, and if you choose to patronize said business on another occasion during your trip, you will find out just how friendly and hospitable the Slovenes can truly be.
Driving in Slovenia
Driving in Slovenia is ubiquitous per capita, the nation`s car ownership rates are very close to the European Union average. There are more cars per 1,000 people here than in the United Kingdom, but fewer cars per capita than in the United States.
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Driving in Slovenia is similar to driving in the United States in many respects, and different in other ways. Like the U.S., driving in Slovenia is on the right, with the car`s steering wheel on the left. Also like in many U.S. states, driving on highly-trafficked roads requires an affixed transponder on your windshield, from which toll e-readers bill your account when your transponder is recorded passing through various toll checkpoints. Slovenia`s transponder/toll pass system is called Vignette (Vinjete in Slovene). It is typically included in a car rental (confirm this in advance), and can also be bought at gas stations and in border towns before entering Slovenia. To travel on expressways and intercity highways in Slovenia, you MUST have the Vignette on your windshield.
There are a couple of things that differ about driving in Slovenia. First, while driving on smaller roads or in more rural areas, upcoming points of interest or towns may not be clearly labeled. We advise that you buy a map of Slovenia (such as the Michelin Guide) and note your distance on the map as you are traveling. One thing that will be clear on the roads is the number of the route you are taking and the kilometer marker (visible every 0.1 km). Second, keep calm behind the wheel. You will encounter more aggressive driving here than you may be used to at home, although the vast majority of drivers are very capable, skilled, and level-headed. Also, there are a number of cyclists on the roads in Slovenia who share the roads with drivers, and unlike in the U.S. where right-of-way is unclear in many instances, it is clearly on the side of the cyclists in Slovenia. Pay attention to all traffic laws and follow them closely; fines are stiff for violators.
With this overview, plus the pages linked below, you will be able to drive in Slovenia with as much finesse and relaxation as you would feel at home. Have fun and enjoy experiencing Central Europe`s hidden gem!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO DRIVE IN SLOVENIA
Drivers from the United States will be allowed to drive in Slovenia as long as they carry their home driver`s license as well as an International Driving Permit, issued before you leave your home country. Keep in mind that both licenses must not have an expiration date within 180 days of your dates of travel. Tourists are allowed to drive for one year in Slovenia.
Additional Documents
You will need to carry your passport as your primary identification and you will need to keep the registration and all documents relating to the car in the glove box.Insurance
Third-party personal insurance, at the very least, is mandatory for all drivers in Slovenia. Copies of the insurance policy must be carried in the car at all times.
Glasses
If you are required to wear glasses or contact lenses while driving in your home country, you must wear them in Slovenia as well. Extra pairs of glasses or contact lenses are not required but are recommended.
Warning Triangles and Visibility Vests
In accordance with a European Union mandate, warning triangles and reflective jackets are required in every car in Slovenia, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you fit your car with these materials. Ask the rental car company how to purchase these items, or if they are included in your order. If you are stopped by police, you can be issued large on-the-spot fines for not carrying these items. Warning triangles in particular are required in every vehicle with four wheels or more.
Headlamp Beam Deflectors
Ask your car rental company how you will apply headlamp beam deflectors. Some cars require stickers, others require for the beam to be adjusted manually.
Snow Chains
Snow chains are required on all automobiles from November 15 through March 15, in addition to being applied to tires on specific roads that are known for seeing wintry conditions outside of those times. You will most likely encounter wintry conditions in the Alpine north and northwest, although any part of the country can see snow in the winter.
Lights
It is compulsory for all motor vehicles to use dipped headlights or daytime running lights, day and night, all year round.
Other
– A fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, and spare bulbs for headlights/back lights
Emergency and police services in Slovenia can be accessed by calling 113.
GENERAL RULES FOR DRIVING IN SLOVENIA
Drinking and Driving
Slovenia has a strict blood-alcohol law: a reading of 0.05% will trigger an arrest and revocation of driving privileges while in the country, at the very least. For many people, just one drink will register a reading close to 0.05%. The rule for drinking and driving is simple: don`t do it. Take a taxi or some other form of transportation if you want to drink at bars or nightclubs.
Note: For novice drivers (those who have had their license less than two years) or for drivers under the age of 21, the blood-alcohol level is zero-tolerance, set at 0.00%.
Seat Belts
Seat belts are mandatory for drivers as well as for front and back seat passengers.
Cell Phones
Cell phones are only allowed to be used by drivers in Slovenia if the call can be conducted hands-free (like through Bluetooth and car speakers). You will be given an on-the-spot fine of €250 if you are caught using your cell phone without these hands-free devices. Calls must be dialed while the car is parked (not just stopped, as in at a stoplight; this is not allowed).
Navigation Aids
Navigation aids such as GPS are legal to use in Slovenia, but must be mounted onto the dashboard or windshield and can only be accessed (as in to search for destinations, etc.) while parked (not stopped at a stoplight).
Speed Trap Detectors
Radar detectors are legal to use in a moving vehicle in Slovenia.
Driving Age
To drive in Slovenia, one must be 18 or over. If you are a legal driver at 16 or 17 in the United States, that does not mean you are allowed to do so in Slovenia. Cars can be rented in Slovenia by all drivers over age 18. Young driver surcharges may be levied for drivers under 25 depending on the car rental brand.
Using Indicators
Indicators must be used when overtaking and any other time it is applicable. You will notice some locals not using indicators, but rest assured it is illegal and you will be fined on the spot if you are caught not properly using them.
Overtaking
The rule in Slovenia is drive on the right and overtake on the left. An indicator must be used when overtaking. When a car is turning left, it is acceptable for you to overtake on the right. Overtaking is prohibited on or in front of pedestrian crossings, unless regulated by signs or lights. It is also prohibited to overtake any school bus as it is stopped to let passengers on or off.
Roundabout
Traffic in the roundabout as the right of way, and people entering it do not. Keep that in mind when you enter. Note the signs that indicate the flow of traffic. Do not use your indicator when entering the roundabout, but do use the indicator upon exiting.
Lights
It is compulsory for all motor vehicles to use dipped headlights or daytime running lights, day and night, all year round.
Losing Your License
You must keep your International Driving Permit with you at all times. Your United States driver`s license is no longer sufficient for driving in Slovenia; it must be paired with the International Driving Permit.
Fines for Motoring Offenses in Slovenia
Fines are allowed to be collected on the spot from all drivers who break the rules of the road. Failure to do so puts you in front of a magistrate and almost certainly guarantees a revocation of your driving privileges while in Slovenia. Fines can run into the hundreds of Euros. Be sure you have such money on hand just in case you are pulled over for speeding or another infraction.
Children
Children under the age of 12 and shorter than four feet eleven inches must be restrained in a seat belt adjusted to their size, or a special seat adapted to their size. Child seats are not allowed to be placed on the front passenger seat unless the airbag is deactivated.
Accidents
If you are in a car accident, the first thing you need to do is alert the police. You can call them by dialing 113 on your phone. Once you`ve done that, the police will arrive to take statements. It is routine for breathalyzers to be performed even if there is no suspicion of drinking. Do not move your vehicle and use your triangles from your car`s first-aid kit to alert motorists of the accident. The police will then take a look at the accident scene. You can obtain a report from the police for your insurance claim; make sure you get the other person`s name, contact information, and their insurance information too.
PARKING IN SLOVENIA
Parking in Slovenia tends to be very straightforward. At many popular attractions, there are large lots where you pay a flat fee to park. These fees can typically be paid in Euro coins at a machine or using your credit card. Ljubljana is a place where it is difficult to find parking, but in Maribor, Lake Bled, and other areas, it is a bit easier. Metered parking charges by the hour, typically in the range of €2-4. There will be signs explaining the meter and instructions will be given on how to use it in Slovene, English, and German.
GAS STATIONS IN SLOVENIA
Gas stations are ubiquitous in large cities and towns, and in the countryside you can find at least one gas station every 15 miles or so. They typically have later opening hours than many supermarkets, especially in the smaller towns, and like in the U.S. most gas stations also have convenience stores offering a variety of food and drink, including hot foods in many cases. Like in the United States, nearly every gas station takes credit cards, and you can pay at the pump or inside with the clerk. Gas stations are open until at least 9 p.m. in the cities, and ones situated close to highways are open 24 hours. You can also count on most gas stations to have bathrooms and ATMs.
You can buy the Vignette transponder pass at every gas station in Slovenia; if you are going to travel on the highway system in Slovenia, you MUST buy a Vignette. Your easiest bet is to buy a Vignette once you enter Slovenia at the first gas station you find. Check with your car rental company to see if a Vignette is included in the price of the rental.
Note: Gas prices in Slovenia are standardized nationwide, so unlike in the U.S., it doesn`t matter which station you go to, as you will get the same price for your gas anywhere. Gasoline is offered in 95 and 98 octane levels, as well as diesel.
USEFUL PHRASES WHILE DRIVING IN SLOVENIA
Some useful phrases to remember while driving in Slovenia:
All Directions – vse smeri
Battery – baterija
City centre – center, center mesta
Danger – nevarnost
Detour – obvoz
Drive with care – vozite previdno
Dual Carriageway – dvojno vozišce
Exit – izhod
Gas Tank – rezervoar za gorivo
Give Way – popusti
Go straight on – pojdite naravnost
Keep Left – drži levo
Keep Right – drži prav
Lane – vozni pas
Street – ulica, cesta
License Plate – registrska tablica
Local Highway – lokalna avtocesta
Motorway – avtocesta
No parking – parkiranje prepovedano
Priority to left – prednost levo
Priority to right – prednost desno
One way street – enosmerna cesta
Open – odprto
Closed – zaprto
Police Station – policijska postaja
Radiator – radiator
Right of way – pravica do poti
Road closed – cesta zaprta
Roadworks – cestna dela
Slow – pocasen
Traffic lights – semafor
Toll Road – cestnina
Turn right – zavij desno
Turn left – zavijemo levo
Where is the nearest gas station? – Kje je najbližja bencinska crpalka?
Excuse me, I`m lost – Oprostite, izgubljen sem.
SPEED LIMITS IN SLOVENIA
These are the current speed limits nationwide:
Motorways – 130 km/h (80 mph) / minimum speed 60 km/h (37 mph)
Dual Carriageways – 110 km/h (68 mph)
Other standard roads – 90 km/h (55 mph)
Built-up areas – 50 km/h (32 mph)
Rural areas – 90 km/h (55 mph)A note on converting kilometers to miles:
Multiply the kilometers by 6 and move the decimal point 1 place to the left:
8 kilometers = 4.8 miles
12 kilometers = 7.2 miles
Speed limit 70 = 42 miles per hour
MORE TIPS FOR DRIVING IN SLOVENIA
As mentioned previously, you need to have a Vignette transponder to drive on the highways in Slovenia. You can find out more about purchasing the Vignette (Vinjete in Slovene) on the main driving in Slovenia page and the gas stations page, but here`s some extra information on them.
– Vignettes can be purchased nationwide at all gas stations. If a Vignette is not included in your car rental (which many times it is), buy one as soon as you arrive in the country, whether it is in Ljubljana or at the first gas station you encounter upon crossing the border in Slovenia. The Vignettes locals buy are called the `yearly Vignettes`, which are valid for 13 months, starting on the last December 1 before purchase and running through the January 31 of the year after your purchase. Tourists can buy shorter-duration Vignettes, for one week and one month, respectively. Prices are currently €15 (weekly Vignette) and €30 (monthly Vignette).
– Drivers must give the right of way to traffic flowing on the right.
– Those who are driving motorcycles and mopeds must wear helmets at all times. You risk a fine and/or arrest if you are caught violating this law.
– All drivers turning left must give the right of way to the flow of traffic before turning.
– Drivers must always give way to police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances whether their lights and sirens are activated or not.
– You must allow for merges in areas where construction narrows the flow of traffic, or when a merge is necessary as the number of lanes decreases in more built-up areas. Many drivers Stateside have been guilty of speeding up so as not to let someone merge; this is illegal in Slovenia and can result in a ticket if caught.
– Car horns are not allowed to be used in traffic in cities or at night. The only exceptions to this rule include warnings to other drivers that there is an accident, or that the driver or passengers are in distress. Typically car horns are also not allowed to be used within a one-block radius of hospitals, unless transporting someone to the hospital with a life-threatening and urgent condition.
CHOOSING A CAR IN EUROPE
If you plan to rent a car in Europe, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with the operation of the manual transmission. The vast majority of rental cars have manual transmissions. There are only a limited number of automatics available.
The very concept of ‘car’ is radically different between North America and Europe. Whereas in the US and Canada size really matters, Europeans look for fuel economy and have cramped parking conditions in mind. Here are some hints on choosing the right car when renting.
Transmission – Not Automatically Automatic
The very first thing to bear in mind is the transmission. Whereas most rental cars in North America will be equipped with automatic transmission, manual transmission is the norm in Europe. In addition the gearshift will be to the left of the driver. If you are not familiar with a manual transmission be sure to select an automatic. And remember that the ‘exotic’ automatic transmissions may sell out fast, so book early.
Interior Space
Most rental cars are standard European or Japanese vehicles, built for cramped road conditions and comparatively short journeys. Especially the lower categories (Sub-Compact and Compact) are typical ‘city cars’ for the occasional user. Even ‘mid-size’ in Europe would be rated Compact in the US. So expect tighter conditions and choose a larger vehicle if traveling long distances.
Seats and Legroom
Cars are smaller and Europeans are used to them, so this leads to different car ratings. In the US, a car rated for two adults and two children, would be rated for five adults in Ireland. If you are in any way larger than the average European (5 ft 7 in, 165 pounds) go for a larger vehicle.
The Trunk
Luggage space in European and Japanese cars can be tight. Sub-Compact and Compact vehicles will more than likely be of the hatchback type with no actual trunk and a somewhat cramped storage area in the back. Getting four adults and their luggage into a Sub-Compact is nearly impossible. If you are planning to take your full baggage allowance go for a Mid-Size at least. Do not plan on leaving your luggage in view while touring, this will attract undesirable attention.
Extras – You Don’t Need Them
When looking up European rental cars you might notice that air conditioning or cruise control are not necessarily included in the specifications. You will not really miss them. While air conditioning can occasionally be nice during the short Irish summer, cruise control would be of no practical use at all.
Top cities in Slovenia
What to expect while traveling
