Things to Do in Slovenia

Towering over the Slovenian capital, the castle's varied history has seen it fall in and out of favor with Ljubljana residents. It fell into disrepair in the 17th century, while a stint as a prison and military stronghold in the 19th century saw its popularity plummet further. However, extensive renovation in the 1960s returned the castle to its former glory and it now offers fantastic views of the city and beyond.

As the highest mountain in the country, Mount Triglav is an important symbol of Slovenia. At 2,864 meters tall, its three-headed shape is seen on the Slovenian coat of arms and the national flag, and even inspired Rimsky-Korsakov's opera Mlada.

This glacial lake in the Julian Alps is a massively popular tourist attraction. At 2,120 meters long, the lake is a famed rowing spot and hosted the World Rowing Championships in 1966, 1979 and 1989.

Situated in Maribor, the second-largest city in Slovenia, Stara Trta is believed to be the oldest grape-producing vine in the world, at more than 400 years old. The annual harvest has become a cherished tradition and the City Community of Maribor issued a special decree to protect the ancient vine in 1981, after a drought threatened its survival.

A stunning example of Baroque architecture, the cathedral was first built in the 13th century, but fell victim to fire in 1361 (and again in 1469). Redeveloped in the 18th century, it saw further refurbishment in 1996 to coincide with the visit of Pope John Paul II.