The Best Spots For Photos In Slovenia You Will Love

What are the best spots for photos in Slovenia? Spoiler: All of it!

The thing that makes Slovenia so picturesque is that it seems like an undiscovered secret garden – it doesn’t have that manicured beauty. There is real style (mostly influenced by surrounding nations) and you get a sense of the diverse history Slovenia has. Slovenia is a tiny slither of what Yugoslavia once was, and as such the population is quite small – about 2 million. That means there is so much nature you get all to yourself!

Yet Slovenes know how to make the most of space, which they prove with their dedication to using every inch of the tiny coastline they have. From mountains to the seaside, I think of Slovenia as New Zealand’s European cousin.

So if you’re considering a trip to Slovenia, you have planned to travel to Slovenia already and you’re looking for an itinerary, or you are looking for the most beautiful views in Slovenia, this list is for you! Here you will find the most beautiful places I have visited in Slovenia and why I think you need to see them for yourself. So get out your camera or your sketchbook because these places are stunning.

The Best spots for photos in Slovenia: The Seaside

If you’re heading to Slovenia in summer then the seaside is the perfect place to start. Nestled in between Italy and Croatia it is only a short drive from one length of the coast to the other, Slovenians have to share the 42 kilometres of coast they have! Many opt to visit the neighbouring Croatian beaches in summer, yet Slovenian towns are worth visiting and experiencing for their Mediterranean charm.

Piran’s Old Town

Piran is a gorgeous seaside town. The old town has a real Italian feel to it as the Istria used to be part of Italy once upon a time. It’s the perfect place for grabbing a coffee and people watching by the Tartini Square, as well as getting a real feel of the Mediterranean architecture and charm with its narrow cobbled streets.

Make sure you go up to the city walls to the Church of St George as you will get the best views of the coast from there. Bear in mind that this location is quite windy. The walk up through the maze-like roads is an experience in itself, and the way the town has been built to be like a fortress makes it the best city in Slovenia to just get lost in.

Portoroz

Portoroz is a town nearby Piran and it is famous for resorts and sunbathing. This is the perfect spot if you’re looking to experience the Slovenian way of summer. Slovenes flock here during summer to sunbathe at the best/only sandy beach in Slovenia. If you go to Bernardin, you can find some markets, coastal swimming pools, wharfs, and an array of shops and resorts lining the marina.

The Best spots for photos in Slovenia: The Mountains

The mountains in Slovenia are part of the alps so you know they are top notch. Here are my personal favourites that I have personally visited that I can vouch for.

Blejski Vintgar (Vintgar Gorge / Bled Gorge)

This gorge is one of the most scenic places in Slovenia for emerald rivers. It is also the perfect spot cool down on a hot summer’s day. It has a beautiful waterfall and a few small bridges which make for fabulous views.

Vogel

This ski resort is not just for winter escapes, its actually a great place to visit during summer too. Even though this spot is in Slovenia, it has major Sound Of Music vibes with rolling hills, little huts and cute farm animals. There is excellent views of the mountains in the national parks. You can either hike up or catch a gondola. Spending a day here would be easy, as there is plenty of space to just relax and enjoy the views as well as some homely cafes.

Pohorje Treetop Walk

Pohorje Treetop Walk is located in Rogla on the northeastern side of Slovenia. Rogla has a viewing platform called Pohorje Treetop Walk, a 1000m path between the trees to fantastic views of Slovenia that span across the mountains. If you want to learn more about this, I wrote a blog all about it: Amazing Slovenia: All You Need To Know About Pohorje Treetop Walk

The Best spots for photos in Slovenia: Castles

As with the rest of Europe, Slovenia is big on their castles. The range of styles in Slovenia varies upon region, so there is so much to see and experience. Not to mention – they’re majorly instagrammable. These are the most beautiful places in Slovenia for castle views

Ljubljana Old Town & Castle

If you’re going to Slovenia, chances are you are not going to pass up the opportunity to visit the capital. No trip would be complete without a visit to the capital. The central square, Prešernov trg, is a must see. The best views of the city are at the top of the town at Ljubljana Castle. From the castle walls you will get spectacular views of the whole city. As the city is quite low-built, you really can see quite far.

There is also plenty of space at the base of the castle to sit and enjoy yourself, too. If you want to read more about Ljubljana, you can find it here- A Complete Ljubljana Travel Guide: The Best Places To Visit & Take Photos.

Predjama Castle

This spot is all the rage on Instagram and for fair reason – it really does look like something out of a fairytale. In real life, it is super cute but you will need to drive/get a designated tour bus to the location. There is a big carpark to park and there is a couple of shops near the entrance where you will need to buy a ticket to enter. Hanging out around the castle is free though. If you want to see the dungeons and renovated castle you will need a ticket.

The Best spots for photos in Slovenia for: Lakes

Zelenci Nature Reserve

Zelenci Nature Reserve has a gorgeous turquoise lake with exceptional views of the mountains. Located in Kranjska Gora this is the perfect spot to stop if you’re on your way to Vršič Pass. Infact, if you want to learn more about this gorgeous spot I wrote a full guide Zelenci Nature Reserve.

Planšarsko Jezero (Shepherd Lake)

After visiting the Vintgar Gorge (Bled Gorge), my partner’s family chose this as the last spot to show us. And OMG. Wow. What a view! This unsuspecting spot is a little bit of a drive and you might never know it was there, it is a stop for those crossing through the mountain pass to Jezersko. It is worth a visit for some quiet contemplation and beautiful views of the mountains. You could easily sit here for a few hours and paint undisturbed.

Lake Bohinj

This lake is Lake Bled’s ugly sister that they kept in the closet, only to discover that when a prince comes by that she is the most popular one of all. You will find that Lake Bohinj is much more low key than Lake Bled yet it is bigger which means you have far more space to yourself. The water is crystal clear and you can easily wade into the water with the fish. There is a beautiful old church that is far less grandeur than Lake Bled, making it far less busy.

If you’re looking for a place to sit back and relax, maybe have a picnic, or just get out of the hectic parking situation that is Lake Bled, then Lake Bohinj might be more your jam. That is why I think Lake Bohinj is one of the best locations to visit in Slovenia.

Lake Bled (my favourite place in Slovenia to visit)

Obviously, I had to put Lake Bled on this post. How could I miss it? Anyone who has ever dreamt about visiting Slovenia knows that this is always mentioned as the must-see places to visit in Slovenia. Lake Bled has that dreamy church right in the middle of a picturesque lake that you have probably seen featured all over any travel instagrammer’s feed. And for good reason! It really is that magical in real life. In fact, it’s so beautiful that it is one of the most popular places to get married! You will see the lucky brides and grooms being brought over by boat to the church for their big day.

You can grab a seat around the large lake to people watch, draw, or photograph the beautiful atmosphere, however the best spot to view the church is up at the castle on the hillside. This is a bit of a walk up but it is completely worth it. There’s is also a gorgeous fancy restaurant up there if you get a bit snackish, or you can head to the cafe down by the lake that sells the best kremsnita in Slovenia.

Best hotels to stay in Slovenia?

You can use the interactive map below to find available accomodation: