From Wikitravel

Ljubljana [1], also known as Laibach, its German name, is the capital of Slovenia.

[edit] Understand

Slovenia is, arguably, the cutest of the formerly communist countries, and Ljubljana ("lyoob-lyAH-nah") is a great little city full of charm. It's pretty easy to have a good time here. It's full of galleries and museums and young artists. The population of the city is around 300,000.

[edit] Orientation

The Ljubljanica river flows through the center of town, past Baroque buildings and under the ramparts of the ancient castle on the hill. The new city and modern-day commercial core lies to the west of the river, while the east side has Ljubljana's old city and the castle. Connecting the two are a number of bridges, the most famous of which is the Tromostovje (triple) bridge (architect Jože Plečnik).

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Ljubljana's pint-sized Jože Pučnik Airport (formerly known as Brnik Airport or Aerodrom Ljubljana) [2], located 27 km north of the city, is the country's main international gateway and the hub of Slovenian national carrier Adria Airways [3]. Jože Pučnik was a Slovenian dissident who was one of the fathers of independent Slovenia in 1991. The airport is serviced by flights from many European countries. It is a destination of the low-cost carrier easyJet. The airport's facilities include parking, a bank, a post office, ATMs, an information desk, free WiFi Internet access in the terminal, a general store, duty-free stores, a money exchange office, a self-serve restaurant, and two or three bars and cafes. A two-stage renovation of the airport is under way. A rebuilt Terminal 1 was opened in 2007, and an entirely new Terminal 2 planned for 2010.

There are regular public buses (€4.10, 50 min) and minibuses (€5.00, 30 min) from the airport to the main Ljubljana bus and train station. The Ljubljana bus and train stations are located next to each other at Trg OF ("Trg" means square in Slovenian, and O.F. was a Slovenian WW2 anti-fascist organization). The two stations are in the city centre, and within walking distance to main city attractions. Alternatively, a metered taxi from the airport to the centre will cost about €30-40. Ordering a taxi in advance can be cheaper - for example, Tima Ekspres [4] does it for €20.

[edit] By train

Ljubljana is the hub of Slovenia's rail system. There are direct international connections to Budapest (approx. 8-9 hours, 2 services daily), Munich (6 hours, 3 direct services and 2 connections via Salzburg or Villach), Venice (approx. 4 hours, only one night train), Vienna (6 hours, 1 direct service and 5 connections daily, special offer for 29 euros), Zurich (10-12 hours, 1 direct night train and 3 connections), Rijeka (2 1/2 hours, 2 direct trains daily), Zagreb (2 hours, 7 services daily), Belgrade (9 hours, 4 services daily) and up to Thessaloniki (officially 23 hours but can be much longer!). For Trieste, take a train to Villa Opicina and then the tram (Line 2) to Trieste. Local trains run throughout the country — no point in Slovenia is more than 3 hours away. The train station is at Trg Osvobodilne Fronte (OF) at the northern edge of downtown, at walking distance to most hotels.

[edit] By bus

Ljubljana bus station (avtobusna postaja) is right next to the train station and has services throughout the country, and to neighboring countries. The station has several useful schedule search engines (also in English) for working out connections around the country. Generally speaking, a bus can take you almost anywhere in Slovenia within at most a few hours, and you can obtain accurate and detailed timetables at the station.

[edit] By car

Renting a car is also an option, especially if you are visiting remote destinations outside of Ljubljana. On-line broker IzziCarHire.com[5] offers lowest prices in Ljubljana and guarantees best services from local car rental providers.

[edit] By thumb

Hitchhiking in and/or out of Ljubljana is relatively awesome. Take the usual precautions as always with hitchhiking.

• North towards Maribor, Austria - from the main street, West of the Train station (Dunajska Cesta) take buses 6, 8 or 11 in direction of North. Get off in the station "Smelt", 15 minutes later, when you see the "World Trade Center" building. Ahead of you, you will see the Autostrada. On the first turn to the right, go into the highway entry and stand on the side with your sign.

• South towards Koper, Rijeka, Italy - from the city center (Dunajska cesta, Kongresni trg) take bus number 6 in direction south, till the last station (Dolgi most). Get out, and on your left side you will side the entry lane into the autostrada. There will also be an entry to a parking of a small house, stand on the side there with your sign (you will see where everybody else stands...).

• East towards Novo mesto, Zagreb, Croatia - from the city center (Dunajska cesta) take bus number 3 in direction south, till the last station (Rudnik). Get out, and walk 200 meters more along Dolenjska cesta until you get to the crossroad and the entry point to the highway (left turn, opposite to the railroad crossing). Stand on the side there with your sign (the are some hitchhikers but not all the time ...).

[edit] Get around

Ljubljana is small enough that you will be able to walk everywhere in the centre. You can pick up a free city map in one of the Tourist Information Offices either in the train station or in the city centre (Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 2).

The train and bus station are within easy walking distance of the centre of town - which is roughly speaking the "Three bridges" area. From the station take any of the roads heading into town (in the general direction of the south) and this will lead you to this area.

Ljubljana has a good bus network [6], although services become rare in the evening and stop around midnight at latest. You pay to the driver - either 1€ in cash (no change returned), or 0.80€ with a token, purchased in advance. There are no timetables, but you can use the webpage [7] to obtain predicted departure times for the next hour or so. Be aware that the network has been thoroughly re-organized in September 2007, but most stations and maps still show (as of January 2008) the old state - so don't get confused.

Taxis are very cheap, and between two or three people they can be a convenient way to get back to the hotel if you're not staying in the centre. Taxi Laguna (tel. 080 11 17) and Taxi Metro (tel. 080 11 90) are considered the cheapest. These are free numbers (all numbers starting with 080 are free in Slovenia), so you can use a phone booth to make a free call. Note that not all taxis charge the same fare.

[edit][add listing] See

• Old Ljubljana is Ljubljana's historic part. It has the city hall, monuments, and well-preserved old buildings and churches. It also has local designer shops, and several popular cafes and restaurants. It is located immediately below the city castle and on the eastern side of Ljubljanica river, across the Triple Bridge. Cross the Triple Bridge and go straight ahead for 50 metres until you reach the Roba Fountain in front of the city hall. Old Ljubljana begins there. Turn right into the narrow street surrounded by medieval houses. You will discover interesting squares, lanes and buildings. The street is called Mestni trg, and later it changes to Gornji trg.

• Triple Bridge ("Tromostovje" in Slovenian), Ljubljana's trademark central bridges designed by Jože Plečnik. Tromostovje consists of three separate picturesque bridges located next to one another. This is the central location of downtown Ljubljana. Here, you can see the statue of France Prešeren, Slovenia's greatest poet. You can also catch a tourist train taking you to the castle. Or cross Ljubjanica and turn left for Open Market and the Dragon Bridge, or go straight and then right for Old Ljubljana.

• Zmajski Most (Dragon Bridge) - This is one of the main bridges in Ljubljana. It is guarded by four detailed dragon statues, which have become a symbol of the city. Look out for the dragon motif throughout the city. Be careful around the Dragon Bridge area, as it is on a major busy road and near misses (and worse) between inattentive tourists and traffic are common. The dragon bridge is located at the end of the Ljubljana Open Market, just a block or two down the river (north-east direction) from the Triple bridge.

• Ljubljana Castle - You can catch the "tourist train" from the Triple Bridge to the castle, or walk up the (steep!) hill to the castle, or take the Funicular Railway (€2, the lower station is at the top of the main Open market). Entrance to the Castle Courtyard, Chapel and Gift shop is free, but there is a charge for access to the tower. The tower has magnificent views all over the city. You can also see the Sava River and Kamnik Alps in the distance. Included is a 3D Movie of the history of Ljubljana from a pre-historic settlement to Roman Empire to modern times.

• Square of the Republic - Where crowds gathered as Slovenia announced its independence from the Yugoslav Federation in 1991. The square has significant importance for Slovene history, as it was a place of important public gatherings (and demonstrations) in the past. Across the road is the Slovene Parliament. Its facade is decorated with artistic nude statues of Slovenes at work and leisure. The square also houses the International Business Centre.

• Roman Ruins - a short walk west of the centre of town are the remains of the Roman City Walls, including a number of pillars from an entrance gate.

• Krakovo - a village-like part of the city connecting the centre to the Trnovo suburb.

[edit] Museums

• Architecture Museum of Ljubljana: Plečnik Collection, 4–6 Karun Street, [8]. An annex of the Architecture Museum devoted to great Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik, who lived in this building from 1921 to 1957. The house contains rooms with the artist’s valuable original furniture and personal objects, an archive of his sketches and plans and a collection of clay, plaster and wooden models, a library, Plečnik’s correspondence, a photo archive, thesis projects of Plečnik’s students and an archive of the Academy of Architecture Collection. Access only by guided tour of not more than 7 people, booked at least five days in advance at tel. +386-1-2801600 or pz@aml.si.

• Architecture Museum of Ljubljana, Pot na Fužine 2 (Fužine Castle), tel. +386-1-5409798, [9]. Hosts a permanent exhibition of Jože Plečnik's works. Open M-F 9 AM-3 PM, Sa 10 AM-6 PM, Su 10 AM-3 PM. Entry €1/2 student/adult, guided tour €2.50/4 student/adult.

• National Museum, Prešernova 20, tel. +386-1-2414400, [10]. The permanent archeological collection displays objects from paleolithic to the early Middle Ages. It contains what is possibly the world's oldest music instrument, a 45,000 year old Neandertal flute from Divje Babe, although the question whether the bone fragment really formed a flute is still disputed among scholars. However, it needs a whole refurbishment. Open daily 10-18, Thursday 10-20, closed on public holidays. Entry €3/2.5 adult/concessions.

• National Museum of Contemporary History. Celovška cesta 23, tel. 01 300 96 10, fax 01 433 82 44, [11]. Slovenia's 20th-century history museum gives you a real sense of the country's roller-coaster ride through regime after regime. Its immersive exhibits include a walk-through WWI trench, with sound effects. In another room, a portrait of Stalin lies smashed on the ground. The last exhibit shows the events around the Declaration of Independence from Yugoslavia and the Ten Day War with the Yugoslav Federal Army. The exhibits covering WW1, WW2 and Communist Slovenia are translated to English and German, but strangely the Slovenian Independence Exhibit is not. You walk through the pleasant Tivoli park to get here.

• Tivoli Gallery - International centre of Graphic Art. Pod turnom 3, tel. 01 241 38 00, [12]. Specialised in art shows, often in collaboration with international institutions. Open Tu-Sa 10.00 - 18.00, Su 12.00 - 18.00, Mo closed.

• Slovenian Museum of Natural History. [13]

[edit][add listing] Do

• Cafes and restaurants Downtown Ljubljana is full of trendy cafes (outdoor seating in the summer!) and good-quality restaurants. You can find local Slovenian food, and restaurants with ethnic food from many places around the world. Pizza in Ljubljana is very good quality.

• Ljubljana Zoo is one of the most beautiful Zoos of Europe - Tickets from €5.00 to €6.00.

• Nightclubs Ljubljana has several good nightclubs (discotheques). The clubs hold special events, they will play a certain syle of music on certain nights, etc. Some will also impose a strict dress code and age limits.

• Opera and theatre Shows are performed regularly throughout the year. The opera house is located just behind the Slovene Parliament. There are several theatres scattered all over the city centre.

• Tivoli Park is the main city park. It is located at the western end of the city centre. You can sit down on a park bench and enjoy the sun. Mt. Rožnik (the hill overlooking Ljubljana from the west) is a short hike away through the woods. This is a popular weekend destination for the locals.

• Water City of Atlantis, [14]. A water park offering 14 pools, thermal baths, slides and saunas. Special section is dedicated for children. It is located within the BTC City Shopping District. Prices: from €6 to €14.

• Laguna Fun & Spa, [15]. Offers open-air pools during the day and themed parties at night. It is located within the Ljubljana Resort. Prices from €6 to €12. Laguna is only open from June to September.

• Vodafone Live! Arena, BTC City Shopping District. A great place to spend an evening. Main features include bowling, pool, laser games and a state-of-the-art 3D XpanD cinema theatre (the latter from €4.59 to €7.93).

• Kolosej, The Colosseum BTC City Shopping District, [16] is Ljubljana's main cinema multiplex. Unlike in most of Europe, all movies are presented in orginal audio language (mostly English) while equipped with Slovenian subtitles. This does not apply to computer-rendered and animated movies, which are dubbed for the children. Prices: from €3.94 to €4.95. Special discounts on Tuesdays.

[edit] Learn

[edit] Work

[edit][add listing] Buy

The large majority of shops have moved from the centre to the BTC City Shopping District, located on the north edge of Ljubljana. However, several department stores such as Maximarket and Nama still persist in the city centre. Additionally, the Čopova street and the Old town probably have the densest collection of small shops in the centre.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Budget

• Hot-Horse, Trubarjeva 31 (other outlets in Tivoli Park and BTC). A fast food joint with a difference: all the meat used is horse meat! The star of the menu is the horse burger, which is gigantic and costs €4. Unfortunately the Trubarjeva section has been replaced with a "crap in the bread" called "Red 'n hot horse". Don't be fooled for it really doesn't have ANYTHING to do with quality.

• Falafel, Trubarjeva 40, 041/752 977. This middle eastern dish, together with other meat and vegetables dishs is served in the small fast-food resataurent next to the Dragnos bridge. The cost for a menu is around 3 euro, including 2 dishes, tea and a sweet.

• Nobel Burek, Miklosiceva ?? (You can't miss it - green and yellow sign, a lot of people standing in line). The place where young people go to get food late in the evening or at night. Different kinds of burek (a leafy dough pie, traditionally with mince meat or cheese filling) available. Considered to be the best burek in town.

[edit] Mid-range

• Cafe Romeo. Stari trg 6, tel. 01 426 90 11. Along the river, to the south of the 3 bridges. Fusion between cocktail bar and mexican restaurant. Meal salads around €7,50. Burrito's / Quasadas around €5,- / €8,- (medium / big). Besides tourists, this place is also popular among the locals.

• Gostilna Sokol. Ciril Metodov trg 18, tel. 01 439 68 55 [17]. This restaurant deals up authentic Slovenian cuisine, complete with all waiters and waitresses dressed up in traditional costume. The food is hearty and served in generous gut-busting portions and very good value for money. The fish cooked in a paper bag with vegetables is highly recommended. There is plenty of meat, fish and vegetable dishes to choose from. The only downside was the house red, which is very sharp and quite cold, but this is a minor quibble.

• Cantina Mexicana. Wolfova 4, tel. 01 426 93 25 [18]. Mexican restaurant set in a small yard together with another restaurant and a pub, just off the central square by the 3 bridges. Prices: Tex Mex ~ €13,- / Fajitas ~ €10,- / Salads ~ €8,-.

• Pri Škofu. Rečna ulica 8. In the Trnovo/Krakovo district, this restaurant is heavily promoted by tourist guides, but delivers an inconsistent experience (i.e. can be very good or simple adequate). Their biggest shortcoming is the lack of wine choice.

• Stara Mačka[19]. Next to the Maček bar/lounge, this is one of the best deals in town if you are looking for an intimate steakhouse in the middile of the old town.

• Julija. Stari trg 9. Right next to Luka’s, serving similar fare of Italian pasta and risotto dishes. Not quite a nice as Luka’s but still a good filling meal, and at a reasonable price. Pasta or risotto dishes are under €6.3

• Jurman, Zaloška 151, tel. 051 358 358. Open daily from 11.00 to 23.00. Affordable prices and very diverse choices. They have themed rooms, such as castle room and fishing room. Children can play in a designated indoor and outdoor playgrounds. The staff is friendly and the service is fast; it usually never takes longer than 10 minutes for 2 or 3 people. You are advised to make a reservation in advance.

• Luka Gourmet Lunch Cafe. Stari trg 11. One of a line of cafes on Stari Trg with outside seating. Serves up tasty, mainly pasta dishes with reasonable prices and friendly service. Most lunch dishes are about €6.

• Gostilna Pod Rožnikom (formerly known as Gostilna Čad) specialises in grilled dishes from southeastern Europe. They are located near Ljubljana Zoo.

[edit] Splurge

• Špajza. Gornji Trg 28, tel. 01 425 30 94. Closed Sun. This restaurant is much larger than you first expect when you initially enter. You walk through several candlelit rooms before you reach the outside terrace. The waiters are initially quite attentive, serving you a nice little aperitif to get you started. The food is a mixture of Slovenian and European, and the menu is kept to a handful of choices for each course. Because of the service, surroundings and food this felt like an expensive restaurant, although by Western standards, it was quite reasonable. An average main dish is €10-15.

• Manna, Eipprova Ulica 1A, tel 01 283 52 94 [20]. South from the main tourist area, this restaurant serves excellent traditional dishes for about €20-40 for a full dinner. It boasts "Slow food", but in effect the service is both helpful and fast. The restaurant has friendly and artistic athmosphere.

• Krpan specializing mainly in seafood with an amazing grill experience. Located a bit out of center, close to the main hospital (Klinični center).

• As, considered by many as Ljubljana's fanciest and most expensive, focusing on seafood and an extensive wine choice, located near the Triple Bridge.

• Chez Eric, specializing in French cuisine, located next to the townhouse.

• Cubo [21], modern International fare, good price/performance ratio, has some of the best Slovenian wines by the glass.

• JB, modern International fare, closed on weekends, located close to the bus/train stations, can get unhygienically expensive by Slovenian standards.

• Hana, off the beaten path near the Interspar hypermarket in the Vic district, fancy, but an excellent bargain considering the quality.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Most of Ljubljana’s bars tend to cluster on the streets running parallel to the river, radiating from Prešernov trg, which is the main square in Ljubljana. The more interesting bars tend to be on the backstreets, rather than directly facing the river. Part of the joy of this city is stumbling across these places, but these are few to start you off.

• Juice Bar Babo. Krojaska 4. A juice and smoothie bar in the old city center with over 50 combinations of freshly prepared beverages to choose from. Layed-back atmosphere, interesting combination of urban and health freak culture. Good place to meet tourists and interesting locals of all ages.

• Čajna Hisa. (The Tea House) Stari trg 3. This is a quirky little coffee and tea room, offering many variations on those warm beverages as well as basic breakfasts and lunches. The background music is impeccably cool, and the atmosphere is ideal for some elegant loafing. Linked to the café is a teashop selling drinking paraphernalia and loads of different fruity flavoured teas by the 100g.

• Patrick's Irish Bar. Precna 6. The ubiqutous Irish Pub with Guinness and Local Beers on tap, with a typical menu of Hearty Meals available. Also typical is the welcoming atmosphere that seems common to all Irish Pubs. Big Screen TVs show sporting events, (mainly football) but bar staff are happy to change a television to show other sports (Rugby Union, Rugby League, Cricket, AFL, NFL etc.) on request. Watch out for ex-pat and tour groups at popular sporting events from their 'home' country.

• Vinoteka Movia. Mestni trg 2. Anyone with any interest in wine should visit here. The cosy, candlelit wine bar comes with knowledgeable barmen who can recommend a wine based on your tastes. The wine glasses are huge, so it’s hard to tell if they were being stingy or if it has simply spread out. Be careful about asking for ‘samples’, as they will charge you full price for the privilege. The prices can vary from modest to a remortgage.

• Okrepcevalnica Makalonca. Hribarjevo nabrežje. The unenticing entrance leads down some steps into a small underground bar that sits level with the river. You can sit inside on stone steps (cushions provided) looking out at the water, or sit outside right by the river. It feels like your own little discovery.

• BI-KO-FE. A lively little bar that plays excellent jazz music (CD, not live). There is outside seating, but inside is where it seems to be happening. It looks like the place the youngish locals hangout to drink the night away.

• Od Žmavca sosed pa ud brata prjatu (Žmavc's neighbor and my brother's pal aka Žmavc). The place to be for the creative urban type.

• K4 is a nice clubbing spot at 4, Kersnikova Trg. National and international DJs play electronic music. Opens Tu-Sun, 10 pm - 2.30/4 am.

• 'Vinoteka Wine cellars of Slovenia'. Dunajska 18. The oldest and biggest wine shop and restaurant in Slovenia is available to anybody that want's to taste a larger variety of Slovenian wines. Located on the Fair ground of Gospodarsko razstavisce in Ljubljana, it houses over 300 slovenian wines from around 150 wine producers. The restaurant serves modern and traditional Slovenian cuisine. There are possibilities of wine tastings, by glass or a guided culinary tour of Slovenian food and wines. They also have great foreign wines, but only a smaller number of them. They also have on some nights live piano music in the background. The prices of wines vary due to the large selection of wines.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

Ljubljana offers two all-year hostels (Celica and Bit Hotel) and several student's homes, that function as hostels in the summer.

• Celica (The Cell), Metelkova ulica 8 (400m from bus/railway station), [22]. A redecorated military prison within the former Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav army base of Metelkova, which turned first into a squatter settlement and is now Ljubljana's burgeoning alternative cultural center. Some years ago, the cells of the former prison were assigned to several Slovenian artists, who designed every one of them individually. The Celica hostel was declared to be the best hostel of 2006 in the World by Lonely Planet, which means they've jacked up prices and it's often full. A bed in a cell (2-3 beds) or normal room (3-5) costs 20&euro, give or take a few euros depending on how many you're sharing with, including breakfast. Coin laundry, free internet PCs, pleasant cafe-restaurant. Credit cards accepted.

• Ljubljana Resort (formerly known as Autocamp Ježica), Dunajska 270, (3 km north of the centre, take bus 6 or 8 for 190 (€0.79) -300 SIT (€1.25)), +386 (0)1 568 3913 (fax +386 (0)1 568 3912, email ac.jezica@gp-ljubljana.si)[23]. Pleasant location near river Sava. You can pitch a tent or hire a bungalow. Swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre, badminton, volleyball, bowling, children's playground, restaurant, snack bar. Double bungalow is SIT 15,000 (€62.59) per night including breakfast.

• Park Hotel, Tabor 9. +386 (0)1 300-2500 (fax: +386 (0)1 433-0546, info@hotelpark.si) [24]. This 2-star hotel in fact also a HI hostel and its accommodation is split between hotel and "hostel" rooms. The latter are cheaper but have only an outside bath and no TV. Staff may request to keep your passport at check in, so it might be useful to have a copy to hand in. Single €56.

• Dijaški dom Tabor (Youth hostel Tabor), Vidovdanska 7 (500m from bus/railway station), +386 (0)1 234 8840 (fax: +386 (0)1 234 8855), [25], [26]. Open during the summer, clean and modern student dorm. 10€ per night for a bed in a 10-person dorm, breakfast is included. Free internet for 15min and a kitchen with dishes is available for cooking.

[edit] Mid-range

• Short-term apartments [27] Rent vacation rental apartments in the center of the old city of Ljubljana,or in quiet suburbs. a great home base from which to tour the rest of the country, including Lake Bled. $787/week and up.

[edit] Splurge

There are several medium to high-range hotels located in the city centre, and in the suburbs.

[edit] Contact

[edit] Internet

Free internet access is available at:

• Cyberpipe, Kersnikova ulica 6, [28]. Closed in summer edit

• Faculty of Computer Sciences and Informatics and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Trzaska cesta 25, [29].  edit

[edit] Stay safe

Ljubljana is a remarkably safe city during day and night, provided you are not desperately looking for trouble.

[edit] Cope

[edit] Get out

• Bled - the town from postcards from Slovenia. It has a scenic lake overlooked by a castle. Located about 1 hour north along the highway towards Jesenice and Austria. On the lake, there is the only island in Slovenia, with a famous church. There are 99 stairs leading to the church from the island shore. At the entrance to the church there is a bell. Ringing this bell supposedly brings good luck. The island is a popular place for weddings. You can get to the island by one of the many small boats that are launched from the north-eastern shore of the lake (near the town of Bled; you will have to pay the fare).

• Postojna Caves [30] - 20 km of underground galleries, chambers and corridors. Located about 40 minutes out of Ljubljana along the highway to Trieste (south-west direction), near the town of Postojna. Guided tour takes one and a half hour. It includes a journey on a special cave train (unique experience!), combined with some easy guided walking on wide, safe and well-marked special tourist trails inside the cave. The cave is huge, the ceiling is 50m high at places. No special equipment necessary. The temperature in the cave is always 8 C. Start of guided tours is at 10.00, 12.00, 14.00 from October to April and on every hour on the hour between 9.00 and 18.00 from May to September.

• Škocjan Caves [31] - another set of famous caves. Škocjan caves are an official UNESCO heritage site. The caves have beautiful stalactite and stalagmite structures. Your guided journey through the vast cave will be on foot. It is an easy guided walk on a specially designed tourist trail through the vast cave with high ceilings. No special equipment necessary. Also of interest is the river Reka, which flows straight into Škocjan Caves and disappears into the cave tunnels, only to resurface some 20 km west near the Adriatic Sea. The caves are located about 1 hour out of Ljubljana (south-west direction) in the Karst region of Slovenia. They are a further 20 minutes west from Postojna Caves.

• Predjama Castle - castle carved into a vertical cliff. Home to the legendary medieval knight of Erazem Predjamski who was besieged in this castle for several months for tax evasion. It did not end well for Erazem, but the legend was started. Located 9 km away from Postojna.

• Skiing - is Slovenia's national sport. There are several ski resorts all across the country. One very good one is the Krvavec ski resort [32] in the Kamnik Alps. It is located about 35 minutes north of Ljubljana.

• Julian Alps - a hiker's paradise. Julian alps have an extensive network of mostly well-marked and maintained mountain trails. However, please be physically fit and well-equipped (proper mountain shoes, food, maps, spare clothes in case you get caught by bad weather). Know where you are going and how difficult your chosen trail is. The difficulties vary from an easy walk through the forests to "via-ferrata"s high in the mountains. These are real Alps with occasional steep paths and breathtaking views. In the winter, they get a lot of snow and are off-limits for most people. Book guides in English are available from many bookstores in Slovenia.

• Kamnik - button-cute little town 45 min north of Ljubljana, just below the Kamnik Alps. It has a perfectly preserved medieval town center.

• Crossing the border - Ljubljana has very good links with all neighboring countries. For example, there are regular trains running to Zagreb and Rijeka. Journey time is about 2.5 hours.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!