Ljubljana, Slovenia: Where European and Balkan Culture Live On

Lovely Ljubljana

I don’t often write about a place I haven’t visited. It’s even more unusual that I report on a destination with an almost unpronounceable name. At least for me. I wrote down my own phonetic spelling as Loo bee ahna, simply because I sometimes say words in my head as I write them, especially when they’re different. And I’ve been having trouble with this one.

This minor conundrum is slowly changing since I learned from two well-traveled Telluride locals, my friends Amy and Eileen, that Ljubljana is not only easy to pronounce but also an up and coming destination, one which should be put on any savvy traveler’s list. From what they both told me, in fact, I’d say Ljubljana has arrived and you should move it toward the top of your places-to-visit inventory, especially if you’re looking for good value in a European city where you’re not going to bump into Americans–or other tourists–at every turn.

Ljubljana: The Capital of Slovenia

Serene Sightseeing

Lots of Old Stones at the Ljubljana Castle

Lively Architecture

Ljubljana, the capital and largest city of Slovenia, serves as an excellent add-on to discovering this country, one that’s becoming increasingly known for its stunning natural beauty. And that’s exactly why these two gals found themselves in this town. Eileen, the Managing Director of Telluride-based Ryder-Walker, was there to lead this renowned company’s trek through the Triglav Circuit in Slovenia. Before the tour began, she did some reconnaissance hiking with Amy outside of Ljubljana. And while in the capital, they both enjoyed the wonderful cross cultural experience of this European/Balkan city, sites such as the Ljubljana Castle and delicious meals featuring a variety of foods, including mouth-watering pizza, a Slovenian favorite.

Hiking in Slovenia with Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures

Part European, Part Balkan

“I was lucky enough to spend seventeen days hiking in Slovenia through my work with Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures,” Eileen told me. “Slovenia is a magical country with monumental snow-capped mountain peaks, enchanting crystal clear rivers, quaint historic villages and some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. “Ljubljana emanates charm with a rich and varied cultural life,” she said. “It’s no wonder the word love is found in the name Slovenia,” she added.

Awwww, I want to go. I’m becoming increasingly drawn to these former Communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe. I keep telling myself that I better go before they become trammeled with tourists and no longer offer such good value. Plus, my friends tell me that Ljubljana–like the rest of Slovenia–is clean, most people speak English and the mountains will charm you as much as their centuries-old streets.

Best of all though:  I’m finally getting a hang of the name. And when I pronounce it, it’s beginning to sound as lovely as the city itself. Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Where to Stay

Antiq Hotel

Antiq Hotel

Amy and Eileen enjoyed the excellent location and Old World charm of this hospitable hotel. “The staff was helpful and nice,” Amy told me, qualities that seem to embody the overall experience these two ladies encountered while traveling in Slovenia.

Tasty Food

And Drink

Thank you to the Ljubljana Tourism Board, Eileen Burns and Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures for the photos in this post.