Part of former Yugoslavia, Slovenia was once a socialist country that never fell fully behind the Iron Curtain. Today it’s an emerging destination known for its capital of Ljubljana, karstic rock formations, sensual lakes and waterways, and some impressive wine country. The nation even offers remarkable biodiversity, with over 400 furry bears living in the wild (versus in plaid vests).
Slovenia legalized homosexuality in 1977. While the LGBT community cannot marry, as of February 2017, marriage rights have been fully extended to same-sex common law couples, with the exception of adoption and artificial insemination where complications still exist legally. There’s also a small but growing gay scene in Ljubljana – the nation’s capital – and they even host a ‘Pink Week’ every May.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Other Type of Partnership
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but Requires Surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Step-Child Adoption Only
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
There’s a small but growing gay scene in Ljubljana – the nation’s capital – and they even host a ‘Pink Week’ every May. You won’t have any trouble sharing a Double Room with your partner.
Gay Villages
Ljubljana: While not a gay village, hip Metelkova City is the gayest neighbourhood in all of Slovenia.
Pride Festivals/Events
Ljubljana Pride: Annual
Pink Week: Annually in May
Best Gay Bars
Ljubljana: Klub Tiffany (Mixed male-female crowd)
Best Lesbian Bars
There are no Lesbian-specific bars in Slovenia. Most women patron Klub Tiffany, the only LGBT bar in the country.
5. Julian Alps
This incredible stretch of the Alps is perfect year round: exceptional hiking and mountain biking in the summer and fantastic skiing in the winter.
4. Goriška Brda
Goriška Brda is Slovenia’s premiere wine region. Oenophile’s have been quietly praising the region’s superb vintages for decades and only now are casual enthusiasts catching on.
3. Predjama
Let your imagination soar while touring the world’s largest cave castle. The medieval structure is torn from a Tolkien novel and will fit nicely on your Instagram.
2. Lake Bled
Lake Bled is one of Earth’s true romantic destinations. Visitors often paddle across the turqoise lake in a traditional pletna boat and explore the tiny island church. Adventure seekers hike the surrounding Julian Alps.
1. Ljubljana
The tongue-twister capital of Slovenia is a rising destination among the travel cognoscenti and one of the most livable cities in the world. The city oozes charm, has an underappreciated dining scene and a surprisingly lively nightlife despite its very small population. At the centre of town is a rolling hill topped with beautiful Ljubljana Castle. Meanwhile, shimmering Ljubljanica River snakes right through the pedestrian only city-centre and is lined with quaint cafes and boutique shops.
Best Time to Visit: Slovenia’s incredibly short coast (only 47km/29mi) serves up a quintessential Mediterranean climate: hot and dry from June though September, with temperatures soaring to 35C/95F at the peak of summer (Jul/Aug). Up in the Julian Alps, you can expect the weather to be more bearable, as temperatures drop by about 10C/20F.
Electricity: F-type sockets.
Time Zone: (GMT+01:00) Belgrade, Bratislava, Budapest, Ljubljana, Prague
Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Slovenia, there are no vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic.
Visas: Slovenia is part of the Schengen area, and a visa is not required for American, Australian, British and Canadian citizens travelling to the country for fewer than 90 days.
Slovenia legalized homosexuality in 1977. While the LGBT community cannot marry, as of February 2017, marriage rights have been fully extended to same-sex common law couples, with the exception of adoption and artificial insemination where complications still exist legally. There’s also a small but growing gay scene in Ljubljana – the nation’s capital – and they even host a ‘Pink Week’ every May.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Other Type of Partnership
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but Requires Surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Step-Child Adoption Only
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
There’s a small but growing gay scene in Ljubljana – the nation’s capital – and they even host a ‘Pink Week’ every May. You won’t have any trouble sharing a Double Room with your partner.
Gay Villages
Ljubljana: While not a gay village, hip Metelkova City is the gayest neighbourhood in all of Slovenia.
Pride Festivals/Events
Ljubljana Pride: Annual
Pink Week: Annually in May
Best Gay Bars
Ljubljana: Klub Tiffany (Mixed male-female crowd)
Best Lesbian Bars
There are no Lesbian-specific bars in Slovenia. Most women patron Klub Tiffany, the only LGBT bar in the country.
5. Julian Alps
This incredible stretch of the Alps is perfect year round: exceptional hiking and mountain biking in the summer and fantastic skiing in the winter.
4. Goriška Brda
Goriška Brda is Slovenia’s premiere wine region. Oenophile’s have been quietly praising the region’s superb vintages for decades and only now are casual enthusiasts catching on.
3. Predjama
Let your imagination soar while touring the world’s largest cave castle. The medieval structure is torn from a Tolkien novel and will fit nicely on your Instagram.
2. Lake Bled
Lake Bled is one of Earth’s true romantic destinations. Visitors often paddle across the turqoise lake in a traditional pletna boat and explore the tiny island church. Adventure seekers hike the surrounding Julian Alps.
1. Ljubljana
The tongue-twister capital of Slovenia is a rising destination among the travel cognoscenti and one of the most livable cities in the world. The city oozes charm, has an underappreciated dining scene and a surprisingly lively nightlife despite its very small population. At the centre of town is a rolling hill topped with beautiful Ljubljana Castle. Meanwhile, shimmering Ljubljanica River snakes right through the pedestrian only city-centre and is lined with quaint cafes and boutique shops.
Best Time to Visit: Slovenia’s incredibly short coast (only 47km/29mi) serves up a quintessential Mediterranean climate: hot and dry from June though September, with temperatures soaring to 35C/95F at the peak of summer (Jul/Aug). Up in the Julian Alps, you can expect the weather to be more bearable, as temperatures drop by about 10C/20F.
Electricity: F-type sockets.
Time Zone: (GMT+01:00) Belgrade, Bratislava, Budapest, Ljubljana, Prague
Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Slovenia, there are no vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic.
Visas: Slovenia is part of the Schengen area, and a visa is not required for American, Australian, British and Canadian citizens travelling to the country for fewer than 90 days.