Slovenia

Slovenia (Slovenija) is a member of the European Union, Schengen Agreement and NATO. Not to be confused with Slovakia. The country lies at the crossroads of Balkans and Central Europe in the eastern Alps at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea, bordered by Austria to the north, Italy to the west, Hungary to the northeast, and Croatia to the southeast. Despite its small size, this eastern Alpine country controls some of Europe’s major transit routes.

Previously one of Yugoslavia’s six constituent republics, present-day Slovenia became independent in 1991. Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and a stable democracy have assisted in Slovenia’s transformation to a modern state.

Four major European geographic regions meet in Slovenia: the Alps, the Dinaric area, the Pannonian plain and the Mediterranean. Slovenia’s highest mountain, the three-peaked Triglav, is depicted on the national flag. Main tourist attractions include the famous caves with their decor of stalactites and stalagmites in Postojna.

Slovenia has a 46 km long coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region adjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed mountains and valleys with numerous rivers to the east. Slovenia’s highest point is Mount Triglav at 2,864 m. Natural resources include lignite coal, lead, zinc, building stone, hydropower and forests.


Weather

It has a Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild to hot summers, and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east.


The best time to visit

April can see rain, but the flower strewn forest meadows are at their best then. Summer has nice temperatures well into September, until the rain starts in October. Accommodation in high season can be hard to come by in the capital.


Roads and Riding

Slovenia can justly claim to be one of the world’s greenest countries with half of its land surface covered with forests. Nice twisty roads exist through Slovenia’s varied terrain, and there isn’t a lot of traffic.


Tours which concern Slovenia:

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Capital city: Ljubljana
Official language: Slovenian
National currency: Euro (EUR)
Climate: Mediterranean and continental
Time zone: Central European Time (GMT +1)
Visa, documents: Tourists from most countries (EU, USA, etc) do not need visa. A valid passport is required only.
Electricity: 220 V / 50 Hz