Slovenia
Mountain lakes, the Julian Alps and camping by the water.
Overview
In brief
- Travel time
- 7–10 days (our estimate)
- Best time to travel
- jun–sep (our estimate · Full table)
- Distance from London
- ± 1,500 km to Ljubljana (approx., via route planner · plus the Channel crossing by Eurotunnel or ferry)
- Driving days
- 2 driving days (our estimate)
- Tolls and vignettes
- E-vignette mandatory (week € 16) (Details and source)
- Paying
- euro
- EU member
- yes
Distances were calculated once with OpenStreetMap (OSRM) from London to the capital; your actual route may be longer or shorter. For London, the Channel crossing (Eurotunnel or ferry) is not included. Driving days assume at most about 750 km per day with children (our estimate).
Practical
Good to know
Money and payments
You pay with the euro. With a map and contactless pay works in cities, supermarkets and larger campsites usually easily. Nevertheless, have some cash with you for small campsites, market stalls and parking machines (our experience).
Language and handy words
A few words work wonders, even with the campsite neighbour's kids:
- Dober dan: good day
- Hvala: thank you
- Prosim: please
- Na svidenje: goodbye
Documents and border
This is an EU country: you travel with a valid passport or ID card, and children also need their own valid travel document. Check the travel advice just before you leave.
Health and safety
Take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, on the back of your health insurance card or available from your health insurer): it gives you necessary care in public healthcare under local conditions. Travel insurance is still wise, for example for repatriation. The European emergency number is 112.
Source: europa.eu (EHIC)
Traffic rules that matter
In Slovenia, you also drive with low or daytime running lights during the day. The per mille limit is 0.5, but 0 for drivers under 21 or with less than two years of driving license. From 15 November to 15 March, and outside it in winter weather, winter tyres or snow chains are mandatory. Mandatory in the car: warning triangle (two with trailer or caravan over 750 kg) and warning vest. Children under 140 cm need a suitable child seat or a raised seat.
Source: ANWB
Best time to travel
June to September is the best time for the lakes and mountains. In July and August it is full around Bled; Bohinj and the Soča valley are then quieter (our assessment).
Always check the current rules (tolls, vignette, entry requirements) just before you leave.
On the road by car
Tolls and vignettes
| What | Price passenger car | Where to arrange it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-vignette class 2A (car up to 1.30 m above the front axle; camper vans always 2A) | week € 16 · month € 32 · year € 117.50 | Online at evinjeta.dars.si or authorised sales points | DARS e-vinjeta price checked Oct 2026 |
| Karawanks Tunnel (not included in the vignette) | € 9 (car up to 3,500 kg, from Slovenian side) | Hrušica toll station | DARS price checked Oct 2026 |
Buy vignettes only through the official channels: other sites often charge extra. A caravan or camper van may fall into a different class; check this with the source.
Route
Road trip through the Julian Alps
Eleven days, a car full of luggage and above all a lot of water. This route revolves around nature and quiet places. Bled is the tourist stop. Bohinj is wilder and our favorite.
Stay in three places: around Bohinjska Bistrica, in the Soča Valley and at Kranjska Gora. You never have to drive for long.
Inspired by the family road trip of 4stuffedbackpacks (Julian De Rosa). Places marked SUP are suitable for stand-up paddleboarding; always check the local rules.
Bohinj & Bled
Lake Bohinj SUP
Our favorite. Bigger and quieter than Bled, with clear, fresh water and mountains right around. Swim, paddle or just sit on the shore for an afternoon.
Lake Bled SUP
The familiar picture with the small island and the church. Fuller and more touristy, but a walk around the lake is quite feasible with children.
Kranjska Gora
Lake Jasna SUP
A small lake just outside Kranjska Gora, with the mountains behind it. The water is cold but nice to paddle briefly or keep your feet clean.
Krnica and Pišnica
The valley behind the Jasna Lake, along the river Pišnica. A quiet hike over forest trails, well feasible with children.
Martuljek waterfall
A waterfall in the forest near Gozd Martuljek. The lower waterfall is the easiest to reach, the upper one requires a longer climb.
Zelenci Nature Reserve
A green-blue spring pool in which the Sava springs. You walk over a wooden walkway, short and flat. Bathing is not allowed here.
Soča Valley
Most na Soči SUP
A lake where Soča and Idrijca converge. The water here is calmer than in the river, so nice for the first time stand-up paddling.
Bridge over the Soča and the Soča trails
Suspension bridges over the Soča and hiking trails on the water. Pay attention to the color of the river, which is really so turquoise.
Swimming spots along the Soča
On the river are small beaches and pools. The water is freezing and the current can be strong, so stay close to the children.
Napoleon Bridge near Kobarid
An old stone bridge over the Soča near Kobarid. Nearby is also the Nadiža, a river that is warmer and more pleasant for swimming.
Ljubljana & surroundings
Ljubljanica SUP
Stand-up paddling through the capital. You start at Park Špica and paddle comfortably into the city. A nice change from the mountains.
Črnava SUP
A smaller lake, less known than the others. Check on site whether and where stand-up paddling is allowed.
Iški Vintgar
A gorge south of Ljubljana, with a waterfront path and small waterfalls. Quieter than the known gorges in the north.
Just across the border in Italy
Lago del Predil SUP
A mountain lake directly behind the Predilpass. Clear water, hardly any buildings. Good to connect with Fusine.
Laghi di Fusine
Two small lakes at the foot of Mangart. A shallow hiking trail leads around the waters, ideally with small children.
Where are you going?
Regions explained
Julian Alps and the lakes
Around Bled and Bohinj you will find mountain lakes, green valleys and hiking trails for every level. Bohinj is quieter and more natural, Bled has the well-known island with church. Ideal for families who want to swim, hike and cycle.
Source: slovenia.info
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Soča Valley
The emerald Soča flows from the mountains towards Italy. You can raft, canoe and hike on the water. The water is cold, so also in summer refreshing. Suitable for active families with slightly older children.
Source: slovenia.info
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Karst and caves
In the southwest lies the karst with large caves such as Postojna and Škocjan. A good excursion on a rainy or very hot day, because under the earth it is cool all year round.
Source: postojnska-jama.eu
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Ljubljana
A compact capital with car-free center on the river and a castle on the hill. Half a day is enough to walk around with children and eat an ice cream (our assessment).
Source: ljubljanskigrad.si
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
On the road
Suggested route by car
A round of 7 to 10 days, with short driving days, so that there is time for swimming and playing (our assessment). Check the journey times per stage in your route planner.
- Days 1-3: Bled and Bohinj: camping by the lake, the Vintgar Gorge and swimming.
- Day 4-5: via Kranjska Gora and the Vršič pass to the Soča valley (only with a car that creates mountain roads; with a large motorhome rather outside).
- Days 6-7: to the Karst: Postojna Cave or Škocjan.
- Day 8: Ljubljana, then back or on to Croatia.
Camping
Where do you camp?
Camping Bled
Campsite at the western end of Lake Bled, with the mountains in the back. Practical as a basis for Vintgar and the lake. Book in advance in summer (our tip).
Source: camping-bled.com
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Campsites in the Soča Valley
Along the Soča are several small campsites near Bovec and Kobarid, often simple and in the middle of nature. Nice for anyone who wants to raft or canoe. Find a place on the official Slovenia page or via ACSI.
Source: slovenia.info
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Camper van pitches
Wild camping is banned in Slovenia. With the motorhome you are standing on a campsite or an official pitch; You can find them on the tourism site of Slovenia.
Source: slovenia.info
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Gear for this region → (tent, gas, mosquitoes, sleeping bag)
Outings
With kids
Postojna Cave
You ride a small train into the cave and then walk a bit between the drip stones. Children can also see the Grorottenolm, a blind cave animal also called the 'Baby Dragon'. Take a sweater: it's cool.
Source: postojnska-jama.eu
Vintgar Gorge
Over wooden webs you walk through a narrow gorge with clear, rushing water, close to Bled. Very feasible for children of 7 and 9; buy your ticket on the official page.
Source: vintgar.si
Vogel cable car
A cable car from Lake Bohinj takes you up into the mountains, with a view over the lake and the Julian Alps. At the top you can make short walks.
Source: vogel.si
Outings
Fun activities with kids
Water parks, karting, trampolines, bowling, zoos and outings for a rainy day: concrete addresses, chosen with children of about 7 and 9 in mind. We only mention places with their own website, which we checked on 14 October 2026. Opening times and prices change: always check the website.
Our favourites
Postojna Cave
With the Grotto Railway into the cave; Children love the Grottenolm ("Baby Dragon"). In the cave it is cool all year, so also in rain a good excursion.
Tickets/tour via Viator → Ad · affiliate link
Vintgar Gorge
Wooden webs along a narrow gorge with clear green water near Bled. According to website with time windows in the high season.
Tickets/tour via Viator → Ad · affiliate link
WOOP! Fun Park
Large indoor fun park with 21 attractions, including 79 trampolines, climbing walls, a parabolic slide and an obstacle course. Ideal for exploding.
Straža summer toboggan run
Summer toboggan run on the Straža hill on the edge of Bled; chairlift to the top.
Terme Čatež
Large thermal complex with indoor and outdoor pools; in summer the thermal Riviera outdoors with slides. With its own campsite.
Zipline Bovec
Ziplinepark in Soča valley; according to website the largest in Europe. Check minimum age and weight.
Local cuisine
Food to taste
A few dishes you can try with the whole family:
Show all dishes (4)
Kranjska klobasa
A strong smoked sausage, often served with mustard, horseradish and bread. Uncomplicated for children.
Potica
A rolled pastry with a filling, for example made of walnuts. You will find it at the baker and at parties.
Štruklji
And then, they say, "Great, sweet, cooked." Quark is a common filling.
Jota
A strong stew of beans and sauerkraut from the west of the country; Delicious after a wet walking day.
Look further
Discover more
Campsites by name, day trips, events and things you had better avoid, each with a source.
Show all tips (3)
Featured campsites
ACSI Eurocampings includes River Camping Bled (Lesce), Camp Liza and Camping Polovnik (Bovec, in the Soča Valley) as well as family places on the spas such as Terme Čatež and Terme Olimia in the east. These spa sites include swimming pools or a water park: practical if it rains a day.
Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Slovenia
Day trip: Velika Planina
A high alpine mountain with shepherd huts and grazing cattle, reachable by cable car and chairlift at Kamnik. In the summer you see shepherds there with their flocks; A great day with children.
Source: velikaplanina.si
Avoid: waiting at the border for the vignette
ACSI recommends buying the e-vignette online before traveling; This saves waiting time at the border. Attention: The caravan tunnel (Austria-Slovenia) is not included in the vignette, there you pay extra toll.
Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Slovenia
On the road
Practical tips for Slovenia
Things we found out ourselves before we got started. Practical if you come with car, caravan or motorhome.
Show all practical tips (9)
E-vignette: only via the official site
On the Slovenian motorway, you need a digital vignette that is coupled to your license plate. Purchase them through evinjeta.dars.si or an approved seller. At the top of search engines are often other sites that require a hefty markup, and sometimes you won’t even get a valid vignette there. So pay close attention to the web address. Source: AMZS
Which vignette suits your car?
A normal car (up to 1.30 meters above the front) falls in 2A: 2026 costs a weekly vignette € 16, a monthly vignette € 32 and an annual vignette € 117.50. Good to know: A motorhome always falls in Class 2A, no matter how high it is. A higher minibus belongs to class 2B and pays double. Source: AMZS, DARS rates
Pay separately for the Karawanks Tunnel
If you drive through the caravan tunnel between Austria and Slovenia, this tunnel is not included in the vignette. From the Slovenian side you pay at the toll station Hrušica; For a car up to 3,500 kilos, this is € 9. Coming from Austria, you pay on the Austrian side. Source: DARS
Refilling a gas bottle
Good news for caravan and motorhome travelers: In Slovenia, Dutch gas bottles and gas tanks are filled easily. If you have a refillable bottle, take a European adapter set; in Slovenia usually fits the adapter with W20 threads. Source: ANWB Camping
Vršič Pass: beautiful, but not with a caravan
The road over the Vršič, from Kranjska Gora to the Soča valley, is the highest mountain pass in Slovenia at 1,611 metres and has 50 hairpin bends. An experience, but the Slovenian automobile club AMZS calls it a demanding road and advises against it with a trailer or caravan. If you are towing a caravan, plan a different route. In winter the pass can be closed; you can then drive as far as the mountain hut Koča na Gozdu. For 2026: you cannot park at the top because the right-hand lane is closed, and roadworks are taking place at the top of the road until 16 November. Source: AMZS · Kranjska Gora
Savica waterfall near Bohinj: children free
Since 1 August 2026 you pay an entrance fee at the Savica waterfall again: € 4 from age 16, children under 16 go free, and on the first Sunday of the month it is free for everyone. Parking at P9, at the start of the path, costs € 7 for three hours or € 15 for the whole day (cars up to 2 metres high), and you can only pay there by card, not in cash. In July and August motorhomes may not park at P9 and may not use the road from Ukanc to the waterfall. If it is busy, park in Bohinjska Bistrica and take the bus; in 2026 it ran daily until 31 August. Source: Promet Bohinj
Triglav National Park: tent only at the campsite
Lake Bohinj and the Vršič are in Triglav National Park, and the rules there are clear: pitching a tent or staying overnight outside the designated places is not allowed. Making a fire in nature is forbidden, flying a drone is only allowed with the park's permission, and you may not swim in high mountain lakes and mountain streams, not even the dog. Stay on the marked paths with the children. Source: Triglav National Park
Cold nights in the mountains: which tent? · Sleeping bag and mat
Ticks: check the children after every walk
According to the LCR, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) occurs in Slovenia. Whether a vaccination makes sense for you differs per person: ask a travel vaccination clinic, especially if you camp and hike a lot in forests and tall grass. Do a tick check after every walk, including behind the ears and in the backs of the knees. Source: LCR
Tourist tax: children under 7 free
At the campsite in Slovenia you pay tourist tax per person per night on top of the price. The amount differs per municipality, but the law is favourable to families: children under 7 pay nothing, and from 7 to 18 you pay half. Municipalities may exempt even more people. So check that the children's ages are correct on the bill. Source: Slovenian Tourism Act (ZSRT-1, article 18)
Prices and rules may change. Check the source again just before you leave.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a vignette in Slovenia?
E-vignette mandatory (week € 16). Prices, points of sale and the official source are in the block "Made and Vignette" on this page. To tolls and vignettes
Can you wild camp in Slovenia?
Prohibited, except with the prior permission of the municipality or police. (Source: ACSI Eurocampings)
What is the best time to travel to Slovenia?
June to September is the best time for the lakes and mountains. In July and August it is full around Bled; Bohinj and the Soča valley are then quieter (our assessment).
How far is Slovenia from London?
From London to Ljubljana it is about 1,500 km (calculated with OpenStreetMap; check your route planner). The Channel crossing is not included: with the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) it takes 35 minutes according to the operator; a Dover–Calais ferry is the alternative. With children, expect about 2 driving days (our estimate).
What must you carry in the car in Slovenia?
Mandatory in the car: warning triangle (two with trailer or caravan over 750 kg) and warning vest. Source: ANWB. All traffic rules are on our page Traffic rules & equipment. To traffic rules · ANWB
Which travel documents do I need for Slovenia?
This is an EU country: you travel with a valid passport or ID card, and children also need their own valid travel document. Check the travel advice just before you leave.
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