Majestic mountains, verdant valleys, alpine lakes, rolling vineyards… thanks to its varied and unspoilt landscapes, Slovenia offers some particularly scenic roads. Here’s my selection of the most beautiful roads to drive in Slovenia, along with some useful tips!
Slovenia’s most beautiful roads: selection
Choosing just 7 routes in Slovenia was a real challenge, as this small country is so full of treasures! The beauty of the Slovenian landscape is not limited to our selection. At every turn, you’ll discover verdant valleys, picturesque hilltop villages, churches with their distinctive bell towers, and of course the magnificent Alps that dominate the horizon. The routes we’ve selected are those that impressed us the most, but we could have listed many more. One thing’s for sure: it’s impossible to get bored on a road trip in Slovenia – every road is a new adventure!bons plans sur ma plateforme préférée
Need to rent a car in Slovenia?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
1. Vrsic Pass (Route 206)
Why visit? My opinion
The Vršič Pass is Slovenia’s highest road and one of the most spectacular in the Julian Alps. It offers 50 numbered hairpin bends. But it’s well worth the effort, as all along the way you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. This historic road, built during the First World War, offers an unforgettable driving experience.
The scenery changes constantly: pine forests, alpine meadows, rocky peaks… At the summit of the pass (1611m), the panoramic view of the mountains is not to be missed. See my full article.
Stops along the road:
- Russian chapel
- Summit of the Vršič Pass
- View of the Prisank
- …
Useful tips
- Northwest Slovenia
- Between Kranjska Gora and Trenta
- 1 hour drive
- Preferred direction: from Kranjska Gora to Bovec (north to south)
- Road closed in winter except in exceptional conditions
- Early morning departure recommended in high season
- Numerous hairpin bends; careful driving required
- Beware of cyclists, particularly numerous in summer
2. Soca Valley
Why visit? My opinion
The road that follows the Soča River down from the Vrsic Pass is one of the most beautiful in Europe. The turquoise river meanders through a deep valley. The views are unmissable, with intense colors. The problem is, you want to stop everywhere! See our full article.
Stops along the road:
- Gorges de la Soča
- Cascade de Boka
- Village de Kobarid et son musée WWI
- Pont Napoléon
- Nombreux spots de rafting et kayak
Useful tips
- Western Slovenia
- Between Bovec and Nova Gorica
- 2 hours drive
- Preferred direction: north to south
- Well-maintained but winding road
- Plenty of parking to enjoy the views
- Very busy in summer, so leave early
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3. Logarska Dolina
Why visit? My opinion
The glacial Logarska Dolina (Logar Valley) is THE jewel of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. The road leads through an unspoilt valley, lined with towering peaks and waterfalls. I loved the contrast between the green meadows of the valley floor and the sheer cliffs. I even spent the night there to take full advantage of the scenery! See my full article.
Stops along the road:
- Rinka waterfall
- Traditional farms
- Park information center
- Alpine vantage points
- Alpine hiking trails
Useful tips
- Northern Slovenia
- Dead-end road to valley floor
- 30-minute drive
- Valley entrance toll
- Well-maintained road
- Beautiful in all seasons
- Parking at the end of the road for hikers
4. Solcava scenic route
Why visit? My opinion
The Solčava Scenic Route offers spectacular views over three alpine valleys: Logarska dolina, Robanov kot and Matkov kot. It winds through traditional rural landscapes, with isolated mountain farms and picturesque chapels. Panoramic views of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps are among the finest in the country.
Stops along the road:
- Views of the three valleys
- Traditional farms
- Sainte-Marie church
- Local cheese dairies
Useful tips
- Northern Slovenia
- Loop from Solčava
- 1-2 hours depending on stops
- Narrow road
- Little traffic
- Superb at the beginning or end of the day
- Some unpaved sections
5. Along Lake Bohinj
Why visit? My opinion
La route le long du lac Bohinj offre des vues magnifiques sur le plus grand lac naturel de Slovénie, avec les Alpes juliennes en toile de fond. Vous n’aurez pas toujours des vues car il y a beaucoup d’arbres, mais dès que vous le pouvez, arrêtez-vous pour faire quelques pas vers le bord de lac! Les reflets des montagnes dans les eaux cristallines du lac créent des tableaux changeants au fil de la journée. Passez au moins une nuit dans la région pour en profiter! Voir mon article sur le Lac Bohinj.
Stops along the road:
- Village of Ribčev Laz and its church
- Ukanc beach
- Lower station of the Vogel cable car
- Viewpoints over the lake
- Golden chamois statue
Useful tips
- Northwest Slovenia
- 30 minutes non-stop
- Easy, well-maintained road
- Very busy in summer
- Most beautiful early in the morning or at sunset
- Parking facilities
6. Brda vineyards
Why visit? My opinion
The Brda wine region is sometimes called the “Slovenian Tuscany”. It offers winding roads through vine-covered hills. I was delighted by the views over the villages and terraced vineyards (especially as it’s less touristy than other parts of Slovenia).
Stops along the road:
- Village médiéval de Šmartno
- Tour panoramique de Gonjače
- Château Dobrovo
- Domaines viticoles
- Points de vue sur les collines
Useful tips
- Western Slovenia
- Route from Dobrovo
- 1-2 hours depending on stops
- Narrow but well-maintained roads
- Little traffic
- Magnificent in autumn
- Many wine cellars to visit
Where to stay in Slovenia?
My favorites ona road trip:
- In Ljubljana, to explore the vibrant city – see best rated accommodations
- In Bled, to admire the iconic lake – see best rated accommodations
- In Bovec, to enjoy the mountains – see best rated accommodations
- In Piran, to explore the coast – see best rated accommodations
- In Ptuj, to learn about history – see best rated accommodations
- Around the Logar Valley for amazing scenery – see best rated accommodations
7. Robanov Kot Valley
Why visit? My opinion
Less well known than its Logarska Dolina neighbor, the Robanov Kot valley offers a similar landscape, but with a wilder ambience. The road passes through unspoilt countryside, between alpine meadows and forests, with the peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in the background.
Stops along the road:
- Roban Farm Museum
- Viewpoints over the valley
- Traditional mountain pastures
- Hiking trails
Useful tips
- Northern Slovenia
- Dead-end road
- 20-minute drive
- Very little traffic
- Narrow road in places
FAQs
What’s the best season for these routes?
Spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal: fewer tourists, pleasant temperatures and magnificent scenery. Summer is splendid, but more crowded. The Vršič pass is generally closed in winter.
Do I need a special car?
A normal car will suffice, as all these roads are asphalted (except for a few sections of the Solčava panoramic road). In winter, snow equipment is compulsory throughout the country.
Car rental tips
- Book in advance, especially in high season
- Check engine power for mountain roads
- Take out comprehensive insurance
- Avoid very large cars on narrow roads
- In winter, make sure you have the mandatory equipment
