In short: northern Slovenia is easily toured in a week — Bled and Bohinj in the west, then Kranj, Celje, Ptuj and Maribor in the east; distances are short, alternating Alpine lakes, mountains and towns with wine and spas.
Northern Slovenia is easily toured in a week: the distances are small, and in a small space wine-growing Styria, medieval towns and the Alpine lakes of Upper Carniola follow one after another. In this guide we offer a suggested route by day, and if you are also planning the Belgrade to Northern Slovenia minibus transfer, how to get there is at the end.
Days 1–2: Styria — Maribor and Ptuj
The entry into Slovenia from Serbia naturally begins in the east. The first town is Maribor (Belgrade to Maribor transfer) — the second-largest city in Slovenia, with the Old Vine (the oldest noble grapevine in the world) in Lent and a gondola to Pohorje. More in the guide what to see in Maribor.
On the second day, near Maribor, is Ptuj (Belgrade to Ptuj transfer) — the oldest town in Slovenia (the Roman Poetovio), with a castle above the Drava and Terme Ptuj. See what to see in Ptuj.
Day 3: Celje and the Savinja area
The route further west leads to Celje (Belgrade to Celje transfer), the town of the Counts of Celje, with the largest medieval fortress in Slovenia above the river Savinja. Those with time have the Alpine Logar Valley within reach from here. In more detail in the guide what to see in Celje.
Days 4–5: Bled
The heart of the route is the Alpine lakes of Upper Carniola. Bled (Belgrade to Bled transfer) deserves two days: the pletna ride to the island, the climb to Bled Castle, a walk around the lake and a trip to the Vintgar gorge. Along with it, the famous cream cake is a must. See what to see in Bled.
Day 6: Bohinj
Only some thirty minutes from Bled is Bohinj (Belgrade to Bohinj transfer) — the largest lake in the country, in the heart of Triglav NP. The day is just right for the Savica waterfall, the Vogel cable car and peace by the water. More in the guide what to see in Bohinj.
Day 7: Kranj and the return
On the way back south you stop in Kranj (Belgrade to Kranj transfer), the capital of Upper Carniola — the old core on the cliff between the Sava and the Kokra, the Prešeren House and the network of underground tunnels. See what to see in Kranj.
Practical tips
The distances between the towns are small (most often under an hour), so the route is easily adjusted. Those who love lakes add days to Bled and Bohinj; those who love towns and wine extend their stay in Styria. A good base for Upper Carniola is Bled or Kranj, and for Styria, Maribor.
How to get to Slovenia from Belgrade
For the Belgrade to Northern Slovenia minibus transfer we drive door to door, with a night departure from Belgrade (around 23:00h) and the Bregana border crossing. Maribor and Ptuj are the closest (about 500 km), Bled and Bohinj somewhat further.
The price is fixed and free of hidden costs — see the price list and all the towns of northern Slovenia (transfer to Northern Slovenia). Before the trip, check the border crossings and live cameras, and read about the region in the guide northern Slovenia.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for Slovenia?
For the northern part (Styria and Upper Carniola) 7 days are enough to tour Maribor, Ptuj, Celje, Bled, Bohinj and Kranj without rushing, as the distances are small.
In what order to tour the towns of northern Slovenia?
It is natural to start from the east: Maribor and Ptuj (Styria), then Celje, then Bled and Bohinj (the lakes) and Kranj on the way back south.
Which are the loveliest places in northern Slovenia?
The Alpine lakes of Bled and Bohinj, the oldest town of Ptuj, Maribor with the Old Vine, medieval Celje and the old core of Kranj.
Is a week enough for Slovenia?
For the northern part it is — the small distances allow you to see both towns and lakes in seven days. For the whole country you would need more time.
How to get to Slovenia from Belgrade?
By minibus, door to door, with a night departure (around 23:00h) via the Bregana crossing; you sleep through most of the journey and arrive in the morning, with no changeovers.
