In short: northern Slovenia combines Gorenjska (Bled, Bohinj, Kranj, the Alps) and Styria (Maribor, Ptuj, Celje, wine and spas) — lakes and mountains in the west, towns and vine-clad hills in the east.
Northern Slovenia combines Styria in the east and Upper Carniola in the west — and is one of the few destinations worth visiting at any time of year. From the wine-growing hills around Maribor and the historic streets of Ptuj, through the town cores of Celje and Kranj, to Alpine jewels such as Bled and Bohinj — all of it fits into a few hours’ drive from Belgrade. This guide to northern Slovenia 2026 brings an overview of the towns, lakes and mountains, along with practical tips and a door-to-door Belgrade to Slovenia minibus transfer, all year round — with Belgrade as the starting point for travellers from across Serbia.
Unlike the summer destinations at the sea, the north of Slovenia does not depend on the season: in winter you ski, in spring and autumn you tour the towns and spas, and in summer you rest by the lakes at the foot of the Julian Alps.
Towns and places of northern Slovenia
Styria and Upper Carniola hide several towns that are easily toured both on their own and as part of a wider tour:
- Maribor (Belgrade to Maribor transfer) — the second-largest city in Slovenia, on the banks of the Drava, with an old core, wine cellars and the Pohorje ski resort near the centre.
- Ptuj (Belgrade to Ptuj transfer) — the oldest Slovenian town, with a medieval castle above the river and the famous Kurentovanje carnival; thermal spas are nearby too.
- Celje (Belgrade to Celje transfer) — the country’s third city, whose Old Castle is reckoned the largest medieval fortress in Slovenia, rising above the river Savinja.
- Kranj (Belgrade to Kranj transfer) — the capital of Upper Carniola, with an old core on a cliff above the Sava, the Prešeren House and underground tunnels; also the gateway to the Julian Alps.
Lakes and the Alps
The western part of the region, Upper Carniola, is best known for its Alpine lakes:
- Bled (Belgrade to Bled transfer) — Slovenia’s most recognisable postcard: a lake with an island and a little church in the middle, the oldest Slovenian castle on the cliff above the water (first mentioned in 1011), a ride on the traditional pletna and the essential Bled cream cake.
- Bohinj (Belgrade to Bohinj transfer) — the largest permanent lake in Slovenia, in the heart of Triglav National Park; a wild and calmer alternative to Bled, with the Savica waterfall 78 m high and the Vogel cable car that takes you in a few minutes to a viewpoint at 1,535 m above the lake.
Also worth mentioning is Pohorje above Maribor — a wooded massif that in summer serves for hiking and cycling, and in winter becomes one of the best-known Slovenian ski resorts. From the top opens a view of the whole Maribor plain, and the runs are reached from the town centre by cable car in a few minutes.
This blending of town and mountain in a small space makes the north of Slovenia rewarding for shorter breaks: you spend the morning touring an old core, and in the afternoon you are already at a lake or on a trail. The distances between the places are small, so without rushing, in one long weekend you can tour several towns and at least one lake.
For skiing, summer or city tourism
The north of Slovenia easily adjusts to what you want from a trip.
Winter: skiers choose Pohorje near Maribor or continue via Bled towards Kranjska Gora and the other centres in the Julian Alps. As we drive all year round, the minibus is a comfortable solution for the winter grounds too, with luggage and ski equipment at no extra charge.
Summer: the focus is on the lakes — swimming, walks and excursions around Bled and Bohinj, with the refreshment of the Alpine shade when it is hottest in Serbia.
Town and culture: Ptuj and Celje are ideal for a weekend full of history, castles and museums, and Maribor combines city fun with wine tradition. Kranj rounds off the offer with its old core on the cliff and a calmer rhythm for those who avoid the crowds.
How to get to northern Slovenia — minibus transfer from Belgrade
The route from Belgrade runs via Croatia and the Bregana border crossing, with no changeovers in Zagreb or Ljubljana. We drive door to door — we pick you up at your address in Belgrade and take you directly to your accommodation in Slovenia.
To enter Schengen a valid biometric passport is required (an ID card is not enough), and from April 2026 the EU EES system also operates on entry — a first crossing with a photo and fingerprints, so it takes a little longer, while the following ones are faster. Find the details about documents in the guide documents for the coast.
The distance depends on the town and runs roughly from 485 km (Ptuj) to about 610 km (Bohinj), so the journey takes 6–8 hours: Ptuj and Maribor are the closest (about 6–7 hours), while Bled and Bohinj are the furthest (about 7–8 hours). Prices are affordable and uniform — from €70 per person one way for all the towns of northern Slovenia.
You can see all the towns, prices and dates on the Belgrade to Northern Slovenia minibus transfer page, and a comparison of all the destinations is in the price list — see also the price for Maribor or the price for Bled. We organise the Belgrade to Slovenia passenger transfer reliably and right on time, with an air-conditioned vehicle and WiFi.
Food and tips
The north of Slovenia combines Styrian and Upper Carniolan cuisine — from buckwheat dishes and home-made sausages to river and lake fish. The sweet icon of the region is the Bled cream cake, a creamy cake linked with Bled. The wine part of the story takes us to Maribor, where the Old Vine grows — according to the Guinness Book of Records, the oldest noble grapevine in the world that still bears grapes today, more than 400 years old.
A few practical tips:
- Slovenia is a year-round destination — check what you are planning (skiing, lakes or the town) and adjust your clothing.
- The currency is the euro, so there is no changing money as for Croatia or Greece.
- For the Alpine part (Bled, Bohinj) bring layered clothing, as the evenings are cool even in summer.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the minibus to Bled?
The minibus transfer to northern Slovenia is from €70 per person one way, the same for all the towns — Maribor, Ptuj, Celje, Kranj, Bled and Bohinj. The exact prices (one way and return) are on the individual destination pages and in the price list.
Do you drive to Slovenia in winter, for skiing by minibus?
Yes. We drive all year round, including the winter season — for Pohorje near Maribor, as well as via Bled towards Kranjska Gora and other Alpine centres. Ski equipment travels at no extra charge.
How long is the journey from Belgrade to northern Slovenia?
Between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the town and queues at the Bregana border. Ptuj and Maribor are the closest (6–7 hours), Bled and Bohinj the furthest (7–8 hours).
What must you see in the north of Slovenia?
In Bled, the lake with its island and the oldest Slovenian castle (first mentioned in 1011), in Bohinj the Savica waterfall (78 m) and the Vogel cable car, and in Maribor the Old Vine — according to the Guinness Book of Records the oldest living grapevine in the world. Above Bohinj rises the highest peak of Slovenia, Triglav (2,864 m).
Is there a changeover in Zagreb or Ljubljana?
No. We drive directly, door to door — from your address in Belgrade to your accommodation in Slovenia, with no changeovers and no transferring of luggage.
