Days With the Mays

Did you know Slovenia is one of the most forested countries in Europe, with over 60% covered in trees and Ljubljana (the capital) is one of the greenest in Europe? Or that it has the longest cave systems in the world, and one of the shortest coastlines? These are just a few of the discoveries we made about this gem of a country we once knew nothing about.

In May, our family set out on a 13-day adventure across Slovenia, a trip filled with Alpine hikes, deep family roots, medieval castles, and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. We traveled from Minneapolis to Paris and then on to Ljubljana, excited to explore the country’s landscapes as well as the towns connected to our ancestry. This was a unique trip brought on by my dad’s deep family history research. Our traveling group included our family unit as well as my dad, step-mom, and my younger brother.

Here’s a full recap of our itinerary, highlights from each region, and top recommendations for anyone planning a Slovenia family travel experience.

• Days 1–2: Travel MSP → Paris → Ljubljana
• Days 2–6: Ljubljana – 4 nights in a historic riverside apartment
• Days 6–11: Kranjska Gora – 5 nights in the Julian Alps
• Days 11–13: Piran – 2 nights on the Adriatic Sea
• Post-Trip: Continued on to Venice, Italy for a short stay

Ljubljana (4 Nights): A Perfect Place to Start

Our May visit to Ljubljana felt like stepping into a storybook. Must be why Ljubljana has been called the “best kept secret of Europe.” Flower markets were in full bloom, café patios spilled onto the sidewalks, and the river was lined with spring greenery.

Where We Stayed

We prefer to stay in AirBnB’s when we travel. It helps us feel more connected to the location. Here we stayed in a beautifully restored apartment from the 1600’s along the river in Old Town. It was ideal for our mixed group like ours and for walking everywhere.

Ljubljana Highlights

• Old Town Sightseeing: We explored the city’s famous bridges, river paths, and colorful market stalls filled with spring flowers and freshly picked produce.
• Ljubljana Castle Funicular: A quick ride up the hill rewarded us with wide views of the city’s red rooftops.
• River Boat Tour: A peaceful float beneath willow trees and stone bridges.
• A Memorable Sandwich Stop: A tiny riverside spot that delivered one of our favorite meals: Dobra Vila
• National University Library: We viewed a historical family book tracing our ancestry back to a farm founded in 1506.

Easy Day Trips from Ljubljana

May turned out to be a perfect time for exploring – mild weather, flowers everywhere, and fewer crowds.

• Vintgar Gorge: Wooden boardwalks suspended over emerald water and waterfalls.
• Lake Bled: Iconic views and a taste of the famous cream cake.
• Basilica of the Virgin Mary: A meaningful visit tied to generations of family stories.

Ljubljana Recommendations

• Stay near the river for the best access to cafés and landmarks.
• Book a river tour early in the trip for a relaxing orientation.
• Use Ljubljana as a hub – many major sights are “about an hour away.”

Kranjska Gora (5 Nights): Mountains and Castles and Rivers, Oh My!

In mid-May, the Julian Alps were lush and vibrant, snow still on the peaks, wildflowers beginning to bloom. Kranjska Gora made an ideal base for exploring Slovenia’s Alpine wonders.

Top Alpine Highlights

• Predjama Castle: A dramatic fortress built directly into a cliff—an unforgettable sight.
• Postojna Cave Train: A speedy, thrilling ride through one of Europe’s largest cave systems.
• Family Heritage Visits: We visited several ancestral towns and spent a special afternoon at the historic family farm founded in 1506. The kids gathered eggs, played in haylofts, fed cows, chased kittens, and sampled fresh yogurt and salami made right on the farm.
• Scenic Lakes & Drives:
  • Lake Jasna: Clear water reflecting towering peaks. One of our favorite scenic spots.
  • Lake Bohinj: Quiet and rugged, we didn’t get as much time here and felt it might be better in the summer when swimming would be an option.
  • Alpine Drive Above Mt. Triglav: I’m saving a climb of Mt. Triglav for another trip. Until then, this drive with 50 hairpin turns cannot be missed! Sheep, sweeping vistas, and peaceful mountaintop air. DO IT!
• Rafting on the Soča River: Glacial blue water and brave jumps into icy meltwater. Family bonding at its best for this adventure.

Kranjska Gora Recommendations

• Build in a rest day- there’s so much to do nearby.
• Visit both Jasna and Bled to see their distinct personalities.
• Bring warm layers: May is beautiful but still chilly in the mountains.
• Don’t skip Soča River rafting – it’s ideal for family adventure travelers.

Piran (2 Nights): Spring Sunshine on the Adriatic

After days in the mountains, Piran felt like stepping into summer early. The Adriatic coastline in May was warm but not crowded, and our hillside apartment overlooking the sea was a perfect retreat. Check out our AirBnB listing here.

Piran Highlights

• Scenic Walks to the Water: Steep cobblestone paths led us from the hilltop down to turquoise water. Tip: if you’re staying on this hillside like we did, be sure to do your research on parking or better, use the local shuttle to quickly reach the Old Town center.
• Swimming in the Adriatic: Calm, clear water perfect for kids.
• Dinner in Old Town: We had one of our favorite meals deep in the heart of the Old Town after playing by the Seaside. Somehow we stumbled on the #1 restaurant in Piran (Fritolin Pri Cantini)!
• A Sudden Spring Storm: One dramatic evening downpour sent us running for shelter at a nearby hotel – a story the kids still talk about today!

Piran Recommendations

• Choose a stay with a sea view – sunsets here are spectacular.
• Pack good walking shoes; the hills are no joke.
• Skip dining seaside and explore the winding Old Town streets for better (and cheaper) local restaurants.
• Spend an evening strolling the marina while enjoying a gelato (just bring an umbrella in case of an unexpected downpour!).

Final Reflections

Our May trip to Slovenia was the perfect blend of family history, natural beauty, and kid-friendly adventure. From mountain drives and castle climbs to seaside swims and farm visits, Slovenia felt welcoming, magical, and full of stories waiting to be uncovered.

For families considering Slovenia family travel, May is an ideal month to visit. The weather is comfortable, the landscapes are at their greenest, and the biggest tourist crowds haven’t yet arrived.

I’ve never felt so instantly welcome and relaxed in an unfamiliar location. We are already planning our return, and hope this becomes a place our kids hold dear and visit for years to come.