Kranjska Gora or Maribor?

Kranjska Gora or Maribor?

Both towns are ski resorts in Slovenia. They are also picturesque, beautiful places at any time of year. But which one should you choose? Where are there more beautiful spots? 

This article covers only a small part of all the beautiful places in Slovenia. Read more about Slovenia's sights in the next review, Waterfalls and Mountains of Slovenia.

What to see in Kranjska Gora

Below are the routes by day, the way we explored the area. If you like a more intensive pace, simply combine the places using the map. Below is route No. 1. It is basically 1.5 hours of driving one way and 1 hour back. The rest of the time is spent walking around the sights. By the way, as for the village of Kranjska Gora itself, you can walk through it in 15-20 minutes) It is sweet and cosy, with shops and cafes, lifts, ski slopes and a toboggan run, but it is nowhere near the ski resorts of Chamonix and Courchevel in France.

1. Lake Jasna - the nearest beautiful spot to the village of Kranjska Gora (a 5-7 minute drive) for a stroll. There are lovely paths to walk around the lake, and there is a little cafe. However, the parking is paid and quite pricey). Allow about 40 minutes for the walk.
2. Viewpoint Supca - the viewpoint itself is nothing out of the ordinary, but the road to it is very picturesque - a mountain serpentine through the Triglavski narodni park nature park. It takes about 50 minutes to get here by car one way.
3. Great Soča Gorge - a beautiful gorge where, on a small stretch, you can explore the area almost down to the water. Allow 10-15 minutes for the walk.
4. Lago del Predil - a beautiful lake, but already in Italy) Here you can drive along and enjoy the views from one side, walk around on foot or have a picnic if the weather allows)

1. Zelenci Nature Reserve - beautiful lakes, 5 minutes by car from Kranjska Gora. There is free parking by the road, and a sweet forest path leads to the lake, about 7 minutes at a slow pace. There is nothing to do at the lake itself except take photos)
2. Spodnje Belopeško Jezero + Lago di Fusine Superiore - these lakes are 40 minutes by car from Kranjska Gora, and this is already Italy) The map below shows the location of the barrier - the entrance fee for a car is 5 euros. Parking is along the road, marked with blue arrows. The red arrows mark the free walking trail. Walking around the first lake, Spodnje Belopeško Jezero  is pure pleasure. It takes about 1 hour. Whether to go on to the second one is a big question, as everything there is rather dull... If you walk from the barrier, that is another 30 minutes each way.
3. Orrido dello Slizza - this is a magnificent route through the river gorge. The map below shows a small free car park, where the walking trail starts to the right towards a monument. From there steps lead down into the gorge. And this is where a magnificent walk through the forest begins! Allow about 1 hour for the walk.

1. Mangart saddle - located right on the Slovenia-Italy border. The road here is a mountain serpentine that takes your breath away! Once you reach the parking area, climb straight up the path/homemade steps. The drive here takes about 1 hour. The climb up is 15 minutes. You will run into a barrier. To the right of the parking area a mountain rises - climb it, and you are in for a treat!
2. Goriuda waterfall - a beautiful waterfall with a picturesque road leading to it. It is located in Italy. Parking is by the road. To reach the waterfall you need to walk along a forest path for 5-7 minutes - you can see it right from the road. The waterfall has a soothing, peaceful atmosphere. It is already in Italy)

Bled - this village is a must-visit, and you should definitely set aside half a day for it! It is a 40-minute drive from the town of Kranjska Gora. There is convenient parking by the waterfront, Car Park Bled - it is paid.

You can walk all the way around the lake in 1.5 hours along a lovely pedestrian path. Make sure you do it!

• The Heart of Bled - the most photogenic spot in the town.
• Mala Osojnica - a viewpoint with a beautiful view, but the climb to it takes at least 30 minutes and is quite steep.

The map below shows the panoramic cafe Kavarna Park, with the local delicious dessert "Kremšnita" (cream cake). The food is tasty here too)

What to see in Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is 1.5 hours by car from Kranjska Gora and is also worth a visit for a day.

Sights of Slovenia:

• the promenade on both sides of the Ljubljanica River, from the Cobblers' Bridge to the Dragon Bridge.
• the famous Stari trg street with cute little shops - it has a good selection of coffee beans and a semi-precious stone shop.
• Ljubljana Castle - a fortress with a panorama of the city; there is a funicular, but you can also walk up or drive.
• Nebotičnik - Skyscraper - a panoramic cafe with a 360-degree view of the whole city!

We did not see everything because of personal circumstances, but we recommend that you do)

What to see in Maribor?

This is also a ski resort in Slovenia. The town itself is sweet. But its location loses out to the geographical position of Kranjska Gora. Basically, the only stunning thing in Maribor is the riverside promenade. It really is beautiful, long and cosy, and there are lots of swans here too - bring food for them! The map below shows a 1-1.5 hour walking route. Both streets are pedestrian. There is parking right on the embankment.

We first saw Slovenia while driving from Croatia to Italy, and we felt a wish to visit it. But, as they say, we "never got around to it") And then, after about 10 years of travelling, we finally came to Slovenia and were definitely pleased! You cannot say that there is anything especially unusual here, but the atmosphere is clearly cosy and calm, and it invites reflection and decision-making) So do not pass Slovenia by - perhaps this is exactly where the right thoughts will come to you and your soul will finally find its balance...