Slovenia Car Hire
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About to hit the road in Slovenia for business or pleasure? You’re in exactly the right place to find brilliant deals on car hire in Slovenia and get all the information you need to plan a pleasure-packed itinerary in this scenic central European nation. Famous for lakes, mountains, ski resorts and the beautiful Baroque architecture of its elegant capital Ljubljana, it’s a country that seems made for exploration on four wheels. Part of Yugoslavia for much of the 20th century, Slovenia is a small nation packed with some of the most stunning parts of four terrific European topographical landscapes – the Mediterranean coast, Pannonian and Danubian lowlands, European Alps and karstic Dinarian Alps. Bordered by Croatia to the east, southeast and south by Croatia, Austria to the north and Hungary to the extreme northeast, the terrain here is nothing short of spectacular.
Billed as ‘the green heart of Europe’ by its official tourist organization, Slovenia’s compact nature means that you can paddle in the ocean in the early morning and ski in the mountains after lunch, while popular tourist hotspots include Piran and its iconic salt pans, Postojna cave, Lake Bled, Lipica with its Lipizzaner horses, and numerous hotels, health spas, restaurants, bars and clubs. Hiring a car in Slovenia is easy here at Enjoy Travel and you can choose your perfect car for an excellent price. For instance, book ahead of time and you can hire a small car like a Fiat Panda in Slovenia for around £11 a day, a compact car like a Vauxhall Astra for £18 a day, and a sporty SUV like a Vauxhall Crossland for £23 a day. With car hire from Enjoy Travel, Slovenia’s ready for you to discover!
Guide to Slovenia
History
Around 3500BC, the area around modern Slovenia was sparsely populated by Iron Age farmers and by 400BC it was a Celtic state named Noricum. Skip forward to 10BC and the land was conquered by the Romans, who brought all the accoutrements of their civilization and founded towns like Ljubljana (then called Emona),and Celje (named Celeia in Roman times). The Romans left in the 5th century and the Slavs arrived the next century, only for control to pass to the Franks, Holy Roman Empire and Germany over the seven centuries. By the 18th and 19th century the nation industrialised as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and post-WWII, it became part of Tito’s communist Yugoslavia. It finally gained independence in 1991 and after a transition to capitalism over the subsequent decade, became a member of NATO and the EU in the new millennium. Today, Slovenia is flourishing, with tourism being a particularly lucrative industry.
Culture
The Slovenian national identity is inextricably intertwined with its language and culture, and it’s celebrated and supported through over 100 festivals, over 50 galleries and museums, around 30 music and theatre organisations and many historical castles and buildings. For instance, the Imago Sloveniae music festival is held in stunning locations across the country and encompasses genres like jazz, classical and world music, the Ljubljana Biennial of Graphic Arts has welcomed the biggest names in graphic design to the city since its establishment in 1955, and Film Under the Stars screens movies outdoors in the romantic setting of Ljubljana Castle during balmy summer evenings. Meanwhile, if museums are more your speed, there are lots to choose from. The National Museum of Slovenia showcases amazing artefacts like a 60,000 year old Neanderthal flute, the dazzling 13th century golden Vace Situla carving discovered in Lake Bled, and a dugout canoe retried from the marshland at Ljubljana. And if you prefer contemporary art, the MG+MSUM (Metelkova Museum of Modern Art), you can gaze in wonder at a sublime collection of works from over 2000 Eastern European neo-avant-garde creatives.
Famous Slovenians
For a relatively small nation by global standards, Slovenia has produced more than its fair share of important people. First up is renowned philosopher, cultural observer and psychoanalysis Slavoj Zizek, who came to global prominence following the publication of his seminal The Sublime Subject of Ideology in 1989. Turning his razor-sharp mind as easily to today’s biggest geopolitical issues as fascinating analyses of popular movies, he’s a figure that transcends academia. If sport is more of an interest meanwhile, you might recognise Grega Zemlja, who has won several singles and doubles tennis titles on the ATP tour and was the first Slovenian tennis player to earn more than $US 1 million in prize money. Furthermore, Slovenia’s Alpine credentials are ably represented by ski racer Tina Maze, who is one of the few women to ever have won in all five World Cup events, with a total of 22 World Cup victories in all disciplines. A world champion in Super-G and Giant Slalom, she’s one of the most prominent skiers around the globe in the past couple of decades.
Things to do in Slovenia
Camp at Lake Bled
Lake Bled is Slovenia’s most popular tourist attraction and once you see this dreamy turquoise lake with islet church, neighbouring clifftop castle and Julian Alps backdrop, you’ll instantly understand why. This romantic picture-postcard location is a hotspot for honeymooners and day-trippers attracted by watersports, biking and hiking, but if you’re travelling with your family in tow, it’s also a superb place to camp under the stars for a night or two and there are plenty of campsites with space for caravans, motorhomes, tents and tepees. Whether you prefer Bear Grylls-style rough and ready outdoor living or more luxurious glamping, you’ll find the perfect spot and, provided your itinerary allows, you should really treat yourself to a trip here.
Mountain roads
Fancy seeing the best of Slovenia’s high country from the comfort of your car? The Vrsic Pass is the nation’s most stunning mountain road and perpetually popular with car drivers and motorcyclists. Be warned though – it contains a challenging series of white-knuckle bends and therefore isn’t suitable for inexperienced drivers. Starting in Kranjska Gora, the route passes through lovely larch forests and verdant meadows before ending in the jaw-droppingly attractive Soca Valley. At 1611m above sea level, the views are truly panoramic, and the road is the main thoroughfare between the Upper Carniola and Trenta Valley regions. It’s closed during the coldest months, so please check its status ahead of time before you set off.
Skiing and snowboarding
If you love carving up fresh powder on your skis or snowboard, Slovenia and its Julian Alps resorts might just become your next favourite snowsports destinations. For starters, Kranjska Gora is based 810m above sea level and offers cross-country skiing as well as downhill and even ski jumping. This northwest Slovenian resort is close to the borders with Italy and Austria, boasts 30km of manicured corduroy and a super selection of hotels and restaurants. Alternatively, the Krvavec resort in Upper Carniola is suitable for skiers and snowboarders, with a ski area located at elevations between 1450m and a lofty 1971m. There are also 30km of quality runs here and although most are cruisy blues favoured by intermediates, there are several easy runs for novices finding their feet, as well as a selection of tricker pistes for more advanced skiers. Throw in a varied apres-ski scene with pubs, clubs and even casinos, and you’ve got yourself a magical mini-break.
Eating out in Slovenia
Ljubljana highlights
As you might expect from a modern European city, you’ll find everything from traditional Slovenian cuisine to fine dining and international options. For haute cuisine served in surroundings you’ll never forget, try Strelec in the Archer’s Tower of Ljubljana Castle. The menu was developed under the supervision of ethnologist Janez Bogataj – it’s a kind of edible history of the city complete with dishes like sulec freshwater trout and ‘poor man’s bread’ (potato stuffed with egg yolk and red wine truffles). Alternatively, treat your taste buds to a sumptuous three-course lunch at top chef Bine Volcic’s Monstera Bistro, which specialises in traditional favourites crafted from locally-sourced ingredients, with a zero food waste ethos. Here you can try everything from a striploin steak cooked perfectly to your taste to tangy, palate-cleansing desserts like lemon tart. Last but not least, Gostilna Dela is a brilliant bistro that serves the type of hearty cuisine you would find in many Slovenian kitchens but prepared to exquisite professional standards. Expect a fine selection of soups, meat-based and vegetarian mains and signature struklji cheese dumplings – book your breakfast or lunch here for a taste of the real Slovenia!
Eating outside the capital
You don’t need to worry about finding fantastic food once you strike out from Ljubljana to other Slovenian cities and towns – this is a nation that takes pride in first-class cuisine wherever it’s served. If you’re in Kobarid, don’t miss Hisa Franko, where Chef Ana creates seasonal menus based on what’s available from the restaurant garden, as well as the meat and fish that’s available from local farmers and fishermen. Internationally renowned, this eatery also has a legendary wine list. Meanwhile, Gregor Vracko’s Hisa Denk restaurant is located 15km north of Maribor in the village of Zgornja Kungota and is characterised by its sublime Styrian cuisine served in cool, contemporary surroundings. Bookings are essential and don’t bother asking for a menu – meals here last for hours and the world-class chef will serve you whatever takes his fancy. It’s a lovely location and if you want to indulge in some fine wine, you don’t need to drive home after dinner – book one of the restaurant’s bedrooms and saunter upstairs when you’ve had your fill. Finally, if you’re based in the Lake Bohinj vicinity (or visiting for a day or so), Strud’l serves traditional Slovenian farmhouse fare with a modern twist. This is your chance to sample old-school barley porridge with sausage, or the filling house plate, which features sausage, ham, sauerkraut and buckwheat. The food is reasonably priced given the quality and a postprandial stroll along the lake shore is always amazing.
Street food
Odprta Kunha is a bamboozling open kitchen food fair held each Friday in the in Ljubljana Central Market, which features a plethora of stalls where local and international dishes are cooked in front of you by chefs from the city’s best restaurants. This gathering is always extremely popular, so stroll around outwith meal times to avoid huge queues of locals and you can sample superb cuisine in scenic surroundings. Traditional fast food in Slovenia includes burek, a pastry dish with Turkish roots that’s served in kiosks across the country, delicious Carniolan sausage, and gourmet burgers served at popular spots like Pop’s Place, Hot Horse and Hood Burger. If you’re parking up your car for a while, you might also like to indulge in some Slovenian craft beer to accompany your juicy patties and crisp buns – there are several locally-produced brews that are refreshingly unique.
Transport in Slovenia
Airports
There are several airports in Slovenia serving domestic and international destinations. The largest is Ljubljana Airport (LJU), which is located 26km from the city centre, meaning you can drive there in under an hour depending on traffic. This is also a good base if you’re planning on travelling to attractions like Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled. Carriers include AirSerbia, Air France, Swissair, Lufthansa, Easyjet, Wizz and Finnair. There are several dining options, including cafes and bars, there’s free Wi-Fi in the terminal building and several duty free shops, a general store and a jewellery shop. Other Slovenian airports include Maribor (MBX), which is mainly used for seasonal and charter flights, and Potoroz Airport (POW), which mainly serves business, charter and cargo clients. If you’re flying into Slovenia, you’ll most likely arrive at Ljubljana Airport, where there’s a super selection of car hire partners and a vast collective vehicle fleet to choose from.
Public transport
The public transport system in Slovenia is reasonably reliable and well run, with trains offering the best option for intercity travel and buses available to take you to more isolated locations. Try to buy train tickets at the station beforehand as you can purchase them on board the train, but they’re often double the price! If you’re going to use public transport frequently in Ljubljana, be sure to purchase an Urbana smart card, which allows you to take convenient rides on buses around the city, travel on the cable car to Ljubljana Castle and even pay for parking. You can buy tickets in tobacconists and online if it’s more convenient and some routes accept tickets booked in advance only, so please check. If you fancy some exercise, bicycles are also very popular in Slovenia and in cities like Ljubljana you can hire them from various stations around town for a very reasonable fee. All in all, although travelling by car is preferrable for many, you can get around by public transport in Slovenia without too much hassle at all.
Driving
Slovenia is a super place to drive but there are a few top tips to take note of. You must be 18 or over to drive here and please carry your full, valid UK driving license, motor insurance certificate and hire car paperwork with you. The distinguishing mark required by British vehicles is now UK rather than GB, and you should carry essential items like a fire extinguisher, spare bulbs for your car’s lights, a reflective jacker and a first-aid kit. You drive on the right in Slovenia and overtake on the left, you don’t indicate when entering a roundabout, but you must indicate when leaving it, and you’ll need to display a payment vignette on your windscreen before using motorways. Seatbelts (or age- and size-appropriate restraints for children) should be worn at all times and the legal drink-driving limit is 0.05%, with a zero tolerance policy for drivers under 21 or new drivers. Speed limits in Slovenia are 50km/h in built-up areas, 110km/h on open roads and 130km/h on motorways. There are also several 30km/h zones in busy urban areas, but these are clearly signposted. Petrol stations in Slovenia in large towns and cities are usually open 24 hours and most accept payment by card, and kerbside parking in some towns is provided but please pay at the meters or risk your vehicle being clamped or towed. In the event of an emergency, please call 112 to talk to an operator in English and seek assistance. If your vehicle is involved in any kind of collision, please let your rental provider know as soon as possible.