Slovenia is a land offering endless possibilities for sports and recreation in stunning natural surroundings and there are exciting options for active adventures in any region, all year round.

In the cold months, skiing seems to be the best option, while in the warmer months the crystal clear waters and the enchanting landscape are inviting for relaxing walks, lazy strolls, invigorating treks and exhilarating cycling. Winter sports centres are attractive for Alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing and sleighing. Many skiing schools will take great delight and patience in introducing you to the wonders of gliding across the pristine white snow, or even take you up in the air to let you start skiing once you land with a parachute. All across the country, there are well marked trekking routes and cozy mountain huts, and nearly everywhere you can do a good cycling tour too, whether you are a beginner trekker or cyclist or a more advanced one. If you belong to the latter group and love some challenges along the way, the good news is that you have some very exciting marked paths waiting for you to conquer them.

Within Slovenian tourist centres, in particular the spa centres, there are plenty sports halls and courts for ball games, tennis, squash and similar activities.

Catch a Fish and Ride a Balloon

Sports resorts all across the country have tennis courts; some of them are open also in the winter months. You can rent the equipment in some tennis centres and, should you desire, hire a tennis instructor.

Because of its location and a highly varied and charming landscape, Slovenia is one of the most attractive countries for ballooning.

Diving is allowed in all Slovenian rivers, lakes and in the Adriatic Sea, but not in the fish farm on Lake Bohinj, on sea transport line or in ports (assuming you would want to dive there in the first place). Allowances for diving are issued by the Slovenian police. Diving is also allowed in Slovenian caves, but for safety reasons only with a professional guide’s supervision.

If fish catch your fancy, you will be pleased to know that Slovenia has many good fishing spots, which have preserved their natural beauty and, most importantly, plenty of fish! So, you can go fishing in Alpine lakes and rivers, dreamy karst streams, charming streams surrounded by meadows and pastures and some outstanding karst flood zones. By heading there, you will have a rare opportunity to explore the richness of Slovenia’s flora and fauna.
The Ljubljana Fishing Society is in charge of some of the most typical and best-preserved fishing spots of the Soča River, the Sava Bohinjka River, the Radovna River, the Krka River and the Unec River. They abound with a carefully monitored selection of fish, among them the precious endemic Soča River trout. For the brave hunters among you, there are also opportunities to hunt bear, deer, chamois, moufflon, wild boar, hares, pheasants, wild ducks, roebucks and stone martens. Anyone interested in hunting should first find information on this activity and its restrictions with the nearest hunting society.

Awaken Your Adrenaline Glands

Slovenian rivers, lakes and the Adriatic Sea are inviting for numerous water adventures – be they traditional boat drives for relaxation or adrenaline sports over the rapids and waterfalls. The most popular river for both kinds of activities is the stunning emerald green Soča River with its dazzling and challenging rapids. Here, the brave among you may test your powers not only in kayaking, canoeing or rafting, but also in canyoning over the narrow riverbeds of streams and rivers, over the waterfalls and into the deep pools. If that doesn’t get the adrenaline flowing, how about a hydrospeed bob adventure? You want more? Ok! Rivers like Sava, Savinja, Kolpa, Krka and many others are very suitable for kayaking, canoeing and rafting.

Needless to say, the landscape around each of this will dazzle your eyes and soul. You may hire an experienced guide to go with you from a sports agency, which also organises courses of kayaking and canoeing as well as renting sports equipment. If you want a calmer rafting trip with your family, there are plenty of rivers that offer a possibility for that, too. Spend a few days on the pristine Kolpa River and enjoy nature as it used to be - calm, quiet and beautiful. Canoes and kayaks can also be spotted on rivers like Ljubljanica, Drava and Mura, but the lakes, both natural and artificial, are most popular these types of boats. The most beautiful lakes are, of course, Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled, which also hosted the World Rowing Championship. All lakes offer good choices for relaxation, sports activities or just a good old picnic. You may rent a boat at Lake Zbilje, Lake Ptuj, Lake Velenje and many other lakes, but not on Lake Bled. You can go windsurfing on some lakes, the best option probably being the seasonal Lake Cerknica (when the water is in, of course!) On lakeshores, you can learn how to dive, wind-sail, and swim and even pick up some nautical skills. Various agencies rent boats, water scooters, wind-sails and other water sports equipment. Some also offer possibilities for parachuting and water skiing.

In the Company of His Majesty, the Lipizzaner

Horse riding is a popular activity for spending free time and getting in touch with nature and, above all, the fascinating animals that the horses are. The picturesque and varied Slovenian landscape is always inviting, and whichever region you choose for you and your horse, you are bound to enjoy your ride there. Lipica has been offering special riding adventures since the 16th century, and is the birthplace of the famous white Lipizzaner horses. These noble and gentle white horses are suitable for classical horse riding, following the principles of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. The Lipica estate has been the private breeding preserve of noble families and noble horses for most of its history. Today, it is an important tourist centre giving magnificent views of the enchanting Kras region from the saddle or from the horse-carriage. Commoners and heads of state all have equal opportunity to stroll the well-tended grounds, visit the spotless stables and paddocks, and witness the famous Lipizzaner horses in action, either during training or at the important international equestrian events. Vacationers may even linger a few days in the aristocratic atmosphere of times past and enjoy a glimpse of the good life, while they follow the story of the dazzling white horses with the dancing feet.

Ljutomer is another important place for the Slovenian riding aficionados, as it is home to trotters – the fast racing horses. At least four important horse races take place every year at the Ljutomer Hippodrome. American trotters are attracting visitors in the Brdo breeding centre, where each year the best Slovenian horses and trotters compete on a sand track, cheered by crowds sitting on the well-arranged stands. Riding and horsemanship courses, in field riding are possible in riding centres like Struga, near the only Slovenian water castle in Otočec, in Prestranek (where a horse-breeding farm is situated behind the ancient castle walls) and on Pristava Lepena, which offers fabulous views of Triglav National Park. Various ranches and tourist farms also offer excellent opportunities for riding; many also give beginners or advanced riding courses, field riding, carriage rides and horse maintenance. Children love petting the charming ponies or even try riding the beautiful and gentle Icelandic horses. Many horse lovers will tell you that riding is giving a special value for tourism, as it is a symbol of beauty, harmony with nature, power, energy and skill. As such, taming the horse and horse-riding presents an eternal challenge for Man.. and Woman!

For the Prestigious Among You…