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Chase the sun in Slovenia and Croatia

 

With picturesque lakes and lush, green cities, Slovenia and Croatia have everything you need for a refreshing Interrail trip. Follow your curiosity and explore a 24,000-metre-long cave — and then travel along the unforgettable Adriatic coastline.  

 

Follow our itinerary to discover Slovenia and Croatia by rail. 

Colourful streets in Piran, Slovenia

Destinations visited on this trip:

 

1. Ljubljana, Slovenia

2. Lake Bled, Slovenia

3. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

4. Postojna, Slovenia

5. Piran, Slovenia

6. Zagreb, Croatia

7. Split, Croatia

 

For this itinerary, we recommend:

  • Interrail Pass: Global Pass
  • Travel days: 7 days within 1 month
The old town of Ljubljana

1. Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

Most Slovenian trains start and end in the capital, Ljubljana. A beautiful and pedestrianised city centre, Ljubljana's easy access to the rest of the country by rail make it a great starting point for an Interrail journey. 

 

  • On a sunny day, rent a stand-up paddleboard and cruise the Ljubljanica River. 
  • Get to know Slovenia through its masterpieces. The National Gallery is home to the largest collection of Slovenian art.  
  • Explore the alternative side of Ljubljana's art scene at Metelkova, a culture centre famous for hosting concerts, exhibitions and beyond. 

Take a direct train from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. Travel time: 45 minutes.  No seat reservations required. 

A view of Lake Bled and the island in the center of the lake, with autumn leaves

2. Lake Bled, Slovenia

 

Visiting Lake Bled during the off-season provides travellers a chance to experience the fairytale destination at a calm, relaxing pace. 

 

  • Ring the wishing bell at the Church of the Mother of God on the Lake, situated on an island in the middle of Lake Bled.
  • Learn about Lake Bled's history at Bled Castle, the oldest castle in Slovenia. 
  • Get a bird's eye view of Lake Bled with a 20-minute hike to Ojstrica, a scenic viewpoint above the water. 

Travel from Lake Bled to Bohinjska Bistrica, switching in Jesenice on the way. Travel time: 1 hour. No seat reservations required. 

 

Lake Bohinj is a short bus ride away from the train station (not included in the Pass).

A view of a dock on Lake Bohinj, with autumn trees in the background

3. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

 

Less visited but no less beautiful compared to Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj offers stunning lakeside and mountain walks in the middle of the Julian Alps. 

  • Panoramic boat rides run from late March to early November, offering off-season travellers the chance to get out on the water long after summer ends.
  • Home to the International Wildflower Festival (held each May and June), Bohinj is a perfect place to slow down and take a walk among the flowers. Remember to leave no trace!
  • Shift your perspective with a cable car ride to the Vogel viewpoint, which sits 1,000 metres above Lake Bohinj. 

To reach Postojna from Lake Bohinj, travel back to Ljubljana and then take a direct regional train to Postojna. Travel time: 3.5 hours.

No seat reservations required.

A view of Predjama Castle in Slovenia, on a lush hillside

4. Postojna, Slovenia

 

Slovenia's 24,000-metre-long Postojna Caves are easy to reach by rail from Ljubljana. Travellers can explore the limestone caves, one of the longest cave systems in the country, on a day trip or overnight stop.

 

  • Take an underground train through part of the the 24-kilometre-long cave system (not included in the Pass network).
  • Marvel at the sight of Predjama Castle, an 800-year-old fortress situated on a cliff near the cave system. 
  • Learn about the (more than) 150 animal species that call the cave system home — including the famous olm, said to resemble a baby dragon — at the Vivarium. 
 

Take a direct train from Postojna to Koper (no reservations required). From Koper, take a short bus to Piran (not included as part of the Pass). Travel time: 2 hours

Bird's eye view of Piran, Slovenia, and the sea

5. Piran, Slovenia

 

No trip to Slovenia is complete without a visit to its short, scenic coastline. Piran is easy to reach and offers remarkable sunsets, panoramic views, an interesting mix of Italian and Slovenian history, crystal clear waters, and plenty of fresh seafood.
 

Travel from Koper to Zagreb by train, switching in Zidani Most along the way. Travel time: 5.5 hours. No seat reservations required.

A bird's eye view of Zagreb's cityscape

6. Zagreb, Croatia

 

The hilly Croatian capital is home to intriguing architecture, open-air markets, and a vast creative scene that attracts residents and visitors alike.

  • Fuel up with a stop at Dolac Market, famous for its fresh produce and picturesque red umbrellas.
  • Find catharsis at the Museum of Broken Relationships, a unique curation of heartbreak-related items sent in by people across the world. 
  • Take a walk through Grič Tunnel, a World War II-era bomb shelter that today hosts art exhibitions. 

Take a direct train from Zagreb to Split. Travel time: 6.5 hours. Seat reservations required.

A waterside view of Split and the surrounding mountains

7. Split, Croatia

 

Split's beautiful beaches and fortress-like Diocletian's Palace make it an enchanting place to end your Interrail trip. Care to explore further? Split also offers easy ferry access to several of the Dalmatian Coast islands.

  • Experience the rhythm of daily life in Split with a visit to the Pazar Market, where you can buy fruits and vegetables grown at farms nearby. 
  • Explore Diocletian's Palace and its square, where travellers can enjoy plenty of live music and conversation.
  • Soak up the sun at Kasjuni Beach. If you visit too late in the season to swim, simply pack a lunch and enjoy the view. 

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