Van Europe Trip No. 2 - The Best Travel Destinations on the Way to Croatia! 🚐
Europe is a continent full of adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable travel destinations. When it comes to exploring all this beauty, there is nothing better for me than a trip with a camper. On our last trip through France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, we already enjoyed the advantages of the camper and let ourselves be enchanted by the beauties of Europe. Now we are setting out on a new journey of discovery - this time towards the southeast. ☀️⛰️
In this blog post, I will take you on our first stage through Austria and Slovenia, all the way to the border of Croatia. You will see the beautiful places we discovered on our way and which sights you should not miss. From the spectacular mountains and lakes in Austria to the charming cities and medieval castles in Slovenia - here are the best travel destinations on the way to Croatia. Join us on this unforgettable journey and get inspired! 😊💡
Crossing Austria 🚐
Our journey through Austria was already an experience in itself. The breathtaking nature of the country welcomed us immediately as we crossed the border. We were fascinated by the majestic beauty of the Austrian Alps and the green landscape around us. Our first stop on our journey through Austria was the Hohenwerfen Castle, which perches on a rock and fascinated us with its impressive architecture and breathtaking views. 🏰📸
Hohenwerfen Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Austria and was once an important strategic point for the defense of the country. Today, the castle is a popular tourist destination and an excellent example of the architecture and technology of the Middle Ages. We spent hours exploring the castle, strolling through its various rooms and corridors, and enjoying the incredible views of the surrounding landscape. ⛰️
Our next stop was the charming town of Gmünd. This picturesque town has a long history and is known for its charming streets, buildings, and bridges. We strolled through the narrow, cobblestone streets, discovered hidden corners, and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. The town is also known for its art scene, which is evident in every street. 🧑🎨
Another highlight of our journey through Austria was our discovery of the landscape of Villach. We took a hike through the picturesque mountains and valleys surrounding the region. We also made a short detour to the breathtaking Fallbachfall waterfall - the highest waterfall in Carinthia! 💦
The Kranjska Gora National Park 🏔️
Our journey then took us to Slovenia, a beautiful country with untouched nature, breathtaking landscapes, and a unique culture. We were particularly excited to arrive in Kranjska Gora, a small village in the Julian Alps known for its picturesque beauty and outdoor activities.
As we arrived in Kranjska Gora, we were immediately impressed by the beauty of the village and the surrounding landscape. The picturesque mountains and valleys were covered with lush greenery and provided a stunning backdrop for our adventure. We decided to go on a hike to discover the beauty of the surroundings and enjoy the fresh mountain air, and we were rewarded with unforgettable views of the Julian Alps as we walked through forests and along crystal-clear streams. We observed wild animals, including deer and marmots, living in their natural environment. 🦫
The village is also known for its outdoor activities. You can go mountain biking through the mountains, take whitewater rafting trips on the Sava River, or visit the famous zipline park in Planica. 🚵
Our Highlight of Slovenia - Lake Bled
Our visit to Lake Bled was a highlight of our trip. The lake itself is a picturesque gem nestled in the impressive peaks of the Julian Alps and surrounded by dense forests. When we arrived at the shore, we were overwhelmed by the untouched beauty of the place. We couldn't take our eyes off the crystal-clear water, green meadows, and mountains surrounding the lake. We went around the lake on our scooter, on the perfectly paved bike paths. 🛴
But there are also many other activities to experience around the lake. The boat tour to the island in the middle of the lake is just one of them, but it is particularly recommended. During the boat tour, you can not only enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the lake, but also explore the island itself. On the island, there is a charming church and a staircase that leads to a viewing platform. From there, you have an incredible panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. 🚣🏻♂️
Another popular activity is hiking in the area around Lake Bled. There are many hiking trails that wind through the mountains and forests and offer magnificent views of the lake. One special hiking trail is the Vintgar Gorge trail, which follows a rushing river and offers impressive waterfalls and picturesque views.
For the adventurous, there are also a variety of activities. One of the most exciting activities is skydiving over Lake Bled. If you have the courage to jump out of a plane, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
But kayaking, canyoning, and paragliding are also very popular here. You can experience the lake from a new perspective by getting into a kayak and paddling through the clear water. Or you can embark on a canyoning tour where you climb and slide through narrow gorges and waterfalls.
Ljubljana - the young capital 🍾
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, was another highlight of our trip. The city has a charming atmosphere with its picturesque streets and colorful buildings that invite for a relaxed stroll. We were fortunate to arrive in Ljubljana on a sunny day, which made the experience even more enjoyable. One of the first things we did in Ljubljana was to visit Ljubljana Castle. We rode the scooter (alternatively, there is also a lift) up to the castle and enjoyed the breathtaking view of the city from above. The castle itself is also very impressive, with its historic buildings and interesting exhibitions.
We continued our exploration and made a stop at the three bridges, one of the most famous landmarks in the city. The bridge connects the old town with the modern part of Ljubljana and offers a beautiful view of the Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city. You can immediately feel the lively atmosphere of the city at the Ljubljana Market, where you can buy a variety of local products and souvenirs. You can also find a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat, fish, and much more here. There are also several restaurants and cafes where you can try traditional Slovenian dishes and enjoy a coffee. The market is a place you should not miss when you are in Ljubljana. 🍅🍏
Another highlight of your stay in Ljubljana should be a boat trip on the Ljubljanica River. You can relax in one of the many boats and enjoy the sights of the city from a different perspective. During the trip, you pass several bridges, buildings, and monuments that are all part of the rich history and culture of Ljubljana. The boat trip is particularly beautiful at sunset, when the city is bathed in warm light and the atmosphere is romantic and picturesque. 🛳️🌅
If you don't see the sunset from the boat, you can also view it from the Castle Hill, where you have a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding mountains. The Castle Hill is also an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature and fresh air.
However, once the sun has set, the city really comes to life. There are many bars, clubs, and pubs that are open late into the night and offer something for every taste. One of the most popular streets for nightlife is Metelkova Street, a former military site that now serves as an alternative culture and art center. Here you will find many clubs and bars with different music genres such as rock, jazz, electronic, and hip-hop. The atmosphere is lively and colorful, and you will meet many local and international visitors. 🎉
Another popular area is the city center, especially the Triple Bridge and Mestni trg Square. There are many bars and restaurants that are open late into the night. You can try local beers, wines, and spirits or opt for a cocktail. If you're in the mood for live music, Jazz Club Gajo is a must. Here, local and international jazz and blues musicians perform regularly. 🪩🎷
The Predjama Castle
Predjama Castle, our last stop in Slovenia, was another unforgettable destination. This castle is truly unique as it is built into a cliff, providing an impressive backdrop. To reach the castle, one must first drive along a winding road through picturesque landscapes. The view of the surrounding mountains and valleys is breathtaking and builds anticipation for the upcoming discovery.
Once you reach the castle, you can explore the fascinating history and architecture of this medieval fortress. The tour of the castle provides insight into life and culture during the Middle Ages, transporting you back in time.
After exploring the castle from the inside, it's time to put on your climbing gear and explore the cliffs around the castle. The climbing routes lead through spectacular landscapes and offer an unforgettable view of the castle and the valley below.
We combined our visit to the castle with a long hike through the surrounding forests, spending a night under the starry sky in our tent - an unforgettable experience! 🏕️✨
Trieste - a final stop before Croatia & of course Apiritivo 🍸😉
Trieste, a city on the Adriatic Sea, was our stopover on the way to Croatia. We visited this city because of its history, architecture, and cuisine. Trieste has a fascinating history as part of the Habsburg Empire and as an important port on the Mediterranean. The city has a rich culture and a variety of architectural styles that arise from its history as a border town.
We made our way to the historic center of the city and were impressed by the variety of buildings and monuments we saw. Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia is an impressive square by the sea, considered the largest square in Europe by the water. We also visited the impressive Basilica San Giusto, which sits atop a hill and offers a breathtaking view of the city.
Of course, the Aperitivo couldn't be missed, an Italian tradition where you enjoy a drink and snacks before dinner. Everywhere there are a variety of different bars and cafes that entice you with their delicious and creative aperitif menus.
However, we left Trieste on the same day and made our way to Croatia. More on that in the next article! 😉🌊
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