Road Trip Through Slovenia With Valter Campervan

Our adventure began with a piece of invaluable advice from the team at Balkans Campers, who helped us choose the perfect companion for our road trip: Valter, our trusty camper van. We set out under a dramatic sky—clouds swirling and thunder rolling in the distance. Despite the ominous weather, we decided to go ahead with our plan to visit Vintgar Gorge, and what a decision that turned out to be! The moment we arrived, the storm seemed to break. The sun pierced through the clouds, casting a warm glow over the breathtaking gorge, and—best of all—we had the entire place to ourselves, with not a single tourist in sight. Sometimes, a little boldness truly pays off.

Next morning, we woke up to the gentle sound of flowing water as we camped near a river in the peaceful town of Škofja Loka. The setting couldn’t have been more serene—surrounded by nature, we felt truly at peace in this hidden gem of Slovenia.

Our next destination was Velika Planina, a high mountain plateau known for its picturesque landscapes and traditional herders' huts. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans. We made it up to 1,600 meters and enjoyed a hearty meal of goulash, but the fog and rain quickly rolled in, obscuring the views. We couldn't see much beyond the mist, so we decided to descend, with the hope of better weather ahead. We returned to Valter and hit the road toward the iconic Lake Bled.

After a rainy night, the skies cleared just enough to allow us to enjoy a peaceful breakfast by Žirovnica Lake. The morning light was soft and inviting, giving us the perfect start for the next part of our journey. We decided to take on the challenging hike to the viewpoint over Lake Bled. The trail was steeper and more demanding than we anticipated, but the panoramic view of the lake, the island with its picturesque church, and the surrounding mountains was nothing short of spectacular. Once again, we found ourselves alone at the top, taking in the beauty of the landscape in complete solitude.

With a quick stop at Lake Bohinj—an equally stunning yet quieter alternative to Bled—we made our way to the Avtovlak Train, a clever mode of transport that allowed us to relax and enjoy the views as we were carried to Soča Valley. The train ride was a lovely break from driving, offering glimpses of the stunning alpine scenery as we approached one of Slovenia's most famous natural wonders.

Once in the Soča Valley, we set off on a hike that took us up into the mountains, where we were rewarded with magnificent viewpoints overlooking the emerald-green Soča River and the surrounding Tolmin area. The beauty of this region is hard to describe, but suffice it to say that every twist and turn of the trail revealed a new and awe-inspiring vista.

As our journey took us southward, the weather finally began to improve. We drove along winding roads with Valter, passing through lush forests and rolling hills. Along the way, we spotted rainbows arching across the sky, deer grazing in the fields, and even a few foxes darting across the path—reminders of the wild beauty that Slovenia has to offer.

For the final leg of our trip, we made our way toward the Slovenian coast. After days of exploring the mountains, it was a refreshing change to be near the sea. We highly recommend the bike trail from Koper to Portorož, which offers a fantastic opportunity to explore Slovenia’s coastal beauty. You can stop for a swim at one of the many beaches, visit the colorful seaside villages like Izola, and even take a break to enjoy the lush olive groves and vineyards that dot the landscape. And, of course, you can swim again! The Mediterranean vibe was the perfect way to wind down after our time in the mountains.

To end our unforgettable Slovenian adventure, we visited Piran, the charming and iconic coastal town known for its Venetian architecture and stunning seafront views. After soaking in the atmosphere of Piran, we made our way to Venice, Italy, via the sun-drenched roads of northern Italy. The drive was picturesque, with rolling hills and distant mountains fading into the horizon.

As we crossed the border into Italy, we couldn't help but feel a little sad to say goodbye to Valter. Our trusty van had been more than just a mode of transportation; it had been a companion, a shelter, and a home as we journeyed through the incredible landscapes of Slovenia. We were so grateful for the freedom it gave us, allowing us to explore at our own pace, find hidden spots, and truly connect with the places we visited.

Slovenia, with its stunning natural beauty, warm people, and the sense of adventure it inspired, will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Thanks to Valter, we were able to experience it in a way we’ll never forget. Until we meet again, Slovenia—thank you for the memories!