12 Most Beautiful Castles in Slovenia

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Situated in Central Europe is the small but mighty country of Slovenia.

With over 4,500 square miles of forest, Slovenia is the third most forested land in all of Europe.

But, that’s not all that Slovenia has to offer. 

This fairytale-like republic is the merging point for four main geographic regions in Europe – the Mediterranean Sea, the Alps, the Pannonian Plain, and the Dinarides.

A majestic underworld fills the Southwestern region known as the Karst Plateau, complete with an underground system of caves, gorges, and rivers.     

Slovenia’s history is long and rich. I

ts castles, museums, and parks share a glimpse of what life was like in centuries past.

Dozens of mountain and castle-topped towns line the countryside.

In total, over 500 castles and fortresses still remain.

While some are in ruins, many remain intact.

Each with its own story to tell.

If you’re planning a trip to Slovenia, you definitely want to add castle exploring to your list of things to do.

We’ve gathered a list of the most jaw-dropping castles you won’t want to miss in your travels.

You might even recognize one from a number of movies and television shows, the most recent being the ever-popular Game of Thrones.  

1. Bled Castle

Bled Castle is one of the most magnificent castles in the country and is a must-see when visiting Slovenia.

Dating back to 1004, this medieval castle is the oldest in Slovenia.

It rests on a cliff,  426 feet over Lake Bled, offering picturesque views of the lake below and the Alps in the distance.

Bled Castle originally consisted of just a protective wall and the Romanesque Tower.

Since that time, it has been rebuilt and added to multiple times.

The castle is now used as a historical museum and for cultural events throughout the year.

The Gothic Chapel is a highlight of the Bled Castle tour and is not to be missed.   

This medieval castle is easily accessible and perfect for families traveling with small children.

While you’re there, be sure to try the traditional Bled cream cake, which is made on-site.  

2. Predjama Castle

Located in southern Slovenia, Predjama Castle is truly one of the most unique castles you’ll ever visit.

This 4-story fortress was built at the mouth of a cave, on a cliff 123 meters high.

It holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the most substantial cave castle in the world. 

Built over 800 years ago, Predjama Castle’s Gothic architecture is like something out of a movie.

In fact, the fortress has been featured in multiple films and television shows, including Game of Thrones.

Visitors can tour the network of tunnels that kept its inhabitants safe during battle, explore the karst cave, and tour Erazem’s tunnel. 

3. Ljubljana Castle

Resting high above the city of Ljubljana is Ljubljana Castle.

This Medieval castle complex was first constructed in the 11th century.

Its original construction was built in the 15th and 17th centuries, which is what travelers see today. 

Guided tours with costumed actors will take you back to Medieval times, giving you a feel for what life was like back then.

Don’t care for guided tours?

You can also explore at your own pace, with or without an audio guide.

While you’re there, check out the dungeons, the Chapel of St. George, the puppet museum, and the Outlook Tower, which offers stunning views of the city. 

4. Sneznik Castle

Located in the southwest region of the Loz Valley is Sneznik Castle, one of Slovenia’s best-preserved castles.

While the castle’s construction date isn’t known, it was first referenced in 1269. 

The castle’s architecture is quite unique.

Its four floors are protected by a renaissance-era wall, while the walls of the castle itself consist of grave markers stolen from a Roman outpost in Smarata.

While much of the castle and its grounds have been remodeled, the period artwork, furniture, and hunting trophies will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 

If you enjoy the outdoors, be sure to take a walk around the castle grounds.

Located at the edge of a forest, Sneznik Castle’s park ground features chestnut-lined paths, a patchwork of meadows, and two man-made lakes. 

5. Zuzemberk Castle

Less than an hour’s ride from the city of Ljubljana is Zuzemberk Castle.

This medieval fortress features seven terracotta towers and a stone door with the year 1,000 engraved in it.

Zuzemberk Castle sits at the top of a steep cliff, high above the Krka River, offering some of the most picturesque views in all of Slovenia. 

The castle was severely damaged in World War II, requiring much of it to be restored.

While Zuzemberk Castle is one of the lesser-known castles in Slovenia, its towers, courtyard, wine cellar, walls, and roof are the perfect representation of Medieval Slovenia. 

6. Otocec Castle

While you’re in the region, be sure to check out Otocec Castle.

This 13th-century fortress is located on an island in the middle of the Krka River, making it the only water castle in Slovenia.

It has now been converted into a hotel, restaurant, and golf course, where events are held throughout the year.  

What makes Otocec even more unique is that it was originally built on land next to the river.

Updates to the property, which were meant to address security concerns, caused the Krka River to change course.

This change left Otocec Castle on an island in the middle of the river. 

Travelers cannot explore the castle unless they are staying on-site.

You can, however, stop in for a cup of coffee and a stroll around the grounds.  

7. Celje Castle

Often referred to as the Old Castle, Celje Castle is one of the grandest medieval castles in Slovenia.

In ruins today, this fortress was once the seat of the Counts of Celje.

While much of the ruins you see today are from the 15th and 16th centuries, 13th-century ruins lie just beneath them. 

Celje Castle sits on a 407-meter cliff, offering breathtaking views as far as the eye can see.

For the most awe-inspiring views, climb 23 meters to the top of Frederick’s Tower.

Here, you can learn the love story of Friderikov and Veronika, among other legends and myths surrounding the castle.     

8. Štanjel Castle

Built during the 16th century, this medieval village was originally owned by the Counts of Gorica.

While hints of Gothic architecture still remain, the village primarily showcases Karst’s culture and architecture.

In addition to being the home of Slovenia’s most-respected families, the castle has also served as a school, library, military hospital, and medical center. 

Today, travelers can step back in time as they wander the once-busy stone streets and buildings.

Highlights include the Entrance Tower, the castle chapel, the Tower of Kobdilj, the coat of arms on the exterior walls, and the fountain, which dates back to 1694. 

The most visited feature on the grounds, however, is the Ferrari Garden.

Designed by Max Fabiani in the 1920s, the garden features a small pool with an island in the center.

A stone bridge connects the island to the shore.

9. Skofja Loka Castle

While much of the original castle has been rebuilt, Skofja Loka Castle was built in the 12th century.

The castle, which is located where the Poljane Sora and the Selca Sora rivers meet, was originally the home of the Freising Bishops.

Earthquakes and war destroyed much of the earlier structure.   

Today, visitors can walk the grounds of the renovated Loka Castle and learn about the history and culture of the people of this region.

Highlights include the drawbridge, the Northeastern Tower, the four golden altars of the chapel, and an open-air museum.  

10. Sevnica Castle

Located in the Lower Sava Valley is the Sevnica Castle.

While its earliest recorded history dates back to 1309, most of the original structure was rebuilt by Innocenz Moscon in the 16th century.

Travelers can learn the secrets of this Renaissance castle by guided tour and enjoy coffee and a snack in the café afterward.   

Castle highlights include Baroque fresco paintings, the vaulted cellar, the Roman tombstone medallion built into the wall, and the German inscription above the castle door.

Gardens surround the castle, which sits high atop a hill above the town of Sevnica.  

11. Brežice Castle

Situated in southeastern Slovenia lies Brezice Castle, one of the country’s true masterpieces.

While the earliest recordings of this fortress date back to 1241, there’s evidence that a wooden structure was there long before that time. 

Brezice Castle was once the home of the Slovenian aristocratic Attems family.

Since then, it has burned down and sustained earthquake damage on multiple occasions.

Today, the fortress serves as a historical museum where visitors can learn about the culture of this great region.

Castle highlights include orchards and gardens, the great staircase, castle towers, a chapel, and the breathtaking Great Hall. 

12. Bogensperk Castle

Bogensperk Castle is a 16th-century castle located in the middle of Slovenia.

Most known for being the home of scientist and natural historian Johann Weikhard von Valvasor, this castle is a significant cultural monument.

Here, visitors can learn about von Valvasor’s work, along with a number of other historical collections including hunting memorabilia, traditional costumes, and Slovenia’s geodetic collection.

Slovenia Safety Overview

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Safety Index:

87

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
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• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
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