After the first few chaotic days of rain, train delays and cancellations, we were back on track for three beautiful, sunny days in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Ljubljana is a glorious city which can easily be explored on foot.
Pedestrians and cyclists win ‘the battle of the roads’ in Ljubljana because it is one of the largest car free zones in Europe. Tourists walk and locals ride bicycles! The streets are washed and swept every night, garbage is managed with above-ground containers with unseen underground receptacles and the air is so clean.
The river divides the city, with several bridges – Triple Bridge (*expanded for increased car traffic back in the day but now – no more cars. :-), Dragon Bridge, Cobblers Bridge and Butchers Bridge making it easy to criss-cross back and forth. As there are no cars, it creates an ideal spot for coffee shops, restaurants and bars to fill the boardwalks along the river. Also ideal for people watching. Several large squares and plazas draw huge crowds.
Food choices were extensive but one traditional Slovenian foodie choice cought my eye. A restaurant along the river called “My Slovenian Dumplings” offers up to twenty different varieties of sweet and savory rolled dumplings called “štruklji”. The pastry is very light, filled, rolled many times (they are quite large) and then heated just before serving. Oh my gosh they were so good. We enjoyed three: meet, apple/walnut/spiced and coconut.
Coconut Dumpling
There is a castle that towers over the city, so it was worth a walk up there to take a look. To add a few more steps to our daily count, we took a trail up the Castle Hill. We were rewarded with a spectacular view from the stairs.
Our accommodations were ideally located beneath the castle yet still along the riverfront. It is the red-roofed, white building in the photo below with the writing on the front. A great spot, where we are actually returning next week for a few more days.
An evening stroll let us enjoy a different view of the city, lit up with multi-colored lights.
Even the bridges light up!
It’s off to Budapest next. Feel free to leave a comment below. If you wish to contact me, my email is blaisemcneil@gmail.com. Thanks for visiting my site and I hope you’ll return soon for my next adventure…. Blaise
Amazing part of the world, enjoy all your adventures! Keep the updates coming. They are so exciting to read!
Coconut rolls for supper is something I can handle ! lol. It does look amazing and a typical looking Europe city. What a great looking city. Love the blogs Enjoy
Blaise, what a lovely place. You make it sound so peaceful and tranquil with no sound of cars. The pictures and descriptions were wonderful. Thank you and safe travels.
Oh my what a beautiful, refreshing place to visit. We have a lady from our park that is over there now. I am not sure if she is from there or another place. That coconut roll made my mouth water. Yum. Keep enjoying and thanks for sharing.