For Sixth Annual “Places Rated” Destination done by The National Geographic traveler together with the National Geographic Society’s Center for Sustainable Destinations, Slovenia was ranked as the 5th top world destination with 78 points. This honor given to deserving countries were based from a survey of the world’s most sought out travel destinations and magnificent tourism the country has to offer. Though one of the smallest countries in Europe, it never stopped Slovenia from getting the award. Here are the top 5 places in Slovenia which brought about its success as the 5th top world destination.

1. Lake Bled

Lake Bled, a popular tourist attraction, is a glacial lake in northwestern Slovenia located in the Julian Alps. Its attractions include Bled Castle, Bled Island, churches, a variety of outdoor activities and natural sights, and more. Lake Bled itself is not large for an individual can possibly to walk around the perimeter of the lake in about three hours. Lake Bled has a breathtaking environment which happens to be surrounded by mountains and forest.

2. Soca Valley

Soca Valley is a hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and fly-fishing haven for it is dominated by Europe’s most beautiful river, the Soca River. It is a 140 kilometer long river that runs from the western part of Slovenia to the northeastern part of Italy. The valley is full of wonderful colors, with pools, waterfalls, ravines and canyons. The emerald-colored water makes it know to be a “fairytale valley”. In the upper region of the Soca Valley, tourist could visit Bovec, town which offers world class adventure sports.

3. Julian Alps

If you’re an athlete who loves mountain biking, mountain hiking, or Nordic walking, you opt to go to Julian Alps. Julian Alps, carved with white limestone, is the highest mountain range in Slovenia which can be reached from three different directions, Dolina Sedmerih Jezer, Voje valley, or. Pokljuka. Its highest peak is Mount Triglav where the Triglav National Park protects the area. While traversing the Julian Alps, you can see the soaring peaks, rivers with clear water, thick forest, deep valleys, with meadows filled with flowers, and breathtaking waterfalls.

4. National Gallery (Narodna galerija)

The National Gallery of Slovenia is the main art museum which contains a lot of large visual collections. The building where the National Gallery can be located was constructed in 1896. It was also served as the city’s center for performances by numerous national societies because of its 160-seating capacity plus its basement contains a gymnasium. From 1918 upto the present time, the National Gallery has been the home of Slovenia art collections from the Middles ages upto the 20th century. It is open from 10:00 – 18:00 Mondays, and admission is free on Saturdays after 14:00 and is closed during Holidays.

5. Saint Nicholas Church

Saint Nicholas Church located in Ljubljana, Slovenia was consecrated in 1707, 6 years after the construction of the building was started. The church was fashioned and dedicated to St. Nicholas by the boatmen and fishermen of Ljubljana. The interiors of the church are not remarkably huge however beautiful for it contains a lot of frescoes line which line the archways, with a vaulted ceiling above the altar. It has been a well-known tourist attraction for the ambiance within the church depicts 1,250 years of Christianity in Slovenia which brings excitement and amazement to its visitors.

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