Slovenia Newsletter

VACATIONS – Travel magazine by ICICI Bank – June 2025

SLOVENIA

SECTION 1: Month’s theme Introduction

In Stillness, Hear the Air Sing

There are some places that feel like stories. You arrive and something shifts. The light feels softer, the air carries a secret and the days move to a different rhythm. Slovenia is that kind of place.

Some places ask you to pause. To listen - not just with your ears but with your whole being. Slovenia is one of those places.

In June and July, this little country hums softly with life. Wildflowers bloom on alpine trails, rivers run clear and cold and the air smells of pine and hay. Days stretch long and golden and time seems to slow just enough for you to notice the small, beautiful things - a bee circling a blossom, the hush of a forest, the way the light moves across a lake.

This month, we explore the quiet magic of Slovenia - the kind that gently unfolds when you let your guard down. It’s in the still waters of Lake Bled, the green silence of Triglav National Park, the deep caves beneath the earth. It’s in fresh cherries at a roadside stand or a glass of crisp white wine as the sun dips behind the mountains.

Summer here is soft and soulful. It does not rush, it invites. And maybe that is the real magic - that in a world that moves so fast, Slovenia reminds you how to slow down and simply be.

Soul Trip: Choose the lesser known

SECTION 2: Soul Trip

The Art of Doing Nothing

There is a quiet kind of joy in just being somewhere. No agenda, no checklist. Just you, a new place and time. We often travel to see more - but sometimes, we find more when we do less.

That’s what summer can offer. Especially in a place like Slovenia, where nature is the main character. Where the breeze through the trees feels like a conversation. Where walking along a quiet trail or watching clouds float over a lake can feel more fulfilling than any sightseeing tour.

Travel does not have to be fast to be meaningful. It can be slow, gentle, full of little pauses that become your favourite memories. Like sitting by a river and dipping your feet in cold mountain water. Or sipping coffee on a balcony with nothing to do but notice the world waking up.

These small moments are not empty – they are full. They let your mind breathe and your senses come alive. They remind you of what matters.

Travel to remember this: you do not always need to chase something. Sometimes, you just need to be somewhere that lets you stop and feel whole.

Discover Your World

SECTION 3:  Destination

Slovenia: A beautiful hidden gem

Destination of the Month: Slovenia

Slovenia is a small country but it’s full of surprises. Tucked between Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, it blends the best of each—but still feels completely its own. With its alpine beauty, green forests and welcoming towns, it’s like a fairytale you can walk right into.

Where Nature Feels Personal

Slovenia is green. Really green. Almost two-thirds of it, is covered in forest. And everywhere you go, you are close to nature.

Start in Lake Bled, one of the most iconic spots in the country. Picture a calm lake with a tiny island in the middle, a church with a bell tower and a backdrop of mountains. Rent a rowboat, ring the wishing bell and try the local cream cake - blejska kremšnita.

Nearby is Lake Bohinj, quieter and wilder. It’s perfect for swimming, kayaking or just watching the mist rise in the morning. From here, you are right on the edge of Triglav National Park, a haven of alpine trails, gorges and meadows bursting with wildflowers in summer.

If you are into hiking, try the trail to Savica Waterfall or take the cable car up to Vogel for sweeping views.

Hidden Caves and Karst Secrets

Slovenia is not just stunning on the surface – there is a whole other world underground. The Postojna Cave is a magical labyrinth of tunnels, halls and curious limestone formations. Or visit Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the largest underground canyons in the world.

Nearby, explore Predjama Castle, built dramatically into the mouth of a cave. It looks like something from a fantasy novel and the stories behind it are just as wild.

Ljubljana: A Small Capital with a Big Heart

Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, is one of Europe’s most charming cities. It is small enough to walk around easily, yet full of art, culture and creativity. In summer, the riverbanks come alive with cafés, musicians and open-air events.

Wander through the old town, cross the Triple Bridge, climb up to the castle and stop often for coffee or gelato. Do not miss the Central Market, filled with local produce, flowers and handmade goods.

Vineyards, Villages and the Coast

Beyond the mountains and lakes, Slovenia also offers rolling hills and seaside charm.

The Vipava Valley and Goriška Brda are wine regions where you can taste local whites and rosés in family-run vineyards. The landscape is soft, dotted with orchards and tiny villages.

For a taste of the Mediterranean, head to Piran on the Adriatic coast. This Venetian-style seaside town is all red rooftops, narrow alleys and sparkling sea views. Summer evenings here are made for slow dinners and long walks by the harbour.

Summer Special

June and July are when Slovenia bursts into summer. It’s cherry season - look out for roadside stands selling fresh, sweet fruit. Rivers like the Soča run bright turquoise and offer perfect spots for rafting, kayaking or simply floating.

One unique experience? Visit the Tolmin Gorges - narrow, cool and green with water so clear it glows.

Everywhere you turn in Slovenia, it will feel like a scene out of a picture book. It is certain that this experience of pure nature will become your most prized memory. Remember, love is hidden in Slovenia!

Travel Smart

SECTION 4: Travel Smart

Smooth and Slow

Slovenia in June–July is beautiful but a few smart choices can help you make the most of it:

• Pack layers: Days are warm but mountain evenings can get chilly. A light jacket goes a long way.

• Book ahead: While Slovenia is still under the radar, summer is peak season - especially around Lake Bled and coastal areas. Reserve accommodations and key activities early.

• Use local SIMs or eSIMs: Connectivity is good across the country, even in smaller towns and hiking areas. A prepaid SIM from Telekom Slovenije or A1 can save you roaming hassle.

• Tap water is safe: Slovenia has some of the cleanest drinking water in Europe - carry a bottle and refill as you go.

• Take it slow: Distances are short but the charm is in the details. Do not rush to see ‘everything’. Instead, build in free afternoons for lakeside picnics, forest walks or lingering over a long lunch.

Slovenia is not a place to power through. It is a place to ease into. Travel light, travel slow and let the stillness surprise you.

 Sustainable Travel Tip of the Month

SECTION 5:  Sustainable Travel Tip of the Month

Slovenia leading the way

Slovenia does not just look green—it is green. It is one of the most forward-thinking countries in Europe when it comes to sustainable travel and many of its efforts are woven seamlessly into the experience.

• Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism: This nationwide certification programme awards towns, parks and accommodations for meeting high environmental standards. Look for the ‘Slovenia Green’ label—it’s a sign you are supporting a place that cares.

• Eco-friendly transport: Ljubljana’s old town is car-free, with electric taxis and a well-loved bike-sharing system (BicikeLJ). Many hiking trails and parks are also accessible by train or shuttle to reduce emissions.

• Community-first tourism: Rural tourism is thriving with local farms offering stays, wine tastings and workshops. It is not just authentic - it directly supports local livelihoods.

• Zero waste ambition: Ljubljana was the first European capital to commit to zero waste and has some of the continent’s highest recycling rates. You will find clear recycling bins almost everywhere.

• No bottled water needed: Slovenia takes pride in its clean, safe, tasty, natural drinking water available everywhere. This eliminates the usage of buying bottled water, reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles.

By travelling mindfully and choosing locally run businesses, you are not just seeing Slovenia – you are helping protect it. Sustainability here is not a trend. It is the culture.

SECTION 6: Vacations travel question of the month

Where should you not miss eating the local cream cake: blejska kremšnita?

‘Vacations’ is powered by OneShoe Trust for Responsible & Mindful Travels – a social enterprise that promotes travelling as a means to raise awareness about climate change and environmental issues. Incubated at IIM Bangalore, OneShoe is the source of most authentic travel experiences around the world.

Link to: oneshoetravels.com