Slovenia is a small, charming country that can also be a perfect getaway from the rest of Europe. Located right in the center of the continent, it’s like a strategic hub with access to many famous European spots, some just a stone’s throw away!
As someone who’s from Slovenia and loves to travel, I can give you some great insights and first-hand experience on where to go next when you find yourself in my beautiful country. So, let’s explore the countries near Slovenia and discover all the adventures waiting right next door!
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What Are Some Countries Near Slovenia?
People are sometimes shocked when I show them Slovenia on the map. They like to joke that they might need a magnifying glass to find it! But once they do find it, it becomes clear that Slovenia is surrounded by some amazing countries. These countries have all contributed to the mixing of cultures that made Slovenia what it is today. Let’s find out what some of those countries near Slovenia are!
North Of Slovenia
Let’s start with the countries just north of Slovenia, where you’ll find places full of history and interesting culture.
The first one, which is also Slovenia’s neighboring country, is Austria. It is the birthplace of Mozart and a country with stunning Alpine scenery, lakes, and charming cities. I myself live in northern Slovenia and visit Austria quite often, for example, when I want to see a medieval castle and feel like I’ve been transported back in time. It’s definitely a favorite in my book!
Next, we’ve got Slovakia and the Czech Republic. They’re further away from Slovenia than Austria but closer in terms of culture. You see, they’re both Slavic countries, just like Slovenia, even though it’s difficult for people to understand each other. I’ve visited both their capitals, Bratislava and Prague, and was absolutely blown away by their beauty. It makes me feel lucky to live near such amazing places!
Further up, but still not too far away, are Poland and Germany. Poland is also a Slavic country rich in history, with amazing cities like Kraków, where you’ll find incredible architecture. Germany is also famous for its cities, but above all, the beer gardens and Oktoberfest! Both are great places to explore and enjoy, and I always love the short train rides that take me to these fantastic destinations!
West Of Slovenia
People usually don’t know where Slovenia is on the map, but they sure know where Italy is. And some of the most amazing Italian places, like Venice or Tuscany, are just a short distance away from Slovenia. Italy is like a place out of a fairy tale, with its picturesque and historical streets. Not to mention the olives groves, amazing art, and delicious food! It’s like a feast for the senses, and always a great option if you find yourself wondering where to go after Slovenia.
An honorable mention goes to Switzerland, that’s easily reachable from Slovenia as well. While the country’s a bit more on the expensive side, it’s full of beautiful nature and awe-inspiring mountains.
East Of Slovenia
Heading east of Slovenia, we come to Hungary. There haven’t been many places that impressed me as much as the capital Budapest did. The Danube River flows through the city, passing by the iconic Parliament building and Buda Castle. I’ve spent afternoons relaxing in the thermal baths and hanging out in their so-called ruin bars. They are unique venues that transform old, abandoned buildings into trendy hangouts where you can enjoy a drink, meet new people, and soak in the city’s creative atmosphere. Hungary’s mix of old and new makes it a great place to visit!
The Balkans
Did you know Slovenia used to be part of one country called Yugoslavia? Yes, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia, and Kosovo used to be one country, with Slovenia being right up at the top. That makes it the perfect starting point for exploring nearby Balkan countries. You can jump right over to Croatia, Slovenia’s neighbor to the south. After that, all the Balkan countries are within close reach.
Speaking of travel, I myself did a bus journey once that took me all the way from Slovenia to Greece. It was an unforgettable adventure with many stops on the way. As I traveled through the Balkans, I marveled at the stunning landscapes and cultures. Even though people from large countries might consider this a short trip, I managed to visit six countries in two weeks. While there are some similarities, each country has its own unique vibe and is worth visiting! It was also super easy for me to communicate as a lot of people in these countries speak Slovenian or a similar language!
Arriving in Greece was the highlight of this trip, and even if it took two weeks, I consider Greece to be a country near Slovenia. The journey taught me just how interconnected these Balkan countries are and how easy it is to explore them all with a starting point in Slovenia.
How Do You Say Country In Slovenian?
The Slovenian word for “country” is država.
Useful Slovenian Vocabulary
Sometimes, travelers tend to skip Slovenia due to its small size. But those who don’t are always pleasantly surprised, telling me how much they enjoyed my country and will definitely be back someday! In that case, let me tell you something: Slovenians are extremely proud and excited if someone foreign speaks even a little bit of Slovenian.
If you’re planning on stopping by, why not try to learn a few words? Your best bet would be to try and download the Ling app, one of the only apps that teaches Slovenian efficiently and in a fun way! Meanwhile, here are some easy Slovenian travel phrases to get you started:
| English | Slovenian |
|---|---|
| Hello | Živijo / Zdravo |
| Good morning | Dobro jutro |
| Good afternoon | Dober dan |
| Good evening | Dober večer |
| Goodbye | Nasvidenje |
| See you later | Se vidimo kasneje |
| How are you? | Kako ste? (formal), Kako si? (informal) |
| I’m fine, thank you | V redu sem, hvala |
| Please | Prosim |
| Thank you | Hvala |
| Excuse me | Oprostite |
| Yes | Ja |
| No | Ne |
| Do you speak English? | Ali govorite angleško? |
| I don’t understand | Ne razumem |
| Country | Država |
| Capital city | Glavno mesto |
| Border | Meja |
| Passport | Potni list |
| Visa | Viza |
| Airport | Letališče |
| Train station | Železniška postaja |
| Bus station | Avtobusna postaja |
| Ticket | Vozovnica |
| Customs | Carina |
| Embassy | Veleposlaništvo |
| Police | Policija |
| Traveler | Popotnik (male) or Popotnica (female) |
| Map | Zemljevid |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Slovenia Slavic Or Balkan?
Both! Slovenia is Slavic because its people speak Slovenian, a Slavic language, and share many cultural ties with other Slavic countries. At the same time, it’s in the northwest part of the Balkan Peninsula. This combination makes Slovenian culture especially interesting.
2. What Countries Are Near Slovenia By Train?
Pretty much all European countries are easily reached by train from Slovenia, especially neighboring ones. I recommend getting the Eurail pass, as it’s the easiest way to travel around Europe with an all-in-one train ticket, with Slovenia included in the journey.
3. Where Should I Go After Slovenia?
Cities perfect for your next stop are Vienna, Venice, Zagreb, Budapest, or Bratislava.
Slovenia And Beyond
In my opinion, you don’t really need to visit countries near Slovenia to have an amazing time. After all, in other European countries, you won’t find sights like Lake Bled and the Triglav National Park. Countries like Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary are incredible, but traveling in Slovenia is a whole unique experience on its own!
Nonetheless, Slovenia serves as a wonderful gateway to the wonders of Europe. Why not make it your base and explore both its remarkable attractions and the treasures that lie beyond?
