Slovenia - part 1

After my summer adventures in Scotland, I set my sights on continental Europe and flew to the glorious country of Slovenia.

I’ll admit, this was my first solo trip abroad since before COVID, and a flicker of apprehension accompanied the excitement. From the challenge of finding the perfect photo locations to the simple act of driving once more on the right-hand side of the road, the logistics felt daunting. Yet beneath the nerves was a quiet thrill — the sense that a new chapter of discovery was about to unfold.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana

My first stop in Slovenia was, naturally, the capital city of Ljubljana, where I stayed for three nights. In this video, I take a brief walk through the heart of the capital before heading to my first photo location: Ljubljana Castle. Perched high above the city, the castle commands a dominant position, gazing not only over Ljubljana itself but across much of the country.

Slovenia, nestled in southern Central Europe, lies east of Italy, south of Austria, and north of Croatia, with Hungary touching its northeastern border. Though small, it boasts a proud history and a distinct identity. Its cuisine reflects this diversity, often blending Italian, Germanic, and Mediterranean influences.

Travel vlogs will tell you that sampling a local meat and cheese board is essential — and they’re right. The Germanic influence is unmistakable too, with sausages in endless varieties, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and tangy sauerkraut.

When I visited in early November, Ljubljana was bathed in calm sunshine. The atmosphere was relaxed, the streets inviting, and as I made my way toward the castle on the hill, I felt the city opening itself up in a quiet, welcoming embrace.

Ljubljana castle

Ljubljana Castle — or Ljubljanski grad in Slovenian — is a medieval fortress dating back to the 11th century, though traces of settlement on the hill reach as far back as 1200 BC. It was likely a Roman stronghold before becoming a defensive structure in the Middle Ages. Over the centuries, the castle’s role shifted: it served as a prison under the Austrian Empire and during World War II, later housed the city’s poor, and today stands proudly as a cultural landmark and venue for events.

After exploring the chapel and the old prison, I followed the spiraling staircase that leads most visitors to the Viewing Tower. Built in the 1840s and rising 400 meters above sea level, the tower offers sweeping views across the city and beyond. I wasn’t sure what awaited me at the top, but by sheer luck my arrival coincided with sunset — and the spectacle that unfolded was unforgettable.

I had not planned to do any landscape photography during my walkaround in the capital, as I only intended to take some video footage of the centre. However, I took a couple of images which I have shared in this article - both taken with just my smartphone in RAW mode.

I will certainly return to Ljubljana; it is a chic, chilled and sophisticated city, steeped in interesting history and a proud people who were polite and friendly. But for now, I had to pack my bags and head off to a more rural and in parts, untamed side of Slovenia - with camera in one hand and map in the other. Join me in my next instalments as I venture out to Lake Bled and the Julian Alps and Mount Triglav. You can also follow my tales on YouTube where I have uploaded a four-part playlist of my trip to Slovenia - link below.