Ljubljana: City of Dragons and Fairytales Travel Guide

There Are Dragons in This City! Ljubljana Trip

Ljubljana… Imagine a city filled with dragon statues. It's like you're on the set of Game of Thrones around every corner! 🐉

Even as you cross the bridge, the dragons seem to be winking at you. And yes, in the middle of the bridge, I thought, "I wonder if I could fly if I flapped my wings?" 🙃

Jokes aside, Ljubljana is truly a captivating city. It has a romantic and fairytale-like atmosphere. In this article, I'll tell you the true story, history, and must-see attractions of Slovenia 's hidden capital. This will also be your perfect Ljubljana travel guide.

The True Story of Ljubljana

Ljubljana , the capital of Slovenia , has carried the traces of many cultures throughout history, from the Romans to the Habsburgs. Formerly known as "Emona," the city is one of Europe's hidden gems, with its medieval streets, baroque architecture, and river. Moreover, archaeologists have found the world's oldest wooden wheel here! The dragon legend dates back to the Greek hero Jason and the Argonauts, which is why the city is known as the "City of Dragons."

The Pink Church and the Beating Heart of the City

Preseren Square was the heart of the city. The first thing that caught my eye here was the Franciscan Church , its pink color resembling a cake. The square was so vibrant with musicians and lively conversation throughout the day that I felt the spirit of Ljubljana most deeply here. The Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) connects to the river from here, creating a very photogenic landscape.

Ljubljana Castle

History, Landscape, and Hidden Art: The castle should definitely be at the top of your Ljubljana list of places to visit . Overlooking the city from above, Ljubljana Castle is like a time machine. It has protected the city for centuries and was even used as a prison at one point. From the castle, the entire city feels like it's in the palm of your hand; the red-roofed houses and the winding river are breathtaking.

But the castle isn't just a scenic spot. The Puppet Museum was the surprise that most impressed me. It was here that I discovered the culture of puppetry, a very important art form in Slovenia. It was like a vibrant treasure trove of art hidden within the castle walls.

Slovenian Cuisine

In Ljubljana , you'll find a blend of Central European and Mediterranean cuisine. Don't leave without trying these dishes in particular:

• Štruklji (dough rolls)

• Kranjska klobasa (Slovene sausage)

• Potica (walnut roll) for dessert

  
  

Lake Bled Ljubljana

A Fairytale Finale: Lake Bled While we're in Ljubljana , we couldn't leave without visiting Lake Bled , just 45 minutes away. The small island and the church atop it, nestled in the azure waters, offer a picture-postcard view. Walking around the lake provides a profound sense of tranquility. The real highlight of this trip was climbing up to Bled Castle . The views of both the lake and the Alps from here were simply breathtaking. We concluded this dreamy European trip with Bled's famous dessert , kremna rezina . With its vanilla cream and crispy dough, it was truly worth the effort.

The best times to visit Slovenia are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). In summer, the city is filled with festivals, and in winter, it boasts a magical snowscape.

How to Get There: There's a direct flight from Istanbul to Ljubljana . It takes approximately two hours. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus via Zagreb . This way, you can visit several European cities .

For the continuation of your Slovenia adventure, you can also check out my article A Fairytale City on the Edge of Tranquility: Slovenia - Novo Mesto Travel Guide, where I explore the city of calm and peace.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram to follow my journeys and see more content: @onurollstyle .