Ljubljana in Winter – 13 Unmissable Winter Activities

If you’re planning a trip to Ljubljana in winter, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll share all the best things to do in Ljubljana in winter, plus all of my top tips for visiting. Ljubljana, Slovenia’s tiny capital, is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. With its whimsical architecture and charming cobbled streets, it feels like something straight out of a fairy tale.

There’s nothing quite like winter in Ljubljana. Snow adorns the ground, rivers ice over, and traditional Christmas markets pop up around the city. It’s simply beautiful and undoubtedly one of my favourite European winter destinations.

So with all that said, let’s get to it and plan your perfect winter trip to Ljubljana!

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Best Things to do in Ljubljana in Winter

Your winter trip to Ljubljana begins. Let’s look at all the best winter activities throughout the city.

1. Enjoy the Christmas Festivities

If there’s one thing that will motivate me to travel in winter, it’s Christmas festivities. Ljubljana is considered one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe, so there is plenty to do during the holiday season.

The main Christmas market takes place in Preseren Square. You may be familiar with this spot since it’s one of the most photographed places in Slovenia. The market runs from late November through to early January. You can expect your typical festive stalls selling all kinds of Christmas treats, as well as concerts, carol singing and other entertainment.

Tip –  Oh, and if you can, try a traditional Slovenian hot chocolate. It’s literally a cup of melted chocolate – utterly divine. 

2. Wander the City Streets at Night

Exploring a city after dark is fun to do at any time of year, but it’s even more exciting over the Christmas period. I love to see twinkling lights and colourful decorations adorn streets, shopfronts, and historical monuments. It makes me feel like a big kid again.

While the displays in Ljubljana aren’t as extravagant as those in London or Budapest, I actually liked them this way. So wrap up warm and prepare to be wowed by the nocturnal winter delights of the city.

3. Visit Ljubljana Castle

Ljubljana Castle is one of the most significant landmarks in the city. It’s, therefore, no surprise that it’s one of the most notable things to do in Ljubljana in winter. When exploring the old town area of the city, you can spot the castle up in the hills.

During the holidays, the castle holds its own Christmas market plus lots of other festive entertainment. Getting up to the castle is a 15-20 minute walk from the Old Town. Alternatively, you can take the funicular railway, which provides a unique experience and beautiful views.

4. Delight in the Local Food Scene

When exploring Ljubljana in winter, you’ll need lots of delicious comfort food to keep you warm and motivated. Think delicious breads, hearty soups & stews, and traditional Slovenian dumplings.

Whether it’s cheap and cheerful street food or fine dining restaurants, you’ll find local cuisine in every corner of the city. Or, to get a real taste for the local food, try this guided food & wine tour. 

If it’s international cuisine you’re after, you can find plenty of that as well. In fact, here’s a list of some of the best restaurants in the city.

5. Walking Tour of the City

Regardless of when you visit Ljubljana, a walking tour of the city is an absolute must. Of course, you can do this alone or with your group. Or, for the most engaging and educational experience, you can take a guided tour.

Ljubljana Free Tours offers various free tours around the city, but their most popular is the classic tour. The classic free tour takes you to all the top sights, including Prešeren Square, Town Hall, Ljubljana Cathedral, and the city’s plentiful bridges.

Tip – Don’t forget; the tour is entirely free. But be sure to tip your guide generously if you enjoy the tour. 

6. Check out the Art Galleries and Museums

A perfect winter activity in Ljubljana, particularly when it’s raining, is to meander the city’s art galleries and museums. There are plenty to choose from, such as the national museum of contemporary history, the museum of modern art and the national gallery.

7. Go for a Wintery Walk in Tivoli Park

Tivoli Park is a beautiful nature area close to the city’s centre. It covers an area of approximately five square kilometres and provides lots of pleasant walking opportunities. While many might argue that Spring & Autumn are the most picturesque months to visit, there is something endearing about the winter landscapes as well.

We loved taking a morning stroll here during our winter trip to Ljublana. With icicles hanging from branches and frost dusting the ground, it was like a winter wonderland and actually very romantic!

8. Take a River Cruise

One of the best ways to appreciate this beautiful city is on the water. Many significant landmarks sit along the banks of the Ljubljanica river, so a river cruise is the perfect way to relax and appreciate the views. There are several options, whether it be a sightseeing cruise during the day or a romantic cruise in the evening.

Tip – Personally, I would choose a nighttime cruise during the winter months. I bet the twinkling lights would make this experience all the more magical!

9. Get Cosy at a Local Bar

After chilly days roaming the city, the best way to relax and recuperate is in a cosy bar with a drink in hand. Unsurprisingly, mulled wine and other warm beverages are in no short supply during this time of year.

You’ll find plenty dotted around the city, but a popular spot is Cankarjevo Nabrezje – a scenic pedestrian-only street lined with cafes and bars. Another favourite of ours is Pritlicje – a trendy LGBTQ+-owned establishment with great drinks and cool events.

10. Go Ice Skating

Fancy doing something fun and active during winter in Ljubljana? Then get yourself to Tivoli Hall for some ice skating. This activity is indoors, so it’s perfect for those wet and dreary days. The famous ice-skating venue usually opens around the beginning of November and lasts until the end of the winter season.

11. Hike Šmarna Gora Hill 

One of the more adventurous things to do during winter in Ljubljana is to hike up Šmarna Gora Hill. This famous hike is 2300ft tall and allows unrivalled views over the city and the surrounding alps. The snow-capped peaks make the mountains all the more beautiful during winter.

This is a fairly accessible and undemanding hike. Anybody with a reasonable fitness level can conquer it, and it’s suitable for children. Once you reach the top, you will find a few amenities, including a cafe where you can stop for refreshments. 

12. A Spot of Shopping

Whether you’re shopping for Christmas, souvenirs, or New Year’s sales, it would be rude not to indulge in some retail therapy, wouldn’t it? You’ll find plenty of well-known brands around the city centre, alongside local designers and charming boutique stores.

13. Take a Day Trip

Since Ljubljana is a relatively small city, it’s easy to cover most of its highlights in a day or two. Therefore, if you find yourself with time to spare, you might consider taking a day trip. I already mentioned visiting Lake Bled, but Lake Bohinj is also worth visiting. 

This tour actually combines both Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj within a day trip from Ljubljana, which might be tough to organise independently. Another spot on our Slovenia bucket list is Postojna Cave Park. Home to the legendary Predjama castle, this is one of the most popular day trips from the city.

Where to Stay in Ljubljana in Winter

Like Slovenia itself, Ljubljana is small and compact, so you can’t go too wrong when deciding on where to stay. See my recommendations below:

• Our Hostel Recommendation: Turn Hostel 
• Our Budget Recommendation: Homestay Rosalia 
• Our Mid-Range Recommendation: Art Hotel
• Our Luxury Recommendation: Intercontinental Ljubljana

Alternatively, you may look at staying nearby, in which case you can compare hotels here. Or use the Map below to see all your options​:

Booking.com

Ljubljana in Winter – FAQs

Best Time to Visit Ljubljana in Winter

The cold season in Ljubljana starts toward the end of November and lasts until the middle of March. However, temperatures will be pretty mild at the start and end of the season.

If you want to experience that magical wintery vibe, your best bet is to visit in December or January. You will most likely get some snow alongside crisp, dry days during that time.

We visited Ljubljana in December, and it was a wondrous experience. The Christmas markets were in full swing and the holiday cheer was all around.

Getting Around Ljubljana

If you ask me, the best way to get around any new city is on foot. This way, you get to absorb the local culture while encountering things you might never have seen otherwise.

Thankfully, Ljubljana is a small city, so getting around on foot is relatively easy. Not only that, most of the main attractions are located close to one another and in the centre of the city.

When you do need to venture further afield, there are local buses and taxis that you can take advantage of. Or, for a more alternative way of exploring the city, this 3-hour bike cruise seems like a lot of fun!

Ljubljana Winter Packing List

There’s no one-size-fits-all when planning the perfect winter getaway, but the chances are most of you will have similar activities in mind.

This list covers the basic essentials for most people visiting Ljubljana in Winter. But depending on your plans, some of you might need more, and others might need less.

•  A warm winter coat
• Plenty of winter clothing
• Winter accessories – hats, scarves, gloves etc.
• Thermal underwear
• Comfy waterproof walking shoes or snow boots
• A good moisturiser for face, lips, hands, and body
• A good camera like the Sony A7III or an iPhone 12 Pro or above.

Enjoy your winter trip to Ljubljana!

So there you have it, our ultimate guide to visiting Ljubljana in winter. I hope it’s got you excited about your trip. If you have any questions or anything to add, please drop us a comment below. We love hearing from you! Stay adventurous and happy travels!

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