In the heart of Europe, between Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia, lies the little jewel, Slovenia. This country is not considered one of the greenest in Europe for nothing. Here, alpine landscapes meet Mediterranean seaside hills, pristine rivers and forests meet urban fun, and rugged karst caves meet gentle lush vineyards. Scattered throughout these varied surroundings are large and smaller golf courses for low and higher handicaps alike - most of which are easy to reach and only about an hour's drive from the capital.
Golf in Slovenia between mountains, castles and forests
The Royal Bled Golf Club, surrounded by sparse forests and the breathtaking backdrop of the Julian Alps, is Slovenia's oldest and largest golf course. It is situated close to the picturesque tourist destination of Bled with its castle and island in the lake and is especially suited for low handicap golfers. The golf courses of Mokrice, Otočec and Ptuj are all located near to impressive stately and moated castles. Golf can also be played all year round not far from Lipica, where the famous white Lipizzaner horses are bred. The mild Mediterranean climate has formed the barren karst landscape with its unique flora and fauna around the golf course, along with the shade of ancient oaks. On the hilly Zlati Grič golf course, the connoisseur plays alongside the vineyard and treats himself to a good drop of Slovenian wine in the evening. In Moravske Toplice, the day on the golf course ends with a hot bath or an extensive massage in the spa with its thermal springs.
Culinary experiences
Gourmets will find that Slovenia has many culinary specialties in every imaginable variety: traditional desserts such as potica, Prekmurska gibanica or apple strudel are served with coffee. Traditional dishes such as buckwheat gance have been redesigned in gourmet restaurants. Air-dried Karst ham and regional wines delight the palate in small, family-run restaurants in the country's cities and Venetian-influenced coastal towns.
Relaxation, active vacations and urban culture
In addition to a golf tour, Slovenia offers numerous opportunities for excursions or sporting activities. Discover the country's traditional, rural culture on a bicycle tour through the Pannonian Plain, with off road experience on steep and bumpy trails when mountain biking. Slovenians love to hike in the mountains: Climb high peaks, or scramble under waterfalls in fairytale forests. Try out the numerous water sports possibilities, rafting, kayak tours or stand-up paddling, in the crystal blue rivers and clear lakes. Slovenia is the perfect destination for an active sports vacation. Relaxation, on the other hand, is offered by the country's many thermal baths or spas: From mineral baths to mud massages to gentle skin treatments with sea salt, you can try out what's good for you here. Or take a shopping tour through the capital Ljubljana and visit one of the numerous museums, concerts or festivals and enjoy the cafés in the historic old town.
