• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Geography, Weather, & Wildlife of Slovenia

Geography

Slovene Geography - Soca River
Soca River

Slovenia is located between a couple different regions. It can be considered a part of Southeastern Europe, southern Europe, or even Central Europe. Slovenia briefly touches the Adriatic Sea, but is nearly landlocked. The country is bordered by Italy (west), Croatia (south and east), Hungary (northeast), and Austria (north).

Geographically, the small country of Slovenia is incredibly diverse. Along much of the country's northern border and stretching south along the western part of the country are the Alps. A couple small rivers from these mountains run through the eastern and northeastern part of the country. In the southwest there is a small stretch of land that borders the Adriatic Sea, but this low land only lasts a short distance before rising into the mountains. None-the-less, this area is the most densely populated part of Slovenia.

Weather

Slovenia's seasons are very distinct due to geographical variations, but the entire country receives a great deal of rain and snow. Winters (December-February) can be cold in the Alps, but fairly temperate on the coast. Piran averages in the low 40s F (6˚ C) while the mountains average a couple degrees below freezing. The Alps also can get huge amounts of snow, delaying travel; most years the Alps get enough snow that the last of it doesn't melt until May or June.

Slovene Geography - Alps
Alps

Summers are much nicer and temperate; the mountains average about 70˚ F (21˚ C), as Piran and near the coast averages about 75˚ F (24˚ C).

The spring and fall (autumn) are less predictable as snow can linger or arrive early in much of the mountainous country.

Wildlife

There are few large mammals in Slovenia, although a couple species do exist including the ibex, bear, deer, and boar. There are also various small mammals. More common are freshwater fish, such as the trout, while the country has a small border with the Adriatic Sea, which provides more sea life.

There are a number of migrating birds that regularly pass through the country as well.

This page was last updated: November, 2013