I’ve just come back from three days in Ljubljana, Slovenia – a surprise Christmas present from Her Indoors. We had a fantastic time – Ljubljana has to rate as the most Christmassy place I’ve ever been to. It was scarf-and-hat cold, with a fresh covering of snow picking out branches of the willow trees lining the Ljubljanica river. All the buildings in the central part of town were beautifully lit up at night which highlighted the snowy outlines even further. There was a great Christmas market alongside the river which sold local craft work, filled doughnuts and all manner of sausages. But our favourite stalls of all were the mulled wine stands. In fact, with their gas heaters, these seemed to be everyone’s favourite place on the market especially as the night drew it.
For those unsure of their geography, Slovenia is in central Europe and borders Italy, Austria, Hungary, Croatia and the Mediterranean sea. Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia but detached itself largely unscathed before war broke out between its neighbours. Slovenia is now part of the European Union and a member of NATO. Ljubljana is the capital and has a population of about 330,000. And one of Clearleft’s first clients is based in Ljubljana.
As you probably gathered we rather liked Ljubljana. It’s a really clean, friendly, unspoilt place with some striking architecture such as baroque churches sitting comfortably next to art deco hotels. Ljubljana is definitely Central rather then Eastern European in character and that’s reflected in the prices too, although the queues for sauerkraut in the open air market might make you think otherwise.
Lots of people like to head off to South America or the Far East for their travelling, but there is also so much to see here on our doorstep in (the new expanded) Europe. And it hasn’t yet be spoiled by commercialism serving hoards of Italians, Germans and Brits. If you fancy somewhere different for next New Year’s Eve, Ljubljana might just fit the bill. And on that note – Happy New Year everyone!
Comments
1
Hey what’s wrong with South America? Come spend your money in South America!;)
Advertisement aside, I’ve heard Slovenia is gorgeous. Funny that I hadn’t heard of it until recently.
2
How odd – I spent most of last night listening to a friend of the Mrs talk about what a fantastic place Ljubljana is. She’s from Croatia and spent New Year there too! From what I hear I bet you had a great time.
Happy New Year!
3
I’m glad you liked Ljubjana. It’s one of my favorite cities in Yugoslavia… you know what I mean :), and since I don’t go there as often as I did, I really enjoyed the photos.
4
Wow, having looked at those pics I really am envious! Time to get my travelling boots out… :)
5
The same trend is in Russia. Most of middle class families and those gnarly nouveau riche types (uncultured brutes with lots of money) all flock to Egypts, Turkeys and such (producing some unpleasant stereotypes amongst other peoples, those bloody bastards), while the young hip crowd seems to all gather in Prague, Gothic paradise, home to arguably best lager in Europe, and, for some, abundant in absinthe. :)
6
P.S. And yea. Happy New Year.
P.P.S. Buckwheat is actually quite good, if served properly, both as a garnish or a main course (such as in cold buckwheat porridge).
7
Feel free to get in touch next time you’re around – we could have arrange a one day trip to Zagreb (2 hours from Ljubljana at most). The fact is – we’d probably trouble you for a presentation or a workshop…
8
I really like the way you present the city in your write-up, stayed away from the stereotypes and the usual patronising comments.
I’m lucky enough to be a young Englishman making a living in Ljubljana, and it really is as nice as you say. However, don’t be too fooled by the lack of commercialism and catering to foreigners. Believe me, as soon as the cold weather disappears the city is full almost every night of the week with what the ex-pats living here refer to as ‘the Easyjet Stag crew’, that is groups of young men and women from England either on stag weekends or birthdays or whatever else just falling all over the streets in a drunken heap. Then, in the wintertime, such as now, especially around new year, the city fills up with Italians looking for cheap wine and the hope of pulling young Slovenian women. The local businesses, needless to say, do everything that they can to encourage this. Fair enough, I guess. Anyway, keep up to date with the city by checking my webpage, and happy new year everybody, or Srecno novo leto!
9
Kris – it’s a shame to hear Ljubljana is turning into another Prague with the stag do’s, although I must say I didn’t get that impression of place. I guess New Year is the best time to visit from that point of view. Interesting blog you have there, btw.
10
I’m glad that you enjoyed your stay and I hope you’ll visit again soon. Summer is also a great time to visit Slovenia.
Personally I like my winter holidays with lots of snow and at least this year we had it. I can’t imagine spending it somewhere warm.
Btw, Stockholm is great even if a bit pricey.
11
Man Ljubljana is the best. Infact slovenia totaly rules. Went there this summer. Anyway its funny cos i was just googling for “css drop shadow” and i ended up here. Awesome pics.
12
For the summer:
I recommend the island Hvar in Croatia, 2000 islands …
http://www.hvar.hr/
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