Slovenia

The island church and the clifftop castle sit in the same view. Wooden rowing boats take you across to the island.

A small railway carries visitors deep into a system more than twenty kilometres long. Blind cave salamanders live in it.

A footbridge crosses high above a river running underground. Rougher and more imposing than Postojna.

Minerals give the water an unusually intense blue-green, and rafting and hiking share the valley. It was also a First World War front line.

Four dragon sculptures, the city’s emblem, stand at the bridge ends. The riverside promenade and market are right beside it.

A castle wall sealing the mouth of a cliff cave, with the cave itself as its back rooms. Parts close in winter.

Listed for the vast gorge cut by an underground river. Photography is restricted in parts.

Listed jointly with Almaden in Spain, with underground tours available. The town is also known for its lacework.

One fragment of a listing spread across several countries. What you see today is marshland and a museum.

Untouched forest inscribed as part of a shared European listing. Bears live here, so follow local guidance.

Cars are kept out of the riverside centre, which makes it a walking city. A funicular runs to the hilltop castle.

When Bled is crowded, the larger Lake Bohinj stays quiet. Both are gateways to Triglav National Park.

Narrow lanes and a bell tower gathered on a headland. The coastline is short, so this stretch is effectively all of it.

What is said to be the world’s oldest vine grows on its riverfront. Ski slopes and wine country lie close by.

The country’s only national park, containing its highest peak. Hut-to-hut routes are well established.

Meltwater fills the valleys and the green deepens. Snow lingers on the high paths.

Lakes, rafting and mountain walking are all open. Bled and the coast get busy.

Colour and the grape harvest overlap. The caves hold the same temperature whatever the season.

Skiing in the north, mild weather on the coast. Winter equipment rules apply on mountain roads.

Up to 90 days in any 180 across the whole Schengen area. The European travel authorisation scheme is being phased in, so check official guidance before you leave.

Most places take cards. Prices sit slightly below western Europe.

Using the motorways needs a time-based electronic vignette bought in advance. Check whether your hire car already has one.

The caves stay cool even in high summer, so bring a layer. Some sections are wet and slippery.

English proficiency is high among younger people. Italian and German are common near those borders.

The pan-European number reaching police, ambulance and fire, with English available. Mountain rescue is requested on the same number.