Things To Do
in Ljubno

Ljubno (often referred to as Ljubno ob Savinji) is a small, scenic town in northern Slovenia tucked into the Savinja River valley and surrounded by forested hills and karst ridges. It is known for its strong outdoor culture — hiking, cycling and winter sports are easy to access, and the town hosts notable ski-jumping events that draw visitors in winter. The built environment mixes traditional Slovenian architecture with a compact town center, riverside footbridges and a relaxed, rural pace of life. Ljubno makes a convenient base for exploring nearby alpine valleys, local farms and quieter, less-touristed parts of the Slovenian countryside.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Ljubno
morning
:

Arrive in Ljubno and check into your cozy accommodation amidst the picturesque landscapes. Take a stroll around the charming village to soak in the fresh alpine air and scenic mountain views. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Slovenian pastries.

afternoon
:

Explore the tranquil paths along the Savinja River, where you can admire the lush greenery and perhaps spot some local wildlife. Visit the nearby church of St. Mary, known for its beautiful frescoes and stunning architecture that reflect the region's history. Indulge in a hearty lunch at a traditional restaurant, featuring regional specialties.

evening
:

Wrap up your day at a local tavern, where you can enjoy Slovenian wine paired with delicious dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. As the sun sets, take a moment to appreciate the serene beauty of the mountains surrounding Ljubno. Relish the peaceful ambiance before returning to your accommodation.

day 2
Outdoor Adventures
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty Slovenian breakfast before heading out for some outdoor fun. Choose from activities like hiking or mountain biking in the nearby Julian Alps, where the trails offer stunning vistas and invigorating experiences. Immerse yourself in nature as you explore the flora and fauna of this beautiful region.

afternoon
:

After an adventurous morning, have a picnic lunch surrounded by the breathtaking mountain scenery. Continue your explorations by visiting the local adventure park, where zip-lining and climbing await those seeking thrills. Experience the adrenaline rush while marveling at the stunning views from above.

evening
:

Return to Ljubno and relax with a leisurely walk through the village. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where you can discuss your adventures of the day over a cozy meal. Conclude the evening with a nightcap at a nearby bar, soaking in the friendly atmosphere.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$2-3
🍺Domestic beer (pub)$3-4
🚕Short taxi ride$5-10
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$60-100

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, authentic small-town atmosphere with strong outdoor access
  • Beautiful natural scenery and good opportunities for hiking and photography
  • Close-knit local food culture and welcoming family-run inns
  • Lower prices and fewer crowds compared with Slovenia’s tourist hubs
  • Limited nightlife and fewer dining options than larger towns
  • Public transport is sparse — a car makes exploring easier
  • Fewer international-flight options; some medical services require travel to bigger cities
  • Seasonal closures: some attractions and services are seasonal or have limited winter hours
  • "Dober dan" - Good day / Hello
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Prosim" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Koliko stane?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Kje je ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Govorite angleško?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Ljubno

Visit one of these nice places.

Ski jumping hill and viewpoint

The ski-jumping facility overlooking Ljubno provides dramatic shots of the jump structure with the valley below — especially photogenic during competitions or at golden hour.

Savinja River and footbridges

Riverside walkways and small wooden bridges create classic rural river scenes, reflections and long exposures after rain or at dawn.

Nearby ridgelines and meadows

Alpine meadows on nearby plateaus are great for wide landscape panoramas, wildflowers in summer and sunrise/sunset compositions.

Traditional farmhouses and village streets

Close-up shots of traditional architecture, wooden barns and seasonal farming life capture authentic local character.

Viewpoints toward the Savinja valley

Several short drives up local roads lead to viewpoints with sweeping views of Ljubno, the river and surrounding peaks — ideal for sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ljubno

The cuisine around Ljubno reflects traditional Slovenian and Alpine-Slavic influences: hearty, seasonal and comfort-focused. Expect breads, dairy, cured meats, soups and stews, plus simple vegetable sides sourced from local farms. Home-style inns and farm tourism (turizem na kmetiji) showcase regional recipes and artisanal dairy and meat products. Modern cafés and a few contemporary restaurants round out choices for lighter or international fare.

Ljubno Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Žganci

A traditional cornmeal or buckwheat dish (similar to polenta) usually served with meat, sauerkraut or cottage cheese; commonly found in local gostilnas and farm kitchens.

Must-Try!

Potica

A rolled pastry with various fillings (walnut is classic) — Slovenia’s festive cake, sold in bakeries and often offered in cafés and markets.

Kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage)

A smoked pork sausage typical across Slovenia; served grilled or with mustard and bread, available in inns and markets.

Štruklji

Dumpling-like rolls made from dough and filled with sweet (cottage cheese, apple) or savory fillings, a homemade specialty offered in family-run restaurants.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local market stalls and weekend stands

Small seasonal markets and farm stands sell fresh milk, cheese, honey, cured meats and baked goods. Look for local cheese and potica at weekends or village fairs.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ljubno has a continental climate with alpine influences: cold, snowy winters in higher terrain and warm, pleasantly sunny summers. Spring and autumn are transitional with variable weather; expect rainfall throughout the year, and cooler temperatures at elevation compared with valley floors.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting and formality

Use a polite greeting like 'Dober dan' (Good day) and shake hands when meeting people; using surnames and formal address is customary until invited to use first names.

Respect for nature

Slovenes take nature and trail etiquette seriously — follow marked paths, take your rubbish with you, and respect private farmland.

Noise and timing

Be mindful of quiet hours in residential areas (especially after 10 pm) and punctual for arranged meetings or tours.

Shoes and homes

When visiting private homes, hosts may ask guests to remove outdoor shoes; carrying socks or slippers is polite.

Safety Guide

Safety

Ljubno is generally very safe with low crime; usual precautions against petty theft apply. Outdoor hazards are the main concern—prepare for mountain weather changes, wear proper footwear, watch for slippery trails and strong river currents, and be aware of ticks in warmer months. Emergency services use the EU emergency number 112.

Tipping in Ljubno

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory — rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common for good service. Taxi drivers and small service providers are usually paid the exact fare or rounded up.

Payment Methods

Slovenia uses the euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in inns, restaurants and shops, but small rural vendors and markets may prefer cash. ATMs are available in larger towns; bring some cash for small purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring brings blooming meadows, melting snow in higher elevations and variable weather — pack layers and waterproof footwear. Trails become green and birdlife is active; some higher paths might still be wet or muddy.

Summer

Summer is warm and pleasant (often 20–25°C) with long daylight hours, ideal for hiking, cycling and outdoor dining. Expect more visitors on weekends and busy trails; bring sun protection and plenty of water.

Autumn

Autumn offers colourful foliage, cooler temperatures and fewer crowds — a great time for photography and mushroom foraging (be sure you know what’s edible). Weather can change quickly, with early snow possible at higher altitudes later in the season.

Winter

Winters are cold and snowy in the surrounding hills; winter sports like ski jumping, cross-country skiing and occasional alpine skiing are available nearby. Roads can be icy — bring winter tyres or chains and check conditions before driving.

Nightlife Guide

Ljubno at Night

Nightlife in Ljubno is low-key and community-oriented: think a handful of pubs, a couple of bars or guesthouses with live music on weekends, and seasonal events tied to festivals or sporting competitions. For a busier nightlife scene (clubs, late-night bars), travellers usually go to larger nearby towns or cities such as Celje or Ljubljana.

Hiking in Ljubno

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Menina Planina

A high karst plateau with rolling alpine meadows, marked trails and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys — great for day hikes and wildflower photography in summer.

Ridges around the Savinja valley

A network of trails on nearby ridgelines offering varied routes, viewpoints and connections to neighboring villages; routes vary from easy to challenging.

Logarska Dolina (Logar Valley)

One of Slovenia’s most scenic glacial valleys within reasonable driving distance — offers well-maintained trails, waterfalls and alpine walking routes for all levels.

Raduha and surrounding peaks

For more ambitious hikers, Raduha and nearby peaks provide steeper ascents, rock features and rewarding summit panoramas; suitable for experienced hikers with proper equipment.

Airports

How to reach Ljubno by plane.

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)

Slovenia’s main international airport near Ljubljana, roughly 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Ljubno depending on traffic; offers car rental and bus connections to Ljubljana, then onward connections by train or bus.

Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport (MBX)

Smaller regional airport near Maribor, about 1–1.5 hours away by car; limited scheduled flights but convenient if services match your itinerary.

Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG)

International airport in Croatia, roughly 2–3 hours’ drive depending on border crossings and route; sometimes used as an alternative for cheaper flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and very walkable with easy footpaths along the river; exploring surrounding areas by foot is great for short hikes, but reaching more remote trails often requires a car or local transport.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Slovene population

The majority are ethnic Slovenes, often with deep family ties to the valley — a mix of older residents, farmers and families.

Outdoor enthusiasts and seasonal visitors

Hikers, cyclists and winter-sport fans visit seasonally for events, trails and quieter countryside experiences.

Small-scale agritourism operators

Local farmers and guesthouse owners who host visitors and run small tourism enterprises showcasing regional food and traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ski jumping

Ljubno is known for its ski-jumping venue and regularly hosts competitions, particularly in the women's circuit — the sport is a point of local pride.

Hiking and mountain sports

Hiking, trail running and mountain biking are very popular among locals and visitors, taking advantage of nearby ridges and plateaus.

Football (soccer) and team sports

Like much of Slovenia, football and other team sports are practiced at community level; local clubs and school sports are important social outlets.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Ljubno is generally light and roads are mostly two-lane rural routes; narrow mountain roads require cautious driving and can be slow in winter. Public transport is limited to regional buses with relatively infrequent schedules, so renting a car or arranging local transfers is the most flexible option for exploring surrounding areas. Parking in town is usually straightforward.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ljubno.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are generally available but may be limited in small inns; look for egg- and cheese-based dishes (štruklji, salads) and ask hosts to adapt stews or sides. Larger cafés and restaurants in nearby towns have clearer vegetarian and vegan menus.

Vegan & Gluten-free

Strict vegan or gluten-free dining can be challenging in small rural eateries; prepare by bringing snacks, checking menus in advance, or traveling to larger towns for more options. Many places will accommodate simple requests if notified.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Ljubno has a local health center/clinic for basic medical care and first aid; for hospitals and specialized treatment, travel to regional hospitals in larger towns (e.g., Celje or Maribor) is common. EU health insurance card (EHIC) is accepted for EU citizens; travel insurance is recommended for non-EU visitors. Pharmacies operate in nearby larger towns and have limited weekend hours.

Discover Slovenia

Read more in our Slovenia 2025 Travel Guide.

Slovenia Travel Guide