EUROPE
Photo by pixhound

Photo by pixhound ()

Sleeping in tents, cabins, tree houses or teepees is oftentimes a great adventure. The possibilities for fun are endless and imaginations can run wild. For children, that is. As adults, a few additional amenities are generally preferred for overnight accommodations. For the best of both worlds, consider the latest trend in camping, termed “glamping” (glamorous camping). Combining nature in its purest form with the luxury of having a bathroom, electricity and a bed just might be the key to the greatest outdoor trip you’ll ever take.

What better place to soak up the beauty of nature than in the world’s first green country? Earning the title in 2016, Slovenia is constantly working on sustainable tourism and keeping its country green, clean and authentic. Experience a new kind of travel in Slovenia, where nature and tourism go hand in hand and travelers enrich their lives by connecting with the world. Wander off the beaten path by immersing yourself in the local culture, broadening your horizons and sleeping in some of the most breathtakingly beautiful places this earth has to offer, all while staying in a luxurious location.

With sprawling greenery, the towering Julian Alps and crystal clear waters, Slovenia is sure to steal your heart. Spend some time exploring the great outdoors in Triglav National Park. Here you will find Mount Triglav, the highest point in the Julian Alps, dominating the landscape at 9,396 feet. Determined hikers can reach the summit on either a two or three-day hike with a mountain guide. For a more leisurely hike, find one of the many trails where cultural monuments, picturesque footbridges, waterfalls and tranquility are in abundance. Head to the water at Lake Bohinj, where you’ll find activities like swimming, kayaking, rafting, canoeing and diving.

With so much natural beauty, surely you won’t want to leave Triglav. Buried within the park are nature lodges just begging for you to stay and roast some marshmallows. These pet-friendly units in Soca hold up to four guests and include electricity, shared bathrooms, beds and linens. What more could you possibly need?

A trip to Slovenia isn’t complete without visiting Lake Bled. Surrounded by lush green trees and majestic mountains, this scenic lake is home to the iconic island Church of Mary the Queen. Medieval Bled Castle looms mightily on a precipice above the lake as well. A mere 15 minutes from the lake is Vintgar Gorge, home to waterfalls, pools, rapids and wooden bridges. Here you’ll also see a lovely single arch stone bridge from the Bohinj railway transcending the water. For a luxury stay near Bled in Upper Carniola, there are rustic cabins with queen-sized beds, bathrooms, grills, hot tubs and badminton courts for the enjoyment of all. Not only will you be surrounded by flourishing oak trees, but you’ll also have a Wi-Fi signal here. A winning combination if ever there was one.

For more adventures, head further south toward Postojna Cave. This subterranean wonder has mountains, rivers and vast halls, as well as a 16-foot-tall white stalagmite column. It is also home to the world’s first underground cave railway. Legend has it that baby dragons dwell here, though science will tell you these fascinating creatures with snake-like bodies are just olms or aquatic salamanders.

Close to the caves is Predjama Castle, a medieval wonder that has been perched in the middle of a cliff for over 800 years. By combining natural elements with manmade ones, this stronghold claims the title of world’s largest cave castle. Part of the cave can be seen with the castle tour, but the rest is reserved for adventure tours. Enter at your own risk; a colony of bats reside here!

If dragons and bats aren’t your cup of tea, head to Lipica to see the famous Lipizzaner horses. Known for being classically trained in dressage, these magnificent horses date back to the 16th century. Lipica is home to the oldest European stud farm, which has been in business for over 400 years. At the Lipica Stud Farm there are opportunities to see the oldest stable, visit a museum with carriages, tour the manor and wander aimlessly through the pastures. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?

After a potentially long day filled with dragons, bats and horses, end your adventure the right way by staying at a tree house in Grosuplje. Here you’ll find an eco-friendly structure that is meant to inspire guests to disconnect from everyday life and return to traditional values. Nestled in the treetops, this house has room for two and is made out of wood, renewable and natural materials. Don’t worry, you’re definitely still glamping here. There is a kitchenette, TV and an external hot tub and bathroom. Wake up to birds singing a beautiful melody and the view of an extensive green paradise. For more information on this location or any previously mentioned, visit www.glampinghub.com

If tree houses aren’t for you and you’re looking for a truly luxurious vacation where you can really glamp it up, visit the Herbal Glamping Resort Ljubno. With 10 glamping tents, a herbal restaurant, herbal workshops, a spa and organized childcare, this location really seems to be the ultimate glamping site. Where else will you find sanctuary for your soul as well as for your body, engulfed in a naturally striking landscape? With personal hot tubs, heating and air conditioning, saunas and the ever-important amenity of Wi-Fi, you will almost forget that you’re camping at all. For more information on this location, visit www.charmingslovenia.com.

Get away from big city life and sleep under sparkling stars that you can actually see. Become one with nature, go on some amazing excursions and just relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You’ll return from Slovenia invigorated, refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Nothing resets the soul like an amazing camping trip in the wild mixed with a little glamour!

The best stories from EUROPE, in your inbox

Sign up to receive travel tips, local event details, restaurant reviews, recipes, community news, and more every week from Stripes Europe.

Sign Up Now