Slovenia is a beautiful nation on the Adriatic Sea and a joy to visit with children. Nestled right in the heart of Europe, this nation has a storied history and a welcoming local population, sure to make any family vacation special. Enjoy this day of beautiful architecture, stories from the past and a real life castle as you explore this often overlooked gem on a day your kids will be sure to love.

Founded in 1821, The National Museum of Slovenia is the oldest and largest museum in Slovenia. It  is situated in the city center, near Tivoli Park. With an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, coins and artistic displays, there is plenty to see at this historic museum. Visitors of all ages will enjoy seeing Egyptian mummies dating back to 5th century BC, artifacts from the Roman Empire and hundreds of stone monuments with Roman inscriptions. One of the oldest artifacts in the museum is a 47,000 year old flute which was once owned by a Neanderthal.

Medieval Castles in Slovenia

The whole family will enjoy exploring this medieval castle in Ljubljana. Located on Castle Hill, Ljubljana Castle overlooks the old town. The castle has been settled continuously since 1200 BC, when the first visitors arrived. The castle’s purpose was to defend the empire against Ottoman invasion. In the 17th century, the castle became a military hospital and from the 19th century to the end of World War II, it was used as a prison. The climb to the castle is not very difficult, but visitors who don’t wish to walk may take the Funicular Railway. The museum is filled with exhibits representing different time periods, including the Roman period, the Middle and Early Modern Ages, the 19th century, WWI, WWII and the independent Slovenia. The exhibits present the societies of each period, the state formations, the political, social and economic circumstances, culture and everyday life. The new Penitentiary exhibition is housed in the prison cells, giving visitors an impression of confinement. This castle is a must see when visiting Slovenia.

Also known as Old Ljubljana, the old town sits on the right bank of the Ljubljanica River, directly beneath Castle Hill. The old town is the only part of Ljubljana to survive the 1895 earthquake. The Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) is a group of three bridges across the river that connects the old town and the modern city of Ljubljana. The old town is filled with market stalls, shops, restaurants and more. Relax at an outdoor cafe while listening to street musicians perform or walk the cobbled streets admiring the amazing architecture. The atmosphere of the old town is perfect for the whole family.

Interested in booking or planning a vacation to Slovenia right now? Check out some of the offers currently available for airfare and hotels at Kayak, Orbitz and Priceline. See more lodging options at Hotels.com and Hilton. Get started on your next trip today!