I want to get away somewhere for a short break, and have my heart set on Ljubljana and Lake Bled. If anyone can share info on the following, that would be appreciated!
* I'll be driving - what is driving like in Slovenia, and Ljubljana in particular? Is it similar to driving in cities in Switzerland (i.e. quite orderly, and similar rules)? The reason I ask is that I accidentally drove through the centre of Rome once and the stress shortened my lifespan considerably - I'd rather avoid the city if it's going to be crazy like that.
* I have a pet passport for the dog and she is up-to-date on her rabies vaccination - is there anything else I need from a pet perspective?
* slightly tricky one - I currently don't have my EU passport or my B Permit (they're both with the cantonal office getting updated). The only document I have proving where I live is my Swiss driving license. Are there any concerns with leaving Switzerland / entering Italy & Slovenia using my Aussie passport?
* any other advice / recommendations on things to see / do / eat / experience are welcome!!
There were checks during Covid time on entering Austria from Slovenia over the Loibl pass and the Karawanken tunnel. I would assume they are no longer there but can't confirm.
Do you have copies of your passport or ID? You should have them with you, although I've not been asked for them in 95% of my EU road travel and have gone without them on occasion.
I'll echo Tom on the driving there, feels very similar to Switzerland. It's not a massive city either so far less stress.
Thanks both! Funnily enough, within an hour of writing the original post, the mail came and included was my passport and written confirmation of my residency whilst I await my new permit. How's that for timing!
In the end life happened and we didn’t get to take that holiday, so I can’t add anything else of value. However, some of the posters on that thread seemed to know the area quite well and could likely give you more pointers; you might PM them if they don’t pop into your thread.
I would recommend you to go via Milano --> Venice --> Gorizia and than Ljubljana / Bled whatever your stop in Slovenia will be, if you are traveling from Tessin.
No one asks you anything about dogs. this is Schengen.
for me, Bled is nice, Bohinj is much nicer. Visit Vogel montain and Savica waterfall. Eat Kremsnite in Bled.
Unrelated to the actual act of "traveling", but I had a steak at Lake Bled that was so good I literally had tears in my eyes. This was years ago, but I still enjoy the memory of that meal
We drove through Germany and Austria, we came back on 2 Jan (so ok it was after NYE and the end of the holiday season) and were caught in traffic from Salzburg to Munich, which I heard is not uncommon for that stretch of road. For me driving was fine, dont forget in Austria you will need the motorway tax. Its actually good views driving through the mountains from Austria into Slovenia
Lake Bled, we stayed in Rickli Balance which is very nice, I recommend it. Theres a bit to see and do around there. A must is the boat to the church and island. Ljubljana is about 45 mins to an hour away by driving, I think there is also a bus. No real issue driving or parking, its fine.
You must try the Bled cream cake, and Slovenia have plenty of wine to try.