The beautiful country of Slovenia houses some of the most magnificent landscapes and castles across Eastern Europe including the Instagram famous Lake Bled. Recently, we were invited by the Four Points by Sheraton team to visit their property in the charming city of Ljubljana and discover their Four Points Best Brews program.
Not only were there trips to some of the most notable craft breweries in the country, but we also had the chance to explore the best of what Slovenia has to offer. From breathtaking sight seeing, mouthwatering restaurants to of course, the top places to get a nice chilled Slovenian brew. Here is my list of where you should visit on your trip to Ljubjlana.
WHAT TO SEE
Ljubljana Castle
The main castle in Ljubljana city is best reached by the 5 minute funicular tram from the city centre. Be sure to walk along the castle walls for the best rooftop views of the city. Restaurant Strelec is also a great place to have lunch while you are visiting the castle.
Lake Bled
One of the most breathtaking scenes in Slovenia is the serene Lake Bled with a stunning church island in the middle. Lake Bled was the highlight of our trip to Slovenia and is an icon within the small city of Bled.
Be sure to take a boat ride to the island and learn about the history of the church. It is a very popular place for weddings. The locals say that if the groom is able to carry the bride up the 90+ steps, they will live happily ever after. There is also a bell in the church that people ring to make wishes on, but the wishes only work if it’s something spiritual and not material. For those wanting a bit of a rest, the café on the island is also an extremely scenic place to sip on a cup of coffee or snack on a gelato cone.
Castle Bled
For one of the best views of Lake Bled, pop into Castle Bled at the top of the hill. The castle also houses several museums as well as rooms that tell you about the history of Bled. Be sure to walk around the whole perimeters of the castle to take in the magnificent scenery of Bled from a high vantage point.
WHERE TO STAY
Located a 15-minute drive from Ljubljana’s beautiful city centre, the Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana is in a convenient location for those who are looking for a quiet stay but want to venture into the city for sightseeing. For those who are driving, there is free hotel parking on site.
The hotel interiors are stylish yet comfortable just like their rooms, which feature the Four Points signature Four Comfort beds. Facilities include free wi-fi, a fitness center with sauna and a breakfast buffet complete with omelette station.
Every Four Points hotel collaborates with a local brewery where people can enjoy the brand’s Best Brews and BBQ programme, combining beers with quality food. The house beer at Four Points Ljubljana is called Union Pivovarna which means beer in Slovenian.
Pot za Brdom 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Ljubljana
Pivovarna union
At Pivovarna Union (Union Brewery and Museum) you can learn all about beer making as well as Slavic drinking culture in one of Slovenia’s largest breweries. Sip on a Union pivo whilst you make your way around the Museum of Beer.
Pivovarniška ulica 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Union Pub
When paying a visit to the Pivovarna Union breweries and museum, try timing it so that it falls near the sunset hours of the day to catch the Union pub’s happy hour for your beer tasting. Union Pub houses a large beer selection but also offers sharing meat plates for those who fancy something heavy to wash down the beer.
The atmosphere in the Union Pub is buzzing and filled with large groups of locals and on weekends, the pub also has live music. A fun place with atmosphere, great beer, delicious food and a great insight into the local beer drinking scene. Be sure to try the IPA and the Hmeljni valat.
Pivovarniška ulica 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Strelec Restaurant
Situated in one of the turrets of Ljubljana Castle, Strelec is accessible by funicular (or hiking) to the castle. With 180 degree views of the city through the turret windows, you cannot get more romantic than the atmosphere in this beautiful haven. As such it is no wonder that Strelec is considered to be one of Ljubljana’s top five restaurants. The menu is Slavic European and features a mix of Slovenian local catches and meats. Be sure to try the steak tartare as well as the venison back, both winning dishes in my book. Pair your meaty dishes with a glass of rich red wine as suggested by the sommelier for a Slovenian meal to remember.
Grajska planota 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Bled
Restaurant Sova Bled
After taking in the magnificent scenery in Bled, take a seat and order a glass of wine in the Restaurant Sova Bled. If you are there early, grab a window seat and you will enjoy your lunch with direct views of the church island and lake bled. The restaurant is, according to our tour guide, the best restaurant in the Bled area and a go-to for many locals. The food is local and focuses quite heavily on meat dishes.
Cesta svobode 37, 4260 Bled, Slovenia
Carniola Microbrewery
On the way back from Bled to Ljubljana, you can pop into the Carniola Microbrewery for a quick pit stop. This microbrewery is a favourite among beer enthusiasts and has a selection of beers to suit everybody’s tastes. The Carniola Red District was a favourite amongst the group. Be sure to strike up a conversation with the owner of this brewery, he will enthusiastically explain the many subtleties of the beers you are tasting and possibly take you through to see where all the action happens next door.
Moste 117a, Žirovnica, Slovenia 4274
Other notable Slovenian beers to try as you travel through are Tektonik’s Iggy (IPA), Loo-blah-nah, Human Fish, Reservoir Dogs.
This post is sponsored by Four Points but opinions remain my own.
