Photos by Visit Ljubljana.
Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, captivates visitors with its charming blend of old-world European elegance and vibrant contemporary culture. Nestled between the Ljubljana Castle-topped hill and the Ljubljanica River, the city's picturesque streets invite leisurely exploration. Quaint cafes line cobblestone squares, offering the perfect spots to savor a cup of rich Slovenian coffee while soaking in the relaxed atmosphere. Ljubljana's compact size makes it eminently walkable, allowing visitors to effortlessly traverse its historic center, where architectural gems from various periods coexist harmoniously.
Moreover, Ljubljana boasts a thriving cultural scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and museums enriching the city's cultural landscape. Visitors can immerse themselves in the works of Slovenian artists at the Modern Gallery or explore the fascinating exhibits at the City Museum of Ljubljana, which traces the city's history from ancient times to the present day. Additionally, Ljubljana's vibrant nightlife offers something for everyone, from trendy bars and nightclubs to cozy wine bars tucked away in historic cellars. With its enchanting blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Ljubljana promises an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the globe. For more information and to plan your visit, explore the official tourism website at https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/.
About the Venue
Jožef Stefan Institute is the leading Slovenian scientific research institute, covering a broad spectrum of basic and applied research. The staff of about 1300 specializes in natural sciences, life sciences and engineering.
It is located about 25-30 min walk (or 15 min bus) from downtown hotels and sights.
Public Transport
Ljubljana is well connected by busses. The bus line 1/1B (Stanežiče P+R - Dolgi Most P+R) stops right in front of the side entrance (bus stop Jadranska) of the Jožef Stefan Institute (open 7:30-18:30). Bus line 6/6B (Črnuče - Dolgi Most P+R) also stops a few minutes walk away (bus stop Glince).
Google Maps or related mapping applications are the preferred way to plan your trip. Even the actual transport company (https://www.lpp.si/en) uses it. One bus ride costs 1.30 EUR. We recommend the mobile app Urbana which you can load with 1 EUR increments and pay with it. It allows free transfers inside 90 min time. Alternatively also physical Urbana cards can be bought at kiosks and ticketing machines (but these are not generally available at all stops). You can also pay directly with your Master or Visa card, but then free transfers are not included!
Bus tickets in any form need to be validated at the driver even if you transfer!
Travel to Ljubljana
By plane
Ljubljana Airport
Slovenia has one major international airport (LJU). It has connections to most main hubs in Europe. To get to Ljubljana central bus/train station you can use a bus (3.7 EUR), which runs every 30-60 min and also takes about that much time, depending on how direct the bus is. Please consult the timetable here. Search for the "Brnik/airport Ljubljana" stop. You can buy the ticket on the bus, but they will only accept cash.
Alternatively you can book a shuttle starting for about 12 EUR with GoOpti. Here you can also book the transport directly to your hotel. They will also wait for you if your flight is late.
Taxis are convenient, but not cheap. Count on 40-50 EUR for the ride. Uber is also available.
Trieste, Zagreb or Venice Airport
Depending on where you fly from, Trieste (TRS-1.5h) Zagreb (ZAG-2h), or even Venice Marco Polo (VCE-2.5h) airports may offer cheaper or more time-efficient connections. Expect about 2-3h transit to Ljubljana central station though. You can book the shuttle with Nomago or GoOpti. We still recommend to check Ljubljana airport first.
By train
Train connectivity is not the best in Slovenia, but there are connections e.g. to Bratislava, Munich, Prague, Stuttgart, Vienna, Zagreb and Zürich.
By car
Ljubljana is well connected by highways to all neighbouring countries. End of September the tourist swarms are mostly gone, so if you don't come from far away or there is more of you traveling together, arriving by car might be a good option. Approximate net driving times from Milano, Munich or Vienna - 4-5 hours. Consult your navigation app for details.
