Rural Accommodation

Why Choose the Countryside?

Rural accommodation in Slovenia offers direct access to diverse landscapes.

*Stay in Gorenjska for Alpine views, or Brda for vineyards and orchards. Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj areas feature family-run tourist farms ("turistična kmetija").

• Typical prices: €30–€60 per person, per night, including breakfast.
• Many farms offer homemade meals with local ingredients, such as štruklji or bograč.
• Distances are short: drive from Ljubljana to Logar Valley takes 1.5 hours.
• Most rural stays are open year-round. Peak season is May–September.
• Hosts often speak English, German, or Italian.

Experience authentic Slovenian life:

• Participate in grape harvests in Vipava Valley (September–October).
• Learn traditional crafts in Prekmurje.
• Join local festivals, like the Cows' Ball in Bohinj (September).

Ideal for:

• Nature lovers: hiking, cycling, and birdwatching are available from your doorstep.
• Families: many farms have animals and playgrounds.
• Travelers seeking peace, fresh air, and a slower pace.

Rural accommodation in Slovenia connects you with local culture, food, and traditions in a tranquil setting.

Types of Rural Stays

Farm stays (turistične kmetije):

• Common in Gorenjska, Štajerska, and Primorska regions.
• Guests join daily farm routines: milking cows, collecting eggs, or harvesting.
• Homemade breakfasts and dinners use local ingredients. Typical price: €35–€55 per person, half-board included.
• Many offer wine tastings or cheese making.

Guesthouses (pensioni, gostišča):

• Family-run, often in small villages or near natural parks.
• Rooms are simple but comfortable. Breakfast is usually included.
• Local specialties like žganci or jota are served. Prices range from €30–€60 per night.
• Some guesthouses are centuries-old buildings.

Eco-lodges and glamping:

• Found in Soča Valley, Savinja Alps, and near Lake Bled.
• Built from natural materials. Solar energy and compost toilets are common.
• Glamping tents or wooden cabins blend with the landscape. Prices: €60–€120 per night.
• Activities include foraging, guided hikes, or herbal workshops.

Mountain huts (planinske koče):

• Located in Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps.
• Basic dorms or private rooms. Blankets provided, bring your own sheet.
• Open June–September. Prices: €20–€40 per night, meals extra.
• Ideal for multi-day hiking routes.

Where to Find Hidden Gems

Rural accommodation in Slovenia is region-specific.

Goriška Brda offers vineyard guesthouses. Stay in a "vinogradniška kmetija" for wine tastings and harvest events (September-October). Nightly rates: €50-€90 per person.

Soča Valley features mountain chalets and eco-farms. Ideal for hiking, kayaking, and fly-fishing. Many offer guided outdoor activities. Prices: €40-€80 per night.

Lake Bled surroundings have herbal retreats and beekeeping farms. Try an "apiturizem" stay for honey tastings and apiary tours. Peak season: May-September.

Karst region is known for stone farmhouses and prosciutto tastings. Stay in "kraška domačija" for local food workshops. Distances: 1 hour from Ljubljana by car.

Prekmurje offers thermal spa farm stays and pumpkin oil tastings. Best for cycling and wellness. Prices: €45-€85 per night.

Choose location by interest:

• Hiking/cycling: Soča Valley, Karst, Prekmurje
• Gastronomy/wine: Goriška Brda, Karst
• Wellness: Prekmurje, Lake Bled area

Book directly with "turistične kmetije" or local tourism offices. Many require a two-night minimum stay.

Booking and Language Tips

Rural accommodation in Slovenia is often listed as ‘turistična kmetija’ (farm stay) or ‘gostišče’ (guesthouse).

Best booking platforms:

• Official portal: slovenia.info
• Turisticnekmetije.si for direct farm stays
• Local agencies: Visit regional tourist board websites (e.g., Visit Gorenjska)
• International sites: Booking.com and Airbnb list rural options, but selection is smaller

Direct booking advantages:

• Lower prices (average €30–€55 per person/night)
• More flexible cancellation and meal options
• Hosts may offer local experiences not listed online

Language tips:

• Most hosts speak basic English, especially younger generations
• Useful Slovenian phrases:
  • “Imate prosto sobo?” (Do you have a free room?)
  • “Koliko stane na noč?” (How much per night?)
  • “Ali je zajtrk vključen?” (Is breakfast included?)
• Written communication by email is often in English

Seasonal advice:

• High demand: July–August, and September for wine harvest regions
• Book 2–3 months in advance for summer weekends
• Last-minute options possible in less-touristed regions

Distances: Most rural stays are 30–90 minutes’ drive from Ljubljana.

Making the Most of Your Stay

Rural accommodation in Slovenia emphasizes personal interaction. Hosts often greet guests with homemade schnapps or juice. Expect informal hospitality, especially at turistične kmetije (farm stays).

Participate in daily farm life:

• Cheese making in Bohinj (April–October, €10–€15 per workshop)
• Wine tasting in Brda or Vipava Valley (from €8 per flight)
• Mushroom foraging in Pohorje (autumn, guided tours available)

Meal arrangements:

• Breakfast is usually included; dinner on request (€10–€18 per person)
• Try žganci, jota, or local honey
• Notify hosts in advance about dietary needs

Respect customs and privacy:

• Remove shoes indoors (common in Gorenjska)
• Greet hosts with “Dober dan”
• Ask before entering private farm areas

Getting around:

• Public transport to rural areas is limited, especially on weekends
• Car rental is recommended; distances are short (Ljubljana to Brda: 1.5 hours)
• Some farms offer bicycle rental (€5–€10/day)

Cash is preferred in remote areas. ATMs may be 5–10 km away. Book activities in advance, especially in high season.

Quick Reference: Rural Stay Checklist

Essential items:

• Pack sturdy shoes for uneven terrain in Gorenjska or Brda.
• Bring cash (EUR); some turistične kmetije do not accept cards.
• Carry a reusable water bottle; tap water is safe in rural Slovenia.

Questions for hosts:

• Ask about public transport links; rural buses run infrequently, especially on Sundays.
• Confirm if breakfast or dinner is included. Typical farm stay meals cost €10-€15.
• Check if Wi-Fi is available; some remote areas have limited coverage.

Useful contacts:

• Local TIC (Tourist Information Center) in each municipality.
• Emergency: 112 (general), 113 (police).

Reminders:

• Respect quiet hours (22:00–6:00).
• Confirm check-in times; some farms close gates by 20:00.