Discovering Rogaška Slatina, Slovenia

Hello and Zdravo! Excited for another adventure? Let's dive right into the heart of Central Europe, in captivating Slovenia.
Today, I'm introducing you to Rogaška Slatina, a distinguished thermal spa resort. Its legacy? Welcoming visitors for centuries, offering them a harmonious blend of cutting-edge spa treatments and a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. But, the real treasure of this place lies in its natural springs.

Enter Donat Mg, a mineral water unlike any other. Renowned for its unparalleled magnesium content, it has been both a health elixir and a subject of extensive scientific research. Its myriad benefits aren't just tales; they're backed by science, making this Slovenian haven a must-visit for wellness seekers worldwide.

Finding Your Way to Rogaška Slatina

Nestled in the eastern corridors of Slovenia, adjacent to the Croatian frontier, here's a guide on the best ways to reach:

1. Air Travel:
Directly landing in Rogaška Slatina might not be an option, but nearby cities have got you covered. Choose between Ljubljana, Maribor, or even Zagreb in Croatia. Upon arrival, taxis or transfers are available, with prices ranging from 40 to 100 EUR, based on your selection and seasonality.

2. Public Transport:
If you're near Maribor, you can hop on regular buses or trains. Opting for the train? Remember, you'll transit through Celje. It's a slightly indirect route but might be lighter on the wallet.

3. Drive Over:
For complete autonomy over your travel, steer your way to Rogaška Slatina by car. It's not just about reaching the destination; it’s about relishing the scenic drives, stopping by local vineyards, and discovering cozy, off-the-path eateries. Adventure is on the road!

Why do people come to Rogaška Slatina and what can you do here?

At the heart of Rogaška Slatina's acclaim is its signature asset: the inimitable Donat Mg water. Beyond being a natural mineral elixir, it boasts clinically-backed properties that enhance digestion, courtesy of a mineral composition found nowhere else on the globe. For those keen on maximizing its benefits, the local health center tailors drinking plans to individual needs.

Yet, there’s so much more to this enchanting locale. Embrace the invigorating embrace of alpine air, partake in exhilarating sports, or lose yourself in the untouched beauty of nature. Culinary aficionados can explore authentic flavors, from quaint wineries and organic farms to charming local eateries.

Adding to its allure, Rogaška Slatina serves as a gateway to iconic destinations. Day trips to the likes of Milan, Venice, Ljubljana, Graz, Vienna, or Zagreb beckon. And, let's not forget the simple luxuries - imagine sipping on pristine water, sourced directly from the taps, a testament to the pristine quality the region upholds.

Some of my personal recommendations for this area are the following:

1. Rogaška Glassworks [Google Maps link]
2. Kostrivnica Tourist Waterway [Google Maps link]
3. Pegasus Statue [Google Maps link]
4. Ana's mansion [Google Maps link]
5. Mountain Boč [Google Maps link]

And there is even a casino called Fontana located directly in Grand Hotel Donat.

Some interesting facts about the country and Rogaška area.

Let's talk about some facts that you may find interesting about this place.

1. A Toast to Tradition: Slovenia doesn't merely enjoy wine; it's woven into its cultural fabric. Impressively, for every 70 Slovenians, there's a vineyard awaiting.
2. Ljubljana's Green Heart: Beyond its poetic translation, "The Beloved", Ljubljana proudly wore the crown of Europe's Greenest Capital back in 2016. A testament to its enchanting allure.
3. Historic Elixir in Maribor: Among Maribor's many treasures is a wine that has gracefully aged for around 400 years, staking its claim as the world's oldest preserved vino.
4. Mountaineering Pioneers: Scaling heights both literal and metaphorical, a Slovenian duo was the first to plant their flag atop Mount Everest's pinnacle.
5. Nature's Steward: Slovenia is more than just picturesque landscapes; it's a beacon of sustainability. Achieving a remarkable 96 out of 100 on sustainability indicators in 2017, the country shines across categories from environment to biodiversity.

Food time! Hooray

Let's move on with local cuisine and If you want to know what Slovenians usually eat, you should try the typical Sunday lunch when visiting Slovenia, enjoy the stew during the week and don't forget the street food options with local and world flavours. Whatever you eat, you will feel in every bite the characteristics of the region you are visiting. Slovenians strive to use local products grown in perfect harmony with nature.

Here is the list of most popular dishes here:

1. Carniolan Sausage (Kranjska Klobasa). Carniolan sausage is Slovenia's most famous dish, first named "kranjska" in 1896 and then protected in 2015. It originated in the Gorenjska region, from where it spread all over Slovenia.
2. The Karst Prosciutto (Kraški Pršut). Another very famous Slovenian dish is Karst Prosciutto. Prosciutto is the staple of a centuries-old tradition of salting and drying meat in the limestone mountains. It's dried pork leg, which goes well with a glass of Teran or red Karst.
3. Prežganka (Prežgana župa). Prežganka is a soup, prepared by roasting and browning flour, adding water and salt, after boiling, a scrambled egg is added. It is a typical dish of the Trieste countryside. However, they are also available throughout Slovenia as dietary supplements for digestive disorders

To be honest with you guys, I did not like local foods that much but I think it is more of a personal taste and me being allergic. However, I have always heard from different sources, that Slovenian cuisine tastes fantastic and if you have a chance to try it - do it!

Prices

And now let us have a look at the prices here, how low or high they can be. I have done some research while I was here and also using internet resources. Here are the results:

Food: 
Meal, average Restaurant - 10EUR
Cappuccino - 1.46EUR
Water (1.5l) - 0.68EUR
Beer (0.5l) - 1.15EUR
Wine - 5.70EUR

Transport:
Public (1ticket) - 1.30EUR
Taxi - 1.65EUR + 1EUR/km

Cigarettes:
Marlboro Red - 4.50EUR

[source & more cost details]

Bonus! Extra recommendations

Although I wrote almost everything I had planned, there was one place so worth a visit that I had to write a separate paragraph about it.

Lake Bled

Lake Bled is a lake in the Julian Alps in the Upper Carniola region of northwestern Slovenia, where it borders the city of Bled. The area is a very popular tourist destination. The lake is 55 km from the capital Ljubljana.

But what is special about it?

Lake Bled is a home to the only island in Slovenia.
The island in Lake Bled is not only the most popular island in Slovenia, it is the only natural island in Slovenia. Just under an acre in size, it now houses several buildings, including a 17th-century church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.

Also, to maintain the lake as clear as possible - any boat/water vehicle has to be engine-free.

How to get there?

All options go through Ljubljana. If you choose to go by car, you will first take the E57 highway to the west, then the E61 highway to the north. Lake Bled can also be reached by bus in about three hours; but remember that the routes are not direct and require connection in Ljubljana

P.s. pictures below are taken from Pinterest because my last trip I could not visit the Lake Bled due to limited time I stayed in Slovenia.

Conclusion

Coming to an end of this post - I would like to say, that Slovenia is a great destination and I enjoy everything about this place! If you ask me where I would spend the time alone to get together with my thoughts - Slovenia will definitely be one of the places.

Thank you so much, that you've been through the whole blog post with me and I hope you've liked the materials I have prepared.

Najlepša hvala, adijo!