It’s underrated and largely under-visited, especially by Kiwi travellers, which is why we should all keep our eye on Europe’s latest up-and-coming destination – Slovenia, writes Kate Wickers I decide to scale the 375-metre hill on foot, rather than take the funicular, that leads to Ljubljana’s castle as the path is leafy green and winds gently, giving teasing glimpses through the tree canopy of the views I’ll enjoy at the top. The castle dates from the 16th century and highlights include the Chapel of St George (older still, dating from 1489) for its frescoes, and watchtower, where, from the rooftop balcony (reached by 95 steps up a spiralling wrought-iron staircase), I take in the Slovenian capital’s full grandeur over red-roofed houses, church spires, and cobbled streets that run to the Ljubljanica river, where boats ferry tourists on pleasure cruises. From up here, I can see why Ljubljana has a reputation of being one of Europe’s greenest capitals, hugged as it is by thick forests that stretch to the Kamnik mountains, but its green credentials run deeper than surface level.
It won the accolade of Europe’s green capital in 2016 and a National Geographic World Legacy Award for the example it sets in the Balkans for looking after the environment. Set against the castle walls, Bistro Grad in Vino is a lovely spot for watching the sunset and enjoying a much-underrated Slovenian wine flight (it’s a little-known fact that you’ll find some of the best merlot in.
