Slovenia's castles with the convertible
Slovenia's castle road trip is perfect for a varied convertible tour full of history, panoramic routes, and regional culture. The route takes you from the urban flair of Ljubljana deep into the rural idyll of Dolenjska – with numerous castles as atmospheric landmarks. Whether perched above the Kolpa River or nestled among vineyards – each castle tells its own story and is set against impressive landscapes that you can particularly enjoy in a convertible.
Stages of this convertible tour through Slovenia's castle region
Ljubljana – Žužemberk
The road trip starts in Slovenia's capital. The imposing Ljubljana Castle sits above the old town and is a perfect starting point for exploring the historical side of the country. After departing, you'll head southeast into the greenery – passing small villages and through dense forests until you reach the medieval castle of Žužemberk. It is picturesque, perched above the Krka River, and offers a particularly photogenic panorama.
The road there winds through the hilly countryside – curvy, yet pleasant to drive on and ideal for convertible enthusiasts who love country roads.
Žužemberk – Črnomelj
The next stage of the convertible tour takes you south to Črnomelj in the Kolpa Valley. Along the way, you pass typical Dolenjska villages and can make short detours to viewpoints or traditional inns. Črnomelj surprises with its small but historically rich castle and charming old town.
Surrounding the Kolpa, the valley showcases a strong connection to nature – if you wish, plan for a small break or even a canoe trip before continuing.
Črnomelj – Metlika
A short drive takes you to Metlika, another gem in the castle chain of this convertible tour. The local castle now serves as a regional museum and is centrally located in the small town. The roads between Črnomelj and Metlika wind through vineyards – the ideal stretch for a relaxed convertible ride with expansive views over Bela Krajina.
If you want to discover Slovenian cuisine between stops, you'll find traditional eateries in Metlika offering regional dishes like Jota or game dishes – rustic and delicious.
Metlika – Novo Mesto
The convertible route now takes you northward over winding roads back towards Novo Mesto. This city is located on a bend of the Krka River and impresses not only with its vibrant old town but also with Grm Castle, which overlooks the river. Combined with the surrounding vineyards, this is another scenic highlight of the road trip.
The roads around Novo Mesto are well-built but offer enough curves and variety to guarantee fun while driving – without being overly demanding.
Novo Mesto – Litija
To conclude, the convertible route continues a bit further north to Litija. The final stage again offers great views over the hilly landscape and some smaller, charming villages along the way. In Litija, you can visit Litija Castle, which sits high above the Sava River and provides another magnificent panoramic view – a worthy conclusion to your convertible tour through Slovenia's castle region.
Tips for your convertible tour through Dolenjska
The best time to travel for this convertible road trip is from May to October. During these months, the roads are easily navigable, the weather is stable, and the vineyards are especially picturesque. Early autumn is particularly recommended, as the grapes are ripe and the forests change color – a perfect backdrop for relaxed convertible drives with plenty of light and little traffic.
Plan sufficient time for stops, as many castles offer not only beautiful views but also small museums or cafés. In the Dolenjska region, many roads are lightly trafficked, making the convertible journey especially pleasurable. For those seeking more action, outdoor activities such as hiking or kayaking can be integrated into the Kolpa Valley.
For connoisseurs, purchasing local wines and specialties is recommended – many farms sell directly from the farm. The combination of history, nature, and culinary delights makes this convertible route ideal for aficionados behind the wheel.
Relaxing through Slovenia's castle landscape
This castle road trip through Slovenia combines nature, culture, and history on a route that is tailor-made for convertible drivers. The varied route takes you from the capital into the serene depth of rural Slovenia – passing rivers, hills, castles, and vineyards.
Those who love convertible tours with a touch of adventure and culture will find exactly what they are looking for here. The winding country roads, numerous viewpoints, and the small yet charming historical towns make this drive feel like a time leap through history – with the top down and the scent of summer in the air.
