Slovenia or Austria, which is the better travel destination?

Slovenia or Austria which is better? Should I visit Austria or Slovenia? Are you planning a trip to Europe and trying to decide between Austria and Slovenia? That’s a wonderful conundrum to be in!

These are two of my favorite travel destinations. Each country has its own undeniable charm, and both are excellent travel destinations.

Austria and Slovenia share a border and if you can fit in both I recommend that you do! Have only time for one?

In this article, we’ll give you some basic information to help you decide between Slovenia vs Austria travel so you can make the best decision regarding which country best suits your travel preferences.

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Austria and Slovenia, what they have in common

Both Austria and Slovenia are located in Central Europe. Over the centuries the two countries have been politically linked while still maintaining their distinct cultural identities.

If you are looking for alpine landscapes and emerald alpine lakes, you can find them in both places. Both Austria and Slovenia have dense forests, ancient castles and sprawling palaces, vibrant cities, stunning landscapes and beautiful scenery, and loads of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities.

You’ll experience historic places, bucket list worthy destinations, and numerous dining opportunities. They are both safe places for tourists and quite easy on the budget. I love that things go at a bit of a slower pace in Austria and Slovenia. There’s no need to feel rushed here!

Salt of the Earth People

Let’s define that term: “Salt of the earth” refers to someone who is humble, honest, reliable, and good-natured, often with a practical, down-to-earth approach to life. The phrase is often used to describe ordinary people who are genuinely good and kind. Yes, I think that describes the wonderful people of Austria and Slovenia perfectly.

Mountainous Landscapes of the Mighty Alps

The mighty alps, one of the highest and most extensive mountain ranges in Europe, cut a path through them both. You’ll experience eye popping emerald green alpine lakes, and jagged mountain peaks. Mountainous roads switch back their way to great heights, and then back down again.

I must admit, I was a bit intimidated in the anticipation of driving the famous Vršič Pass for the first time. It’s the highest mountain pass in Slovenia and was a complete joy to drive!

Here’s me driving Vršič Pass, check out the GPS! crazy switchbacks!

Technical details on visiting Austria and Slovenia

The official language of Austria (Österreich) is German and in Slovenia it’s Slovenian (recognized regional languages: Italian and Hungarian) English is widely spoken in tourist areas making them prime travel destinations for English speakers.

Both countries are members of the European Union, and their currency is the Euro. They share the same time zone, and both participate in daylight savings time.

Population density

While the land size of Austria is four times larger than that of Slovenia, the countries have a very similar population density. Austria has a population density of 107.6 people per km2 and Slovenia 103 per km2.

The population of Austria is around 9 million people, while Slovenia has a population of around 2.12 million.

What does that mean? It means that although there are a lot less people living in Slovenia, it may not feel like it.

The best things to see and do in Slovenia

If Austria is the elegant waltz of Europe, then Slovenia is its spirited folk dance…unexpected, vibrant, and utterly enchanting. Slovenia’s outdoor spaces are extraordinary.

Slovenia lacks bustling urban centers and soulless skyscrapers, instead you’ll find beautiful historic cities with ornate architecture. Slovenia’s quaint villages looked lived in, and seem to channel the centuries of inhabitants who’ve lived here.

Here are some of the top things to fill your Slovenia travel itinerary:

Cities, towns, and Villages in Slovenia

More than half of all Slovenians live in rural villages. Some of the larger towns include:

Ljubljana

Slovenia’s charming capital and biggest town, Ljubljana, with its dragon bridges, pastel facades, and riverside cafés, is the place where you can sip espresso under baroque balconies or bike through leafy parks.

Piran

Piran gives off Venetian by the Sea Vibes. Perched on the Slovene Riviera, Piran is a coastal gem with terracotta rooftops, narrow alleys, and a salty breeze. Think mini-Venice, minus the crowds.

Škofja Loka

Škofja Loka is a time capsule of cobbled streets, orange rooftops, and a hilltop castle. It’s ideal for a half-day wander with a bit of medieval magic!

Maribor

Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city, is a gateway to vineyards and home to the world’s oldest grapevine. It’s got a laid-back vibe and a riverside charm perfect for wine, history and river views!

Izola

Izola is a fishing village where it’s all about seafood, sunsets, and a slower pace. It’s a great seaside escape with fewer tourists than Piran.

Kranj

Kranj, Slovenia’s 4th largest town is blessed with a dramatic mountain backdrop and a charming old town. Bonus: it’s centrally located between Ljubljana and Bled so it makes the perfect base for endless day trip opportunities!!

Regions of Slovenia

Alpine Slovenia (Northwest)

The vibe here is majestic mountains, glacial lakes, and outdoor adventure. Triglav National Park is Slovenia’s crown jewel for nature lovers! Hike through the Julian Alps, chase waterfalls in Vintgar Gorge, or take the Vogel cable car for breathtaking panoramic views.

One of my favorite places just outside of the national park is the postcard perfect Jezero Jasna Lake. Crystal clear water produces a mirror-like surface that reflects the surrounding mountains and the effect is stunning!

The turquoise waters of Lake Bled, which is overlooked by a medieval clifftop castle, are so beautiful it’s hard to believe they are actually real!

Take a Pletna boat ride across the glacial lake to the tiny island where you can explore the little church.

Before you leave order up a slice of kremšnita, a heavenly vanilla custard cake!

The Karst Region

The Karst Region is where you’ll experience vast cave systems. Make your way to Postojna Cave, complete with an underground train. Škocjan Caves are one of Slovenia’s most popular attractions and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll walk above a roaring subterranean river in a vast cavern.

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The best things to see and do in Austria

Austria is renowned for its classical music heritage and cultural epicenters like Vienna and Salzburg. The country boasts impressive baroque architecture, grand palaces, and charming alpine villages.

Because it is over 4 times larger than Slovenia in size, Austria offers a wider variety of experiences, from bustling metropolises to picturesque villages and everything in between.

Here are some of the top things to fill your Austria travel itinerary:

cities, towns, and villages in Austria

Vienna

Vienna, Austria’s capital, is synonymous with imperial architecture and all out grandeur, boasting stunning palaces, classical music heritage, world-class museums and a sophisticated café culture.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s rich history by exploring attractions such the Vienna State Opera, and the historic coffee houses that have been gathering places for intellectuals and artists for centuries.

Visit Hoffburg or Schönbrunn Palace and then enjoy a slice of Sachertorte at a traditional café.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a city you are sure to fall in love with! The fanciful baroque architecture complete with a mountain backdrop is a feast or the eyes. Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace, Mozart’s birthplace, and classical music concerts are all on tap!

Salzburg is for music lovers! The annual Salzburg Festival features world-class opera, theater, and concert performances. Take a Sound of Music Tour or take in a show at the Salzburg Marionette Theater.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck, nestled in the Alps, offers winter sports and stunning mountain views. Explore the Golden Roof and ride the Nordkettenbahnen for panoramic vistas.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt, a picturesque lakeside village, attracts visitors with its postcard-perfect scenery. Tour the ancient salt mines or take a boat trip on Lake Hallstatt. This is a bucket list worthy destination but it’s NOT a secret! Find out how to see Hallstatt and how to avoid the crowds in Hallstatt!

Regions of Austria

The Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley along the Danube River is known for its vineyards and medieval castles. Cycle through charming villages and sample local wines.

The Dachstein Salzkammergut region

This region in Austria is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, characterized by the Dachstein Mountain range and picturesque alpine landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage site includes charming villages like Hallstatt.

The region offers a wealth of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and exploring ice caves. One of my favorite places to visit in this area is the picture perfect Gosaussee!

Tyrol

The Tyrol region of Austria is renowned for its breathtaking alpine landscapes. Known for world-class skiing resorts like Innsbruck, Kitzbühel, and St. Anton, Tyrol offers winter sports galore.

In summer, the region transforms into a paradise for hikers, climbers, and cyclists. Tyrol is rich in cultural heritage, charming villages, historic castles, and vibrant festivals.

Carinthia

This southern region is famous for its warm lakes, such as Wörthersee, and offers a mix of alpine and Mediterranean climates, making it a popular summer destination.

Carinthia is rich in cultural heritage, with historic towns, medieval castles, and a vibrant culinary scene influenced by its proximity to Italy and Slovenia.

UNESCO World Heritage Austria

Because we like to add UNESCO sites to our itinerary here are some of the popular ones in Austria:

• Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
• Salzburg’s Old Town
• Hallstatt–Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape
• Semmering Railway
• City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg
• Historic Centre of Vienna
• Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps
• Hochosterwitz Castle (tentative list) It’s one of Europe’s best preserved medieval castles!
• Großglockner High Alpine Road / Großglockner Hochalpenstraße (tentative list)

Key differences: Slovenia or Austria Travel

While they have some things in common, each nation has its own distinct character and attractions. What are the differences between Austria and Slovenia?

Austria’s cities are cultural hubs offering world class cultural experiences like symphonies and operas.

Slovenia is a nature lover’s dream with next level scenery and quiet unassuming villages.

Looking to escape the tourist crowds? Consider Slovenia

While Austria is one of the top visited European travel destinations Slovenia is one of the least visited most underrated countries in Europe.

Admittedly, in recent years it’s been a little more “found” by the tourist population but if you’re looking for fewer crowds, I’d try Slovenia!

Here are the stats on that:
According to World Tourism Rankings, Austria received 32.2 million international visitors in 2024 (in the top 10 among European destinations), while Slovenia claims to have welcomed 6.58 million visitors in the same year.

Between the similar population density, and the extra influx of tourists that Austria gets, I’d say that Slovenia wins the “less people’y” award here.

note: If you go during high season, you can expect crowds in both countries. Pre-book any activities that you have your heart set on.

Slovenia is much smaller

Slovenia is MUCH smaller than Austria, about ¼ of the size in fact. The total area of Slovenia is 20,271 km2, Austria 83,879 km2, yet both are still a very manageable size.

Because Slovenia is more compact, it may be possible to see more on your trip, so you may spend less time traveling and more time seeing and doing.

Geographical Location and Climate

Geography

Austria and Slovenia share several border countries in common. Austria is landlocked, nestled between the Alps and the Danube River. In addition to Slovenia, it shares borders with the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Switzerland and Italy.

Slovenia stretches from the Alps in the north where it meets Austria to Croatia in the south, Hungary in the east, and Italy and the Adriatic Sea in the west.

Climate

The mountainous alps regions of both Austria and Slovenia have an Alpine climate. Who’s up for a magical snow-covered landscape?

Austria’s climate varies from alpine in the west to continental in the east. Winters are cold with heavy snowfall in mountainous regions, while summers are warm and pleasant.

Slovenia has a predominantly temperate continental climate, with the exception of the Slovene Littoral and the Julian Alps.

In the coastal region, there is a sub-Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. Who’s ready to head to the coast for the winter??! The sea temperatures can be felt up the Soča Valley.

How to get there and getting around Austria or Slovenia

Visa and Entry Requirements
Since both countries are in the Schengen Zone of the European Union, requirements for visiting are the same.

U.S citizens, Canadians, and citizens of several other countries can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in the Schengen area. You can check the latest requirements on the European Union’s official website.

Airports in Austria and Slovenia

These are your best airport options for international arrivals:

Slovenia

• Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)
• The Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport (MBX)
• Portorož Airport (POW)

Austria

• Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Transportation Options: getting around in Slovenia and Austria

driving

When traveling to places with so much natural beauty I like to have a car so I have the freedom to easily zip around the countryside and to the very best remote destinations and hidden gems.

*Driving? You may need to purchase a vignette (toll pass.)

public transportation

If driving or renting a car isn’t an option for you, both countries have reliable public transportation. Buses and trains are an affordable option. You can search your options on Google Maps, Rome2Rio.

Another option for seeing both the countryside and cities and towns is to rent a bike, the green option!

Accommodation in Slovenia and Austria

Both countries offer an array of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to hostels and everything in between. Chain hotels offer the basics but if you are like me the stay is part of the experience.

I prefer to book myself a cozy Gasthaus (guest house) or pension, a castle stay, boutique hotels, a room with a view, or just somewhere unique. Vacation rentals and apartments are widely available.

A city center hotel option is a convenient choice for exploring the center, but prices will be higher. My favorite places to search are either on Booking.com or VRBO.

Slovenian food vs Austrian Food (and drink)

Austrian Cuisine

Austrian cuisine is very similar to German cuisine, which is probably my favorite type of food! Expect to experience hearty dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Wurst, and Apfelstrudel (apple strudel.)

Popular Austrian Dishes Include:

• Viennese coffee: an essential part of the Austrian culinary experience.
• Salzburger Wurst: I’m kind of addicted to these long skinny Wurst served on a bun, usually with a spicy regional mustard and maybe some sauteed onions
• Mozart Cake: Thin layer cake named for Salzburg’s most famous resident
• Salzburger Nockerl: a fluffy meringue dessert that resembles mountain peaks

Slovenian Cuisine

Slovenia has a wonderful mixture of cuisines. In the west where Slovenia connects with Italy pizza and pasta dishes abound, in mountainous regions Germanic type foods like sausage, schnitzel, strudels and sauerkraut are popular, at the coast menus offer Mediterranean Cuisine.

If I’m being perfectly honest Slovenian food isn’t my favorite but it is generally good quality. You’ll find pizza EVERYWHERE in Slovenia.

Popular Slovenian dishes include:

• Kranjska Klobasa: pork sausage often served with mustard and sauerkraut.
• Idrijski Žlikrofi Dumplings: filled with herbed potato, often served with a rich meat or mushroom sauce.
• Bograč: A hearty stew made with three types of meat, potatoes, paprika, and wine.
• Jota: A rustic stew of sauerkraut or turnips, beans, potatoes, and smoked meat.
• Štruklji Rolled dumplings: you’ll find savory or sweet versions.
• Burek: a favorite fast food in Slovenia. It’s a savory phyllo-dough pastry.
• Ćevapi: small, skinless grilled sausages, typically made from a mixture of ground beef, lamb, or pork, seasoned with spices like garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Austria vs Slovenia culture

Epic cultural centers with museums, art and music can be found in either country but the cities of Salzburg and Vienna in Austria are top destinations for classical music lovers.

If you are a museum lover head to Ljubljana for top museums like one of their many art galleries, the House of Illusions, Slovenia’s National Museum, the City Museum of Ljubljana which is located in a 17th century palace, the Museum of Puppetry, the Chocolate Museum Chocolarium, the Museum of Torture and dozens more

Festivals and events

Go to Austria for the Salzburg Music Festival and Krampus Events. You’ll find Christmas Markets in Slovenia, but Austria’s Christmas markets are really special!

Another popular event in the alps region of Austria is the bringing of the cows down in autumn. During this event cows adorned with flowers and colorful costumes are brought down from their summer pastures to the warmer valleys for winter.

The Pust Kurentovanje carnival celebration is a unique experience in Slovenia, the centerpiece is the Kurent, a furry monster-like creature from Slovenian folklore said to ward off evil spirits and welcome spring.

Find out more about Europe’s! best festivals in this article!

Final determination, Austria or Slovenia, which should you visit?

Were you able to decide between Austria and Slovenia? Deciding between Austria and Slovenia ultimately depends on YOUR travel preferences and interests.

Whichever of these amazing countries you choose, you’re sure to be rewarded with memories that will last a lifetime.

As for me, I will continue to visit both! but let’s break it down:

I’d choose Austria IF

I wanted to experience historic cities and take in a bit of refined culture, baroque architecture, and world class symphonies. Looking for world class UNESCO sites? Head to Austria!

I’d choose Slovenia IF

I was craving blissful Instagram worthy panoramic views, milky blue rivers, dreamy gorges, and exploring expansive cave systems. Looking for a seaside retreat? Head to Slovenia!

Want to hear more about my travels around Slovenia and Austria? You may be interested in my Slovenia page and Austria page! and don’t forget to check out my “Travel Resources” page for more great resources for booking your trip from hotels to tours to travel insurance (that’s where I shop and yes you need it!)

Premade Itineraries that include Austria or Slovenia, or both!

• Amazing Slovenia Itinerary! 5 days (Prejama, Bohinj, Bled, Julian Alps
• Ultimate Road Trip Austria, Germany, Slovenia itinerary!
• Ultimate 7-day Austria Itinerary (Salzburg, Hallstatt, more!)
• the ultimate 3-Day Salzburg itinerary: highlights and more!
• Salzburg itinerary for music lovers!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the best time to visit Slovenia or Austria?

Summer for warmer temperatures but the worst crowds, winter for winter sports, magical snow-covered vistas but some attractions AND ROADS may be closed, spring and fall for mild temperatures, less crowds, lower prices, in my opinion it is the best time to visit Slovenia or Austria!

Does Slovenia border Austria?

Austria and Slovenia share a border along Austria’s southern border and Slovenia’s northern border.

Is Slovenia or Austria cheaper?

That’s a hard question to answer. Both countries are very cost effective for travelers. If I had to choose one, I’d give a slight edge to Slovenia.

How far is Slovenia from Austria?

Slovenia and Austria share a border, so they are right next to each other.

Was Slovenia ever part of Austria?

Yes, Slovenia was at one time part of the Austrian Empire. They joined in 1335 but eventually split after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I.

Is Slovenia like Austria?

The countries are similar in many ways. They share a slower pace than many of the faster paces European countries. The people of Austria and Slovenia are on the whole kind and friendly. Both countries are economically friendly and safe to travel to, and have stunning scenery.

Slovenia or Austria which is better?

If you’re looking for high culture and Imperial history, you may find Austria better. If you are looking for out of this world natural beauty, then you may find Slovenia a better travel destination.