STA, 18 June 2020 - Slovenia will impose stricter rules on its border with Croatia starting on Friday to prevent the import of new coronavirus cases, after the bulk of a surprise surge in new cases in recent days was found to have originated abroad.

Bosnia, Kosovo and Serbia have thus been put on a black list of countries from where arrivals are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine regardless of residence status in Slovenia or nationality.

Additionally, the number of exemptions for these countries has been narrowed so as to minimise travel, in particular of migrant workers, government officials said Thursday.

The decision comes after half of the 26 new coronavirus cases confirmed in the past two weeks were found to have been imported, mostly from Bosnia and Serbia. Most other new cases are contacts of these imported cases.

Health Minister Tomaž Gantar said it was premature to talk about a second wave of the epidemic, but he stressed that Slovenia was making the move out of an abundance of caution to make sure the number of new infections does not increase to the point where there are too many infections and their contacts to trace.

Gantar also noted that Slovenians had started becoming "too relaxed, as if we have forgotten that it took huge efforts to defeat the epidemic" and indicated that some restrictions, for example on the size of crowds in public, may be tightened if needed. Currently gatherings of up to 500 people are allowed.

At the same time, the government is making preparations for the event that the number of infections increases substantially, in particular in care homes and in healthcare. The government is also working on solutions that would allow the economy to function normally in the event of a second wave, he said.

STA, 18 June 2020 - Ljubljana is to get a regular passenger boat line on the Ljubljanica river before the end of this year, a city official has announced according to a Delo report on Thursday.

Initially operating in test mode, the 101 river line will have six stops, the planned starting or final stops being the Grain Bridge (Žitni Most) on the edges of the city centre and Livada, south of the city centre, the newspaper report says.

The approximate end points of the route, market in red

According to the head of municipal department for economic activities and transport David Polutnik, who announced the test line during question and answers time in town hall, the line will be subject to exactly the same regime as the city's bus network, meaning it will be possible to pay with the Urbana bus card at 1.30 euros a ride.

The boat will be available once per hour on the hour between 7am and 6pm during weekdays and between 9am and 8pm during the weekend.

The project has been planned for some time and was originally meant to be launched on 1 May, but has been delayed due to the coronavirus epidemic.

The line will be operated by the city's public transport company LPP, which will use a boat that has already been running a commercial line on the river. Other boat owners have already expressed interest as well.

Related, but NOT the service in this story: See the Charms of Ljubljana from a New Angle with a Barka Boat Ride

British expats Will and Saira Aspinall moved to Slovenia in 2018 to renovate their 400-year-old farmhouse into a small, family-friendly hotel. While the renovation continues, they have broadened their tourism business to include a vintage caravan mobile bar, and now a boutique hotel room with a twist.

Contained neatly in a 1979 Adria caravan, the 'hotel room' was completely refurbished and redesigned by Will and Saira during the lockdown period in Slovenia, and it is now located at ECO River Camp in Radovljica. Named Number 26, the caravan is available to book this summer for stays of two-nights or more.

Complete with a sun terrace overlooking the River Sava, Number 26 aims to offer campers a taste of luxury in the middle of nature. It is equipped with solar power, a full-size double bed, wooden shutters and an interior design scheme inspired by the old-world glamour of the Orient Express.

As Will Aspinall says “I love the way Number 26 embodies the history of tourism of Slovenia.  Adria caravans are a piece of Slovenian history – they were first manufactured in the former Yugoslavia and the company has been inspiring adventures for over 50 years. Now we have updated this 1979 model to accommodate the modern vision of tourism in Slovenia: green, five-star travel. I love the retro design and the rich history of these vehicles; the previous owners shed a tear when they sold it to us, as they had enjoyed so many wonderful holidays in the van. Now we hope a new generation of travellers will enjoy it too!”

ECO River Camp is a small, self-sufficient camping site that operates completely off-grid, using water collection principles and solar power. The campsite is run by local couple, Anja Adamlje and Anže Bertoncelj, who are committed to eco-tourism and preserving the natural surroundings of the camp. Close to Lake Bled, the campsite offers easy access to all the most popular spots in Gorenjska but in a calm environment, with plenty of personal space for everyone.

The camp provides all necessary amenities and offers an open-air kitchen and dining space, though most guests enjoy breakfast, dinner and drinks from the onsite caravan bar, also renovated and run by Will and Saira!

Book your stay at 'Number 26' on Booking.com now: www.booking.com/hotel/si/eco-river-camp-globoko. Follow @slovenianfamilyaspinall and @ecorivercamp on Instagram.

Everyone over 18 (including those currently 17 who’ll be 18 later this year) with permanent residency in Slovenia will soon be able to claim their €200 tourist voucher (turistični boni), while minors will get €50. These can be used to pay for accommodation, and will be claimed by giving your Slovenian tax number to the provider (at least for the adults – it’s unclear, as yet, how the children will get theirs).

The money can be used any time until the end of the year and at any businesses registered under the following categories:

- 55.100 - Hotels and other similar accommodation

- 55.201 - Holiday homes and resorts

- 55.202 - Tourist farms with rooms

- 55.203 - Renting private rooms to guests

- 55.204 - Mountain lodges and youth hostels

- 55.209 - Other short-term accommodation

- 55.300 - Camping activities

I’m going to the coast, to rent a small apartment with a balcony and short walk to the water, where I intend to do nothing, but what follows are five rental properties from Think Slovenia further inland to consider. Note that there are multiweek discounts on most properties, and corona-friendly booking conditions on most, too (15% payable to book, 85% 1 week before arrival). Take a look at the pictures below, click through if interested, or explore all the properties for rent and sale at Think Slovenia.

Villa Del Mare, Piran & Adriatic: Sleeps 10

Welcome to Villa Del Mare, a high quality modern semi-detached villa in the charming, peaceful, hilltop Mediterranean village of Hrvatini. Offering three bedrooms, three bathrooms, pool, garden and spectacular coastal views located just 4km to the attractive seaside towns of Ankaran (Slovenia) or Muggia (Italy) and with the attractions of the Gulf of Trieste, the Slovenian Adriatic & Croatian Istria all in very easy day trip reach. Well-equipped and extremely spacious, Villa Del Mare is an excellent villa for a family seaside holiday.

See more of this property here

Cherry Orchard House, Karst & Goriska Brda: Sleeps 9

Cherry Orchard is an immaculately renovated, spacious, comfortable three-bedroom house with garden and wonderful views over vineyards, orchards and rolling hills, topped with charming old stone villages. The house is located in the heart of Slovenia's Tuscany - the stunning Goriska Brda wine region, a little known gem between Nova Gorica and the Soča Valley on the border with the Italian Friuli region. The house is in walking distance to Smartno (St Martin) one of the region's most appealing historic small towns. The area is a treasure trove for culinary and wine enthusiasts, as well as offering wonderful walking, beautiful nature and a huge range of daytrips within easy reach.

See more of this property here

Villa Belica, Lake Bled & Bohinj: Sleeps 6

Villa Belica is a 3-bedroom Bohinj chalet sleeping up to 6 people just a few minutes’ drive from Lake Bohinj one of Slovenia's most stunning natural treasures and in close proximity to quality skiing at Vogel and a huge range of river, lake & mountain activities in summer. Located on the edge of a quiet village of weekend chalets, on one side of the chalet is a beautiful secluded garden enclosed by forest, on the other side a panoramic view of the Julian Alps. The Villa has three bedrooms (one twin, two doubles - one with ensuite, one with balcony), large living / dining room leading out to the terrace, fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms and additional WC, plus second living room / games room in the basement. Very nicely fitted and equipped to the highest standards throughout including a lovely garden with lounge seating, outside dining and barbecue area. A fantastic base from which to explore Slovenia’s enchanting Lakes Region. The villa is in same village as the lovely Chalet Savica, Chalet Planina & Villa Frida giving an excellent option for groups of up to 28 when rented together.

See more of this property here

Villa Planina, Kranjska Gora: Sleeps 2 to 20 in 4 apartments

Villa Planina offers spacious self-catering accommodation for groups of 2-20 in four apartments in an alpine chalet with wonderful uninterrupted views of the Julian Alps. Villa Planina is located in a quiet spot on the edge of the charming authentic alpine village of Ratece just a few kilometres out of Slovenia’s most famous mountain resort - Kranjska Gora and within walking distance of several excellent local restaurants and amenities with fantastic walking and mountain biking right from the doorstep of the villa and a wide range of winter sports in very easy reach, including skiing at Kranjska Gora Ski Resort (5 minutes’ drive) and Tarvisio Monte Lussari (15 minutes’ drive). The four apartments each offer extremely spacious, comfortable and well equipped accommodation, each with large balcony with fantastic views and a communal games room and kid's soft play room in the basement.

See more of this property here

Villa Recica, Lake Bled & Bohinj: Sleeps 9 to 19 in 2 houses

Villa Recica is a spacious, contemporary house, with stunning high specification interior design, in a beautiful position just a few hundred metres from the shoreline of world famous Lake Bled. The house is in a tranquil setting with a wonderful view over Lake Bled with the rugged Karavanke Mountains in the background, with a fantastic lakeside beach area 20 mins walk away.

The North house at Villa Recica sleeps nine people, offering three double bedrooms, two with their own balcony (one overlooking Lake Bled) and a mezzanine 4th bedroom / study and a sofabed in the living room. It is luxuriously fitted out with designer furnishings and high quality fixtures, with two bathrooms (one en suite), a relaxing sauna, an open plan modern kitchen / dining / living room, covered parking for two cars and magnificent private lake view terrace.

The South house at Villa Recica sleeps 10 people, offering three double bedrooms two with their own balcony (one overlooking Lake Bled), a mezzanine 4th bedroom / study and sofa-bed in the living room. It is beautifully fitted out with designer furnishings and high quality fixtures, with 2 bathrooms (one en suite), a relaxing sauna, an open plan modern kitchen / dining room / living room, covered parking for two cars and magnificent private lake view terrace.

See more of this property here

Elipa House, Lower Gorenjska: Sleeps 5

Elipa house is a lovingly renovated and comfortable two-bedroom cottage with great facilities, plenty of space and fabulous 180 degree views from the 3 sided deck. Located in a fantastic secluded position surrounded by unspoilt nature on the edge of a charming authentic alpine village with an abundance of beautiful walking and biking trails locally, 10 mins drive to Krvavec mountain & ski resort, 15 minutes to Ljubljana airport and the beautiful medieval town of Kamnik and just half an hour to Ljubljana and Lake Bled, A fantastic place to relax and recharge your batteries in nature or to explore the Bled, Ljubljana & Krvavec areas from one convenient base.

See more of this property here

With coronavirus restrictions being lifted at an uneven rate across Europe, international travel can be confusing and intimidating. Can you cross the border for any reason? Is quarantine needed? What papers, if any, do you need? And can you go to a bar?

Luckily the EU has put together Re-open Europe, a clear, regularly updated site (and app) that gives the facts for all 27 Member States. In addition to basic travel information, there are also details on services like hotels, restaurants, museums, stores and so on, along with details of any health and safety measures to observe, such as wearing masks, physical distancing and large gatherings. So if you're planning on crossing the border, check out the site and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

There’s nothing quite like filling your lungs with fresh air in nature’s peaceful embrace. Old or young, fit or less so – hiking can be enjoyed by all.  If you happen to be in Slovenia, a hiker’s paradise, your odds of finding the perfect trail are more than excellent. So let’s take a look at a few hiking trips you shouldn’t miss out on.

To describe Slovenes as avid hikers would be a gross understatement. Hitting the mountain trails is nothing short of a national pastime. And who can blame them? One of the greenest countries in the world presents incredible hiking opportunities everywhere you go. Weather permitting, the locals are off walking through a nearby forest, down country lanes, or further afield to a more hilly or mountainous parts to venture onto the 10,000-km network of marked hiking trails.

One of the most popular hiking destinations is located just outside the capital city of Ljubljana. Nestled in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the high mountain plateau of Velika planina makes a lovely day trip that includes undemanding hiking trails. Perfect for families, this scenic place affords spectacular views. Its peaceful pastures are dotted with grazing livestock and 140 authentic shepherd huts where traditional cheese-making is still going strong. Visitors can taste an assortment of hearty local dishes, including the hearty, all-Slovenian dish called žganci.

If you set your heart on a more adventurous hiking expedition, hut-to-hut hiking is an absolute must. Cosy and warm, mountain huts are situated in the most ridiculously stunning alpine locations and present a great chance to meet other hikers. Staying in huts while discovering the hidden gems of Triglav National Park is truly a remarkable experience. They also make wonderful pitstops on longer hikes, like the one to the sublimely beautiful Seven Lakes. There are over 181 mountain huts in Slovenia, but reserving your spot in advance is crucial, as they tend to fill up quickly during the high season.

Related: Rediscover Slovenia by bike

For adrenaline seekers, there’s a unique way of exploring the mountains: the via ferrata or “iron paths”. More climbing than hiking, these trails usually come equipped with pegs, carved steps, ladders and bridges, allowing relatively inexperienced hikers to tackle more demanding ascents and soak up the picturesque views. Mojstrana is a great place to start. Some via ferrata routs in the Julian Alps date back to WWI, when soldiers used them to fight at the Soča Front.

You’re not a true Slovene until you’ve conquered the country’s most famous via ferrata and the highest peak, Mount Triglav, Or so they say. Each year, over 80,000 domestic and foreign hikers prove their Slovene spirit by tackling this majestic giant. Although anyone with a fair amount of physical stamina can take on this very climbable peak, it’s strongly recommended to ascend Triglav in the company of a certified guide. Highly experienced alpinists can reach the top in a single push, but most hikers take two days to reach the summit. All, however, are rewarded with a jaw-dropping panoramic view that on a clear day can stretch right down to the Adriatic.

STA, 13 June 2020 - Those living at the Slovenian seaside and those visiting the area will soon be able to make use of a free of charge shuttle ferry service linking Ankaran, Koper, Izola and Piran. The service will be available over weekends during the summer season, starting in late June, and could be used to transport bicycles.

Passengers will be able to use the shuttle transport on Saturdays and Sundays between 8am and 8pm, twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon.

The ferry will have a free of charge storage space for bicycles. The five bike spots will be occupied on a first-come-first-served basis, the Koper Regional Development Centre has said.

The free of charge shuttle service is a pilot initiative of the Crossmoby project that is part of the Interreg V-A Italy-Slovenia 2014-2020 programme.

Crossmoby promotes sustainable mobility by launching intermodal passenger transport options. The summer ferry service will take place over the span of 15 consecutive weekends, starting at the end of June and ending in late September.

Passengers will be able to board or get off the vessel in Ankaran at the Adria Ankaran camp pier, in Koper near the Ukmarjev Square car park, in Izola at the Marina hotel jetty and in Piran at the red lighthouse pier at the entrance of the harbour.

STA, 13 June 2020 - Baby olms which were hatched at Postojna Cave in 2016 in a rare successful breeding will go on public display for the first time on Saturday. Only thirty visitors per day will be allowed to visit the subterranean aquarium to see what are popularly referred to as baby dragons.

The three olms on public display - named Boris, Počasné and Viktor - are from a brood of 21 offspring that hatched in 2016 when an olm laid 60 eggs in an observation tank, taking scientists by surprise.

Related: 12 Things to Know about the Olm, Proteus, Human Fish & Baby Dragon

While olm are endemic to the Dinaric karst, living deep in underground caves where little food is available, and have been known to science for centuries, little had been known about their reproduction until then.

When the eggs were hatched, the entire process was therefore closely watched by scientists, but the public has so far not had the chance to see them up-close.

Related: Olm's Genome Decoded, Healthcare Potential to be Explored

Olms (Proteus anguinus), the predators of the underground world, are unusual in many respects.

Snake-like and almost translucent, they can grow up to 30 centimetres in length with small short legs with three digits on their forelimbs and two on their hind feet.

They breathe with external gills and rudimentary lungs. Although adult olms have no eyes, they sense their way around the cave with skin receptors.

They can go without food for up to twelve years and have a lifespan of up to 100 years.

STA, 12 June - The coronavirus epidemic and the vouchers that permanent residents will receive to spend on accommodation seem to prompt Slovenians to largely spend their summer holidays in Slovenia this year. A survey by the Slovenian Tourist Board shows that 52% of all respondents intend to spend their summer holidays in the country.

Only 32% of the respondents will go abroad, which compares to almost two thirds of all private trips by Slovenians in 2019 being made abroad, mostly in neighbouring Croatia.

The Tourist Board wanted to identify the trends of Slovenian tourists for this year's summer season, as tourism has suffered a major blow due the Covid-19 pandemic.

Over 40% of those who intend to holiday in Slovenia will make several shorter trips around the country, a quarter will afford one such trip and a fifth a mix of both.

Almost a half of them (49%) will go to the seaside, followed by spas (37%) and mountains (36%).

Of the 52% who intend to go on their holidays in Slovenia, as many as 94% plan to use the holiday vouchers to pay for accommodation, a state aid measure to kick-start tourism.

Every adult with permanent residence will receive a EUR 200 voucher to spend until the end of 2020 on bed and breakfast or just bed, with minors receiving EUR 50.

As many as 42% have decided to spend their summer holidays in Slovenia because they will receive the vouchers.

The majority will opt for accommodation at private rooms, self-catering units or cottages, 15% at hotels and 12% at camping sites.

The Tourist Board said vouchers seem to have a major impact on deciding whether to holiday in Slovenia or abroad, as 33% said they were the main reason for staying in Slovenia.

The survey also shows that Slovenians are not terrified of catching Covid-19, with a half not afraid of contracting it at all.

As many as 16% of the respondents meanwhile do not intend to go on holidays this summer, with the majority (34%) citing financial reasons, 23% concern for safety and health and around 10% closed borders.

STA, 12 June 2020 - The Golovec tunnel, located on the south-eastern section of the Ljubljana ring road, was partially closed down today for renovation that is expected to take two months.

National motorway company DARS, which entrusted the tunnel's renovation to Slovenian builder Kolektor CGP for EUR 8.56 million VAT excluded, first closed down the western tube of the tunnel.

All traffic will be redirected to the eastern tube, which is scheduled for renovation next year, but the tunnel will be off limit to vehicles heavier than 3.5 tonnes. Traffic will be organised in a 1+2 fashion, with the number of south- or north-bound lanes adjusting to the needs.

DARS representatives have described the project as very important and demanding, since this is one of the most heavily used sections of the Ljubljana ring road.

Details of the work, in Slovenian, can be found here