Balkan Train Journey – Discover Croatia and Slovenia

Your journey begins in Denmark, where you travel by train towards Stuttgart, one of the largest and most dynamic cities in Germany.

Train journey through Germany
The journey starts in Copenhagen, Aarhus, or another Danish station, with travel towards Hamburg.
From Hamburg, continue south through the German landscape on a high-speed ICE train or a regional route, depending on your departure.
Along the way, pass major cities such as Hannover and Frankfurt, while the scenery shifts from flat plains to rolling hills and forested areas.

Arrival in Stuttgart
Upon arrival in Stuttgart, enjoy a short break before boarding the night train to Maribor. The city is known for wide boulevards, green parks, and as the home of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. If time allows, take a short walk in Schlossgarten or enjoy a snack at a café near the station.

Then continue by night train to Maribor, where you can relax in a private sleeping compartment and wake up in the heart of the wine region of Slovenia.

After a full day of travel, continue by night train from Stuttgart to Maribor, where you can relax and enjoy a comfortable journey through Central Europe.

The night train experience
You stay in a private sleeping compartment with comfortable beds, bedding, and a private toilet, ensuring a restful night on board.
If you would like a snack or a drink before bedtime, visit the train’s dining car and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with fellow travellers.
Along the way, the train travels through southern Germany and Austria, where the landscape gradually shifts from urban areas to mountains and valleys.

Waking up in the wine region of Slovenia
When you wake up, you arrive in the wine region of Slovenia, where rolling hills, green vineyards, and small villages define the view. The train arrives early in Maribor, the second-largest city in Slovenia, known for its charming old town and the world’s oldest grapevine.

After arrival, you have the rest of the day to explore the city and its surroundings.

Welcome to Maribor, one of the most charming cities in Slovenia, known for its historic old town, scenic location along the Drava River, and strong wine tradition. With one night here, you have time to experience the unique atmosphere of the city.

Explore the old town
Start with a walk through the Lent district, the oldest part of Maribor, where colourful medieval houses line the riverbank. Highlights include:

Stara trta (The Old Vine): The world’s oldest grapevine, still producing grapes. Here, you can learn about the wine tradition of Slovenia and taste local wines.
Maribor Castle: An impressive 15th-century castle that now houses the city’s historical museum.
Grajski Trg & Glavni Trg: The two central squares, perfect for enjoying a coffee at one of the cosy cafés.

Vineyards and nature
Maribor is surrounded by lush vineyards. If you want to explore further, take a trip to the Pohorje Mountains, where you will find scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and wineries offering tastings.

Local gastronomy
In the evening, enjoy Slovenian specialities at one of the city’s restaurants. Try štruklji (filled dough rolls) or a classic goulash, paired with a glass of local wine from one of the top wine regions of Slovenia.

After a day filled with experiences in Maribor, you are ready for the next part of your journey.

After a night in Maribor, the journey continues through the scenic landscapes of Slovenia towards Zagreb, the charming capital of Croatia.

Train journey from Maribor to Sevnica
The day begins with a train ride from Maribor to Sevnica, a smaller historic town located along the Sava River. The route offers beautiful views of vineyards, forested areas, and traditional Slovenian villages scattered across the rolling landscape.

Sevnica is known for Sevnica Castle, set on a hilltop with panoramic views over the town. If time allows, take a short walk to the castle or enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafés.

From Sevnica to Zagreb
After a short stop, continue towards Zagreb, crossing the border from Slovenia to Croatia. The train follows the Sava River through green landscapes as you approach the largest city in the country.

Arrival in Zagreb
Upon arrival at Zagreb Main Station in the late afternoon, you are welcomed by a city filled with historic squares, colourful buildings, and a lively atmosphere. You have the rest of the day to take in your first impressions, stroll through the centre, and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants.

With one night in Rijeka, you have the opportunity to experience a vibrant port city that combines Croatian culture, Venetian architecture, and a lively coastal atmosphere.

Historic city centre
The old town of Rijeka is filled with elegant buildings, busy squares, and inviting pedestrian streets. Start your day with a walk along Korzo, the main street of the city, where cafes, shops, and historic facades create a charming setting.

Highlights include:
Trsat Fortress: A historic fort on a hill, offering panoramic views over Rijeka and the Adriatic Sea. You can take a short bus ride or walk the 500 steps from the city centre.
Saint Vitus Cathedral: A baroque church and an important landmark in the city.
Rijeka Market: A local market with fresh produce, seafood, and regional specialities.

Waterfront and beaches
Rijeka features a lively waterfront promenade where you can enjoy the maritime atmosphere. Relax at one of the cafes overlooking the harbour and watch ships arrive and depart.
If you would like to swim, visit Ploče Beach, located a short distance from the centre, known for clear water and open sea views.

Gastronomy and evening atmosphere
In the evening, explore the food scene of Rijeka, which blends Mediterranean, Italian, and Central European influences. Try local dishes such as:

Crni rižot – black squid ink risotto.
Grilled fish and seafood from the Adriatic.
Šurlice pasta, a handmade regional speciality.

End the day at a wine bar or enjoy a cocktail at a venue overlooking the harbour.

Today, the journey continues from Rijeka to Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia. Along the way, you stop at the impressive Postojna Cave, one of the most remarkable underground natural sites in Europe.

Train journey from Rijeka to Postojna
The train departs from Rijeka and winds through the hilly inland of Croatia before crossing the border into Slovenia. The journey takes around 2 hours and offers views of forested mountains, rural villages, and green valleys.

Postojna Cave – An underground world
Upon arrival in Postojna, you have the opportunity to visit the well-known Postojna Cave, one of the largest cave systems in Europe, stretching over 24 kilometres.

Highlights of the cave:
A small electric train takes you deep into the cave, where you can explore impressive rock formations.
A guided walk leads past large stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.
You may also see the rare olm (Proteus anguinus), a cave-dwelling salamander often called the “human fish” due to its pale skin.

Continue to Ljubljana by train
After your visit to Postojna, continue by train to Ljubljana, a relaxed and scenic capital in Slovenia. The journey takes around 1 hour and offers views of green countryside.

Arrival in Ljubljana
Upon arrival at Ljubljana Main Station, you have the rest of the day to explore the city. Discover a green and welcoming capital where historic bridges, colourful buildings, and riverside cafes create a pleasant atmosphere.

With one night in Ljubljana, you have the opportunity to experience one of the most welcoming and green capitals in Europe. The city offers a charming old town, a lively riverside promenade, and a relaxed atmosphere where cafes are full of life.

Walk through the old town
Start your day with a stroll through the old town of Ljubljana, where narrow cobbled streets and colourful baroque buildings create a distinctive atmosphere. Highlights include:

Prešeren Square, the heart of the city, surrounded by elegant buildings and lively cafes.
Tromostovje (Triple Bridge), one of the most recognisable landmarks in Ljubljana, designed by the Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik.
Ljubljana Castle, set on a hilltop with panoramic views over the city. You can walk up or take the funicular railway.

Along the river – cafés and markets
The Ljubljanica River flows through the city, and along its banks you find inviting cafes and small shops. Take a break, enjoy a coffee or a glass of local wine from Slovenia, and experience the atmosphere.

If you are interested in local produce, visit the central market, where you can find fresh vegetables, cheeses, and honey from different regions of Slovenia.

Modern culture and art
For those interested in culture, Ljubljana offers a range of museums and creative areas:

Metelkova, a colourful cultural centre with street art, galleries, and live music venues.
National Gallery of Slovenia, where you can explore works of art from different periods.

Dinner and local specialities
In the evening, enjoy traditional dishes from Slovenia, such as:

Kranjska klobasa, a local sausage often served with sauerkraut and mustard.
Štruklji, a filled dough dish with sweet or savoury fillings.
Local wines, with a strong focus on white varieties from Slovenia.

After a day of experiences in Ljubljana, relax at a wine bar or take an evening walk along the river.

After a memorable stay in Ljubljana, the journey continues to Radovljica, an idyllic town in the Slovenian Alps.

Train journey through scenic landscapes of Slovenia
The journey from Ljubljana to Radovljica takes around 1 hour and follows one of the most scenic rail routes in Slovenia. Along the way, the train passes through green valleys, forested slopes, and small villages, while the Alps gradually appear on the horizon.

Arrival in Radovljica – A hidden Alpine gem
Radovljica is a small and charming town, known for a well-preserved medieval centre, panoramic views of the Julian Alps, and a strong beekeeping tradition.

Highlights in Radovljica:
The old town, where pastel-coloured buildings, cobbled streets, and historic squares create a romantic atmosphere.
Radovljica Manor, a Renaissance building that today hosts cultural exhibitions.
Beekeeping Museum of Slovenia, where you can learn about the rich beekeeping tradition of Slovenia and taste local honey and mead.

Nature experiences nearby
Radovljica is located close to some of the most beautiful natural areas in Slovenia:

Lake Bled: If time allows, take a short trip to this well-known lake. Visit the island church or walk along the shore with views of Bled Castle.
Vintgar Gorge: A dramatic gorge with wooden walkways and emerald-green water, ideal for a short hike.

Local gastronomy
In the evening, enjoy an authentic dinner with traditional dishes from Slovenia at one of the local restaurants. Try specialities such as:

Ajdovi žganci – a traditional buckwheat dish, often served with pork or fried onions.
Blejska kremna rezina – a well-known cream cake from the region.

After a day in this scenic Alpine town, you are ready for the next stage of the journey.

Upon arrival at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, you have a short break before changing to a direct train to Denmark.

Travel options:
With an ICE or EuroCity train: If you are travelling to Copenhagen, continue north on a comfortable high-speed train. Along the way, pass through the flat landscape of northern Germany and cross the border at Padborg before continuing through Jutland.
With a regional train: If you are travelling to other destinations in Denmark, you can change to a regional train in cities such as Flensburg or Kolding.

Arrival in Denmark
After an unforgettable train journey through the Balkans and Central Europe, you return to Denmark, filled with memories of:

Vineyards in Maribor
Historic streets in Zagreb
The beauty of the Adriatic Sea in Split and Rijeka
The remarkable Postojna Cave
Alpine atmosphere in Radovljica
Urban elegance in Vienna

We hope your Balkan train journey across several countries has been a memorable experience, and we look forward to helping you plan your next journey.