Green Escapes in Ljubljana: Parks, Nature, and Relaxation
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August 29, 2025Green Escapes in Ljubljana: Parks, Nature, and Relaxation
Ljubljana is one of the greenest capitals in the world, and was even named the Best European Green Capital in 2022, boasting the highest percentage of green space per inhabitant in Europe.
(Source: Forbes)
From vast parks to quiet riverbanks, the city is full of spaces where you can relax, cool down during summer, or take part in community life. Here are some green areas you shouldn’t miss when in Ljubljana.
Tivoli Park, Rožnik, and Šišenski Hrib
The largest and most diverse green area in the city, Tivoli Park and its extension into Rožnik Hill and Šišenski Hrib form a protected landscape park with something for everyone.
Enjoy shady meadows, set up a picnic, slackline between trees, throw a frisbee, or just relax. Wander past landmarks like Čolnarna, Grad Tivoli, Jakopičev drevored, Cekinov Grad, and Švicarija. Grab a coffee at Grad Tivoli (a nice terrasse looking down Jakopičev drevored) Moderna galerija or the Minigolf Café (which also has - you guessed it - minigolf) and let kids play on the spacious playgrounds.
For a more active outing, hike up Rožnik Hill and reward yourself with a radler (light beer with lemonade), their house tea in colder months or their famous flancat, a fried pastry.
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- Rožnik Church
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- Gostilna Rožnik
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- Jakopičev drevored and Grad Tivoli
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- Tivoli Park
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- Čolnarna Tivoli
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- Rožnik Coffee
Špica
Near Trnovo, Špica is a lively riverbank spot great for sunset drinks or just soaking up the atmosphere. A few times a year, the riverside hosts live events like Odvod - lively music event out in the open (Instagram), but on a regular day, you’ll find people enjoying the view, reading, or watching the boats glide by.
Koseški bajer
A quiet lakeside escape just outside the central bustle. Koseški Bajer is perfect for unwinding, especially at its scenic café, which also includes a great children’s playground.
If you're walking over from Rožnik, walk along the Pionirska proga - children's railway line that connected the Ljubljana districts of Rožna Dolina, Koseze, and Podutik between 1948 and 1954 and was fully operated by children. It is now turned into a peaceful bike and walking path. (Source: Wikipedia)
Botanical Garden
Located close to Špica, Ljubljana’s Botanični vrt has been in continuous operation since 1810, making it Slovenia’s oldest scientific, educational, and cultural institution. It houses over 4,500 plant species, more than a third of which are native. Don’t miss the tropical greenhouse for an exotic experience right in the city. (Source)
PST – Pot spominov in tovarištva (Path of Remembrance and Comradeship)
Encircling Ljubljana is the PST, a 32.5 km trail built along the route of the WWII barbed wire fence that once enclosed the city. Every year on a Saturday around May 9, people walk the entire loop - those who complete it earn medals.
Ideal for biking, jogging, or long walks, the trail passes through forests, parks, and residential areas, offering a unique blend of history and nature.
Črnuški bajer
A lesser-known but peaceful spot in Črnuče, Črnuški Bajer is an artificial lake created from a former clay quarry. Today, it’s a tranquil place to cool down and enjoy a moment of stillness by the water.
Pot ob Savi (Sava Riverside Path)
The green areas along the Sava River, stretching from Tomačevo to Sneberje, span over 144,000 square meters. This space is designed for everyone - children, people with disabilities, locals, and tourists alike.
Bonus Tip: Knjižnica pod krošnjami (Library Under the Treetops)
In many of these parks, especially in summer, you might stumble upon the Library Under the Treetops - a delightful initiative where you can borrow books and read in the shade. Parks often also host sports events, concerts, and community picnics.
