Slovenia

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Flag of Slovenia Slovenia
Information
Language: Slovenian
Capital: Ljubljana
Population: 2,110,547
Currency: Euro (€)
Hitchability: <good>
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<map lat='46.1' lng='15' zoom='7' view='0' country='Slovenia'/>

Slovenia is a country in Central Europe according to wikipedia, alternatively part of Southern Europe. It is a member state of the European Union as well as the Schengen Agreement. Hitchhiking used to be more common here in the past, but it is still very doable and safe. Drivers are happy to see a hitchhiker and will tell you stories about hitchhiking when they were young. People in Slovenia usually speak English (at least the basics) but German and Italian (on the cost) can also come in handy.

Hitchiking close to highways will take you far and fast, but if you have enough time, use it to hitchhike on the small roads. Slovenia can offer you a lot to see on its small territory. Geographic landscapes change fast and you can get from the foot of the Alps to the Adriatic sea or the Pannonian basin in about 3h ride.


From the capital city Ljubljana, it is easy to hitchhike to the north-east (Maribor, Celje, Murska Sobota, Vienna, Graz (Austria), Hungary), north-west (Jesenice, Bled, Villach, Salzburg (Austria), Germany), south-east (Zagreb (Croatia)) and south-west (Postojna, Koper, Italy). Your best choice would be to use highway entrances, and to hold a sign marking your destination. For more info, check out the page Hitchwiki Ljubljana. Hitchhiking in the rural areas is even easier, and it is possible to get a pick even on the smallest roads. Highways are always in a good condition, there are also service areas on the motorway.

The highway rest stops, standing with a sign seems to work better than asking people, especially if you don't speak Slovenian.

Important roads in Slovenia

E 57 - Ljubljana to eastern Austria

E 61 - Italy and western croatia to western Austria passing Ljubljana

E 59 - Eastern Croatia to eastern Austria

E 51 - costline

A 2 - Ljubljana to eastern Croatia

A 5 - Maribor to Hungary

International airports

Border Crossings

Since Slovenia is a part of the Schengen area, borders are not a problem. Usually you just pass them without stopping, but sometimes the police would stop the vehicles and ask for documents (ID is enough for EU citizens). Border crossing often get jammed, especially on the borders with Croatia in summer and the Austrian border, before the Karavanke (Karawanken) tunnel.

When leaving the country, don't forget that Hungary doesn't use € as their currencies, but Hungarian Forint. You can exchange Euros in Slovenian banks or post offices. Croatia uses euro since jan 2023.


If you want to pass the border, but get a pick to towns or villages close by, you can take trains or busses to pass it. It is not very expensive, especially at the weekend.

https://www.slo-zeleznice.si/en/passenger-transport/travelling-abroad

The link above takes you to the Slovenian Railways page. There you can find all about the train connections with neighbour countries (usually departing from Ljubljana and skipping small stations), as well as local lines, many of which can take you over the border as well. It is also the last way out, if you get stuck somewhere. (stay strong<3)

For intercity busses check out Arriva, Nomago or Flixbus websites and https://www.ap-ljubljana.si/ if your starting point is Ljubljana. Different bus companies cover different lines.


Border towns/ villages that might help: AUSTRIA (Jesenice, Kranjska gora, Dravograd, Slovenj Gradec, Maribor), CROATIA (Brežice, Krško, Dobova, Piran, Črnomelj, Ptuj), HUNGARY (Murska Sobota, Lendava, Hodoš) and ITALY (Nova Gorica, Sežana, Koper, Bovec, Vipava)

Crossing from Slovenia to Austria : Border crossing is a very luxurious hitching spot, as the traffic slows down to about 10km/h (because of the pay toll for Karavanke tunnel, when the road is busy) so the whole highway sees you clearly. There is also plenty of space for drivers to pick you up.

Useful information

As everywhere in Europe, it it not allowed and very dangerous to cross the highway in Slovenia. Also be careful about crossing the red lights in Slovenian cities, you'll get a 20-40€ fine, if you get caught.

Wildcamping in Slovenia is officially not allowed, but the law is usually not enforced. As long as you don't make fires and follow basic camping rules, people won't mind you. You can also go from house to house and ask for a place to set up the tent in the garden. Couchsurfing, especially in Ljubljana, works fine as well.

Tips are not mandatory or expected in restaurants, but it is always nice to tip, if you're happy with the service. Slovenians often tip in bars.

There are 2 main words for "hi" in Slovenian. Živjo (Ž is pronouced /ˈʒeː/) is used in Ljubljana and surrondings, and Zdravo is dominant around Maribor. You can make a good impression by knowing the difference between the two;)

Personal Experiences

Hitchhiked east to west in winter 2023. Waiting times where usually less than 15 minutes and everyone was happy to see a hitchiker. Wildcamped without problems - Ian

Hitchhiked east to west in summer 2023, everything and everybody was great except when crossing from Hungary. The area near Pince was quite unpopulated (stuck for about twelve hours at Lendava petrol station, thumbing at sunset and sunrise in the same spot after a nap in the local graveyard) and instead ended up stringing together a few local rides of a few minutes to get to Murska Subota, then got to Ljubljana in two rides. On one ride, a Hungarian told me that "hitchhiking is part of Slovenian culture" and that they aren't of hitchhikers as much as other countries. -- Vinteuil

Nomadwiki & Trashwiki

Check Trashwiki for dumpsters...and share your wisdom :)