When the sun is beating in Ljubljana, the perfect thing is to go for a lovely picnic in the numerous parks of the city. Ljubljana is one of Europe’s greenest cities, so you will always find new places to eat a delicious picnic.
For a lovely picnic in the nature of the Slovenian capital, head to Tivoli Park, the Ljubljanica, the Ljubljana Marshes, the Castle, the Botanical Garden, or even Smarna Gora. Picnic places are everywhere in Ljubljana, which is what makes it a charming and relaxing city.
If you are a tourist in Ljubljana, or if you are just looking for a place to stay and eat a delicious sandwich or salad, you will love learning about all the hidden spots for a lovely picnic under the sun.
Tivoli Park
Tivoli Park is the largest Park in the city. It is over five kilometers square and less than ten minutes from the city center. Tivoli Park is what we could call the green heart of the capital, making it the ideal place for a picnic. However, the Park is so big. You will need to know where to go. Let’s take a look at the loveliest spots in Tivoli Park.
Lake
The first place we would recommend is the Koseze Pond or Koseski Bajer in Slovenian. This lake is one of the spots on the Trail of Remembrance and Comradeship. It is absolutely charming.
There, you will find swans and ducks swimming in the lake, a small pub called Kačji Pastir, and, most importantly: a lot of space to sit and eat your lunch. The lake is located in the northwestern corner of the Park. It is effortless to find.
Pond and Greenhouse
The Pond and the Greenhouse, in the Southeastern corner of the Park, are one of the most magical parts of Tivoli. The pond is filled with waterlilies, ducks, and waterhens.
There is a large space to sit in the grass next to the pond while looking at the Greenhouse and flower arrangements everywhere. If you want to finish your picnic with a delicious beer, you can also go to the lovely bar alongside the pond.
There is also a charming playground next to the pond called Paradiso dei Bambini, or Children’s Paradise for children. You will find many playing areas as well as a zip-line.
Jakopic Promenade
The Jakopic Promenade is the most famous part of Tivoli Park, located right at the entrance. After taking a look at the photo exhibition and seeing the old Mansion renovated as a print museum, you can sit on the sides of the promenade and eat your picnic in the grass. There, you will have the possibility to observe all the statues and fountains of the area.
Church of Virgin Mary’s Visitation
Finally, one of the most charming places to go for a picnic in the Church of Virgin Mary’s Visitation. The lovely pink church is located at the top of a hill in the Southern part of the Park. It is also very close to a bar and restaurant.
You will find a vast expense of grass to sit and enjoy your picnic prepared with love everywhere in the area.
Alongside the Banks of the Ljubljanica
The Ljubljanica is the most recognizable and emblematic aspect of Ljubljana. It crosses the city from the north of the center to the Ljubljana Marshes. Alongside the banks of the river, you will find all of the terraces of the bars, restaurants, and cafes of Ljubljana. Most importantly, you will find parks and areas near the river to sit, take a break, and enjoy a picnic.
Park Spica
The Park Spica is located at a junction of the Ljubljanica, a bit to the south of the city center. It is also near a bike station, so it is very easy to find. Bikes in Ljubljana are everything. You can bike everywhere. If you already have a cyclist’s soul, this spot will be perfect for you because it is easily accessible and perfect to leave your bikes.
There, you will be close to the water with endless possibilities to sit and relax. I recommend this spot because it is close to the center, but you do not feel as much inside the city as next to the rest of the river.
Trnovski pristan
The second loveliest place to eat a picnic on the banks of the Ljubljanica and near the city center is Trnovski pristan. There, you will find long stairs that touch the river and where you can sit.
There is always space to sit in Trnovski pristan because the area is very large. You will also get the chance to see ducks and swans. Anglers are also almost always fishing in this area.
Finally, by sitting near the river, you can watch people cross the river by boat or doing kayak and paddle. In the evening, you can still come to Trnovski pristan. The sun will be out, but it is always delightful as there are lamplights on the streets alongside the river.
The Ljubljana Marshes
If you want to get entirely away from the city and enjoy the fresh air of Ljubljana’s countryside, you should definitely head to the Ljubljana Marshes (Barje). This floodable area is beautiful and perfect for a ballad and a picnic at all times, although you will get the most sun in summer.
There are hundreds of places to stop for your picnic in the Marshes, so you can just choose one. However, there are some spots more breathtaking than others.
Iski Vintgar
Iski Vintgar is a lovely river surrounded by the woods in the Southeastern part of the Marshes. It is perfect for a short and easy hike and to stop for a picnic near the small emerald green river. In this area, you can also see Slovenian bears with a guide if you have the patience.
I recommend this spot if you want to feel like you are far from Ljubljana. It is about 30 to 45 minutes by car from the city center, but you will feel like you totally escape the city.
Jezero and Sveta Ana
Jezero is a small town in the Ljubljana Marshes where you will find a lake, hence the name (jezero means lake in Slovenian). Although the city is known for its lake, it is not that impressive.
What I would recommend is to climb up the hill to Sveta Ana, a little church. The climb is short (less than 30 minutes) and extremely easy if you climb from the Podpec side rather than the Jezero side.
Once you get up the hill, you will discover a lovely church with sheeps and a breathtaking view of the Marshes. There are also benches and a lot of space to sit and enjoy your picnic.
The Park of the Ljubljana Castle
If you want to stay in the center but still get a nice view of the city, I would recommend doing a picnic in the Park behind the Ljubljana Castle. You can climb up the Castle’s hill, visit the small but charming Castle, and then choose a place to eat in the Park behind it. You will have no trouble finding somewhere to take a break.
The spot I would recommend for the best view possible, benches, and nature is near the Šance – Plečnikov spomenik, a giant electrical tower you cannot miss. Right next to it, some stairs lead to a small esplanade with three benches and a fantastic view. There, you can stay for hours, looking at a side of Ljubljana we rarely see.
The Botanical Garden
If you are a plant lover, you can take your picnic to the lovely Botanical Garden of Ljubljana. It is relatively small. However, there are many things to see, from the Greenhouse to the beautiful tea house, a hidden spot in Ljubljana. The tea house is called Primula, or Čajnica Primula. After a lovely picnic in the Botanical Garden, you will enjoy a delicious tea at the tea house.
Smarna Gora
Finally, if you want to hike a bit before eating your picnic as a reward for your exercise, you should head to Smarna Gora, on the Northwestern part of Ljubljana. The hill is accessible by car or public transport, and then you can go up in less than an hour.
Once you get to the top of Smarna Gora, you will get a view out of this world. You will have plenty of places to eat your picnic with a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings. Smarna Gora is an absolute must-see in the vicinity of Ljubljana.
Eat a Picnic, Tell Us Your Pick
Picnics in Ljubljana are the best way to discover beautiful places in the middle of nature and enjoy them with your friends or family. Now that we have told all about our favorite spots to eat a picnic, you should tell us which one you prefer or if you know even more hidden places for a fairy-tale picnic.
