From the beginning on we are excited about Ljubljana. It is exactly the opposite of what we had expected, even if we can't really define what our expectations were ;) Ljubljana is a lovely, really clean city with stunning architecture, really diverse people, a vibrant night live and a lot (!) of nature and green spaces. It is at no surprise that Ljubljana was nominated the greenest European capital already in 2016.

Since Ljubjlana is one of the smallest capitals in Europe, with a population of approx. 286.000 people, everything is greatly accessible by walk - strolling around the city is really fun, especially because the city has turned its historical city centre into a car-free zone. Since 2007, the city has been increasingly starting initiatives aiming at closing the city centre to vehicles, thus achieving a tremendous number of 12 hectares that are now reserved for cyclists and pedestrians only. This is in line with Ljubljanas vision 2025 with which a sustainable development of the city is intended, including many infrastructural and green projects. Through all measures, CO² emissions have decreased by 70% and pollution levels by 58% (Source: World Economic Forum), thus placing a city role model in terms of sustainability.

Michael Mirwald

So, here for everyone who wants to visit this city a small guiding check list about what to do and see on a weekend trip - or even longer:

• Stroll through the old city starting from Congress Square towards the most central Prešeren Square
• There, you will see the famous Triple Bridge (Tromostovje)
• Passing the bridge, you will come across Ljubljanica river, flowing through all of the old city centre
• Continue to the Central Market, which is an open-air market with fresh, local food and groceries
• Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhna): Every Friday from mid-March until the end of October, Central Market hosts a unique food market where various dishes from all over the world are presented
• Ride on the urban electric train which stops at the most worth-seeing places. Start at Ljubljana Town Hall/ Robba Fountain
• In between Central Market and Town Hall stop by Dom St. Nikolaus - Ljubljana Cathedral
• Walk up the hill to Ljubljana Castle to enjoy the view over the city - if walking is no option for you, take a ride on the funicular instead
• Have a coffee at the top of the Nebotičnik (Skyscraper) building - but don't be disappointed about the building's height which amounts to 'only' approx. 70m - the Skyscraper was the tallest building on the Balkans and the ninth tallest building in Europe at the time of its construction - that's where the name derives from
• Stop by the Dragon Bridge - The dragon is the city's emblem
• Tivoli Park - the largest park in Ljubljana and definitely worth a stroll, plus: there are more than enough activities one can do there. Also worth a bike ride ;-)
• Fancy a coffee in the sun? Visit Špica - a pleasant green surrounding located at the river bank of Ljubljanica and close to the Botanical garden
• In case you have more time: Go and see Bled and the Triglev National Park - both stunning landscapes with breathtaking views. Enjoy the view from Bled Castle over the Lake and take one of the various hiking routes around there or Triglev National Park

Michael Mirwald