Slovenia & Croatia

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Two countries we've never been to. (Well, we accidentally and surprisingly cut the corner of Slovenia once!)

We've not really undertaken any research into either, or the route to get there, or the must see/do, and know nothing. Reason being last few research trips all cancelled for various reasons:rolleyes::unsure: so lack motivation. We have some books I'll open when in the tunnel!

We favour aires / wildcamping than campsites but happy to do anything. We prefer things to do but "restricted" a bit, but biking/kayaking and fun things. (Walking/hiking is not currently possible). For us, a quiet spot with great views and easy biking routes with a local eatery and bar is ideal :)

So seeking top tips, hidden gems, and must visit places

Is Dubrovnik still an issue to drive to, if so what do people do?

Also interested in what routes people fancy? After the first hour or two we try and avoid toll roads & motorways (unless its exceptionally more efficient) and dawdle along - but there isn't any obvious route? France/Germany/Austria? France/Switzerland/Italy? Does any route make more sense (We've covered lots of the through countries and would not plan too many "visits" in them on the way down)

Vague open question, but would love to hear answers/views

Thanks!
 
I visited both recently but on a motorcycle so I've little knowledge on campsites, however I do believe "wild camping" is not allowed. The Croation coastline is fantastic, excellent roads and plenty camp sites, most small and basic. I did notice that a lot of inland towns had campsites signposted.

You don't say when you will be travelling but Dubrovnik gets very busy in high season and there is little parking, I visited in mid September and it was heaving.

A good visit is the Plitvice Lakes towards the south of Croatia loads of dedicated motorhome parking but allow a full day to explore. Get the free bus to the top lake and walk down, it's much easier.

The people of both countries are very friendly and most speak decent English.

Have a great visit.
 
Thanks, will be over the next couple of months. Walking far isn't possible :( Which is a right PITA for us as we used to walk miles and miles but hey ho could be worse.

Don't know whether Dubrovnik is doable in the van due to the Serbia border, or if the islands hopping route is worth it, or if day trip (coach?) from the north is the simplest? Is there much must see bits down there?

Interesting about wild camping - we're very much bumblers (discreet and move on rather than the other sort) - so more "overnight parking" rather than wildcamping. Mandatory Campsite doesn't really suit our bumbling style. But if no choice so be it, but small/quiet may be okay if they are in a location we want to be :)

Thanks for info

edit: Seems I can't edit first post? Just going to say possibly favouring Germany-Austria route on the way down, and maybe Italy/France on way back
 
Thanks, if mobility is an issue then ignore Plitvice, there is a LOT of walking, some quite awkward. Dubrovnik can really only be explored on foot and, again, entails a lot of walking. Some of the smaller towns along the coast are very pretty, welcoming and have some great restaurants.

Czech Republic is worth considering on the way down, good roads and lovely people.

Check out the "John & Mandy" channel on YouTube, they recently did the whole coastline including Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro plus the very small portion of Bosnia that you can't avoid. Some very useful info and tips.
 
Both countries are fantastic to explore in a motorhome. Slovenia requires a vignette for motorways but they are easy to avoid as it's only a small country. I'd recommend the virsic pass up mount Trigliv, and soca river valley, both very scenic. Lots of campsites and wild camping may be possible, I'm sure lots do but officially not permitted.
Croatia has some fantastic coastal scenery but again same as Slovenia for camping.
National Parks are great and if you like kayaking, try Mreznica river falls. They do organiser kayak trips down the falls, crystal clear water, lots of wildlife and fantastic fun and you get a mini bus back to the start. They have a large field opposite the cabin and let me overnight on there, said I could stay as long as I wanted !
If you can't do plitvice lakes due to mobility issues, try and get to a little village called Rastoke. Locals call it little plitvice, it has the same Karsk geology and river system of waterfalls, beautiful but all on a much smaller scale so more manageable, no entry fee and I think you can (could in 2019) wild camp by the river. Nice cafes and bars in the village
Worth getting acsi and avoiding peak season as campsites get very expensive then.
Just typing this, I can't wait to get back.......

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Thanks, if mobility is an issue then ignore Plitvice, there is a LOT of walking, some quite awkward. Dubrovnik can really only be explored on foot and, again, entails a lot of walking. Some of the smaller towns along the coast are very pretty, welcoming and have some great restaurants.

Czech Republic is worth considering on the way down, good roads and lovely people.

Check out the "John & Mandy" channel on YouTube, they recently did the whole coastline including Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro plus the very small portion of Bosnia that you can't avoid. Some very useful info and tips.
We've "done" Czech - loved it. (And Hungary)

Wifey can do "some" walking and has a "kick scooter" which she can use and be pushed around a bit. Not yet got an escooter which would be ideal albeit assumed a toy rather than mobility. So flat ish paths OK, much more not so :( But around a city may be OK to be pushed!
 
Lago di Fusine, free no facilities. Flattish walk round the lake about 3/4 mile, if that is possible. Views are quite reasonable ;)

46°28'24.2"N 13°40'15.4"E​


46.473389, 13.670933​

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Fantastic pics - thanks!
(She does have a modified bike with ebike kit and can ride "on throttle" at walking pace - so that is probably doable)
 
Fantastic pics - thanks!
(She does have a modified bike with ebike kit and can ride "on throttle" at walking pace - so that is probably doable)
From memory the lower lake (in height) was really quite flat round it with extremely well trodden path and occasional up and down with occasional tree stump. May have to be a suck it and see situation
 
No wild camping in Croatia. Plenty of campsites though. They get really busy in season, pre covid anyway.
Ston is well worth a visit, the Great Wall of Europe. Plitvic lakes, Dubrovnik, worth pre booking here. All along the coastline is beautiful. Don’t be in a hurry.
Phil

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No wild camping in Croatia. Plenty of campsites though. They get really busy in season, pre covid anyway.
Ston is well worth a visit, the Great Wall of Europe. Plitvic lakes, Dubrovnik, worth pre booking here. All along the coastline is beautiful. Don’t be in a hurry.
Phil
Pre-booking? Urgh! lol. Do you mean just campsites? Probably end May early June - not sure if thats peak or not? Hope not
 
From memory the lower lake (in height) was really quite flat round it with extremely well trodden path and occasional up and down with occasional tree stump. May have to be a suck it and see situation
Thanks. That does look like our sort of place. GPS suggests thats in Italy though! :) Just.
(That said, will still bookmark! Looks lovely)
 
Thanks. That does look like our sort of place. GPS suggests thats in Italy though! :) Just.
(That said, will still bookmark! Looks lovely)
It may be in Italy, it is also very close to Austria, I do know the cheapest diesel from there was ............................ dum de dum....................................... Austria !
 
Pre-booking? Urgh! lol. Do you mean just campsites? Probably end May early June - not sure if thats peak or not? Hope not
No need to book anything, I didn't in May June 2019. Plenty of space in all campsites.
The sites do vary from little pop up sites on the coast set in pine forests to super dooper very swish all singing all dancing 700-800 pitch sites costing an arm and a leg.
I prefer the former.
As said before acsi card is worth while.
Some people say that they find Croatians unfriendly and grumpy, I found quite the opposite.
It may be true of older people in the cities who carry a hangover from communist Soviet days when nobody had anything to be happy about but I didn't venture into cities much, certainly not Zagreb.
 
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Thanks, will be over the next couple of months. Walking far isn't possible :( Which is a right PITA for us as we used to walk miles and miles but hey ho could be worse.

Don't know whether Dubrovnik is doable in the van due to the Serbia border, or if the islands hopping route is worth it, or if day trip (coach?) from the north is the simplest? Is there much must see bits down there?

Interesting about wild camping - we're very much bumblers (discreet and move on rather than the other sort) - so more "overnight parking" rather than wildcamping. Mandatory Campsite doesn't really suit our bumbling style. But if no choice so be it, but small/quiet may be okay if they are in a location we want to be :)

Thanks for info

edit: Seems I can't edit first post? Just going to say possibly favouring Germany-Austria route on the way down, and maybe Italy/France on way back


The border with Bosnia at Neum was straightforward when we went, simple show passport and waived through (it is only about 12 miles). If the Croatian government succeed with their bridge timetable it is scheduled to be open in June this year so it will be possible to cross into 'southern' Croatia via the Peljesac Bridge thereby avoiding the Neum transit section. Admittedly we stayed on sites for a few days at a time so no experience of less formal stopovers, but as others have said the country is fabulous, scenery to die for. There is a campsite on the outskirts of Dubrovnik with a bus route into the city so no parking issues. Lokrum island is worth a visit, regular short boat ride out of Dubrovnik.

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Hi, if you use the forum search facility for the words Croatia and Slovenia you will find lots of information you are seeking on various threads already 😊 Enjoy, both great places to visit
 
Two countries we've never been to. (Well, we accidentally and surprisingly cut the corner of Slovenia once!)

We've not really undertaken any research into either, or the route to get there, or the must see/do, and know nothing. Reason being last few research trips all cancelled for various reasons:rolleyes::unsure: so lack motivation. We have some books I'll open when in the tunnel!

We favour aires / wildcamping than campsites but happy to do anything. We prefer things to do but "restricted" a bit, but biking/kayaking and fun things. (Walking/hiking is not currently possible). For us, a quiet spot with great views and easy biking routes with a local eatery and bar is ideal :)

So seeking top tips, hidden gems, and must visit places

Is Dubrovnik still an issue to drive to, if so what do people do?

Also interested in what routes people fancy? After the first hour or two we try and avoid toll roads & motorways (unless its exceptionally more efficient) and dawdle along - but there isn't any obvious route? France/Germany/Austria? France/Switzerland/Italy? Does any route make more sense (We've covered lots of the through countries and would not plan too many "visits" in them on the way down)

Vague open question, but would love to hear answers/views

Thanks!

Two countries we've never been to. (Well, we accidentally and surprisingly cut the corner of Slovenia once!)

We've not really undertaken any research into either, or the route to get there, or the must see/do, and know nothing. Reason being last few research trips all cancelled for various reasons:rolleyes::unsure: so lack motivation. We have some books I'll open when in the tunnel!

We favour aires / wildcamping than campsites but happy to do anything. We prefer things to do but "restricted" a bit, but biking/kayaking and fun things. (Walking/hiking is not currently possible). For us, a quiet spot with great views and easy biking routes with a local eatery and bar is ideal :)

So seeking top tips, hidden gems, and must visit places

Is Dubrovnik still an issue to drive to, if so what do people do?

Also interested in what routes people fancy? After the first hour or two we try and avoid toll roads & motorways (unless its exceptionally more efficient) and dawdle along - but there isn't any obvious route? France/Germany/Austria? France/Switzerland/Italy? Does any route make more sense (We've covered lots of the through countries and would not plan too many "visits" in them on the way down)

Vague open question, but would love to hear answers/views

Thanks!
Done Slovenia and Croatia numerous times over the years. Always think the mskarska riviera is the most beautiful of coastal routes. Wild camping isn't really allowed but there is quite a network of tiny sites and even locals who allow you to use their gardens or orchards to camp in. Take a look at the section of my blog that covers these countries.


 
Thanks, if mobility is an issue then ignore Plitvice, there is a LOT of walking, some quite awkward. Dubrovnik can really only be explored on foot and, again, entails a lot of walking. Some of the smaller towns along the coast are very pretty, welcoming and have some great restaurants.

Czech Republic is worth considering on the way down, good roads and lovely people.

Check out the "John & Mandy" channel on YouTube, they recently did the whole coastline including Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro plus the very small portion of Bosnia that you can't avoid. Some very useful info and tips.
Been looking at Plitvic, and there seems to be a good campsite there, *and* lots of cycle routes - so this may be doable (the ebike is vv capable without effort). So added to list, thanks
 
Lago di Fusine, free no facilities. Flattish walk round the lake about 3/4 mile, if that is possible. Views are quite reasonable ;)

46°28'24.2"N 13°40'15.4"E​


46.473389, 13.670933​

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Thank you, you have just given me inspiration for a point to aim at if we are ever able to do a long trip again. I find it easier to plan with somewhere in mind. Of course we might go further but it’s a start. It won’t be this year but hopefully next. What time of year would you say is best? May/June or September?
 
We are off to Croatia next month so would be grateful for the best way down coming from Bavaria?

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Thank you, you have just given me inspiration for a point to aim at if we are ever able to do a long trip again. I find it easier to plan with somewhere in mind. Of course we might go further but it’s a start. It won’t be this year but hopefully next. What time of year would you say is best? May/June or September?
Plusses and minusses for both I suspect.
I would be more tempted to do May/June as there will be more snow on Mountains (The dolomites are typically very isosceles in shape) and the rivers will be flowing more than if there were a dry summer.
This can easily be doubled up with passing through Austria vignetteless (check yourself it can be done) by doing the Glossglockner pass (allow a day for travel and charge camera and 35 euros for the pass)
These photos and a few hundred others were taken mid May on the GG pass.
You may need to check the GG is open dependant upon when you intend to go in May. September should be OK
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Thank you, you have just given me inspiration for a point to aim at if we are ever able to do a long trip again. I find it easier to plan with somewhere in mind. Of course we might go further but it’s a start. It won’t be this year but hopefully next. What time of year would you say is best? May/June or September?
This might be up your street as well.
A village full of sundials just East of Venice.
Aiello del Friuli
Broken Link Removed
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Plusses and minusses for both I suspect.
I would be more tempted to do May/June as there will be more snow on Mountains (The dolomites are typically very isosceles in shape) and the rivers will be flowing more than if there were a dry summer.
This can easily be doubled up with passing through Austria vignetteless (check yourself it can be done) by doing the Glossglockner pass (allow a day for travel and charge camera and 35 euros for the pass)
These photos and a few hundred others were taken mid May on the GG pass.
You may need to check the GG is open dependant upon when you intend to go in May. September should be OK
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Looks great, added to route :)
 
Looks great, added to route :)
For info there is an aire actually on the glacier (or next to it) on the slip road.
When we went we were too late to go up the slip road (about 1530 hrs)
The hut that is there is called Franz (klammer Ferdinand or someone else famous who had a first name franz (Franz josef is coming to mind now))
Anyway, allegedly it is possible to stay up there, but you may need a B plan.
Its about 35 euros to do the road (32 kms) but it is well well worth it.
The road was built in the early part of 20th Century as a tourist road.
Stops for different photos every 400 yards and it is rather spiffing.
We took about 400 photos that day.
From memory you dont need a vignette to get there from North or South (but do check)
If you look over 3500 kgs then as a non paid up member of the FLT society, i would suggest saying you are under 3500 kgs as it is cheaper. As such you can see how much I think of the road as I paid for it !!!
Have a B plan for the nights stay as not many aires in Austria.
Enjoy

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For info there is an aire actually on the glacier (or next to it) on the slip road.
When we went we were too late to go up the slip road (about 1530 hrs)
The hut that is there is called Franz (klammer Ferdinand or someone else famous who had a first name franz (Franz josef is coming to mind now))
Anyway, allegedly it is possible to stay up there, but you may need a B plan.
Its about 35 euros to do the road (32 kms) but it is well well worth it.
The road was built in the early part of 20th Century as a tourist road.
Stops for different photos every 400 yards and it is rather spiffing.
We took about 400 photos that day.
From memory you dont need a vignette to get there from North or South (but do check)
If you look over 3500 kgs then as a non paid up member of the FLT society, i would suggest saying you are under 3500 kgs as it is cheaper. As such you can see how much I think of the road as I paid for it !!!
Have a B plan for the nights stay as not many aires in Austria.
Enjoy
Had to look up FLT lol. That isn't us, we like respectful freebies :)
Info sounds great - the dots are joining up nicely.
 
Two countries we've never been to. (Well, we accidentally and surprisingly cut the corner of Slovenia once!)

We've not really undertaken any research into either, or the route to get there, or the must see/do, and know nothing. Reason being last few research trips all cancelled for various reasons:rolleyes::unsure: so lack motivation. We have some books I'll open when in the tunnel!

We favour aires / wildcamping than campsites but happy to do anything. We prefer things to do but "restricted" a bit, but biking/kayaking and fun things. (Walking/hiking is not currently possible). For us, a quiet spot with great views and easy biking routes with a local eatery and bar is ideal :)

So seeking top tips, hidden gems, and must visit places

Is Dubrovnik still an issue to drive to, if so what do people do?

Also interested in what routes people fancy? After the first hour or two we try and avoid toll roads & motorways (unless its exceptionally more efficient) and dawdle along - but there isn't any obvious route? France/Germany/Austria? France/Switzerland/Italy? Does any route make more sense (We've covered lots of the through countries and would not plan too many "visits" in them on the way down)

Vague open question, but would love to hear answers/views

Thanks!
Pula is worthy of a visit for the ampitheatre thingy there.
Memory again makes me want to say that it is the best kept roman ampitheatre or something like that.
We have some great photos of the outside as you had to pay to go in !
 
Been looking at Plitvic, and there seems to be a good campsite there, *and* lots of cycle routes - so this may be doable (the ebike is vv capable without effort). So added to list, thanks
We’re at that campsite 10/11th June (if it’s plitvice camping) might see you there👍😁😁
 
A while ago we journeyed beside the Sava River in Croatia and stayed in various places, notably with Family Ravlic in a wonderful wooden house (somewhere near Sisak). There was an excellent nature reserve there. Also in a Family homestay near Osijek with Gloria's family, near to a super bird reserve. A wonderful time, but well away from the more popular coast. We then drove into the south of Hungary.
 
Thanks for all info so far

What is the view on Dubrovnik? Getting there via ferry is fine, and camping outside and bus in is fine. But keep reading its too touristy and just coffee shops lol. Also due to wife, we won't be able to walk around and explore too much so would be quite confined to the main drag and certainly no climbing/stairs.

We probably prefer less touristy places, nice quiet villages more than cities, but would usually explore main cities.

But torn here - so seeking views :)

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