In a nutshell
- A trip to Slovenia is not dangerous — Slovenia is actually one of the safest countries in the entire world. That said, you should still keep an eye on your valuables.
- It’s also worth knowing about dangerous animals like bears — brown bears are native to Slovenia and live in several regions you might hike through.
- But that’s exactly what we’re here for! Read on for all the Slovenia safety tips you need before you go.
Is Slovenia safe for travelers?
Yes, absolutely! According to the Global Peace Index, Slovenia ranks 9th among the safest countries in the world — Germany comes in at 20th.
We can only agree — we felt very safe throughout our time in Slovenia. We didn’t encounter any crime whatsoever.
Our biggest concern was the bears that live in some mountain and forest regions. But we didn’t run into any — more on that in a moment.
Also check out our best travel tips for Slovenia
Crime against tourists
As we just mentioned, we didn’t encounter any crime while sightseeing in Slovenia.
Petty crime can occur in Slovenia, though — usually pickpockets and similar. But you can protect yourself pretty easily.
Keep your valuables close to your body at all times and never leave your bags unattended.
This applies especially at the beaches of Slovenia and other crowded spots like Bled, Piran, or downtown Ljubljana.
If you’re doing a road trip through Slovenia by car, make sure your vehicle is always locked and bags are stored in the trunk.
Safety for women
Slovenia is also a safe destination for women traveling solo — on my first trip to Slovenia, I (Tina) was traveling alone and felt completely safe the entire time.
Of course, you should still take good care of your belongings. Overall, though, there isn’t much more to keep in mind beyond the standard advice that applies to everyone.
Dangerous animals in Slovenia
There are dangerous animals in Slovenia — though an encounter with them is unlikely during most activities in Slovenia. Here’s what lives out there and how to handle it if you ever cross paths with one.
Bears in Slovenia
Yes, brown bears live in the forest and mountain regions of Slovenia — you’ll spot plenty of warning signs in these areas too. The largest populations are found in the forests of Kočevsko and Notranjska.
Smaller populations also live in popular tourist areas such as Triglav National Park and around Bovec.
Bears are generally shy around humans, so actually spotting one is unlikely. Still, it’s worth knowing the basics before you head into bear country.
#1 Make noise while hiking
Since bears prefer to avoid contact with humans, it helps to talk, whistle, or sing while hiking in Slovenia. A bear bell works great too. Making noise alerts bears to your presence as early as possible.
Bear attacks are more likely when the animals are surprised by humans — so talking and singing really is your best defense.
#2 Don’t leave any trash in nature
Trash and food scraps attract bears that are searching for food. For this reason — and for conservation reasons too — don’t leave any waste behind in nature.
#3 Keep your dog on a leash
Dogs can smell bears and may run toward them or even provoke them. Bears will also follow dogs once they’ve caught their scent. And if your dog comes running back to you, there’s a real risk it could bring the bear right along with it.
What do you do if you encounter a bear?
Here are the most important rules if you do come across a bear.
#1 Keep your distance
Never approach bears. Even if you only spot one in the distance, don’t walk toward it — back away instead. This signals to the animal that you pose no threat.
#2 Stay calm and don’t run
Avoid sudden movements so the bear doesn’t mistake them for an attack. Don’t run either — bears are faster than humans and are good climbers too (so don’t try climbing a tree).
Don’t scream, throw things, or make any sudden reactions. Stay as calm as possible, slowly back away, and speaking quietly to the bear can actually help.
#3 If attacked: play dead
If the bear launches an attack, lie flat on your stomach and clasp your hands behind your neck. Do not take off your backpack.
Wolves and lynxes in Slovenia
Two other predators in Slovenia are wolves and lynxes. Encounters with them are also very unlikely. Wolves and lynxes generally do not attack humans, so there’s really no need to worry.
If you do encounter these animals, the same rule applies: stay calm and give them space to retreat.
Venomous snakes in Slovenia
Slovenia is also home to several venomous snakes, including the European nose-horned viper — Europe’s most venomous snake. It lives mainly in dry environments like rocky mountain terrain.
The same goes for the venomous asp viper, which also prefers rocky areas.
Actually seeing snakes in Slovenia is unlikely — snakes are shy around humans. You’ll really only get bitten if you accidentally step on one.
Natural disasters in Slovenia
Slovenia sits in a seismically quiet zone. Earthquakes can still occur, but they’re rare and usually not very strong. There’s also only one extinct volcano — Smrekovec — and it poses no danger.
The most serious natural hazard in Slovenia is flooding. Heavy rainfall can lead to floods and landslides.
During storms and heavy rain, stay away from bodies of water — the Sava, Mura, and Drava rivers in particular are at risk of flooding.
During your trip to Slovenia, keep a regular eye on the weather so you can prepare for these kinds of conditions.
