Exploring Ljubljana Castle in Slovenia

Last updated on 29 August 2025

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Slovenia surprised me.

When we embarked on our Contiki trip in 2024, I didn’t think much about Slovenia (sorry!). It wasn’t somewhere that I knew a lot about, and while I’ll pretty much go anywhere and explore as many countries as I can is the ultimate goal … it wasn’t one that was top of the list. Not because I didn’t want to go … more that it was barely on my radar. So when we had free rein in the capital, one of the things I wanted to do was get up and out of the city and exploring Ljubljana castle was a great way to do that.

We had two nights in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. The first night we were there was mostly arriving and then we headed from our hotel into the city to experience a traditional Slovenian evening. We had dinner and drinks, and were given a bit of a show, showcasing historical and cultural outfits, learnt about the history of Slovenia, and then even partook in a musical hat game. Was just as crazy as it sounds, but it was a lot of fun.

The second day we headed off to Lake Bled in the morning, then had free time in the afternoon. I took myself off to Ljubljana Castle, after checking out the Dragon Bridge with some of the others in the Contiki group.

Exploring Ljubljana Castle

I didn’t really have a plan when I was there; I just knew I wanted to go and check it out. So I grabbed a brochure and picked a direction to start exploring.

There are lots of buildings in the castle walls, with a huge courtyard in the middle. While it was a grey day the day that I visited, there were still lots of people exploring (but not too many that it was elbow-to-elbow).

One of the first buildings I went into was the Viewing Tower, which has a spiral staircase that wound up and up and had stunning 360 views over the city at the top. You could also see back into the courtyard and the other castle buildings. I think it was in here that there was also a Virtual Castle tour, which was about a 10-12 minute video you could watch, learning more about the castle.

I also discovered a small chapel with stunning ceilings and old wooden pews. There was someone in there enjoying the quiet, so I didn’t linger.

Next up was the Permanent Exhibition of Slovenian History. While the castle holds exhibitions throughout the year, this one is permanent, and will take about 35minutes to go through. This was super interesting and really well done. I didn’t know much about Slovenia before coming to the country, so having this small exhibition/museum was brilliant.

One of my last stops before checking out the shop (a must, obviously) was the Museum of Puppetry. One of the things I learn while in Slovenia is that they love puppets. So much so that in May 2015, the country opened its very first Puppetry Museum at the Castle. The small exhibition/museum is a celebration of over a century of Slovenian puppetry, which showcases various artists and their characters. You can wander around – it’s on two floors – and see some of the characters. There are even interactive elements throughout. There are audio guides, too.

And of course, the aforementioned shop. Just a wee shop but with some fun castle, dragon, and Ljubljana-themed items. I didn’t pick up any, but I enjoyed looking at.

Other things you could do at Ljubljana Castle

Attend events

Every so often, there are events at the castle. You can see the current events on the website, but there have been things like a reading corner near the moat during summer weekends (how fun!), art exhibitions that are showcased for a set amount of time, and others. There’s even a Jazz club!

Escape the Castle games

I don’t think this was up and running when I visited, but there are currently, as of writing this post, two escape games you can play around the castle with a small group of people. They both start and end at the Info centre, and you’ll get help if you get stuck.

Free the Dragon: Solve five riddle-filled knightly trials around the castle in under an hour. Then race to the research camp for the ultimate challenge: bring the dragon back to life! This honestly sounds like so much fun!

Redeem the Witch: Use special tools to investigate strange happenings on Castle Hill. With a mix of luck, skill, and smarts, you’ll fulfil Anica’s final wish – the last witch of Ljubljana – and set her spirit free. You’ve got 90 minutes for this one.

So fun! There is a charge for this, but you can buy those tickets on the website, too.

Wine and Dine

If you have time, you could check out the Strelec Restaurant. This is an award-winning restaurant, which I didn’t try, but looks like stunning food. There is the Castle Vineyard, which you can visit.

Getting to Ljubljana Castle

 

The best way is by the Ljubljana Castle Funicular at the base of the hill. You can line up to get a ticket to the castle, or you can book online prior to heading there.

Then you jump on the funicular. This is almost like a gondola, but it has steep tracks attached to the hill, and you shuffle into the carriage with other people, and it rises sharply up the hill. You’re deposited at the top, and you’re ready to head onto the castle grounds to explore.

How do you get to the Funicular?

You can walk to the Funicular, or jump on a bus. The nearest bus stop is Krekov trg, Zmajski most, and you want Bus numbers 2, 13, or 20. You can also pop it into a Maps App and you’ll be able to find it. A close point of reference is, if you need it, the Puppet Theatre in Krek Square, and the funicular to head up to the castle is to the right if you’re in the square.

How much is the Ljubljana Funicular?

Currently, adult tickets are just 3,30 € or 6,00 € for a return trip, and children, students and pensioners are 2,30 €  or 4,50 € return. Make sure you check the website to find up-to-date ticket prices.

You can also visit by car

There is a paid Ljubljana Castle parking area with 40 parking spaces, and you can find the cost of the parking here.

How much is a ticket to Ljubljana Castle?

You can add your ticket to the cost of your Funicular ride/s (or vice versa – add your funicular ticket to your castle ticket), which makes the whole thing 17.10 € online, adult return. Or you can remove the Funicular ticket, making it 13.50 € for an adult.

There is also an option to add on an audio guide, or book a guided tour, and you can learn more about those tickets here.

Would I visit the castle in Ljubljana again?

Absolutely. If it’s not clear already, I really enjoyed my (short) time in Slovenia, and the city of Ljubljana was so beautiful. I’d love to go back to explore more of the city and also head back up to the castle to check out the views (perhaps on a sunny day!), to see any recent/new exhibitions, and just wander!

Have you been to Ljubljana? Did you make it up to Ljubljana Castle? I’d love to know what you thought!

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