Slovenia's public holidays and how they affect a trip

Work-free national holidays

These are the ones that affect visitors most. New Year lasts two days, 1 and 2 January, and so does Labour Day, 1 and 2 May. 8 February is Prešeren Day, the national day of culture, and 27 April the Day of Uprising against Occupation. 25 June is Statehood Day, 1 November the Day of Remembrance for the Dead and 26 December Independence and Unity Day. The two dates linked to 1990 and 1991 are explained in Slovenia’s Independence Day.

Other days off

The government lists a second group of work-free days, mostly from the religious calendar. They are Easter Sunday and Monday, Whit Sunday, 15 August for the Assumption, 31 October for Reformation Day and 25 December for Christmas. Easter and Whitsun move every year, and I’m not going to quote dates the government hasn’t put out yet, so check the official calendar when you plan your trip. Note that Good Friday isn’t on the list, unlike in the UK.

Holidays when people still work

Seven national holidays are ordinary working days. 8 June remembers Primož Trubar, author of the first printed books in Slovenian; 17 August marks the unification of the Prekmurje Slovenes; 15 September the integration of Primorska into the homeland; 23 September is Sports Day; 25 October Sovereignty Day; 10 November the Day of Science; and 23 November Rudolf Maister Day. They change nothing for visitors, but they say a lot about the country, from the importance of the written language to the border changes of the 20th century and the passion for sport.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Ljubljana before prices climb.

What’s open on a holiday?

Public offices and plenty of shops shut on work-free days. The Tourist Board explains that shop hours aren’t strictly fixed and that some large petrol stations open round the clock. Attractions follow their own calendars, so I’d always check each one’s website. Bled Castle, for instance, opens every day of the year, so a holiday is a good moment for the big sights rather than for errands.

The holidays you’ll notice most

In winter, 25 and 26 December come back to back, followed a week later by 1 and 2 January. In autumn, 31 October and 1 November make another long break. In spring, 27 April and 1 and 2 May can leave almost a week dotted with closures. How each month fits with its events is in Slovenia in May and Slovenia events.

If you would rather have a local show you round, book a guided tour in Ljubljana and choose by the reviews.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Ljubljana before prices climb.