Where to visit in Slovenia, Melania Trump’s homeland

By Chris Dwyer, for CNN
Updated 4:37 AM EST, Thu November 17, 2016
For a country smaller than New Jersey, Slovenia boasts a frankly ridiculous diversity in landscapes. Clinging to vertiginous cliffs in this picture is the 11th-century Bled Castle. It's flanked by the snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps.
Slovenia's most beautiful spots —
For a country smaller than New Jersey, Slovenia boasts a frankly ridiculous diversity in landscapes. Clinging to vertiginous cliffs in this picture is the 11th-century Bled Castle. It's flanked by the snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps.
Chris Dwyer/CNN
The Romanesque tower and church on the rock in the middle of the emerald-green Lake Bled is a real showstopper.
Lake Bled —
The Romanesque tower and church on the rock in the middle of the emerald-green Lake Bled is a real showstopper.
Chris Dwyer/CNN
The limestone Skocjan Caves are Europe's largest underground gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site with more than six kilometers of underground lakes, waterfalls and natural bridges.
Skocjan Caves —
The limestone Skocjan Caves are Europe's largest underground gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site with more than six kilometers of underground lakes, waterfalls and natural bridges.
courtesy Park Skocjanske
The caves sit inside Skocjan Caves Regional Park in the Classical Karst region.
Classical Karst —
The caves sit inside Skocjan Caves Regional Park in the Classical Karst region.
courtesy Park Skocjanske
Slovenia's postcard-like capital Ljubljana is the starting point for most visits.
Ljubljana —
Slovenia's postcard-like capital Ljubljana is the starting point for most visits.
Chris Dwyer/CNN
Triglav National Park is known for breathtaking views of aquamarine waters and rapids running through limestone gorges.
Triglav National Park —
Triglav National Park is known for breathtaking views of aquamarine waters and rapids running through limestone gorges.
Chris Dwyer/CNN
Lipizzaner horses are one of Slovenia's most well-known exports.
Lipica horses —
Lipizzaner horses are one of Slovenia's most well-known exports.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Surrounded by rolling hills in southwest Slovenia, Brda is dotted with orchards, vineyards and olive groves.
Brda —
Surrounded by rolling hills in southwest Slovenia, Brda is dotted with orchards, vineyards and olive groves.
Chris Dwyer/CNN
The medieval village of Smartno is a big draw, not least for the views that can stretch from Slovenia's highest snow-capped peaks all the way to the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Smartno —
The medieval village of Smartno is a big draw, not least for the views that can stretch from Slovenia's highest snow-capped peaks all the way to the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Chris Dwyer/CNN
In the summer months, up to 40 of the country's best chefs and food gurus gather in an al fresco venue to dish up delicious foods for the weekly Odprta Kuhna or Open Kitchen event.
Glorious food —
In the summer months, up to 40 of the country's best chefs and food gurus gather in an al fresco venue to dish up delicious foods for the weekly Odprta Kuhna or Open Kitchen event.
Chris Dwyer/CNN
Slovenia's orange wine -- in a range of colors from pinkish to amber -- is currently one of the most sought-after bottles on the global market.
Orange wine —
Slovenia's orange wine -- in a range of colors from pinkish to amber -- is currently one of the most sought-after bottles on the global market.
Chris Dwyer/CNN
Slovenia's capital Ljubljana was named European Green Capital 2016, thanks in part to its wise decision to ban cars from most of the city center.
Green capital —
Slovenia's capital Ljubljana was named European Green Capital 2016, thanks in part to its wise decision to ban cars from most of the city center.
Visit Ljubljana
Best places to see in Slovenia

Story highlights

Slovenia calls itself the New Zealand of Europe due to its amazing landscape contrasts

Attractions include the Skocjan Caves, Lake Bled and Triglav National Park

CNN  — 

Even among seasoned travelers, Slovenia is not a country whose name is hugely familiar.

It’s part of the charm of traveling this pocket dynamo located between Italy, Croatia, Hungary and Austria: visitors frequently get the impression they’re the first to discover it.

That could all change thanks to a recent claim to fame – Slovenia gave the world Melania Trump, the next First Lady of the United States.

Not that it needs the Trump connection to pull in visitors.

Neither Balkan, Mediterranean, nor Alpine, Slovenia is more a cocktail of all three, served with its own distinct twist.

Nowhere in the country is more than three hours drive from anywhere else, yet this compact destination boasts a frankly ridiculous diversity in landscapes.

There’s a reason they call themselves the New Zealand of Europe.

The culture and cuisine is as rich and varied as the photo ops, with a largely English-speaking population that’s more than happy to engage visitors in conversation.

Here’s a look at some of its most beautiful locations and reasons why this may just be the best destination you know almost nothing about.

Ljubljana

Tromostovje, or Triple Bridge, is a highlight of Slovenia's capital city.
Tromostovje, or Triple Bridge, is a highlight of Slovenia's capital city.
Chris Dwyer/CNN

The starting point for most visits, Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana is a picture-postcard pretty city of only 300,000 people.

It’s also The European Green Capital for 2016, thanks in part to its wise decision to ban cars from most of the city center, meaning everything can be seen on bike or by foot.

Most paths lead to the “triple bridge” across the Ljubljanica river, while cafés, bars, galleries and boutiques line the waterside as it winds through town.

In summer, locals, students and visitors alike make the most of the late evening sunshine. As capital cities go, they don’t get much more laid back.

READ: 10 reasons to visit Slovenia

Skocjan Caves

<strong>12 incredible UNESCO sites you've probably never heard of: </strong>Surrounded by forests of beech, fir and spruce, a multi-level system of 16 lakes spills into waterfalls and pools in Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park. The lakes are known for their distinctive colors, which can be turquoise, green, blue or gray. No swimming is allowed in the pristine pools.
Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia) —
12 incredible UNESCO sites you've probably never heard of: Surrounded by forests of beech, fir and spruce, a multi-level system of 16 lakes spills into waterfalls and pools in Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park. The lakes are known for their distinctive colors, which can be turquoise, green, blue or gray. No swimming is allowed in the pristine pools.
Courtesy Damir Fabijanić
Sailing or kayaking Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord offers spectacular views of a calving glacier as it cascades into the fjord. Not just an incredible sight, the thunderous roar of ice breaking is a primal thrill.
Ilulissat Icefjord (Greenland) —
Sailing or kayaking Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord offers spectacular views of a calving glacier as it cascades into the fjord. Not just an incredible sight, the thunderous roar of ice breaking is a primal thrill.
Courtesy Andre Schonherr/Visit Greenland
The core of Shirakami-Sanchi in the mountains of northern Honshu is the last of the Siebold's beech forest that once dominated the slopes of northern Japan. The largest in East Asia, the untouched beech forest has very few visitors, partly due to permit requirements and lack of man-made facilities.
Shirakami-Sanchi (Japan) —
The core of Shirakami-Sanchi in the mountains of northern Honshu is the last of the Siebold's beech forest that once dominated the slopes of northern Japan. The largest in East Asia, the untouched beech forest has very few visitors, partly due to permit requirements and lack of man-made facilities.
Akita Prefecture/JNTO
The 18 interconnected lakes of Ounianga in the landlocked African nation of Chad are lined with palms, dunes and sandstone formations. Some of the lakes are covered with floating green reeds, offering an intense contrast against the blue water. Others are so salty the rocky shore is encrusted in white salt deposits.
Lakes of Ounianga (Chad) —
The 18 interconnected lakes of Ounianga in the landlocked African nation of Chad are lined with palms, dunes and sandstone formations. Some of the lakes are covered with floating green reeds, offering an intense contrast against the blue water. Others are so salty the rocky shore is encrusted in white salt deposits.
Courtesy Isabelle Boutriau
Covering four national parks in Canada and Alaska, one of this UNESCO Heritage Site's biggest draws (literally) is Mount Logan in Kluane National Park. At 5,959 meters (16,404 feet), Canada's tallest mountain is a haven for hikers and campers.
Kluane /Wrangell-St. Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek (Canada, Alaska) —
Covering four national parks in Canada and Alaska, one of this UNESCO Heritage Site's biggest draws (literally) is Mount Logan in Kluane National Park. At 5,959 meters (16,404 feet), Canada's tallest mountain is a haven for hikers and campers.
Courtesy Christoph Schlatter
Among Socotra's unique plant life is the dragon blood tree, which oozes dark red sap when damaged, and the bottle tree, which looks like a massive elephant leg with pink flowers sprouting on top. Not yet discovered by the masses, Socotra has pristine white coastal dunes that are constantly reshaped by wind during the monsoon.
Socotra (Yemen) —
Among Socotra's unique plant life is the dragon blood tree, which oozes dark red sap when damaged, and the bottle tree, which looks like a massive elephant leg with pink flowers sprouting on top. Not yet discovered by the masses, Socotra has pristine white coastal dunes that are constantly reshaped by wind during the monsoon.
Courtesy Socotra.info
Reunion Island is dominated by two volcanic peaks, the dormant Piton de Neiges and the highly active Piton de la Fournaise. Helicopter rides are among the best ways to see the French island's massive walls and three cliff-rimmed cirques.
Reunion Island (France) —
Reunion Island is dominated by two volcanic peaks, the dormant Piton de Neiges and the highly active Piton de la Fournaise. Helicopter rides are among the best ways to see the French island's massive walls and three cliff-rimmed cirques.
RICHARD BOUHET/AFP/Getty Images
Jiuzhaigou means "Valley of the Nine Villages." The park consists of crystal clear, electric blue, green and purple pools, terraced lakes and waterfalls surrounded by snowy mountains. The giant panda and elusive snow leopard, as well as endemic species such as the Tengmalm's owl, are among rare wildlife that lives in the forests.
Jiuzhaigou (China) —
Jiuzhaigou means "Valley of the Nine Villages." The park consists of crystal clear, electric blue, green and purple pools, terraced lakes and waterfalls surrounded by snowy mountains. The giant panda and elusive snow leopard, as well as endemic species such as the Tengmalm's owl, are among rare wildlife that lives in the forests.
Jason Kwok/CNN
Te Wahipounamu includes four national parks, from Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring to Fiordland and Westland. New Zealand's highest mountain, Mount Cook at 3,755 meters (9,842 feet), is found in Te Wahipounamu. So are the country's largest glaciers, tallest forest, most rugged coastline and deepest fjords and lakes.
Te Wahipounamu (South Island, New Zealand) —
Te Wahipounamu includes four national parks, from Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring to Fiordland and Westland. New Zealand's highest mountain, Mount Cook at 3,755 meters (9,842 feet), is found in Te Wahipounamu. So are the country's largest glaciers, tallest forest, most rugged coastline and deepest fjords and lakes.
Rob Suisted/naturespic.com
Divers and snorkelers can spot three species of turtles on the Ningaloo Coast. An estimated 10,000 turtle nests are found on the coast each year. Whale sharks are another marvel found off Australia's western shores during an annual gathering that draws 300 to 500 of the sea creatures. Many of Ningaloo's pristine snorkeling sites are accessible from the beach.
Ningaloo Coast (Australia) —
Divers and snorkelers can spot three species of turtles on the Ningaloo Coast. An estimated 10,000 turtle nests are found on the coast each year. Whale sharks are another marvel found off Australia's western shores during an annual gathering that draws 300 to 500 of the sea creatures. Many of Ningaloo's pristine snorkeling sites are accessible from the beach.
Courtesy Australia's Coral Coast
The Skocjan Caves house one of the world's largest known underground river canyons, created by the Reka River. The system of limestone caverns includes four picturesque chasms, which can be up to 150 meters deep and 120 meters wide.
Skocjan Caves (Slovenia) —
The Skocjan Caves house one of the world's largest known underground river canyons, created by the Reka River. The system of limestone caverns includes four picturesque chasms, which can be up to 150 meters deep and 120 meters wide.
Borut Lozej/Archives PSJ
Uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans, the Aldabra Atoll consists of four islets around a large shallow lagoon, encircled by coral reefs. The raised coral atoll is the largest of its kind and one of the few not yet impacted by human influences.
Aldabra Atoll (Seychelles) —
Uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans, the Aldabra Atoll consists of four islets around a large shallow lagoon, encircled by coral reefs. The raised coral atoll is the largest of its kind and one of the few not yet impacted by human influences.
Courtesy Seychelles Islands Foundation
12 incredible UNESCO sites you've probably never heard of

For a country less than one sixth the size of Pennsylvania, the natural world has been particularly kind to Slovenia.

It’s not only above ground that the scenery stops people in their tracks.

The limestone Skocjan Caves are Europe’s largest underground gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site with more than six kilometers of underground lakes, waterfalls and natural bridges.

The Martel Chamber alone is more than two million cubic meters in volume, while the “giants” in the Great Chamber are an astonishing collection of stalagmites and stalactites. For otherworldly beauty, they take some beating.

READ: 12 incredible UNESCO sites you’ve probably never heard of

Going green

With more than 60% of the country covered by forest, there’s no shortage of greenery, but the woodlands are also home to mind-blowing diversity.

Fast fact: there are eight indigenous trees found in Finland – but more than 80 in Slovenia.

Some of these forests are home to the country’s 700 or so wild bears, one of Europe’s highest populations.

To get there, 10,000 kilometers of hiking trails criss-cross the country. There are also more than 80 natural thermal springs on hand to soothe aching feet.

MORE: The best historic hotels of 2016 are …

Bled

Emerald green: Lake Bled.
Emerald green: Lake Bled.
Chris Dwyer/CNN

Barely an hour’s drive from Ljubljana – as are most places – is the impossibly beautiful Lake Bled.

The 11th-century Bled Castle clings to vertiginous cliffs flanked by the snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps, but the real show-stopper is the Romanesque tower and church on the rock in the middle of the emerald-green lake.

Access to t