Ljubljana After Dark – in Photos

 
What a difference a few months make.

When we were here last November, a thick fog hung over Ljubljana and in the early evening sky, visibility was greatly restricted. It made our visit perfectly enchanted and memorable, to be sure, but so much of the city’s beauty was hidden from view. We were so happy to return and see abundant shades of green and spirited summer activity in the streets.

This is not a city where its inhabitants retreat to their homes after dark. The streets come alive as people enjoy sidewalk cafes and a constant stream of live music from several corners. And it is easy to see why…

 

Sunset from atop the Ljubljana Castle presents a capacious view of the city, complete with pink and golden hues from the fading sun.

Ljubljana at Sunset

 

Ljubljana’s center is bathed in soft lighting and the river is lit up green in spots.

Ljubljana river

 

A bridge on the east side of the city center is adorned with four large dragon sculptures and sixteen small ones. Legend has it that the dragons will wag their tails if a virgin is crossing the bridge.

Dragon bridge Ljubljana

 

We spent quite awhile reading inscriptions at the ‘love-lock’ bridge. This was our favorite.

Love lock bridge Ljubljana
 

43 Comments... Read them below or add one of your own
  • August 10 2012

    Beautiful shots! It’s one of those places I always meant to go. Better get a move on!

    • August 12 2012

      This is just a wee sample of the beauty of Ljubljana. We’ve got more to show you! πŸ™‚

  • August 10 2012

    Gorgeous photos! The Dragon Bridge is my favorite bridge in Ljubljana.
    Jennifer Dombrowski recently posted..The Deserted Island in the Venetian Lagoon

    • August 12 2012

      Mine too! Although I have to say, never saw any tails wagging once…not a very “pure” city – haha!

  • I love clouds so the first shot over the city is my favorite! I can see why you are so enamored with this lovely city.

    • August 12 2012

      And we’re just getting started Debbie – many more pictures to come. πŸ™‚

  • August 10 2012

    Great sample. I like esp the message of the fourth photo.
    Travelwriticus recently posted..A good travel photo is about emotions

    • August 12 2012

      We spent a lot of time studying those locks, even found one with our initials on it. This was my favorite though. πŸ™‚

  • Sean Westrupp
    August 10 2012

    I really do miss living in Ljubljana! Such a pretty city!

    • August 12 2012

      I can only imagine how much you miss it Sean! We do too, and we just left!

  • August 11 2012

    I loved the view from the castle on the hilltop but didn’t stay for the evening views – stunning pics Pete!

  • Erik
    August 11 2012

    So much has been written about Ljubljana recently… It’s on my short list of NEXT destinations.

    • August 12 2012

      You have a ‘short’ list? Mine are always milesssss longgggg…. πŸ™‚

  • August 11 2012

    How the weather can make difference to our travels!! These shots are crystal clear, just loved them especially the first one.
    Have a wonderful weekend πŸ™‚
    Arti recently posted..A Panaroma of Colors Captured In My Travel Lens

  • August 11 2012

    These are some gorgeous night shots! I especially like the details in the buildings and the clouds in the first image. I have always wanted to visit this city and now I want to go even more!

    • August 12 2012

      Make sure to head up the castle for sunset – amazing views of the city like this!

  • August 12 2012

    Love it. Ljubljana is high on our list next time we visit Europe! Such a cool lock
    Gerard ~ GQ trippin recently posted..GQ trippin’ Turns 1 Year Old!

    • August 12 2012

      I’m always drawn to those lock bridges, always looking for something interesting…

  • August 12 2012

    Been through on the train, need to stop and see more. The dragon bridge sounds pretty cool.
    Andrew recently posted..Dive into a BΓ€chle

    • August 12 2012

      You guys are SO close! You need to go visit!

  • Steph (@ 20 Years Hence)
    August 12 2012

    It’s amazing – in just 4 pictures, you have sealed the deal: Tony & I will have to hit up Slovenia when we make it to Eastern Europe! Sitting here in hot & humid Tokyo, it looks like absolute heaven! πŸ˜‰

    • August 12 2012

      We’ve got plenty more juicy pictures to come…just you wait… πŸ™‚

  • Ali
    August 12 2012

    Great photos! Funny how many cities have those love locks. We’ll make it there eventually, it’s just a bit of a haul on the trains.

    • Pete
      August 15 2012

      It is somewhat of a difficult place to get to. The airport is 20km outside of town and they have no transit except for taxis that go there. And trains are quite infrequent. But it is definitely worth the effort…

  • August 12 2012

    Ah, Ljubljana. You know how I feel about it now! Such a great place to be.
    Amanda recently posted..Euro Trip Week 7 Round-Up

    • Pete
      August 15 2012

      The secret is getting out on this place me thinks….

  • August 12 2012

    Great shots as always πŸ™‚ Did you notice the dragon wagging its tail at all?
    Laurence recently posted..In photos: from the Facebook Page (Edition ii)

  • Ramses
    August 12 2012

    Wow these are AMAZING pictures! πŸ™‚
    See you soon!
    Ramses

    • Pete
      August 15 2012

      Thanks Ramses!! Hopefully the photos make you want to go there πŸ˜‰ Great to meet you finally and looking forward to when we meet again.

  • August 13 2012

    Your first shot is outstanding!
    I was in Lublijana years ago but got out within hours of arriving. I barely remember the beauty of the place because my husband and I were recovering from the most disgusting 8 hour train ride of our life that we’d taken from Belgrade. That was in the days when it was part of Yugoslavia so I know much has changed.
    Leigh recently posted..Float Plane Ride: Anahim Lake to Laidman Lake Lodge

  • August 13 2012

    I LOVE that dragon statue! Great job on all of the photos.. did you do multiple exposures?
    James Abroad recently posted..Contest: Win Trey’s Lightroom Presets!

    • Pete
      August 15 2012

      The dragon photo no. Just 1 with quite a bit of editing afterwards. I think I took it with a 15 second shutter, f5.0 ISO100 (if I remember correctly).

  • Alice
    August 13 2012

    I just came across your blog.. For the second time actually.. Ljubljana is beautiful, definitely going back someday πŸ˜€ x

    • Pete
      August 15 2012

      Thanks so much Alice, happy that you found us again πŸ™‚ It is such an amazing city isn’t it…

  • August 13 2012

    Magnificent photo tours! Ljubljana never looked so good!
    Jeff Titelius recently posted..Visit to the Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    • Pete
      August 15 2012

      Thanks Jeff!! We really loved this city

  • Cipri @Travelocafe
    August 15 2012

    Wonderful photos. I especially like the last one with the love lock. The city looks great by night.

    • August 16 2012

      It’s a very beautiful city! But at night it is particularly special.

  • August 15 2012

    It looks stunning! I’m really keen to visit.

  • August 15 2012

    These might be amongst my favorite travel photos you two have ever taken!! The clouds in that first photograph! The dragon! The buildings and river at night! Love. Love. Love.

  • Ljulbjana is a really beautiful city, have really fond memories of our visit of Ljubljana and Piran a few years ago πŸ™‚
    Jesper, The Biveros Effect recently posted..Hungary – 4 Reasons To Love It!

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