Head right here for artists’ communes, majestic landscapes and do-it-yourself schnapps.
“Is not that close to Russia?”, “Why would you do this?”, and the occasional and incredulous, “What?!”
These are just some of the dumbfounded questions I hear once I inform folks that I’m shifting to Slovenia.
After stints as a digital nomad in Shanghai, Bangkok and Mexico Metropolis, Ljubljana – the capital of Slovenia – is subsequent on my listing.
It won’t be the obvious alternative for distant employees. But, since discovering Slovenia once I first Interrailed round Europe in my late teenagers, I’ve cherished the low-key Balkan nation as my favorite secret retreat.
Ljubljana gives the whole lot a traveller would need from an historical European metropolis. A captivating historical past stretching again into the mists of antiquity. A wealthy custom of artwork and music. And attractive native delicacies with a way of self sturdy sufficient to face by itself and the arrogance to welcome one of the best dishes from its neighbours.
Additionally, it’s actually not that near Russia – the 2 international locations’ closest borders are round 1,700 km aside.
However I get forward of myself; let’s break down why Ljubljana is the perfect metropolis for digital nomads.
Slovenia is a paradise for outside adventures
Slovenia is usually landlocked, so there are restricted alternatives for hitting the seaside and dealing in your tan. However don’t let that put you off.
With craggy options just like the Alps, Dinaric and Karawank mountains, the agricultural fantastic thing about the Pannonian plains, and the majesty of Lake Bled, there’s lots to see and do.
A few of my first recollections of Slovenia hail again to my time as a teenage vagabond mountain climbing by way of Triglav Nationwide Park, dwelling to the Julian Alps and Lake Bled.
I might bounce on one of many common day by day shuttle providers, and throughout the hour, I might be transported from my city digs into the center of Slovenia’s solely nationwide park.
I spent hours strolling by way of the undergrowth within the hope of recognizing creatures just like the golden eagle, griffon vulture or perhaps a brown bear.
I needs to be glad I by no means noticed the notoriously twitchy and unpredictable grizzly. Undoubtedly, I might have unwittingly provoked one right into a mauling frenzy.
Ljubljana is a mix of historical and trendy
However I’m not going to stay within the woods. I am a digital nomad looking down distant work and versatile writing gigs for a dwelling. I do not wish to stalk deer or unleash arrows at unsuspecting Alpine marmots to outlive.
All I want is a good wifi connection, good espresso and entry to the comfort and pleasure of a contemporary European metropolis to get by – enter Ljubljana.
Ljubljana was first talked about in historic information within the twelfth century, however people have lived there since 2,000 BCE. And should you look rigorously, you may see the completely different influences on the town by way of its structure, together with Roman and Medieval constructions, alongside the extra prevalent Baroque fashion.
The combo of structure embodies the soul of the town – a curious mixture of historical and trendy, rural and concrete.
Due to its place as a nexus of historic commerce routes throughout Europe, Ljubljana has absorbed cultural influences from all throughout the continent. And with the locals nicely versed in English, German, French, Spanish and Italian, speaking is straightforward.
Slovenia retains custom alive
The Slovenian lifestyle embraces custom and modernity in a disarming and charming method. As an example, many locals nonetheless hold poultry, make cider and spirits, and butcher their very own meat.
Make no mistake, these will not be self-aggrandising hipsters trying to find a profitable facet hustle promoting artisanal treats to the plenty. They’re simply regular folks doing what they’ve at all times carried out.
Final summer time, visiting my software program developer pal, I used to be welcomed into his very trendy dwelling with a fantastic glass of pear schnapps made in his backyard shed alongside some somewhat spicy home-cured sausage. And we spent a boozy afternoon eviscerating chickens in preparation for a household barbecue the following day.
This sort of random expertise, the place I stuffed my face and drank irresponsibly whereas in some way studying some useful animal husbandry abilities, is an enormous a part of why we’re shifting.
Ljubljana bursts with creativity
Artists and tradition vultures are spoiled by the extent of visible stimulation in Ljubljana.
From the beautiful cobblestone streets underfoot to the long-lasting battlements of Ljubljana Citadel, mooching round right here on a sunny afternoon is a feast for the eyes.
However that’s just the start. The metropolis has an abundance of galleries and museums, together with the Nationwide Gallery, dwelling to probably the most full assortment of Slovene artwork within the nation and the Metropolis Museum of Ljubljana, dwelling to the world’s oldest wheel.
On prime of that, Ljubljana has a vibrant and lively artwork scene, boasting hanging murals and graffiti in and across the Metelkova Artwork Middle. What began as a humble artists’ squat has grown into an autonomous cultural and social centre supported by the European Cultural Fund.
Slovenia gives a excessive lifestyle
The usual of dwelling in Slovenia for the common particular person is superb. Whereas salaries won’t examine to these in different main European nations and taxes are comparatively excessive, lease, meals and different bills are comparatively low.
And when you get into the spirit of distilling your individual alcohol and sustaining a number of chickens, you may stretch your earnings even additional.
Though Slovenia doesn’t presently have a digital nomad visa scheme, it’s a part of the European Union. This meansEEA and EU residents can work remotely within the nation for 3 months with out restrictions, after which you merely must register your keep.
How you can get to Slovenia
Slovenia is nicely related to the remainder of Europe by practice. It has hyperlinks with Austria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary and Italy by way of EuroCity and InterCity, in addition to evening practice connections with Germany and Switzerland by way of EuroNight.
From the UK, you may attain Slovenia with two adjustments on trains operated by Eurostar, Thalys or TGV. Relying in your alternative, the journey takes between 16 and 24 hours, with costs beginning at round £105 (€123). You may as well catch a bus from London in case you are feeling thrifty, with fares as little as £75 (€88).
Lengthy-haul bus journeys are now not the hell-on-Earth experiences they as soon as had been. In reality, they’re snug, with way more legroom than aeroplanes and sometimes embody free wifi as normal.
Ljubljana additionally has a global airport, with direct flights from London taking simply over two hours and costing from round £100 (€117).