Hotels near Ljubljana Castle

Perched on Castle Hill (Grajska planota) above the Old Town, Ljubljana Castle has occupied this strategic ridge since at least the 11th century. Today's medieval-Renaissance structure was rebuilt 1485-1495 under Habsburg Emperor Frederick III to defend against Ottoman raids. Inside the inner courtyard, the Outlook Tower offers the city's best panorama and the Slovenian History exhibition tells the country's story from prehistory to 1991 independence.

The castle hosts a Puppet Museum, time-machine virtual tour, and regular summer concerts in the inner courtyard. The Castle Funicular runs from Krekov trg every 10 minutes (4 EUR return, 70 seconds each way). Walking up via the path from Reber Street takes 15 minutes through the Stari trg neighbourhood. Castle ticket 16 EUR including funicular and all exhibitions; the courtyard is free.

Pro Tip: Walk up via the Reber Street path before opening at 09:00 - the courtyard is open 24 hours and the sunrise view over the Old Town's tiled roofs is the best free photo in Ljubljana.