The river Ljubljanica and its bridges

The river Ljubljanica, with its interesting bridges and picturesque old city centre embankments, is one of Ljubljana's most notable landmarks.

A river with a colourful history

From Roman times to the construction of the railway in the mid-19th century, the Ljubljanica was a major trade and supply route.

On its way to Ljubljana, the river flows through the unique natural landscape of Ljubljana Marshes. Its bed is one of Slovenia's most important archaeological sites. Excavations have yielded objects dating from prehistory to the early modern period. Archaeologists believe that the river once had a cult status.

World famous embankments and bridges

Ljubljana is a city of beautiful and architecturally interesting bridges. Its river, the Ljubljanica, is believed to have been first spanned by a bridge in the Roman period.

Today, the Ljubljanica owes its distinctive appearance to the architect Jože Plečnik, who designed the old city centre's river embankments, landscaped tree-lined riverside walks, including the well known weeping willow-lined terraced walk alongside the Trnovski pristan embankment, and built or renovated several of the city's bridges, including the famous Trnovo Bridge, Cobblers' Bridge and Triple Bridge.

The city's "lounge"

The heart of Ljubljana's social life are the Ljubljanica river embankments, densely scattered with lively cafés offering outdoor seating. A good way to see the old city centre and its famous bridges, picturesque buildings and vibrant embankments from a completely different angle is to join a tourist boat cruise along the river. In the summer you can hire a canoe and paddle through the city centre.

Points of interest / 8