Ljubljana After Dark – in Photos
Words by Dalene Heck / Photography by Pete Heck
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’s center is bathed in soft lighting and the river is lit up green in spots.
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.
We spent quite awhile reading inscriptions at the ‘love-lock’ bridge. This was our favorite.
Beautiful shots! It’s one of those places I always meant to go. Better get a move on!
This is just a wee sample of the beauty of Ljubljana. We’ve got more to show you! 🙂
Gorgeous photos! The Dragon Bridge is my favorite bridge in Ljubljana.
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.
And we’re just getting started Debbie – many more pictures to come. 🙂
Great sample. I like esp the message of the fourth photo.
We spent a lot of time studying those locks, even found one with our initials on it. This was my favorite though. 🙂
I really do miss living in Ljubljana! Such a pretty city!
I can only imagine how much you miss it Sean! We do too, and we just left!
I loved the view from the castle on the hilltop but didn’t stay for the evening views – stunning pics Pete!
He thanks you! 🙂
So much has been written about Ljubljana recently… It’s on my short list of NEXT destinations.
You have a ‘short’ list? Mine are always milesssss longgggg…. 🙂
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 🙂
Thanks Arti, you too!
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!
Make sure to head up the castle for sunset – amazing views of the city like this!
Love it. Ljubljana is high on our list next time we visit Europe! Such a cool lock
I’m always drawn to those lock bridges, always looking for something interesting…
Been through on the train, need to stop and see more. The dragon bridge sounds pretty cool.
You guys are SO close! You need to go visit!
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! 😉
We’ve got plenty more juicy pictures to come…just you wait… 🙂
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.
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…
Ah, Ljubljana. You know how I feel about it now! Such a great place to be.
The secret is getting out on this place me thinks….
Great shots as always 🙂 Did you notice the dragon wagging its tail at all?
Wow these are AMAZING pictures! 🙂
See you soon!
Ramses
Thanks Ramses!! Hopefully the photos make you want to go there 😉 Great to meet you finally and looking forward to when we meet again.
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.
I LOVE that dragon statue! Great job on all of the photos.. did you do multiple exposures?
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).
I just came across your blog.. For the second time actually.. Ljubljana is beautiful, definitely going back someday 😀 x
Thanks so much Alice, happy that you found us again 🙂 It is such an amazing city isn’t it…
Magnificent photo tours! Ljubljana never looked so good!
Thanks Jeff!! We really loved this city
Wonderful photos. I especially like the last one with the love lock. The city looks great by night.
It’s a very beautiful city! But at night it is particularly special.
It looks stunning! I’m really keen to visit.
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 🙂