Take your kids to see the magical puppets at the Puppet Museum! Take a fun, interactive Time-Machine Tour with live actors. Easy access by foot or by funicular for a fancier ride.

The magnificent Ljubljana Castle stands on Castle Hill, which extends in the southern part of the old town and on the site of its two predecessors. As a fortress, it was commissioned by Emperor Frederick III. Habsburg was built in the second half of the 15th century, and some parts of the buildings were added later. Originally, Ljubljana Castle also served as an occasional emperor's residence, later as a barracks, a penitentiary, and in the first half of the 20th century, it was intended as a residence for the less wealthy inhabitants of Ljubljana. Today, the most interesting for tourists is the tower, which was built in the 19th century, and in 1982 the municipality had it raised by 1.2 m, which offers a brilliant view of the city. If you follow the small staircase in the corner of the courtyard under the tower, you will reach the tiny chapel of St. George, one of the oldest parts of the castle. By order of the emperor, it was consecrated in 1489 by St. George, the patron saint of Ljubljana. It was later renovated in the Baroque style, and in 1747 it was decorated with the coats of arms of more than 60 Carniolan governors, including Herman and Ulrik Celjski, Henrik Goriški and the Ljubljana bishop Krištof Ravbar.

Today, Ljubljana Castle is a symbol of the Slovenian capital, and the most visited tourist spot. You can experience history at the projection in the Virtual Castle, at the permanent installations of Slovenian history, the Penitentiary, the Castle Armory and iLjubljana, in the Puppetry Museum on any of the guided tours or special experiences. You can taste the present with culinary indulgences at restaurant Gostilna na Gradu, Strelec restaurant, Castle Café or wine shop. Behind the castle walls and under the starry sky, various music, dance, film, festival programmes, exhibitions, events for children and much more take place throughout the year; the Jazz Club also has its place here. With the panoramic rail funicular, you can climb to the castle in a minute from the very centre of the city, every day of the year. There are well-maintained footpaths leading to the castle and along the Castle Hill, which take you all the way to the Castle Vineyard. Ljubljana Castle is also known for its own wine story and unique souvenir shop 'Friderik'. Visitors are welcome all year round.

The Castle also has a beautifully presented permanent Exhibition on Slovene History and visitors of all ages will enjoy a trip to the Museum of Puppetry housed above the Castle’s Estate Hall.

The castle also offer a range of tours such as guided viewings of the Castle and exhibitions by knowledgeable locals and the unique Time machine and Behind Bars immersive tours with actors assuming the roles of different characters throughout the history of the castle. Take a tour of your own pace at Ljubljana’s premier attraction at your own pace with commentary courtesy of an audio guide available in 14 languages. You can even save a dragon in a fun adventure game Escape Castle. Escape Castle runs every 30 minutes, last entry is two hours before the castle's closing time.

Click here for up to date opening hours.

There are also small art galleries featuring temporary exhibitions as well as a café, restaurants and castle souvenir shop. It’s also a popular place for local weddings, and during the summer puts on concerts and, in July, hosts the popular Kinodvor's outdoor Film under the Stars Festival. To reach it, several small paths lead up from the Old Town, or take the funicular from next to the Puppet Theatre on Krekov trg. Click here for event tickets. 

Ljubljana Castle is just one of many attractions that are on the bucket list of Free things to do in Ljubljana.

Get your free new digital Ljubljana city guide here!

Want to know more about other similarily magnificent castles in Slovenia?