Ljubljana: Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour & Old Town Sights

Summary

SUP through Ljubljana’s bridges and castle views in the city center

You’ll paddle right through Ljubljana’s Old Town with castle views overhead and pass beneath famous bridges like Dragon Bridge and Triple Bridge. With a certified guide and all SUP equipment included, you’ll get local stories, playful games on the water, and photo memories — plus that feeling of seeing Slovenia’s capital from an angle most travelers never do.

What’s the experience like?

Picture this: you’re wobbling a bit on a paddle board, sunlight flickering off the Ljubljanica river, and there’s the old castle watching from its hilltop like it has for centuries. I could hear the clink of coffee cups from riverside cafés as we pushed off near Spica — our guide, Jan, grinning as he handed me a paddle and promised I wouldn’t fall in (I almost did anyway). The water was cooler than I expected when I dipped my fingers in, but it felt good after walking around all morning.

We drifted right through Ljubljana Old Town — honestly, you see the city differently from here. At one point, Jan pointed up at the Triple Bridge and told us about Plečnik’s design quirks. There was a group of teenagers waving at us from above; someone shouted something in Slovenian that made Jan laugh. Passing under Dragon Bridge was surreal — those green dragons look even more dramatic up close. The air smelled faintly sweet, maybe from all those ice cream stands nearby or just summer itself. My arms started to ache halfway but then we played some silly SUP games (I lost badly). Didn’t expect to laugh so much.

I liked how small the group was — just eight of us floating along, sometimes quiet, sometimes swapping stories about where we’d come from. Jan shared bits about Ljubljana’s history between tips on not spinning in circles (which I managed to do anyway). He took photos for us too — I usually hate being in pictures but these are keepers. By the end, my legs were wobbly but my head felt clear. There’s something about moving through a city at water level that sticks with you long after you dry off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stand-up paddle boarding and city tour

• Meet at Spica Coffee café
• Learn paddle boarding basics
• Enjoy SUP games on the river
• Pass by Ljubljana Castle
• Pass by Triple Bridge
• Pass by Ljubljana Old Town
• Visit Dragon Bridge
• Take photos during the tour

Top questions

Is previous paddle boarding experience needed?

No experience is required; beginners are welcome and an introductory lesson is included.

Where does the SUP tour start in Ljubljana?

The tour starts at Spica Café on Gruber embankment in central Ljubljana.

How long does the paddle boarding experience last?

The SUP tour lasts approximately 2 hours on the water.

Are wetsuits provided for colder weather?

Yes, wetsuits are available in spring and autumn upon request.

What landmarks do you see during the tour?

You’ll see Ljubljana Castle, Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and Old Town from the river.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are nearby.

How many people are in each group?

The group size ranges from 4 to 8 people per booking.

Are children allowed on this SUP tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes all stand-up paddle boarding equipment (board, paddle, safety leash), optional wetsuit for cooler days if you ask for it, an introductory lesson with your certified local guide Jan or another instructor who knows these waters well, two hours paddling right through central Ljubljana with fun SUP games or time to just relax on your board if you prefer — plus photo memories taken by your guide so you don’t have to worry about your phone getting wet.