STRANGE OLD LJUBLJANA
with Mark Baker, writer for Lonely Planet
Mark emerging from an abandoned lead mine, 35 miles northeast of Ljubljana
Looking for some unusual attractions in Ljubljana, Slovenia? Look no further.
In this episode, we talk to local expert Mark Baker, writer for Lonely Planet.
Mark Baker is a travel writer, blogger and author with a penchant for offbeat stories and forgotten places. Originally from the United States, he now calls Prague home. In addition to writing Lonely Planet Slovenia, he’s also the author of Lonely Planet Prague & Czechia. Follow his work at markbakerprague.com
In this episode you’ll find out…
How Jason (of ‘and the Argonauts’ fame) founded Ljubljana… maybe
Why ‘hot horse’ is a more literal description than ‘hot dog’
Where you can cycle and kayak through miles of underground mines
…and so much more.
You’ll find all Mark’s picks on the podcast website: www.strangeoldworld.com
Follow Mark on X and Insta and check out his blog: markbakerprague.com
Mark’s latest Lonely Planet Slovenia guidebook is out in spring. Pre-order now
Better yet, if you read Czech, buy his book! It’s Čas proměn (Time of Changes)
Want to know more about Mark’s espionage entanglement? Follow these links:
Part 1: Introducing ‘Inter’ — the first in a five-part blog series
Follow Joe on X or Instagram or get in touch at info@juniorproductions.co.uk
Listen now
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Picks of the pod
Here’s a list of all the Strange Old Ljubljana suggestions of Mark Baker. Attractions marked with an asterisk (*) are included on the map below.
Strange thing to see in Ljubljana: Dragon Bridge*
Strange thing to do in Ljubljana: Metelkova mesto* — stay at Hostel Celica
Strange event in Ljubljana: Ljubljana Dragon Carnival* (bonus shoutout: Ptuj Dragon Carnival)
Strange food: Horse meat — try it at Hot Horse*
Strange myth in Ljubljana: Jason slaying a dragon — look for dragons at Ljubljana Castle*
Strange day trip from Ljubljana: Peca Underground Mine, Mežica*
Straight-up recommendations for Ljubljana: Jože Plečnik architecture (including Triple Bridge, National Library, Plečnik House, Žale Cemetery), Ljubljana Castle, water sports on the Ljubljanica, Central Market (visit on Fridays for the Open Kitchen Festival), take a tour with Matej Kandere at Slovenia Outdoor
Why visit now/when to visit: Visit in summer for the Ljubljana Festival, but it’s an all-year-round destination
Strange sight elsewhere in the world: Merry Cemetery, Romania
Joe’s end-of-pod pick: James Joyce sculpture*