Špica is a relaxed riverside lawn at the end of the Trnovo embankment. The Ljubljanica is best enjoyed here by kayak or SUP rather than for swimming.
Špica is a relaxed riverside lawn at the end of the Trnovo embankment in Ljubljana, Slovenia, about 2 km south of the Old Town, where the Ljubljanica river meets the Gruber canal. It is not a swimming beach: the shore is a grass embankment with no sand, and the Ljubljanica is not an official bathing site. Swimming is discouraged because of currents, boat traffic and variable water quality. Instead, Špica is where locals sunbathe on the grass, picnic, meet friends and spend long summer evenings by the water.
The river is calm and slow-moving here, a green-brown colour typical of an urban waterway, and the sheltered setting means there is no surf or strong wind. Paddling is the main water activity, and kayaks and SUP boards can be rented from the riverside. Going afloat gives a quiet view of the Trnovo bank, the willow-lined channel and, on longer routes, the city centre. The mood is sociable and informal, a mix of locals, cyclists and visitors rather than a party scene, although summer river events add some life.
Facilities include the Cafe-bar Špica and food kiosks, shaded benches, and a cycling path along the embankment. There are no sun loungers or lifeguards, and no designated changing area, so visitors who plan to paddle should arrive ready. The grass is usually busiest on warm weekend afternoons and early evenings.
Access is easy. The walk from Prešernov trg along the river takes about 30 minutes and passes several of the city's architectural landmarks, including works by Jože Plečnik. LPP buses run to Trnovo, and the riverside cycling path makes a bike ride a pleasant option; route details are at lpp.si. Parking nearby is limited, so walking, cycling or public transport is usually more practical. For genuine swimming, the better choices near Ljubljana are Zbilje Lake, Bled and Bohinj, while Špica suits visitors looking for a green, water-side place to relax within the city.
| Distance | About 2 km south of the Old Town |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Walk of about 30 minutes from Prešernov trg along the river, LPP buses to Trnovo, or a bike ride along the Ljubljanica path |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | June-September |
| Address | Špica, Cesta v Mestni log, Trnovo, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia |
Amenities
- Grass embankment beside the Ljubljanica and the Gruber canal
- Cafe-bar Špica and food kiosks
- Kayak and SUP rental from the riverside
- Shaded benches and a cycling path
- River events in summer
Good to know
- Best for
- couples, solo, sunbathers, photographers
Location
Špica, Cesta v Mestni log, Trnovo, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
46.0388, 14.5087 View on map
Highlights
- Grass embankment where the Ljubljanica meets the Gruber canal
- Kayak and SUP rental from the riverside
- Cafe-bar Špica and food kiosks beside the water
- Walk or cycle along the river from the Old Town
- Summer riverside events and relaxed evening atmosphere
Tips for visiting
- Do not plan on swimming; paddling and sunbathing are the usual activities.
- Walk or cycle from Prešernov trg along the river; the walk takes about 30 minutes.
- Visit in the late afternoon or early evening when the lawn is at its liveliest.
- Hire a kayak or SUP board for a calm paddle along the river.
- Bring sun protection, as shade on the grass is limited.
When to visit
June to September, especially late afternoons and evenings on warm days. Weekends are busiest.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors swim in the Ljubljanica at Špica?
Swimming is discouraged. The river is not an official bathing site and has currents, boat traffic and variable water quality.
What can visitors do at Špica?
Common activities are sunbathing on the lawn, picnicking, kayaking or SUP paddling, and visiting the cafe-bar and food kiosks.
How far is Špica from the centre of Ljubljana?
It is about 2 km south of the Old Town, a walk of around 30 minutes from Prešernov trg along the river.