Slovenia
A global, green, & boutique destination for the demanding visitor
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ZH Slovenia occupies a small corner of Europe but includes four different worlds: the Alps, the Mediterranean coastal towns, the limestone hills (karst), and the eastern plains. 60% of Slovenia is covered by forest. Over a third of the country is protected for nature conservation. This is why Slovenia sustainable tourism is flourishing.
Some of the most beautiful places are still rather unknown. They offer unspoiled nature and ancient traditions, including how to make food and drinks, such as special beers and wines
Learn more on the Slovenian Green Destinations, experiences and tours at www.slovenia-green.si
Sustainability
In 2016, Slovenia was recognised by Green Destinations as the worlds first green country destination. This is the result of hard work by the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB).
Getting there
There are three international airports in Slovenia, but heading to Slovenia can be more sustainable and simple. Direct trains connect the biggest Slovenian cities with important towns of all neighbouring countries. You can also reach Slovenia with international long-distance buses that connect larger European cities. You can even board a catamaran between Venice and Koper.
Getting around
Trains will take you to most of the bigger cities in Slovenia and every part of the country is reachable by bus. One drives a car to areas that are harder to reach (using car-rent and car-share too). Ride share is used by many people to travel between different parts of the county. On top of that, some towns also have bike-share and scooter-share systems.
To enjoy more of Slovenia sustainable tourism, those who are interested can also hike long distances. You can walk along the Slovenian Mountain Hiking Trail, the European Long Distance Paths E6, E7 and E12, the Way of Saint James (Camino), the Saint Martin of Tours Route, and the Alpe-Adria Trail.
Tourism & People
Slovenia has become a popular destination. This can be seen during summers in the centre of Ljubljana, in Bled, and in the northern part of Socha Valley. Hence the Slovenia Tourist board is now implementing measures to prevent over-tourism.
It is a very safe country for travellers and human rights are very well respected.
Travel tips from our editors
Avoid over-tourism!
Still relatively unknown to wide crowds, Slovenia tries to avoid over-tourism. If you really want to visit Ljubljana and Bled, think about coming in the off-season. Or better yet, there are so many less touristic places to visit and support Slovenia sustainable tourism. They are full of urban history, natural beauty, and top service that you could explore in calm. Your senses would be thankful.
Visit our top destinations
Interested in nature and humanity? Visit Slovenia, where for ages we live and do more than just speak about sustainability. Befriend people and reveal the history of the old towns while your eyes enjoy the splendor of nature. It’s possible to enjoy Slovenia sustainable tourism in a day. However, to visit the Mediterranean region, Alps, and Pannonic plain, you might want to stay longer. Learn about the history, connect with the people, and try the regional food!
Everybody needs to eat
At the crossroads of Slavic, Germanic, and Romanesque cuisine, expect everything and more. While Michelin-starred restaurants are new in Slovenia, old village inns, mountain huts, and farm tourism pamper guests with our grandmothers’ cuisine. Don’t hold back, no one will stay hungry, and everyone will take away a satisfying experience.
Discover Slovenia by public transport : 12 top green destinations in 14 days!
Discover Slovenia by public transport : Part I
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Suggested places to visit
Alpine Slovenia
Enjoy a mountain breeze in urban surroundings just under the most eastern peaks of the Alps. The western part of region is dedicated to action, the eastern more to relaxation. Take time to visit Alpine mountains and rivers, kayak and camp in the west, or take family vacations in the eastern valleys and hills.
Activities in nature
Take a pletna boat ride to Bled Island, climb to the Bled Castle, get refreshed in the sparkling Bohinj Lake waters. Climb the peaks of Triglav National Park and visit numerous huts at high mountain lakes. Prolong the journey with a scenic museum train along Soča Valley just down to the Mediterranean region. Get in touch with white water experiencing rafting, canyoning, and fishing in Soča river.
Relax in green
One can make unforgettable memories from staying at touristic farms in Solčavsko, where glacier valleys are surrounded by the Karavanke mountains. Hiking Pohorje Massif means discovering shades of green in colors of land, woods, and marsh lakes in the warmer part of year. Slovenia’s biggest ski resorts await you here in winter, just uphill from Maribor, the Slovenian gourmet metropolis.
SUGGESTED TRIPS & TOURS
Solčava Panoramic Road (bike tour of wonderful views over Karavanke peaks); Lovrenška jezera & Pohorje; Velika planina.
Thermal Pannonian Slovenia
Well-being is the buzz-word here in the land of healing waters. Pamper yourself at natural health resorts (some with a long history) that are close to 1000 year-old towns! Many are situated among sunny hills with vineyards. Don’t forget to tribute a visit to touristic farms with authentic and hearty local cuisine!
Well-being and relaxation
Thermal and mineral waters are the basis for wellness treatment in Rimske terme, Radenci, Rogaška, and other spas. But other hotels, apartments, tourist farms, or glamping – they all connect you to nature and local cuisine which is based on local ingredients and recipes that date back hundreds of years. The wine growing region is mostly known for white wine varieties, but locals are particularly proud of some indigenous wines and wines with protected geographical indications.
History
Castles and convents give a glimpse into our history. Not just the historic towns of Ptuj, Celje, Novo mesto, Kostanjevica na Krki, Žužemberk, and Metlika, but also Ptuj and Celje castles, a set of castles in the Posavje region, and various convents and monasteries, such as Žiče and Olimje, related to the traditions of herbalism, cheese making, chocolate making, etc. are worth visiting.
SUGGESTED TRIPS & TOURS
Velenje Underground (a gastronomic adventure); River Mura ecosystem.
Mediterranean &
Karst Slovenia
The Slovenian coast is short, only 40 kilometres long, but not any less interesting. In the south of the region, old medieval fishing towns, authentic and protected natural coastline, and modern hotel resorts follow each other as closely as tourist marinas. Do you just want to smell the salty wind or is learning about the country and the customs more important for you? You will be able to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in the interior of the country. There your senses will thank you and never forget!
Indulge in tastes and nature
The remains of the salt pans remind us of a past difficult life. It is presented today only for the sake of preserving the memory. The underground world of Postojna Cave and Škocjan Caves will leave your mouth open. But the beauty of white Lipizzaner horses, at home right here in the Karst, will open your heart. If you drive along the Soča Valley past Brda to the north in the direction of the hills, you need to make a stop. Try some local food and especially the wines that this land at the transition from the Mediterranean to the Alps offers.
SUGGESTED TRIPS & TOURS
Vipava valley (world famous wines, fruit festivals).
Ljubljana &
Central Slovenia
A great starting point to fall in love with Slovenia’s special features. The capital lives with a thousand faces of urban culture and art, festivals, and events. It is joined with the marsh where the oldest wheel in the world was discovered. Green trails around Central Slovenia lead to places of UNESCO heritage of humanity and primeval forests.
Urban cultural experience
Discover Plečnik’s Ljubljana in the cultural centre of Slovenia, ascend to the castle, take a boat ride. Visit museums and galleries, enjoy festivals and numerous other events. Stroll around the old centre of Kamnik and hike the Velika planina Plateau. Also, don’t miss out on tasting shepherd’s cheese and other local dishes.
Pristine natural experience
Search for brown bears and forest honey, hiking the most pristine nature and primeval forests in Kočevje region. Or enjoy swimming in Slovenia’s warmest river Kolpa on the crossroads of religions and nationalities in the EDEN destination in Bela Krajina.
SUGGESTED TRIPS & TOURS
Moustache Tour (cultural cycling tour through Ljubljana); Ljubljana Castle for you (castle and culinary experience in a medieval fortress).
Sustainability Recognitions
Slovenia was featured in the 2020 Global Top 100 Sustainable Destinations.
Slovenia received the award of ‘Best of Europe’ at ITB Berlin 2020.
Mrs. Maja Pak
Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB)
"This pandemic has brought the biggest crisis yet in tourism, but it has also underlined the advantages of Slovenia: we have been consistently developing sustainable and responsible tourism for the last decade, and we can say that today, Slovenia has become a type of destination future travellers will be looking for, green and safe. The 2020 Sustainable Top 100 Destination Award in the category Best of Europe, that we received at this year's ITB Berlin proves that our decision for the development of responsible tourism was the right one. We are even more proud of the fact that throughout this year, the number of members of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism has grown and many businesses have expressed interest to join despite difficult circumstances. This shows that commitment to sustainability in Slovenia is wide-spread and can be found in all sectors of our tourism industry, not just on the national level. With sustainability at the core of all our activities, even at this unprecedented time, tourism will become more resilient and will recover sooner."
Rasto Kirn
Page Editor
A researcher and gourmet at heart, registered architect and spatial planner by profession. Because of love for travel and his wife’s profession, ventured into the tourist waters. Active in the initial stages of tourism project development. Based in Maribor, the second-largest city in Slovenia. Presents his region on social media, calling Maribor the foodie capital of Slovenia based on his own international experience.