CONSTELLATION OF THE BEST STORIES FROM SLOVENIA 2021

Stories, achievements and the people that enthused and inspired us in 2021.

🌿 Slovenia. A sustainable destination in the green heart of Europe.🌿

A small piece of the world hides the diversity of pristine nature, picturesque cities, cultural heritage and startling peculiarities. Unique, authentic, boutique adventures await you, as well as hospitable faces of Slovenian tourism – top chefs, generators of 5-star experiences, local travel guides, wellness professionals, committed hoteliers, etc. And us, the creators and explorers of the Slovenian Tourist Board.

One more year has passed which, the same as last year, was marked by changes, adjustments, novelties. A year full of challenges and even opportunities for better and more sustainable and friendly tourism. For a greener Slovenia. Let the last story in 2021 be an inspiring collection of memories about notable publications, achievements in sports, several awards and other achievements of the passing year. And the people that made it so exceptional. These are the stars and galaxies that shone the most in 2021.

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CULINARY STARS

During the year in which Slovenia was bestowed the title European Region of Gastronomy 2021, the stars of Slovenian cuisine shone again. Top, innovative, pristine Slovenian chefs have proved that they are not just falling stars on the gastronomic sky and have convinced the connoisseurs of the famous Michelin Guide for the second year in a row. The Michelin galaxy therefore includes five outstanding restaurants with stars, and more of them have been recognised due to their sustainable approaches and other criteria. In addition to the two Michelin stars, the culinary master Ana Roš from Hiša Franko also ranked 7th in the Best Chef Awards 2021, and Maša Salopek (also from Hiša Franko) was declared the best pastry chef in the world.

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In my eyes the kitchen is a symbiosis of three elements – the environment, the seasons and the chef’s personality.

Ana Roš – the chef who won Hiša Franko its Michelin stars for the second year in a row

SPORTS STARS AND HIGH-PROFILE SPORTING EVENTS

When effort, talent and above-human effort of an individual merge with pristine cheers and crossed fingers, the best medals multiply in their value. This is how it is in Slovenia where the achievements of our athletes are celebrated loudly and passionately. We had a lot to celebrate for in 2022! Champions who call green Slovenia their home can be found all around the world, such as basketball wunderkind Luka Dončić, sport climber Janja Garnbret, cyclists Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič and many others. Love for sports can be noticed at every step, especially at international sporting events hosted by Slovenia. There were quite a few such events in 2022, e.g. the Tour of Slovenia (and a section of the stage of the famous Giro d'Italia), the Men’s Volleyball World Championship, the European Women’s Handball Championship, and World Cup events in various disciplines. We’re proud of all of them.

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When you are good, you can be good everywhere! But every athlete knows that victory in front of the home crowd is the best. Olympic medals, medals from the largest races are a major treasure, but that nice feeling comes from the Tour of Slovenia. I invite our colleagues to our hills and turns!

Tadej Pogačar – two-time Tour de France winner and recipient of an Olympic medal

COVER STARS

Slovenian proverb states “a good name is better than riches”. The name of Slovenia reached several global medias that recognised it as a trendy tourist destination, mainly due to its sustainable and boutique direction. See which media placed Slovenia on the pedestal of the most attractive and sustainable tourism destinations in the world.

Slovenia in the eyes of the global media

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IF ONE WORD COULD DESCRIBE SLOVENIA, IT WOULD BE GREEN – LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY.

Lonely Planet has placed Slovenia fifth among the top 10 destinations to visit in 2022

STARS OF SUSTAINABILITY 🌿

Slovenia is committed to sustainability. It was the first country in the world that was given the title Green Destination. Tourism is developed in an environmental, visitor friendly and local community friendly way. The green scheme of Slovenian tourism, the internationally recognised and rewarded tool for the development of sustainable tourism in Slovenia, achieved a new milestone in 2021. The Slovenia Green family now includes more than 180 members. The latter includes sustainable destinations, accommodation providers, natural parks, tourist agencies and attractions.

The prestigious global travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller once again named Slovenia one of the top 10 sustainable destinations to visit in 2022. More

Take a tour through our green story

Watch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.

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Take a tour through our green story

Watch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.

A CONSTELLATION OF STORIES

The online portal Slovenia.info has fresh, rich, informative stories for you every month, which include the most beautiful locations in Slovenia, its destinations and attractions, novelties and tips for the most pristine and unforgettable experiences in Slovenia. Our stories are created in close cooperation with professionals and those who know tourism products best – everything from active outdoor experiences, self-indulgences and taking care of oneself in Slovenian SPAs, to city and cultural attractions and gastronomic delights. Go through some of the most interesting stories that were created in 2021.

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THE GALAXY #IFEELSLOVENIA

What does it mean to be a star in the galaxies of social media? For us, these are not just numbers and algorithms (despite being proud of our 1.7 million followers of our profiles). These are stories that we know how to present in an innovative, informative, pristine, and visually amazing manner. They are enthusiastic responses and comments of people who are in love with Slovenia, just like us. They are iconic figures and the most hidden corners that we discover and share together. Are you already following our publications under #ifeelsLOVEnia?

“This compact Central European country with its fairytale mountain scenes of Baroque-spired churches and wooden hayracks has long since punched above its size as a hero of green tourism.”

Condé Nast Traveller – 12 sustainable destinations we’d love to visit in 2022: The nourishing mountains of Slovenia

A CONSTELLATION OF UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Discover the most unique stories and experiences that you won't find anywhere else. Let yourself be inspired by the 5-star boutique experiences under the Slovenia Unique Experiences label. Here you can experience the uniqueness of Slovenia with all your senses and in an unforgettable way. In your own way.

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Experience Velika Planina

A culinary and cultural experience of one of the largest still functioning shepherd settlements in Europe. 

Kayaking adventure through the underground of Mount Peca

Become a part of an underground adventure in which you will row through the flooded tunnels of the largest lead and zinc mine in this part of Europe.

Mediterranean fish cooking workshop with Irena Fonda

Master the skill of preparing the best seafood dishes right by the sea.  

A hike with "sheep salting" above Češka koča

A hike on centuries-old Jezersko shepherding trails with an experienced mountaineer.

Culinary time machine

A culinary walk through the history of Ljubljana Castle in the company of costumed guides who will serve you with delicious dishes and fascinating facts from their time.

Beer Way to Freedom Tour

An experience that presents the rich microbrewing activity of Kamnik in an active and fun way. 

Dreamy nights in a hayloft at the Firbas Homestead

Experience the charm of the Slovenian countryside at one of the most traditional homesteads in Prlekija.

Break your Bela krajina flatbread with friends

Learn how to bake Slovenia's most famous flatbread in the company of locals.

Rock'n'Roll of flavours

Let your taste buds be captivated by rock cuisine.

Sound of holiday

Discover the charm of the festive season as it used to be in the Gorenjska countryside.

In the footsteps of the first cave explorers

An adrenaline-fuelled adventure in the most famous karst cave in Europe, which will transform you from tourists into explorers.

Adrenaline-pumping mountain bike descent on the Black Hole Trail

Feel the adrenaline rush of a mountain bike ride through the abandoned tunnels of the Mežica Mine under Mount Peca.

From pumpkin to oil – the story of a family oil mill with a lasting tradition

Get to know the story of the creation of first-class pumpkin seed oil at one of the first oil producers in Slovenia.  

Mysteries of submerged villages

Learn about the mining tradition of the Šaleška Valley and discover the traces of sunken villages.

Melody of the Forest

An experience in which the melody of the forest takes you on a path to inner harmony.  

An unforgettable day at the Fonda Fish Farm

Learn about the story of the best farmed fish in the world and enjoy its incredible taste.

Fish & Fly Trio

An unforgettable experience of nature and gastronomy beside three Slovenian rivers.

Flight to the tannery of Europe

Learn about the leather tradition of Šoštanj and discover the story of the most prestigious leather tannery in Europe.

Meet Meat & Eat – a story about meat worthy of your time

Become an aged meat connoisseur and a master of cooking delicious steaks.

Charcoal burner for a day

Learn the skills of charcoal making, one of the oldest trades in the world. Work with a charcoal-making family, learn about the craft and discover how charcoal is still useful today.

The wild Soča Valley through the lens

Join an experienced hunter on a photo hunt in the wilderness of the Soča Valley and get to know the rare wild animals found in the kingdom of the Goldhorn.

Discover the natural habitat of bears

Enter the world of the mysterious forests of Kočevje and explore the nature in all its primal glory. This area is home to the largest brown bear population and the highest number of primeval forest remnants in Europe.

Master Plečnik

An epic journey with the visionary architect Plečnik around UNESCO's Ljubljana.  

Creative handicraft workshops

Ljubljana is still home to master artisans who practise crafts that many people thought were extinct. These crafts are part of the cultural heritage, still present and alive in the city centre.

Vintage Gourmet Tour

A nostalgic journey in legendary classic cars through Istria’s olive groves.

Mushrooming with Dr. Fungi

A woodland adventure where you will learn all you need to know about mushrooms while relaxing and having fun.

Secret rooms of the Hotel Jama

Experience spy intrigues in the secret rooms of the former regime’s secret service.  

Experience Untouched by Light

Taste the world's first sparkling wine produced in complete darkness.

Magnificent seven – inspiring stories of Posavje castles

Wander among the Posavje castles with a cultural and culinary touch. 

Velenje Underground – a gastronomic adventure 160 metres below the surface

Experience a world-class gastronomic adventure in Slovenia's deepest dining room. Enter a time machine and become a part of an underground adventure on one of the thickest layers of coal in the world.

Rowing with Olympic rowers on Lake Bled

Accompanied by top athletes, complete the most scenic rowing course in the world.

Yummy Market Walk

Learn about how people from Ljubljana spend their mornings and begin your day at the Central Market.

SLOVENIAN STORIES ON THE GOOGLE ARTS & CULTURE PLATFORM

Slovenia is the green heart of Europe, with a diverse and magical natural landscape and rich cultural heritage, customs, legends and tales that merge into a single story of a charming land between the Alps and the Adriatic, between the Pannonian plains and the mysterious Karst. Picturesque stories that represent the green country and its people in a unique way have come to life on the Google Arts & Culture global platform. Visually stunning stories present Slovenia to the world audience like never before, through a mixture of exquisite images, carefully written stories, illustrations, videos and even folk tales that can serve as bedtime stories for the youngest ones.

Step into Stories

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STARS OF BUSINESS MEETINGS

Slovenia is a country of countless opportunities for networking and making authentic and boutique programmes for travel, holidays and adventures. In the period when meetings at fairs and stock markets were not the first choice, we designed virtual commercial events, workshops and meetings.

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“They call the Soča the emerald river. To my eyes it’s turquoise, or sometimes a shocking shade of sapphire. Or like crushed crystal, coaxed into flow. Either way, it’s irresistible.”

The Guardian - Slovenia’s new Juliana Trail reveals a land of water, rock and forest

A CONSTELLATION OF INFORMATION

For more information about Slovenia, specific activities, tourism products and destinations, there are several publications available to you. We are creating rich, informative print and digital publications for the general and business community, which we print or upload online. This year’s novelty are the two interactive manuals!

Slovenia is waiting for you to explore it. In your own way.

If you’re looking for that perfect green and safe oasis, you’ve come to the right place. Slovenia is the green heart of Europe, where everyone can find something for themselves. It’s difficult to find such a small region offering so much anywhere else in the world. Four different worlds are combined into a magnificent symphony that can be felt in culture, gastronomy and natural wonders. Whether you enjoy walking well-trodden paths or prefer to turn off the beaten track, you will find stunning beauty and boutique experiences tailored just for you everywhere you go.

We are ready to offer you the best we have. With a great deal of responsibility, your visit to Slovenia will be enjoyable and unforgettable.

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Top 10 sights

Must-see attractions in green Slovenia!

10 evergreen reasons to visit Slovenia in 2026

10 best reasons to visit Slovenia in 2026.

Spas and health resorts

Rest, relax and enjoy the soothing power of thermal waters and wellness treatments.

Active holidays

Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.

Thermal Pannonian Slovenia

Pannonian Slovenia – a place to relax in natural spas, try prekmurska gibanica and meet the storks.

Alpine Slovenia

Alpine Slovenia, at the heart of the mountains, along lakes and rivers. Visit Triglav National Park, Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora and the Soča Valley.

Ljubljana & Central Slovenia

Liveliness of the capital and nature hikes – to primeval forests.

The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia

Enjoy the warmth of the seaside sun caressing your skin or descend to the mysterious world of underground caves.

Stories from Slovenia

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CONSTELLATION OF THE BEST STORIES FROM SLOVENIA 2021