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Stories from Slovenia

CONSTELLATION OF THE BEST STORIES FROM SLOVENIA 2022

Stories, achievements and the people that enthused and inspired us in 2022.

🌿 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. 

The year that is coming to an end brought back life to Slovenia – new and old guests (you, our friends from all corners of the world), unique experiences, exceptional events, and innovative stories. This was, or still is, a year full of challenges but also opportunities for a more sustainable, responsible, friendly and inclusive tourism. For a greener Slovenia. Let the last story in 2022 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 2022. 

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. National Geographic placed Slovenia among the 25 most exceptional places and communities to visit in 2023 in the Nature category. 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

"In Slovenia, a longtime leader in sustainable tourism, set off on new gastrotourism biking routes that visit farms, vineyards, cheesemakers, and other food producers." More

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Le Monde: Charming Lake Bohinj

Le Monde: Charming Lake Bohinj

The wild beauty of Slovenia’s largest permanent lake, situated in the heart of the Julian Alps, has also enchanted the French newspaper, Le Monde.

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Explorer: Walk of Peace among the four best new long-distance trails

Explorer: Walk of Peace among the four best new long-distance trails

Explorer, the online community of travellers, hikers and adventurers, has ranked the Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic as one of the four best new long-distance trails in the world.

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Die Presse: Soča, a river of opposites and beautiful "to die for"

Die Presse: Soča, a river of opposites and beautiful "to die for"

The Austrian newspaper Die Presse, in its reportage, portrays Soča as a river of opposites: a natural paradise and a hell of world war, as a playground for adventure and a place for meditation.

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Le Figaro: Five good reasons to explore Ljubljana

Le Figaro: Five good reasons to explore Ljubljana

Slovenia's green capital, Ljubljana, has caught the attention of the French newspaper Le Figaro, which has listed five reasons why it is worth a visit.

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The Guardian: Climb to Triglav among 6 epic mountain hiking trails

The Guardian: Climb to Triglav among 6 epic mountain hiking trails

Triglav has great symbolic significance for Slovenians, but the climb to the Slovenia's highest mountain has apparently also impressed the UK's The Guardian, which has listed it among the six epic mountain hiking trails in Europe.

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Lonely Planet: Ptuj and Maribor as starting points for exploring eastern Slovenia

Lonely Planet: Ptuj and Maribor as starting points for exploring eastern Slovenia

Discover the land of unique charms, as eastern Slovenia is called by the renowned travel media Lonely Planet. The best places to start are Maribor and Ptuj.

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Condé Nast Traveller: Ljubljana among 21 European cities with a charming winter image

Condé Nast Traveller: Ljubljana among 21 European cities with a charming winter image

Slovenia's capital impresses in all seasons. It has also convinced the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller, which has included it in its list of European cities that are also charming in winter.

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CNN Travel on Predjama Castle

CNN Travel on Predjama Castle

Predjama Castle is considered to be the largest cave castle in the world. Its exceptional location and grandeur attracted the attention of the CNN Travel web portal, which prepared a special report on the castle.

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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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Slovenia - cohost of the 2022 European Handball Championship for Women

Slovenia hosted the 2022 European Handball Championship for Women along with Montenegro.

Tour of Slovenia

Tour of Slovenia

The traditional multi-day Tour of Slovenia has a different route every year, taking top-level cyclists to different parts of the green country. In recent years, it has gained importance with live broadcasts on Eurosport.

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The world's volleyball elite in Slovenia!

Slovenia was one of the hosts of the Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2022.

Giro in Slovenia

The first of the Grand Tour road cycling races, the Giro d'Italia, took a turn to Slovenia in 2022. The 19th stage took the competitors along the Soča Valley between Učja and Kolovrat.

Janja Garnbret

The first lady of sport climbing, the G.O.A.T, who elegantly tackles the most demanding climbing challenges, as if she was from another planet.

Discover the home country of basketball player Luka Dončić

Discover the home country of basketball player Luka Dončić

Do you know where Luka Dončić comes from? Set off to explore the young basketball prodigy’s home country.

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A former ski jumper becomes a world-class cyclist

A former ski jumper becomes a world-class cyclist

All you wanted to know about Primož Roglič’s cycling career.

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What is the secret of the success of Slovenian athletes?

heck out some of the reasons why the green country in the heart of Europe has so many top athletes.

Tadej Pogačar – the wonder boy who stunned the cycling world

Tadej Pogačar – the wonder boy who stunned the cycling world

“Never quit trying and never give up,” is the motto of this young man, who has won the most prestigious cycling race in the world – Tour de France – two times in a row.

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A walk in Ljubljana, my birthplace! When I want to show Slovenia to my friends, it's really difficult to choose from among all the many beautiful places. The Gorenjska region with its stunning views of the Alps, Bled, the Postojna Cave and, of course, the coast are always the winning choices.

Luka Dončić basketball player, NBA superstar, Slovenia Men National Team member

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. As of 2022, the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism, the internationally recognised and multi-award-winning tool for sustainable tourism development in Slovenia, consists of more than 250 members. These include sustainability-oriented destinations, accommodation providers, natural parks, tourist agencies, attractions and two beaches.

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" ... this small country of two million people, blanketed by around 60% forest, has established itself as a world leader when it comes to sustainability." 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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We don't have caviar or classical chocolate. Our dishes are - with the exception of certain spices - 100 percent local. We cooperate with almost one hundred farmers. Almost all our vegetables come from Mt Kolovrat above the Soča River, where they are grown in accordance with biodynamic principles.

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

CULINARY STARS

The stars of Slovenian cuisine continued to shine. Top-notch, innovative and genuine Slovenian chefs proved that they were not mere shooting stars in the culinary sky and have convinced the experts and inspectors of the renowned Michelin Guide of their excellence for the third time in a row. The Michelin constellation now includes nine splendid star-studded restaurants and many more received accolades for their sustainable approaches and other criteria. The Guide in total features 57 Slovenian restaurants.

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Tomaž Kavčič, Pri Lojzetu – Zemono Castle, Vipava Valley

Tomaž Kavčič, Pri Lojzetu – Zemono Castle, Vipava Valley

The most innovative European chef of 2017 according to the JRE, an association of young chefs and restaurateurs, is the only Slovenian recipient of the prestigious Italian Cuoco d'Oro award. He draws inspiration from traditional "poor man’s ingredients"...

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Ana Roš, Hiša Franko, Kobarid

Ana Roš, Hiša Franko, Kobarid

The master chef, who is the best female chef in the world according to The Best Chef Awards 2024, finds ingredients for her masterpieces in the valley of the Soča River. After finding love, she gave up her diplomatic career and devoted herself to the...

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Uroš Fakuč, Dam Restaurant, Nova Gorica

Uroš Fakuč, Dam Restaurant, Nova Gorica

Uroš's kitchen is filled with aromas of the Mediterranean. His ingredients of choice are fish and seafood, which he skilfully combines with other quality local ingredients to create bold combinations.

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Milka, Kranjska Gora (David Žefran)

Milka, Kranjska Gora (David Žefran)

A restaurant in which the charm of Lake Jasna and surrounding mountain peaks is reflected in the perfection of dishes prepared from local ingredients incorporating a wide selection of herbs and original methods of ingredient preservation.

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Restavracija Strelec, Ljubljana (Igor Jagodic)

Restavracija Strelec, Ljubljana (Igor Jagodic)

The romantic medieval ambience of the archers' tower at the Ljubljana Castle blends perfectly with the creativity and recognizable modern style of chef Igor Jagodic's elaborate dishes, full of details, colors, freshness and unusual combinations of flavors.

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Hiša Linhart, Radovljica (Uroš Štefelin)

Hiša Linhart, Radovljica (Uroš Štefelin)

In the romantic old town centre of Radovljica, local tradition and innovative cuisine are uniquely intertwined by chef Uroš Štefelin in a charming medievall house.

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Luka Košir, Grič, Šentjošt nad Horjulom, Chef of the Future

Luka Košir, Grič, Šentjošt nad Horjulom, Chef of the Future

With the innovative use of local ingredients and connection with nature, Košir completely transformed the philosophy of family cuisine. His dishes are an adventurous journey for the eyes and taste buds.

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Michelin Stars in Slovenia

Michelin Stars in Slovenia

The most prestigious gastronomic guide in the world has recognised the quality of Slovenian gastronomy and added Slovenia to its list of new destinations. See which restaurants received Michelin stars.

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Gregor Vračko, Hiša Denk, Zgornja Kungota

Gregor Vračko, Hiša Denk, Zgornja Kungota

Gregor Vračko is a unique culinary rebel with no established style and predictable menus, preferring his work to be guided by intuition, which occasionally compels him to incorporate elements of his family’s traditions. He learned his skills from top...

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Wines of Slovenia

Discover famous Slovenian wines and wine cellars.

Filip Matjaž, COB Restaurant, Portorož - chef of the future

Filip Matjaž, COB Restaurant, Portorož - chef of the future

Filip Matjaž is passionate about cooking outside the box and uses this approach to create a fun, unexpected and interactive experience for the palates of his guests.

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A CONSTELLATION OF STORIES

The online site 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 2022.

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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 900.000 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 attractions and the most hidden corners that we discover and share together. Are you already following our publications under #ifeelsLOVEnia?

5*: NEW & RENOVATED ACCOMMODATIONS IN SLOVENIA 2022

A modern complex in the centre of Ljubljana with a roof-top pool. An urban hostel for fun-loving travelers. A legendary alpine guest house right next to Lake Jasna, which has been renovated into a superb boutique hotel. Idyllic country houses where time stands still. Or glamping with a view where you'll feel like you're nesting in the treetops. What will you choose for your next holiday in Slovenia? We're unveiling the latest and most exciting accommodation renovations and openings in Slovenia.

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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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STARS OF THE FEEL SLOVENIA PODCAST 🔊

We are constantly thinking about new ways of sharing the stories about Slovenia with audiences. In the global collection of podcasts, you can now listen to two provided by the Slovenian Tourist Board. In the Feel Slovenia podcast, the host, Dr Noah Charney, speaks to interesting people and together with them reveals inspiring stories about Slovenia, from traditions and special features, to stories about successful individuals.

Listen to the Feel Slovenia podcast

UNESCO GALAXY IS RICHER FOR TWO SLOVENIAN STARS

Although, in 2021, we were delighted about the inscription of The works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana – Human Centred Urban Design on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Slovenian collection had increased by two more inscriptions on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage by the end of this year, i.e. Beekeeping in Slovenia, a way of life, and Lipizzan horse breeding traditions.

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I come to Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, for my everyday training and to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the streets and the convivial atmosphere on the embankments of the Ljubljanica River. At home, in the Koroška region, I enjoy the tranquillity of the forests and hills. And this is the charm of Slovenia: it's so diverse!

Janja Garnbret  sport climber, Olympic gold winner, and multiple World and European champion

STARS OF BUSINESS MEETINGS

Slovenia is a country of countless opportunities for networking and designing authentic and boutique programmes for travels, holidays and adventures. At the time when meetings at fairs and exchanges were not a prudent course of action, we designed innovative online training courses. Would you prefer to meet in person? Check out the calendar of business events or attend the Slovenian Incoming Workshop (SIW).

An increasingly better known secret, Slovenia is one of the world’s last great forest paradises, full of beautiful places to visit and teeming with delicious things to eat.

Ann Abel, Forbes

NFT GALAXIES OF THE FUTURE

Slovenia proved once again that it is an innovative and forward-looking destination that co-creates global trends, utilises new technologies and boldly enters the world of blockchain and metaverse. It is specifically the first country to issue NFTs in the form of a collection of 15,000 unique 3D digital icons, exclusive panoramas and 360-degree high-resolution photographs. This presents a new platform for the promotion of Slovenia as a tourist destination. The story will continue, as the new NFT collection and the exclusive event that is to take place in 2023 were presented by the STO in partnership with the Julian Alps at WTM London.

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW

Awards and accolades proudly received by the Slovenian Tourist Board in the year that is coming to an end.

 

 

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SoMo

The 'I feel Slovenia. My way.' global digital campaign has won the first place in the SoMo Global category as the most successful digital campaign with a global reach.

Emmy

A travel documentary about Green Slovenia filmed by the American producer and TV host Ashley Colburn received the prestigious Emmy Award. The project was created with the support of the Slovenian Tourist Board.

Golden City Gate

At the Golden City Gate Awards, the STB received the diamond award for the Slovenian Stories digital collection, which was a partnership project between the global non-commercial initiative Google Arts & Culture and the STB. The STB also received...

T.A.I. WERBE GRAND PRIX 2022

At one of the most prominent competitions in the field of promotional materials in the German-speaking market, T.A.I. WERBE GRAND PRIX 2022, the STB received the silver award for the 'Outdoor Slowenien – Bewegung in der Natur auf meine Art' publication...

Websi

At WEBSI, the largest competition for digital projects in Slovenia, the STB won second place for the 'My way of escaping to Slovenia' web platform in the tourism category for innovative approach to virtual communication with the foreign business public....

Best of the world 2023

National Geographic placed Slovenia among the 25 most extraordinary places and communities to visit in 2023.

IGCAT

The Taste Slovenia portal was the winner in the sustainability category among top 10 websites for gourmet travellers in 2022, as selected by the international jury of the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT).

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, we are particularly proud of the brand-new general catalogue about Slovenia called Slovenia. My Way of Exploring Diversity. Browse through it!

Slovenia, a general tourist guide

Get to know Slovenia, a destination for responsible people who appreciate nature and health, local culture and authentic experiences and wish to explore the contrasts between four geographical areas. Presentations of tourism products are accompanied by invitations from Slovenian athletes, top chefs awarded with Michelin stars, and experienced guides as part of the Slovenia Unique Experiences project.


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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