Jump to content Page index
Stories from Slovenia

Volleyball on Water Celebrates the Magic of the Ljubljanica River

Volleyball on Water Celebrates the Magic of the Ljubljanica River

On July 4 and 5, Ljubljana will host the third edition of Volleyball on Water, a one-of-a-kind international tournament played on a floating, illuminated court in the heart of the Ljubljanica River. 

This year’s central theme is the "magic of the Ljubljanica," and the event promises intense volleyball matches featuring athletes from 14 countries, gourmet bites by Michelin-starred chef Luka Košir, and spectacular performances on water, in the air, and on land. It remains the only volleyball-on-water tournament in the world held in cooperation with a national volleyball federation, and is supported by the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB).

Spectators will be able to follow the exciting elimination tournament from the riverbank at Novi trg, which will host a vibrant fan zone with live music, dance, acrobatics and culinary delights. Among the competitors are last year’s champions – cousins Tajda and Nina Lovšin in the women’s competition, and Czech champion Martin Melmuka teaming up with Slovenia’s Alan Košenina in the men’s. A total of 32 players from Europe, South America and Oceania will take part.

Slovenia’s volleyball star Rok Možič praised the project as a fun and engaging promotion of volleyball. Although he hasn’t yet played in the event due to national team obligations, he expressed excitement to one day try the floating court: “The movement is slower but more demanding due to the water, and the atmosphere is something special. It’s a beautiful event that brings people together every summer in the heart of Ljubljana.”

Besides top-tier sport, the accompanying programme is richer than ever. Michelin-starred restaurant Grič will serve signature dishes, including trout sashimi by chef Luka Košir. A sweet surprise will come from a partnership with Slovenian ice cream company Incom Leone.


Entertainment includes a dance performance about the mythical “Water Man” by Miha Krušič’s Pro Dance Studio, acro yoga and aerial artists from Slovenia’s Got Talent (Acro Connection), and renowned illusionist Magic Alexander, who has appeared on BBC1, Discovery, and Travel Channel. Live music will be provided by the Classy Band with a programme titled The Sound of the Ljubljanica.

The Slovenian Tourist Board, as the key institution driving responsible tourism development, recognizes and actively supports the importance of international sporting events of this kind. Such events not only reinforce Slovenia’s position as a premier and sustainable destination for active getaways and professional sports preparation, but also significantly boost the global visibility and prestige of the I Feel Slovenia brand.

More details and the full programme

Cover photo: Siniša Kanižaj

Contacts

Global public relations and Marketing
e-mail address: press(at)slovenia.info

Sign up for the Trade News

Be up to date about what’s happening in Slovenian tourism. By subscribing to our newsletter you will receive the latest trade news in the field of tourism and other current information on a monthly basis.

Share with friends

This content is not available in Russian language.

Please visit the homepage or select another language.