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Upper Carniola (Gorenjska) Among Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Places to Go in Europe 2026

Published:
4.11.2025

Upper Carniola (Gorenjska) Among Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Places to Go in Europe 2026

Slovenia has once again captured international attention – this time through Condé Nast Traveler, which named the country’s Upper Carniola (Gorenjska) region among the Best Places to Go in Europe in 2026.

A collage showcasing Slovenia’s Upper Carniola region: Top – tranquil Lake Bled with its island church, autumn colors, and snow-capped Julian Alps. Bottom – a modern alpine hotel, the Škofja Loka Passion Play in a medieval street and a fine-dining plate r

Described as “a gem hiding in plain sight,” the northwest corner of Slovenia impressed editors with its balance of breathtaking nature, emerging cultural scene and new high-end hospitality offer. Laura Zhang highlighted the Julian Alps, Lake Bled, Triglav National Park and fairy-tale villages that make the region one of Europe’s most alluring destinations for 2026.

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Condé Nast Traveler points to a major year ahead for Slovenia: the rollout of a new digital nomad visa, the opening of the Lah Museum on the slopes below Bled Castle – showcasing more than 800 works from the private collection of Igor and Mojca Lah – and the opening of the new Kneipp NaturHotel Snovik, a €22 million investment becoming Slovenia’s highest-altitude thermal spa.

A young woman sits outdoors in a city setting, smiling as she works on her laptop and checks her smartphone. She is dressed in a light gray coat and scarf, with colorful historic buildings softly blurred in the background, suggesting a relaxed, modern work-from-anywhere lifestyle typical of digital nomads in Slovenia.

More about the digital nomads in Slovenia

Gorenjska’s culinary excellence also took centre stage. The article celebrates the growing number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Slovenia – nine in total in 2025 – with Hiša Franko and chef Ana Roš maintaining their three stars and Green Star distinction for sustainability.

History lovers, the feature adds, will find inspiration in Škofja Loka, where the UNESCO-listed Passion Play returns to the medieval streets in 2026 after a six-year hiatus, brought to life by 900 local performers.

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Condé Nast Traveler’s recognition only reaffirms what travelers have long discovered – Slovenia’s charm can no longer remain a secret.

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If you’re curious to learn more about what 2026 holds for Slovenia, explore our article Slovenia in Focus: Ten Highlights Defining 2026.

Contacts

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

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