Beer has special significance in Slovenia. Don't be surprised if someone invites you for a beer. It doesn't have to turn into hedonistic binge drinking late into the night. What is important is the beer-drinking culture and moderation, so that there is a very little chance that you will wake up hungover. Visiting boutique craft breweries and tasting unusual craft beer brands can be a great gourmet journey for your taste buds. And if you are not a beer lover, you can experience it in other ways. You can even get pampered by it. Solve riddles. In short, let's go for a beer - while being smart, moderate and a bit curious.
Did you know?
Since 2007, World Beer Day has been celebrated on every first Friday of August.
The story of beer begins in green hop gardens. Did you know that Slovenia is among the largest producers of “green gold” in the world? The hop growing centre of Slovenia is the Lower Savinja Valley, where you can learn in greater detail about the hop growing and beer making tradition at the Ecomuseum of Hop Growing and Brewing in Žalec.
The first written records about beer brewing in the area of today’s Slovenia date back to the 12th century. The boom of micro and craft breweries began in the 19th century. During this time, there was a brewery in Mengeš, from which three bottles of the oldest preserved beer in Slovenia, and even in continental Europe, are kept at the Mengeš Town Museum. After World War II, the forerunners in the brewing industry were the Union, Laško, and Talis breweries, while in recent years there has been a rapid growth in the number of microbreweries.
In the country with a rich hop growing and brewing tradition, you can enjoy different flavours of beer – be it lager, ale or any other type of beer. Microbrewers, in particular, like to experiment with different flavours, so boutique beers are a special experience for the taste buds. Take a peek behind the scenes of the brewing story and get to know some inspiring stories from Slovenian craft breweries.
Beer can also be an inspiration. For unforgettable experiences. For exceptional stories. For friends. From the first beer fountain in the world to unusual tastings. From pampering to an escape room. Fill up your glass with experiences based around the brewing tradition and beer.
Strap on your backpack and set off on a sports and culinary journey that reveals stories about beer and freedom in the place with the most breweries per inhabitant in the world. Each stop during light sports activities will be accompanied by beers from the excellent craft brewers of Kamnik and modern dishes from local providers. The legendary Beer of Freedom will inspire you to aim for new ventures, and a visit to the largest microbrewery in Kamnik will add the finishing touch to your beer experience.
As you explore Žalec, the hop growing capital of Slovenia, you will find in the town centre a truly special fountain, from which beer flows. One decilitre of local beer varieties can be poured from each tap. For this, you need a special mug equipped with a chip, which you can purchase in several locations in Žalec.
In Laško, the brewing tradition is so deeply rooted in all aspects of life that it has even found its way to a wellness centre. In Thermana Laško, you can thus feel the beneficial effects of beer on your skin. Literally. Certain ingredients in beer nourish and pamper the skin, fill it with vitamins and preserve its vitality, while at the same time having a relaxing and soothing effect. They integrate beer flavours into their cuisine. They also invite you to explore the brewing tradition trails and experiences in the surroundings of the thermal spa.
A special task awaits you in the place where the first mug of Laško beer was brewed – you must discover the brewer's gold. It sounds simple, but to get to the green treasure, you will have to solve many riddles, crack codes and use your senses and a lot of imagination. Are you ready for your brewing mission? The clock is ticking…
Many people in Slovenia primarily associate Laško with the legendary Zlatorog pale lager, which is the most recognisable beer produced by the famous brewery, which has been operating in Laško for more than 200 years. Of course, this popular beer is accompanied by other beers, and it not only goes down well in a glass, but in culinary delights, too. The best way to get to know the two-hundred-year-old brewing tradition in Laško is in the company of a brewer or on a beer and flower hike where, in addition to beer, you can learn about other things that Laško has to offer.
Do you already have a passport for beer lovers? If not, then it is high time to get it and go on an excellent beer trip around Slovenia. Awaiting you are fifteen stations - fifteen microbreweries where you can explore the local beer scene. You can buy your booklet from any of them, and place the stamps of each brewery in it, entitling you to special prizes and benefits.
Embark on an all-day adventure during which you will be refreshed by the river on the one hand and excellent craft beer on the other. Take a canoe ride on the Ljubljanica River from its green source to the lively urban centre of the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. Don't worry, your effort will be rewarded with a tasting of six types of beer from Ljubljana brewers, which you will pour into a special commemorative glass. This is accompanied by delicious snacks, after which you can end the day with a tour of the brewery and socialising in its taproom.
Take a look at the hustle and bustle along the Ljubljanica River and the masterpieces of the world-famous architect Jože Plečnik from the perspective of the waterway while tasting local types of craft beer. On the boat ride, the guide will tell you many interesting stories related to the river banks and bring you closer to the everyday bustle along the river, while you taste the beer of four Ljubljana microbreweries.
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h3>Beer tastings in the dark
Have you ever tried a beer in the dark? If not, then you are invited to the tunnels under Ptuj Castle, where, in addition to beer, you can also taste wine in the dark. As you’ll find out, in this way your taste buds experience the flavours of beer or wine even more intensely. It is also definitely worth exploring the history and urban legends hidden in the underground corridors.
Maribor is famous as the city with the oldest vine in the world, but it also has excellent microbrewers. You can get to know them best if you go on a guided tour of the city, thereby combining a tour of the city's sights, a visit to the most popular socialising spots and a tasting of different types of beer from six local brewers.
What also shows that beer is popular among Slovenians are the many festivals where beer plays the main role, some of which are also accompanied by other culinary treats; burgers, Carniolan sausage and local specialities. The largest beer festival in Slovenia, which also has the longest tradition, is the Beer and Flowers Festival in Laško, and almost every year a new one joins it.
You can treat yourself to a beer practically everywhere. But it's a special experience when you enter an authentic pub. There are quite a few of these in Slovenia. Here are some of the most popular ones that you should definitely visit.
Regardless of where you decide to eat, ask for Slovenian wine, beer, water, juices and other excellent Slovenian produce. If you can, visit the establishments of the best Slovenian chefs and don't forget that Slovenian specialities also make great souvenirs.
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