Celebrate World Bee Day with us

The United Nations declared 20 May World Bee Day. The initiative came from Slovenia. Check why.

Harmony between humans and bees

Bees play an important role in nature, and for the survival of humankind too. In Slovenia, people are very aware of their incredible mission, so bee-keeping has strong roots in Slovenian tradition. Blooming meadows and forests are home to the Carniolan honeybee, an indigenous Slovenian sub-species of bees. It is known for its characteristics, such as docility, diligence, humility, and a great sense of orientation.

Did you know?
Beekeeping in Slovenia, a way of life, has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2022.
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These characteristics are also seen in the people who take care of the bees and live with them. Throughout history, Slovenians have spread their extensive knowledge of the life and work of these hard-working insects around the world. Today, you can learn about the Slovenian bee-keeping tradition and the applications of bee products in very exciting ways. Slovenia breathes with bees, so it is no wonder that this was the birthplace of the idea of World Bee Day.

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Slovenia, the land of bees and beekeepers

Did you know that Slovenia has the most beekeepers per capita in the world? Get to know the Slovenian beekeeping tradition through the eyes of a British journalist, an organic farmer who runs the bee-friendly Garden of Flavours not far from Lake Bled, a leading beekeeper who spreads knowledge about bees around the world and runs a Carniolan honey bee breeding programme, and the first urban beekeeper, who maintains beehives on the roofs of several buildings in Ljubljana.

Feel Slovenia the Podcast #7: A Bee's Eye View on Slovenia

Why is 20 May World Bee Day?

The initiative to declare World Bee Day came from Slovenia, and the date that was selected was the birthday of the great bee expert from the 18th century, Anton Janša. Janša was the first bee-keeping teacher in the court of the Habsburg Empress Maria Theresa. By introducing bee-keeping methods that were successfully used by Carniolan bee-keepers, he caused a real revolution in bee-keeping of the time. Among other things, he introduced honey flow, re-defined the role of drones, and wrote all of his findings in two books, which are still a useful manual for many bee-keepers.

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Beekeeping in villages below Mt Stol

Learn about Anton Janša, the pioneer of modern beekeeping, by visiting his birthplace in the area of Žirovnica, where you can see Janša's Apiary in Breznica and enjoy his legacy by tasting local honey...

The history of beekeeping in Radovljica

Explore the rich tradition of beekeeping, including unique folk art – painted beehive panels – at the Museum of Apiculture in Radovljica, where you can also see an exhibition on Anton Janša, which has...

Green and bee-friendly Slovenia

Beekeeping is deeply rooted in the Slovenian consciousness. Slovenia is one of the leading EU countries in terms of the number of beekeepers per capita, and the Carniolan honeybee, a native bee species in Slovenia, is one of the most widespread honeybees in the world. The well-preserved natural environment offers good conditions for beekeeping. Learn about our green story through an interactive video and discover why Slovenia is a paradise for beekeeping and bees.

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Listen to stories about Slovenian beekeeping

The beekeeping tradition is carried on by beekeeping societies around Slovenia, which are joined together in the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association. Beekeepers can be found primarily in the countryside, although urban beekeeping is growing in popularity. Bee-related tourism has also been flourishing.

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Guided excursions and tours

You can learn about the Slovenian beekeeping tradition by tasting honey delicacies on guided excursions and tours.

Beekeeping tourist guides

Beekeeping tourist guides will be able to answer many of your questions related to beekeeping and bees and acquaint you with the life and importance of these tiny animals.

Resting with the bees

Unique honey experiences are waiting for you at certified providers, whom you will recognise by a sign with one, two or three bees.

Honey stories on Google Arts & Culture

Meet the hardest “worker” in Slovenia – the native Carniolan honey bee – and discover its products and positive attributes through stories on the Google Arts & Culture platform. Find out what inspired the folk artists who transferred their creative impulses to beehive panels. Discover why it is good to listen to bees and breathe the same air as them.

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Experience beekeeping stories in a modern way

In recent years, beekeeping in Slovenia has again been gaining momentum thanks to the interesting experiences through which one can gain insight into the lives of bees and learn about the beneficial effects of their products.

Slovenia – the land of beekeeping

The rich beekeeping tradition is the basis for many beekeeping experiences in Slovenia. Beekeeping is embedded in Slovenian cuisine, pampering centres and folk art. The green, pristine natural environment is an excellent habitat for the native Carniolan honeybee, which produces the protected Slovenian honey.

Slovenia – the land of beekeeping

Satisfy your sweet tooth with honey and feel its revitalising energy

In the past, people already knew about such sweetness and the positive effects that honey and bee products have on one’s well-being. Find out where you can taste honey in Slovenian traditional and modern cuisine and how bee products can be an elixir of health, vitality, and energy. Enjoy the flavours of honey with a protected geographical indication.

Visit bees for wellbeing

Bee-keeping has a rich tradition in Slovenia. If bee products once had an important place in cuisine and candle making, they are nowadays also used for body pampering treatments and maintaining health: from honey massages to inhaling beneficial aerosol in apiaries. Find honey treatments in spas and health resorts.

Experiences inspired by bees and honey

Immerse yourself in the beekeeping tradition. Visit beekeepers and taste original bee products. Learn about the typical beehive architecture and travel through history at beekeeping museums. Create dishes or souvenirs from bee products. The soothing energy of beehives can be your path to relaxation and well-being.

Did you know…

Bees are faithful life companions and should be respected and protected. Our existence depends on them. Do you know why? See the facts below.

Bees pollinate more than 170 species of plants.

Every third spoonful of food in the world depends on pollination.

Bees are also excellent biological indicators of how clean the environment is.

For a kilogram of honey, a bee must visit 4 million flowers and fly a distance equal to four times around the world.

In harmony with nature

Nature has a special importance in Slovenia. We take care of our natural environment and strive to preserve it for generations to come. We accept its gifts and include them in all aspects of life.

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Best glamping experiences in Slovenia

Slovenia is a destination for top glamping experiences!

Green story of Slovenia

Plan your holidays in green.

The best for gourmets

Discover why Slovenia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for gourmets.

Slovenia’s flavourful wellness experiences

Try various wellness programmes, which use very tasty ingredients.

Famous people who have marked historical towns and cities

Learn about the important historical personalities who have left their mark on Slovenia’s historical towns and cities.

Farm stays that tell a green story

Choose a holiday on one of the farm stays whose sustainable attitude is proven by the Slovenia Green Label.

Local high-quality brands in green destinations

Choose local quality brands in green destinations marketing short supply chains and interesting local delicacies.

Discover nature

Feel the beneficial effects of the green natural environment in Slovenia.

Follow the bees

Get to know the land of bees, beekeepers and honey love. Certified beekeeping providers, tourist farms, places of original ethnological heritage and green nature await you in Slovenia. Draw your own Slovenian beekeeping trail!

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Celebrate World Bee Day with us

Harmony between humans and bees

Slovenia, the land of bees and beekeepers