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. 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.
Spend a bee-keeping day in Slovenia
Slovenians are proud of their bee-keeping tradition, so celebrating World Bee Day is something quite special. Accept an invitation and spend some time with bees and bee-keepers in your favourite way.
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. You can learn more details about him by visiting his birthplace in the area of Žirovnica, where you can also see Janša’s Apiary in Breznica and enjoy his legacy by tasting local honey and products. Explore the rich tradition of bee-keeping, including the unique folk art – painted beehive panels – at the Museum of Apiculture in Radovljica, where an exhibition on Anton Janša has also been prepared to observe World Bee Day.
Hear the stories of Slovenian bee-keeping
The bee-keeping tradition is carried on by bee-keeping societies around Slovenia, which are all members of the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association. You can mostly find bee-keepers in the countryside, even though urban bee-keeping has been increasing in popularity. Tourism is also flourishing more and more. Join guided trips and tours and explore the wealth of Slovenian bee-keeping and modern experiences accompanied by bee-keeping tour guides.
Experience bee-keeping stories in a modern way
In recent years, bee-keeping in Slovenia has once again gained momentum thanks to interesting experiences through which people gain an insight into the lives of bees and learn about the positive effects of their products. You can find them with certified providers, which can be recognised by their bee label. A number of api therapies, honey wellness, workshops for painting beehive panels, and tasting honey and honey products will convince you to come and spend some time with bees. Accommodation facilities with bee-keeping stories are also a unique experience – Medena Vas near Mozirje with beautiful honeycomb-shaped cottages stands out.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with some honey and feel its re-vitalising energy
In olden days, people knew about the sweetness and the positive effects that honey and bee products had on one’s well-being. Learn about how 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 protected designation of origin.
Perhaps you didn’t know ...
Bees faithfully accompany humans in life, so they need to be respected and cared for. Our existence strongly depends on them. Do you know why? Here are some facts to convince you.
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.
Embrace bee-keeping experiences in Slovenia
You can encounter Slovenian bee-keeping tradition at almost every step. You can explore, spend a night, pamper yourselves, or simply satisfy your cravings with everything that bees and bee-keepers have to offer.
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!