Largest sporting events in Slovenia in 2026

Slovenia is renowned for being an organiser of top sporting events, and is also home to supreme athletes who win medals in the highest-ranking competitions. Check out the 2026 sporting calendar.

Slovenia, a land of excellent athletes

Despite its small size, Slovenia has many world-class male and female athletes who have won medals in major sporting competitions. In general, Slovenia is a very athletic country, as most of its people take part in some type of physical activity. Slovenia is also famous for being an excellent organiser of sports competitions. Certain venues and competitions have been listed on the calendars of international sports federations for a number of years. Feel Slovenia’s heart beating for sports, cheer on athletes with us, or try out one of the many sports activities yourself.

Top winter sports venues in Slovenia

In winter, you can cheer for your sports heroes at five venues during the Alpine skiing, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, biathlon and snowboarding World Cup events. In addition to attending these competitions, you can have fun at the events accompanying them.

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Winter sports’ elite on Slovenian snow

In wintertime, Slovenia hosts several world championship competitions. Check to see which winter sports’ competitions will take place in Slovenia and when you can cheer on your favourites.

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26Mar-29Mar

Planica will make history again between March 26 and 29. Four competitions will take place over four days. Two men's individual events, a women's individual...

FIS Ski Jumping World Cup Planica 2026

Rateče Planica 4 - 70

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Accept challenges in the snow

If, while watching world-class athletes, you become tempted to try sporting activities in the snow yourself, you can test most of the winter sports venues during periods when there are no competitions.

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Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026: The highlight of the 2026 winter

The Olympic spectacle in Milan and Cortina, to be held between 6 and 22 February 2026, will take centre stage in the winter of 2026. Attending the Winter Olympics will be Slovenian male and female athletes, some of whom are medal-winning talents.

Slovenia is joining the Olympic circle in Milan and Cortina

After twenty years (Turin hosted the 2006 Winter Olympic Games), the Winter Olympics will again be in the vicinity of Slovenia. It’s only a few hours’ drive to the Olympic venues in neighbouring Italy. For example, driving from Ljubljana to Milan takes five hours. This is perhaps a good opportunity to combine cheering for your favourite winter athletes at the Olympic venues in Italy with a visit to Slovenia, where you can enjoy unforgettable winter experiences, excellent cuisine and ultimate pampering.

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Facts about Slovenia

Slovenia: a land of hospitable people and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Europe.

Getting to and around Slovenia

You can get to Slovenia in different ways – by car or train, by air, bicycle or boat.

Border Formalities

Slovenia is in the Schengen Area, which means that, in general, there are no checks at the border crossings with Italy, Austria and Hungary. To enter Slovenia from Croatia, it is sufficient to have a passport or an identity document, if the visit does not last more than three months.

Where to stay

From luxury hotels to tourist farms, from private rooms to camping grounds. An exclusive offer of glamping accommodation or staying at the vineyard cottages. In Slovenia, you will find accommodation to suit every budget and every taste.

Practical information

Information for a relaxed and hassle-free stay on holiday.

Sporting Slovenia

Sport holds a special place in Slovenia. We’re proud of our sports heroes, and invest all our energy and passion in the organisation of sporting events. We enjoy being active and have a well-developed sports infrastructure. Foreign national teams and sports clubs often choose Slovenia for their preparations because here they have everything they need within easy reach. Slovenia also boasts great opportunities for organising sports conferences, education courses and other sport-related events. In addition, athletes receive first-class support and professionally managed rehabilitation in Slovenia.

Sporting Slovenia

Sport highlights in Slovenia in the warmer months

Exciting sporting events also take place in Slovenia in the warmer months, when mainly cycling and running competitions are at the forefront. Furthermore, Slovenia hosts some major indoor and water competitions as well. Get your fan props ready to cheer on world-class athletes or take on the challenge yourself by participating in recreational sporting competitions.

Chasing the titles of European champions in Slovenia

Sports enthusiasts will have at least two good reasons to visit Slovenia next autumn. The European championships in two sports will be held in Slovenia in October, namely the UEC Road European Championships and the European Table Tennis Championships.

A large group of cyclists races along a curving road with lush green hills and a quaint village in the background, under a cloudy sky.

The UEC Road European Championships

3 – 7 October 2026

Follow the races for the titles of European champions in road cycling in different age categories in the homeland of cycling superstars, Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič.

More about the European Road Cycling Championships in Slovenia

View of a packed indoor basketball arena. Fans fill the stands around a brightly lit court.

The European Individual Table Tennis Championships

11 – 18 October 2026

Cheer on the best European table tennis players as they compete in Ljubljana next October for the titles of European champions.

More about the European Table Tennis Championship in Slovenia

Other major international events in Slovenia

In 2026, Slovenia is also hosting several other European and world championships that will attract fans from all over the world. As early as January and February, the Stožice Arena in Ljubljana will host matches of the UEFA Futsal Championship. Women ice hockey players will come to Slovenia in April to compete in the World Championship Division II. Arriving in the summer will be mountain runners ready to compete in the European Mountain and Trail Running Championships. Another two world championships are scheduled to take place in late summer, when biathletes will compete for world champion titles in the summer biathlon at Pokljuka, while veteran rowers will arrive at Lake Bled at the beginning of September to take part in the World Rowing Masters Regatta.

Traditional summer sports competitions in Slovenia

Fans of cycling, running, hiking and sports climbing are in for a treat during the summer months in Slovenia. Check out which competitions taking place in Slovenia have found their way onto Slovenian and international sport calendars.

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Summer experiences in the spirit of champions

Get to know the summer Slovenia as experienced by top-level athletes and outdoor activity enthusiasts.

Top road cycling tours

Road cycling is gaining in popularity among Slovenians on the wings of successes of Slovenian professional cyclists. We have our own "treats" for the most enthusiastic cyclists on racing bikes. Discover some of the most popular road cycling tours where top Slovenian cyclists have been making names for themselves.

Top road cycling tours

Tame the wild waters like whitewater canoeists

Slovenia also has a number of top-level kayakers and canoeists, starting with the reigning Olympic silver medallist Peter Kauzer and European champion Benjamin Savšek. Feel some of the adrenaline they experience on the rapids of the country’s clear rivers. The wildest experience awaits you on the emerald beauty of Soča, while other Slovenian rivers will also be able to provide you with a challenge. If not exactly in a kayak or canoe, maybe in some other vessel.

The sky's the limit

Discover the most attractive climbing challenges in Slovenia. Climb via ferrata of various difficulty levels to reach places that offer magnificent views. Try one of the 113 natural climbing sites. Visit indoor climbing centres and solve the riddle among grips like Janja Garnbret.

Slovenia is a hiker's paradise

Hiking trails criss-cross Slovenia, and you would be hard pressed to find a place where your hiking boots would not come in handy. Slovenia has more than 10,000 kilometres of maintained and marked trails, which is a good reason why you should explore this green country on foot. See for yourself what makes hiking Slovenia's most popular activity.

Ride for kilometres on long-distance bike trails

Some are part of international trails, other connect interesting places in Slovenia. Long-distance cycling routes in Slovenia lead you through the green country and reveal its diversity. With all the attractions along the way, the kilometres will fly by.

Slovenia = a land of champions

Slovenia has catapulted many sports stars into the world spotlight. Many of them have won medals at all major competitions and made their mark not only on the Slovenian, but also on the global history of sport. No wonder, then, that Slovenia is one of the few countries in the world to dedicate a special holiday to sport. Check out some of the greatest achievements and the current most famous faces of Slovenian sport.

Feel the sporting heart of Slovenia

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Tadej Pogačar – cycling genius and his homeland Slovenia

Get to know the Slovenian grandmaster of great cycling races, Tadej Pogačar.

Janja Garnbret – The queen of sport climbing

Meet the Slovenian female climber and ambassador of Slovenian tourism who pushes the boundaries of sport climbing.

Luka Dončić, the Slovenian NBA star

Discover Slovenia, the homeland of the extraordinary basketball player Luka Dončić, and feel its sporting heart.

Primož Roglič – from ski jumping to cycling to Olympic gold

Discover the cycling routes of Slovenia, the homeland of Primož Roglič, a top cyclist who became the Olympic champion at the Tokyo Olympics.

Top athletes, the ambassadors of Slovenian tourism

What’s the common denominator of cyclists, Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič, basketball player, Luka Dončić, and sports climber, Janja Garnbret? All four of them are not only Slovenian sports superstars, but they have also attained global fame with their achievements and uniqueness. By doing so, they contribute to Slovenia’s reputation, too. Take a closer look at their inspiring stories and learn more about them.

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Five cycling experiences in Slovenia picked by Tadej Pogačar

Cycling experiences in Slovenia that the two-time Tour de France winner swears by.

Janja Garnbret climbs the Triglav

More than a climb – a journey of fulfilled promises and enduring connection

Cycling in Štajerska with the Roglič family

Discover the charms of the wine-growing regions around Ormož and Ptuj with Primož Roglič's family.

Janja Garnbret trains along the Slovenian coast

Top sport climber trains along the Slovenian coast.

Slovenia's top family winter experiences as chosen by Primož Roglič

Enjoy the winter pleasures that the family of Slovenia's top cyclist Primož Roglič love.

Janja Garnbret and Tjaša Slemenšek discover Koroška

Unforgettable experiences of Carinthia through the eyes of the queen of sport climbing and her best friend.

Janja Garnbret and Ana Roš – an inspiring connection between gastronomy and sports

What do the top sports climber Janja Garnbret and chef Ana Roš have in common?

Feel like winners

Feel just a hint of the adrenaline felt by your sports heroes or simply enjoy wonderful nature. There are plenty of opportunities in Slovenia for activities in all seasons. Afterwards, you can soothe your sore muscles in spas and health resorts that are just a stone’s throw away from sports centres.

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Seven reasons why you should spend your winter holidays in Slovenia

Learn about the advantages of choosing Slovenia as your winter holiday destination.

Ten reasons to go cycling in Slovenia

Discover why it is worth choosing Slovenia for your cycling holiday.

Water activities

Vacation by rivers, lakes, in thermal spas or at the seaside.

Hiking and Mountaineering

Slovenia is a hiking paradise. More than 10,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails.

Top reasons for choosing Slovenian spas and health resorts

Go to Slovenian spas and health resorts to get fresh energy and health.

Active experiences and relaxation in spas

Treat yourself to an active break and relaxation in Slovenian spas.

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Largest sporting events in Slovenia in 2026

Slovenia, a land of excellent athletes