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Stories from Slovenia

Choose the green way of visiting Slovenia

Follow the green instructions below and help us preserve the beauties of Slovenia for future generations. 

Join us on a sustainable journey

Slovenia is one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world, and has been declared the world's first green destination. Our exceptional natural assets and rich cultural heritage inspire us to preserve and care for them in the best possible way.

We take pride in our vast forests, clean water resources, remarkable biodiversity, and well-preserved natural environment. We nurture and actively preserve our cultural heritage. We are committed to a sustainable path and continuously seek ways to contribute even more to the preservation of the treasures we have inherited from our ancestors so they can be enjoyed by future generations.

But we also need your help. Take a look at some of our tips to make your visit to Slovenia greener and to travel more responsibly.

Welcome to our green journey

A few facts about green Slovenia

To begin, take a look at a few interesting things that place Slovenia among the greenest destinations in the world.

Icon of three green trees.
Green Fact 1
60% forests
Icon of two hands surrounding a tree.
Green Fact 2
one third protected areas
Icon of a green river flowing through a landscape.
Green Fact 3
one of the most water-rich countries – drinking water almost everywhere
Icon of a bee with green wings.
Green Fact 4
exceptional biodiversity
Logo of the Slovenia Green label.
Green Fact 5
more than 270 holders of the Slovenia Green label
Logo Slovenia Green Destination Premium.
Green Fact 6
six destinations with the platinum Slovenia Green label
Icon of a person walking with a backpack.
Green Fact 7
an extensive network of cycling and hiking trails
Michelin Green Star logo.
Green Fact 8
nine Michelin Green Stars

Feel the green before coming to Slovenia

When planning your holiday in Slovenia, choose environmentally friendly modes of transport, travel and accommodation.

A woman with a backpack stands on a train platform next to an arriving train in a bright urban setting.

Travel to Slovenia by train or bus or choose an airline that is engaged in a programme to reduce its carbon footprint.

A wooden walkway leads through a green forest to treehouses among lush foliage.

Book holiday accommodation that has a Slovenia Green certificate. Certified providers treat waste water, waste and energy responsibly and are closely involved in the local community.

A mountain road winds through a green valley, with a vehicle parked beside it and high rocky peaks rising in the background.

The greenest experiences in Slovenia are organised by certified tourist agencies. If you wish to travel in a particularly sustainable way, tourist agencies with the Slovenia Green certificate will be glad to help.

Choose a green way of travelling around Slovenia

Discover the beauties of Slovenia with a great deal of responsibility and respect towards its natural and cultural heritage. Only together will we be able to preserve this green country for future generations.

Respect nature and its assets

In Slovenia you will be surrounded by greenery at every step. We are particularly attentive to our natural environment due to its rich flora and fauna. This is also the reason why as much as one third of Slovenia's territory is protected. Be a considerate visitor in nature and respect its balance.

 

A mountain hiking trail with a man on the path, surrounded by greenery, leads toward white rocky peaks in sunlight.

Help preserve the delicate balance in natural areas by sticking to existing paths. Cycling or walking outside of trodden paths can cause biotic imbalance.

A brown bear stands among dense green vegetation in a forest, surrounded by leaves and grass.

Respect wild animals. When you enter their home, be careful to maintain an appropriate distance. Do not feed animals in their natural habitat. Be equally respectful towards domestic animals.

A lady’s slipper orchid with a yellow blossom and red petals stands out against a dark, blurred background.

Show your loved ones that you can be romantic without trampling on grass or picking flowers. Blossoming meadows provide pastures for native Slovenian bees, our queens of pollination.

Responsibility towards yourself and nature

When entering natural habitats, remember that you are a guest and respect your "hosts". Follow our guidelines for responsible visits to the natural environment.  If you are heading into the mountains, ensure your safety, check current weather and snow conditions, and plan your route carefully.

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Be responsible towards the environment

Be it in the city or in the countryside, the connection between Slovenians and their natural environment can be felt every step of the way. Town centres are within a stone's throw of the natural surroundings. Let’s strive for a zero-waste society and keep our environment clean, healthy and safe.

A man and a woman on bicycles near a city fountain, with historic buildings in the background and a woven basket on the handlebar.

Use public transport for travelling and explore new places on foot or by bike.

A woman fills a bottle with water from a natural spring in a green forest setting.

The water in Slovenia is clean and drinkable everywhere you go. We recommend bringing a reusable bottle to avoid buying plastic ones.

A waterfall cascades down a rocky wall into a natural pool, with two people standing by the water surrounded by greenery.

Help us preserve the abundance of our water resources by taking a quick shower instead of a bath and by closing the tap while brushing your teeth.

A man sits in a forest clearing beside a wooden tree stump, with a dog standing nearby and green woodland in the background.

Separate your waste and dispose of it in designated places. When exploring natural areas, bring your waste, including cigarette butts, to the nearest town.

A woman fills a glass with drinking water from an outdoor tap.

Try to reduce the amount of waste you produce, particularly single-use plastic. Use cloth bags, reuse your water bottle and order your drink without a straw.

A wooden mountain interior with an armchair by a large window overlooking snow-covered mountains.

Contribute to conserving energy when renting accommodation by declining a change of towels and room cleaning. Turn off the lights and air conditioning when you don’t need them.

A woman lies on a massage table, with a small bowl of honey beside her head and a calm green landscape visible through the window.

Choose environmentally friendly soaps and cosmetics that aren’t harmful to fragile ecosystems.

Respect cultural heritage and local people

Every place has its own traditions and cultural treasures that we carefully protect. Some of these treasures are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Friendly and hospitable locals add to the charm. Be respectful and kind to them in return.

 

A man stands beside a wooden beehive holding a honeycomb, in a green rural setting with a wooden house in the background.

Respect the locals and their culture. Don’t invade their personal space or take pictures of them without permission.Respect the dress code and religious traditions.

Several people socialize over coffee in a garden surrounded by greenery and a rural setting.

Learn a few basic Slovenian phrases and bring a smile to your hosts’ faces. Hello = dober dan, thank you = hvala, How are you = kako ste, this is very good – to je zelo dobro.

A group of people sits at an outdoor table sharing a meal with various dishes, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills.

Taste the rich Slovenian cuisine and support local farmers by selecting traditional Slovenian dishes made from local seasonal ingredients.

Hands shape an ornate wooden gingerbread mold with a floral pattern, with traditional carved cookies and wooden tools lying on the work surface.

Buy local. Support local artisans and artists by complimenting their work or buying their products. Choose handmade souvenirs instead of mass-produced ones.

A group of people gathered around a richly set long wooden table raises glasses of wine in a toast.

Visit traditional events to discover Slovenian habits, customs and traditions.

A rolling green landscape with hills, meadows, and scattered houses, illuminated by soft morning light.

Avoid overcrowded tourist sights. Explore hidden corners of less visited destinations instead and enjoy truly authentic experiences.

Experience the life and customs of Slovenians

Are you curious about how Slovenians spend their free time, how we celebrate and what we love to eat? What are our customs, traditional crafts and famous personalities?  Learn some interesting insights and facts about the life, work and customs of Slovenians.

Step into the shoes of Slovenia's locals

Hold green Slovenia dear to your heart

So, are you excited about Slovenia yet? Spread the word! Share your experiences, discoveries and impressions with others and pass on the green mentality that will accompany you throughout your visit to Slovenia.

A group of people with backpacks stands outdoors, observing a plant held by a woman, with trees and a wooden viewing structure in the background.

Encourage other travellers to act responsibly. If you notice that someone is unintentionally harming the environment or local community, please kindly point it out to them.

Several people stand around a table on a covered terrace, discussing a laid-out plan, surrounded by a natural setting.

Help us improve our tourism offer by informing us of any potential shortcomings you experience during your green visit to Slovenia. We will be happy to lend an ear.

A hand holds a smartphone, photographing a mountain landscape with forests and layered hills in the background.

Open your heart to green habits and also incorporate them into your routine back home. Share your positive experiences with friends and help us spread a green mentality.

Green stories that inspire

As a boutique green destination, Slovenia strives to create unique, authentic experiences and stories that reflect its commitment to sustainability. Discover some of Slovenia's remarkable green stories, featured on the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories list.

Green inspiration from Slovenia

Listen to and feel green Slovenia

Embark on an audio journey across Slovenia. Immerse yourself in meditation to the sounds of nature, be inspired by traditional customs and crafts, and feel the vibrant pulse of city streets.

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Enjoy Slovenia's audio stories

What will your green path be?

The choice is vast. To make it easier, here are some stories about green Slovenia to inspire your green holiday.

Take a tour through our green story

Watch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.

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Feel the touch of green Slovenia

Discover green corners of Slovenia and follow its green stories. Enjoy local flavours, unspoiled nature and green cities.

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Stories from Slovenia

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