Slovenia has proven itself an excellent host for competitions at the highest level. This year, Slovenia has already hosted the Men's Volleyball World Championship, which was held in a great atmosphere. But this boutique, green, active country at the heart of Europe has not yet finished with major competitions in 2022. From 4 to 20 November, it will host the EHF European Handball Championship for Women, along with North Macedonia and Montenegro.
Europe's best women's handball teams will therefore be fighting for the European title in November. "Play with heart", says the slogan of the championship. Slovenia is hosting this championship at two venues – Ljubljana and Celje. Ljubljana Stožice Stadium will be the venue for Group A, which includes Norway, Croatia, Hungary and Switzerland, while in Celje, at the Zlatorog Hall, the Slovenian women will play in Group B, alongside handball players from Serbia, Sweden and Denmark. The Slovenian capital Ljubljana will also host Group I in the continuation of the championship and the final battles of the championship.
When you are not in Ljubljana Stožice or Celje Zlatog cheering on your favourites, you can take a stroll around the city and find the highlights and experiences that will make your visit to Slovenia even more exciting.
Ljubljana is one of the greenest capitals in Europe, with more than 540m² of public green space per capita. The greatest mark on the city was made by the famous architect Jože Plečnik. His architectural masterpieces have even led Ljubljana to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Slovenian capital was also voted Europe's Best Destination in 2022.
Embark on an unforgettable intimate experience of UNESCO Ljubljana with the master, Plečnik himself. You will walk among his greatest masterpieces and discover his visions for a modern European capital. Among other things, you can experience a lesson in Plečnik's study, drink the master's favourite coffee in the intimate atrium, count the original lampposts and learn about the harder-to-reach masterpieces with the help of VR.
Embark on an unforgettable intimate experience of UNESCO Ljubljana with the master, Plečnik himself. You will walk among his greatest masterpieces and discover his visions for a modern European capital. Among other things, you can experience a lesson in Plečnik's study, drink the master's favourite coffee in the intimate atrium, count the original lampposts and learn about the harder-to-reach masterpieces with the help of VR.
What is a typical morning like for the residents of Ljubljana? Experience it for yourself. Take a guided visit to the famous Plečnik Market and feel its lively morning pulse. You will learn the most interesting stories and discover lesser-known and hidden corners. During your tour, stop for a tasting of seasonal delicacies from local farmers around Ljubljana. Finish your morning at the market with a delicious, fresh and locally produced breakfast at one of the restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the market.
MoreIn November, Ljubljana turns into a gastronomic capital city. In the company of chefs and winemakers, you can learn about the diverse flavours of Slovenian and global cuisine, attend gastronomic events and workshops, or go for a stroll between Ljubljana's gastronomic hotspots.
MoreYou can climb up to Ljubljana Castle along the maintained footpaths or ride the funicular. Its lookout tower and walls offer breath-taking views. From here the best views of the green capital are enjoyed. Visit two museums and a series of art exhibitions, or let actors in historical costumes conjure up mysterious castle stories on guided tours. Enjoy cultural events and treat yourself to a feast in the excellent restaurants of Gostilna na Gradu and Strelec.
MoreIn the best company, visit Ljubljana's only gin and whisky distillery, where you will be shown how the process flows and what their vision is. Three selected gin cocktails are offered for tasting. In addition to visiting the boutique distillery, take a tourist boat ride on the Ljubljanica River and discover the beauty of Ljubljana from the water.
Celje is one of the oldest Slovenian towns. Located along the Savinja River, it existed as early as the time of the ancient Romans under the name Celeia. The Counts of Celje, one of Europe's most important noble families, made their mark on the town. Today, Celje is a modern, lively and green city of many experiences, and it also has a big sporting heart. Among other things, it has one of the best Slovenian men's handball teams.
You can visit the castle all year round and explore its history – from the darkest corners of Friderik’s Tower to a pleasant hang-out at the Veronika Café. The castle's history comes alive from April to October, so in summer you can enjoy concerts, performances, and other outdoor events. At the Regional Museum, learn in greater detail how the Counts of Celje used to live.
MoreYou can visit the castle all year round and explore its history – from the darkest corners of Friderik’s Tower to a pleasant hang-out at the Veronika Café. The castle's history comes alive from April to October, so in summer you can enjoy concerts, performances, and other outdoor events. At the Regional Museum, learn in greater detail how the Counts of Celje used to live.
MoreDid you know that beneath the bustling facade of modern Celje lies another city, which, because of its economic and commercial boom, was also known in its time as "the other Troy"? Descend to the ancient walls and admire the rich legacy of ancient Celeia. Here you can admire well-preserved Roman frescoes and marble statues that have retained their innocent whiteness even after so many centuries.
Everything is possible at Tehnopark Celje. The first and biggest park of science, technology and innovation in Slovenia is a place for playing, learning, socialising and marvelling at the world. Get into the techno world of puzzles and explore phenomena that challenge our minds. The techno box is ready for you to open and explore.
MoreIn the Žalec town park, stop by an unusual fountain – not water, but beer flows from it. The fountain has eight taps, and currently you can taste six local beer varieties. All you have to do is buy a special beer glass with a chip at selected locations in Žalec and then use it to pour one decilitre of each local beer variety from each tap.
More... she would certainly be one of the most popular world bloggers and Instagram influencers. Learn about the story of this fascinating woman from Celje, a world traveller and author, Alma M. Karlin, by visiting her exhibition at the Celje Regional Museum. Visit her birth house, see her statue at Krek Square, and her last home in Pečovnik.
MoreSo far, cyclists Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič and volleyball players Jan Kozamernik and Rok Možič have competed in quizzes about Slovenia. This time, however, two top Slovenian athletes, members of the Slovenian women's handball team, Alja Varagić and Barbara Lazović, competed in a playful duel that challenges their knowledge of Slovenia. How good were they?
If you have decided to support the best handball players in Europe in person, here is some useful information on how to get to Slovenia, where to find accommodation, and the current situation in the country...
10 best reasons to visit Slovenia in 2023.
You can get to Slovenia in different ways – by car or train, by air, bicycle or boat.
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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.
Everything you need to know for a green and responsible visit to Slovenia.
Slovenia is a green and safe country. Discover why it is worth choosing Slovenia as your holiday destination.
Information for a relaxed and hassle-free stay during the holidays.
Slovenia: a land of hospitable people and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Europe.
In its small corner of the world, Slovenia is the only European country lying at the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain.
Home-made or cosmopolitan: choose your ambience and menu in Slovenia.
In Slovenia, we place a lot of importance on sustainability and are attaining it with great strides. More and more destinations and suppliers are taking the green route, so it’s no wonder that more and more sporting events are following the sustainable path. Thus, the European Handball Championship will be as sustainability oriented as possible, with the organisers focusing on 12 key areas for which they have outlined their sustainability orientations.
Watch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.
Play interactive videoWatch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.
MoreSlovenia's natural resources and sports infrastructure call for active outdoor adventures. So, let's be seduced by their lure. Almost two thirds of Slovenians take part in some kind of sporting activity, with hiking and cycling being the most popular. We also have many world-class athletes and a big sports fan heart. Discover Slovenia's sporting spirit and let yourself be carried away.
Slovenia has more than 10,000 kilometres of well-marked hiking trails, from international long-distance trails to shorter themed ones. The possibilities for different types of cycling are endless. Wild Alpine rivers provide refreshment and adrenaline rushes, which you can also find in the air. In winter, you can ski on the organised ski slopes, which are linked by a single ski pass.
MoreSlovenia has more than 10,000 kilometres of well-marked hiking trails, from international long-distance trails to shorter themed ones. The possibilities for different types of cycling are endless. Wild Alpine rivers provide refreshment and adrenaline rushes, which you can also find in the air. In winter, you can ski on the organised ski slopes, which are linked by a single ski pass.
MoreIn Slovenia, we love sports. There is no better bonding element than passionate cheering for our athletes. Slovenian fans have often contributed their heartfelt support to major sporting achievements of our athletes. Feel that fan fever. Let it capture you too.
MoreSlovenian athletes are attaining top results and winning medals in numerous sports. Perhaps you would not consider this unusual if you were unaware that Slovenia is a nation of (only) 2 million people. How is this possible? See what a renowned former Slovenian sport journalist thinks about it and discover the formula of Slovenia's successes.
MoreSlovenia is a nation of top-class athletes. We are a true phenomenon when it comes to the number of medals and achievements per capita. There are many reasons why this is so – from the natural gifts to our character.
MoreIf you run out of time to explore all the sights of Slovenia during the European Handball Championship, at least you’ll be able to gather as many ideas as possible to put together a travel itinerary for your next visit. We are sure you will fall in love with Slovenia's green and active landscape and be eager to return.
In its small corner of the world, Slovenia is the only European country lying at the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain.
Small towns for big adventures.
Enter the world of original adventures.
Must-see attractions in green Slovenia!
Feel the beneficial effects of the green natural environment in Slovenia.
Love is experienced through the stomach.
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