Tourism’s connection to local traditions, culture, history and people is one of the important elements of a destination's sustainability. Most destinations with the Slovenia Green label include the local population and their activities as much as possible in their range of tourism products and services. Slovenia is fortunate that many local people have not abandoned the activities of their parents or grandparents, despite the development of tourism, but have incorporated the valuable knowledge of their ancestors into what they offer to visitors. As creative workshops and experiences that follow the destination’s flow of life reveal to you that location’s pulse, you’ll discover that this is exactly what you need for an unforgettable break and to create beautiful memories.
So knead your own loaf of bread, learn how to survive in the wild, get your hands dirty with clay and learn the secrets of producing honey and beer. We've compiled an assortment of experiences in selected Slovenia Green destinations that are closely connected with the local community and that will benefit both the guest, who will learn something new, and the host, who will preserve the traditions of their ancestors.
Don't be dismayed if a wet and muddy lump of clay doesn't turn out into a masterpiece of a vase; the time spent during the hour and a half pottery workshop will not have been wasted. If you manage to turn the swirling clay into a unique cup, all the better – you'll remember your day at the Ljubljana pottery studio every time you drink tea from it. Couples are also welcome at the 'Play for Two' workshop, where they will learn about the intricacies of working with clay as a couple.
In an age of rapid online content creation and browsing, it‘s worth learning how significantly the classical print has impacted humankind. Did you know that it used to take ten different professions to print one book? In this three-hour workshop, you will learn about a centuries-old craft and create a special memento of the experience using a combination of tiny letters and machines weighing several tonnes.
We usually go for a beer with a friend, partner or coworker. In Laško, the epicentre of Slovenian brewing, you will be invited to have a beer with the brewers themselves, and while sampling different types of beer the conversation will not revolve around politics or the weather, but beer itself. The experience comprises a visit to the Laško Museum and a personalised beer tasting.
Today, all it takes is a few words, such as "a loaf of white, please”, and a few coins. In the old days, however, baking a loaf of bread was a much longer, more difficult and more complex process. In colder parts of Slovenia, where houses are more often heated with a brick oven, bread is still made in the traditional way. In Bohinj, you will learn how to light the oven, check the correct temperature without electronic gadgets and bake utterly delicious homemade bread, which you will then be able to enjoy with sausage and zaseka (minced lard).
“Žoki” is what the people of Bohinj call hand-knitted woollen socks. There used to be no other socks than those made of wool from local sheep. At the workshop, which consists of two two-hour sessions, you'll learn how to make your own pair in a cosy atmosphere. Whether you succeed depends on your craftsmanship, but if not, you will look at this simple, warm and airy item of clothing differently – with more respect.
You can taste wine almost anywhere in Slovenia, but only near Brežice will it be served in repnice. These are caves dug into the quartz sand once used to store local produce, especially turnips, which were used to feed livestock. Only later did the locals use them to store wine, thanks to the ideal humidity and temperature. And remember – even if you go to the turnip cave on a hot summer's day, be sure to take a warm sweater with you!
Kočevje is the part of Slovenia with the most forests and, as a result, the most wild animals, including brown bears. There, you can follow the bear’s footsteps accompanied by an experienced local guide, who will teach you about the wild animals and how the locals coexist with this great beast. Even if the bears don't come near the observatory that evening, you can be sure that you will tread the endless forests with a little more care and humility than on a normal walk. The programme has been developed in a way that has as little impact on the environment as possible, especially on wildlife.
The Košuta ridge north of Kranj, on the border with Austria, comes out stunning in photos. Even if you were there alone, we doubt you’d leave without taking at least a few snaps with your mobile phone. But with a professional photographer as your guide this time, you can look forward to some really great memories of your day in the Slovenian mountains. In addition to tricks for better photos, the package includes transport, water, snacks and hiking poles.
With a tradition dating back five centuries, the Kukovičič Mill is one of the few water-powered mills in operation. By the Bistrica River, you will learn how flour is made from grain, and then use that very flour to make delicious gingerbread together with the owner.
Taking the sheep out to graze, tending the chickens, feeding the other animals... is a daily routine for many farmers, but a truly special experience for many. The day will start as it should on the farm – early, with a fortifying breakfast, and end with a delicious lunch made up of home-grown produce from the biodynamic farm.
Ričet, a hearty bean and barley stew with sausage, cheese-filled strudel-like rolls or štruklji, žlikrofi resembling small ravioli or tortellini... these are just some of the traditional dishes that you can try in many Slovenian restaurants. But what if you could make them yourself using local ingredients? This beginner-friendly workshop includes sampling local wine and spirits. Enjoy!
In the Soča Valley, specifically in Tolmin, people have come up with a great idea for rainy days: creating products from combed sheep's wool. Whether you make your souvenir using dry or wet techniques, working with natural materials will relax you. You might be inspired to make a bag or a piece of jewellery later on, as there won't be enough time for that during the two-hour workshop.
Even just walking or cycling in the Karst region is exhilarating and relaxing, but if you create in this environment with lavender, sage, rosemary, bay, thyme and other plants, you can be sure to reach a zen state of mind. In this workshop you will learn about the fragrant herbs grown at the Rogelja Herb Farm and how to make herbal oils, creams, teas, aromas and tinctures.
Discover Slovenian towns and cities that are famous for their handicraft and small craft traditions. You'll be enchanted by the artisanal products made of clay, wood, metal and textiles. You will discover how closely the local people have been connected with certain handicraft and small craft activities and how they preserve their traditions today. They will happily invite you to join them and learn their skills!
Slovenia's image itself is predominantly green, but its green hue is given a boost by its sustainability efforts, which include preserving local traditions and cultural heritage. Meet the destinations and suppliers that have most embraced the green future.
The mosaic of Slovenia’s green story is made up of individual pieces that form a model of responsible preservation of natural and cultural heritage and attitude towards the environment. The most sustainably aspiring destinations bear the platinum and the golden Slovenia Green label. Destinations with a silver or bronze label are on a good way to follow the green path.
MoreThe mosaic of Slovenia’s green story is made up of individual pieces that form a model of responsible preservation of natural and cultural heritage and attitude towards the environment. The most sustainably aspiring destinations bear the platinum and the golden Slovenia Green label. Destinations with a silver or bronze label are on a good way to follow the green path.
MoreSlovenia is a pioneer in the field of strategic sustainable tourism development on a national level. Over 270 Slovenian destinations and tourism service providers have successfully obtained the Slovenia Green label, which reflects their sustainable approach and responsible behaviour towards the environment. Discover your favourite green corners and experiences and join us in creating a better future.
MoreCycling is one of the most sustainable ways to explore Slovenia. This is especially true if you ride along one of the themed cycling routes linking destinations and providers with the Slovenia Green label.
MoreHotels and tourist farms provide it. Camps, glamping resorts and spas provide it, too. And it is also provided by a range of other accommodation options that not only offer comfortable beds and food, but think more broadly about their place in the environment. With all the responsibility to future generations. Choose accommodation with the Slovenia Green label and contribute a piece to the mosaic of sustainability.
MoreSlovenian cuisine is based on ingredients found in our immediate surroundings. Modern approaches to cuisine combine with elements of culinary tradition. Discover restaurants, recipients of the Slovenia Green label, which put sustainability at the forefront in the creation of their specialities.
MoreSlovenia's landscape is as varied as its cultural heritage, history and traditions. Discover Slovenia's soul, interesting customs and cultural treasures produced by creative minds over the centuries.
Slovenia boasts a rich cultural tradition.
Learn about the people of Slovenia and their customs and traditions.
Slovenian treasure troves of world heritage
Learn about the rich tradition of beekeeping in Slovenia and enjoy beekeeping experiences for all your senses.
Choose an unforgettable forest experience in a land where nearly 60% of the surface area is covered by forests.
Discover the most famous myths and legends of Slovenia.
Discover the old town centres of historic towns, living museums of time.
Discover Slovenia's literary, cultural and other artistic treasures.
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