Platinum treasures of sustainable efforts in Slovenia

Many destinations in Slovenia strive for tourism and their daily operations to be implemented in the most sustainable manner. The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism is a system that uses several criteria to assess the efforts and annual progress. Destinations are awarded the Slovenia Green certificates in various colours, i.e. bronze, silver, gold and platinum. The label that is the most prestigious, desired and appreciated by tourists who embrace sustainability is the platinum one, which is very difficult to obtain. The evaluators emphasise that active cooperation between a destination, tourist service providers and other tourist stakeholders is essential. In short and in plain terms: as many individuals and organisations as possible must breathe as one with the destination.

We feature five platinum destinations that have obtained the highest scores in various fields of life and work, and three experiences in each one, which also inspire visitors to act green.

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Ljubljana – the green capital of Slovenia

Although it’s not one of the largest European cities, the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is "great" with regard to its green spirit. If you arrive in the centre of Ljubljana by train, you can visit the city’s main attractions on foot or by bike. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one through the BicikeLJ public bicycle sharing system. It’s possible to use Urban, the electric train, and Kavalir, the electric vehicle, in the centre of Ljubljana. These options are particularly intended for the elderly and people with reduced mobility.

But transport is not all that makes Ljubljana one of the greenest capitals in the world. There’s also the Green Supply Chain project that promotes the use of local ingredients in gastronomy, the "Pardon the weeds, we are feeding the bees" campaign, which is why the lawns won’t look like those of golf courses, and the development of cultural districts that direct tourist flows outside the town centre as well.

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Three green experiences in Ljubljana

Experience Ljubljana in countless ways. We suggest three options, which will bring you a step closer to the green concept of the Slovenian capital.

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Explore Ljubljana on bike

You can discover the main city centre on foot, but if you want to explore the whole of Ljubljana, which spreads over the flat section of the Ljubljana Basin, then opt for a bike. Join guided cycling tours.

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Photo: Primož Lukežič

Repair your umbrella

Why buy something new if you can fix the old one? In the unique workshop of the umbrella maker Marija Lah, you can learn how to fix your (favourite) umbrella or make a shopping bag or an apron from it.

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Open Kitchen

On sunny Fridays in the warmer months of the year, Pogačar Square turns into a unique gastronomic marketplace that has become a huge hit among visitors in the ten years of its existence. One of the reasons lies in its green orientation: no plastic, waste separation, and use of fresh local ingredients.

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Laško – the confluence of good practice with a view to the future

Green will embrace you everywhere you turn in Laško. The narrow valley of the Savinja River, in which the town nestles, is surrounded by green hills and hops plantations. This resulted in the construction of the largest Slovenian brewery, which has been situated in Laško since 1825. On a walk through the quaint streets and squares, you’ll encounter beehives. Laško is known for its health resort activities and is also the European Destination of Excellence regarding accessible tourism. The first winner of the special recognition, "The Best Green Coordinator", within the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism also comes from Laško.

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Three green experiences in Laško

Laško focuses on brewery, beekeeping and healthy waters. Find the inspiration for the best experiences of the green heart of the Lower Savinja Valley.

Photo: Jaka Teršek

Beer and flower stroll in Laško

This two-and-half-hour-long experience combines two of the best known activities in Laško, i.e. brewing and beekeeping. Bittersweet is the winning combination. Become honey brewers, learn about the history of the town, and enjoy the delicious food prepared by top chef Marko Pavčnik.

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Beer or honey wellness experience

Experience the tradition of brewing and beekeeping on your own skin. Locally produced honey or a special beer butter is used in the nourishing treatments offered by Thermana Laško. The beer or honey pampering session can be further upgraded with a swim in thermal water under the glass dome. Use a special spa train to visit Laško and enjoy thermal pleasures.

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Foto: Mediaspeed

Beer and Flowers Festival

The largest festival in Laško pays homage to the brewing tradition, with flowers decorating the town streets during the festival. This traditional event annually attracts some 60,000 visitors and is focused on sustainability. Visit the festival by train, drink beer from reusable glasses and exchange a bag of collected waste for a pint of beer at the Recycle Pub.

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Bohinj – the oasis of tranquillity in the embrace of the Julian Alps

Pristine nature and rich tradition anchored in the very essence of life in this Alpine valley are the main attractions of Bohinj. A large section of Bohinj is situated in the Triglav National Park, dictating a special care for the conservation of the natural environment. However, the locals have practiced this enlightened behaviour over the centuries and have maintained their harmony with nature until today, thanks to their renowned Gorenjska stubbornness. So, they don’t find it difficult to observe the green mentality and are happy to include in their offer everything that is genuinely local. Because the wild beauty of Bohinj attracts numerous visitors seeking direct contact with nature, which results in heavy traffic activity, the people of Bohinj decided to offer alternatives. Travel to Bohinjska Bistrica by bus or train, then ride a bike or use a special bus to get to the lake or any of the starting points for mountaineering and hiking tours.

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Three green experiences in Bohinj

Everyone, those looking for active experiences and those wanting a brief break from the hustle and bustle, can find something for themselves in Bohinj. Below are but a few options for a green experience of Bohinj.

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Electric boat on the lake

Zlatorog (Goldenhorn) and Triglavska roža (Triglav Flower) are the two electric boats on Lake Bohinj. You can choose from a single or a return ticket, but it should be mentioned that a walk along the footpath from Ukanc back to the starting point in Ribčev Laz in the shade of trees can be a pleasant experience as well.

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Bohinj-style cooking

Experience Bohinj through traditional flavours and dishes. In the culinary workshop embellished with the Bohinjsko/From Bohinj certificate, the housewives of Bohinj will teach you how to prepare traditional Bohinj dishes. You’ll be able to adjust the traditional recipes a little to suit modern tastes.

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Photo: Mitja Sodja

Fly-fishing on the Mostnica and Sava Bohinjka rivers

The Mostnica River is a hidden gem of Bohinj, rich with wild fish such as brown trout, grayling and rainbow trout. Fly-fishing is a boutique experience, as only five anglers a day can fish in the catch-and-release manner. Fly-fishing on the Sava Bohinjka River, which is particularly the home of salmonid fish, is also a special experience.

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Brežice – the power of thermal energy and history

The Slovenians are perhaps more familiar with Čatež ob Savi rather than Brežice, although the former has only 342 citizens and the latter 7,000. "Čateške toplice" is a synonym in Slovenia for thermal experiences, either swimming in the pools, trying daring slides, or enjoying whirlpools and saunas. In addition to Terme Čatež, you can also visit Terme Paradiso, where you’ll find wooden houses in the form of apiaries.

But Brežice was there long before any water park, to which the many castles in the town and surrounding area testify. The destination is green due to the BržKOLO unified public bicycle rental system, as many as six sustainable gastronomy providers awarded the Slovenia Green certificate, a wheelchair-accessible town bus and the strategy for carbon footprint measurement and reduction that has been in place with the help of the expert knowledge of the Faculty of Tourism in Maribor.

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Three green experiences in Brežice

Once you’ve done with all the splashing in the thermal swimming pools and have viewed all the historical sights of Brežice, you can spend the rest of the day trying out other (green) experiences.

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Čatež Energy Trail

This is the perfect way to recharge your batteries: a less-than-10-kilometre-long trail will lead you past 15 energy swirls, next to which it’s worth taking the time to relax your breathing and calm your thoughts. Walk barefoot on the trail, which is also suitable for Nordic walking.

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Cross the Sava River by ferry

In the days before bridges had been built across the Sava, the longest Slovenian river, people crossed it by ferries. In the immediate vicinity of Terme Čatež, it’s possible to hop on one that still carries passengers every day. Upon prior agreement, you can also enjoy a meal on the ferry or listen to a detailed explanation about the history of ferrying.

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Cycling trip in the Land of Cviček wine

Cviček is the legendary Dolenjska wine made from white and red grape varieties. It’s a light, pleasantly acidic wine with a low alcohol content, but nevertheless don’t try it before your bike has been safely parked. The cycling trip in the land where Cviček is produced is 26 kilometres long and will take you to the edge of the Gorjanci Hills and along the peaceful Krka River that flows into the Sava at Brežice.

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Kranj – the town of culture under the Alpine peaks

The picturesque town near the international airport surprises with its unique position surrounded by the peaks of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps to the west and the edges of the Škofja Loka Hills to the south-east. But the old town centre rising above the second deepest urban gorge in Europe excites even more. The town is steeped in culture, and the great Slovenian poet France Prešeren spent his last years here. The remnants of the town wall and Khislstein Castle tell stories from the past, but also reflect contemporary urban cultural life. On a stroll through the town centre, you’ll come across many small shops offering local products.

Explore Kranj and its surrounding area with KRsKolesom, the public bicycle rental system. Ride the bike to the nearby towns, including Ljubljana or Bled, along the Flower of Cycling Routes around Kranj. Kranj has been the European Destination of Excellence since 2022.

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Kranj Long Table

At the gourmet experience, a table for one hundred guests is laid in the garden of Khislstein Castle, and on it are placed selected dishes made from the ingredients produced in Kranj and its surroundings and prepared by Kranj chefs. The guests can thus get to know the supreme gastronomy offer of Kranj and the local produce.

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SOS Info Centre Proteus

The tunnels under the old town of Kranj are full of mysteries and experiences worth exploring. In addition to various events and guided tours, the SOS Info Centre Proteus can be found here. This project has been studying and protecting the olm for more than 60 years. The researchers of the Tular Cave Laboratory explain to visitors the life of the olm and the importance of maintaining clean groundwater for their existence.

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Walk along the canyon

One of the major peculiarities of Kranj is the Kokra River Canyon, considered the second deepest urban gorge in Europe. Take a refreshing walk in the canyon, especially on hot summer days, only a step away from the blistering town streets. It’s possible to descend into the canyon from the old town centre at two locations.

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Five-star experiences in platinum destinations

Would you like to experience something more? Something unique, authentic, boutique? Then follow the Slovenia Unique Experience label, which you’ll also find in certain destinations displaying the Slovenia Green Destination Platinum label.

From 50,00 €

A good breakfast sets you up for a day of exploration and fun in the city. Begin your day with a real Ljubljana breakfast and enjoy the always-lively...

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Yummy Market Walk

From 69,00 €

A forest adventure in which you discover the melodiousness of the trees and learn about the secrets of the forest.

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Forest Melody

From 842,00 €

A journey to the seven castles of Posavje to experience their rich cultural heritage, unforgettable views and culinary treats.

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Magnificent seven – inspiring stories of Posavje castles

From 119,00 €

An epic tour with the architect of UNESCO's Ljubljana. An intimate experience of the visionary master and his great mind.

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Master Plečnik

I choose green, I feel green

Welcome to a country where sustainability has a great impact, as we strive in various fields of life to function in harmony with the environment in which we live. To this end, we’re creating green experiences and browsing through our grandmas’ recipes to reinvent them while using the same ingredients as our forefathers once used. We offer a "green" roof for a rest. In short, we live green and spread this ethos among our visitors.

A green story of Slovenia

Slovenia 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.

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A green story of Slovenia

A green story of Slovenia

Slovenia 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.

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Green routes for unforgettable cycling experiences

Green routes for unforgettable cycling experiences

Cycling 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.

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Restaurants with the Slovenia Green sustainability label

Restaurants with the Slovenia Green sustainability label

Slovenian 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. 

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Responsible and comfortable – choose green accommodation

Responsible and comfortable – choose green accommodation

Hotels 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.

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Park and explore the countryside in a sustainable way

Park and explore the countryside in a sustainable way

If you decide to stay at a location or camping site for several days, you can give your motorhome some "rest" and choose a sustainable way of exploring the surroundings. Hop on a bicycle, take a trip to the city and explore its sights by public transportation, or perhaps it may be easier to rent an electric car and cruise the surrounding area.

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See Slovenia’s genuine image

Put yourselves in the shoes of Slovenians for a day. Learn about what we like to eat and when. Discover the secret to the sporting spirit that pervades Slovenia. Check out the locations that are particularly precious and carefully safeguarded. Uncover the traces of the past hidden among town squares and streets which blend with the modern vibe. And find out why water rules in Slovenia.

Locally typical

Learn about the typical workdays and holidays cuisine of Slovenian people and discover where they obtain the ingredients for their dishes and where you can try them as well.

Locally typical

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Slovenians for a day – interesting facts, habits, traditions

Learn about the people of Slovenia and their customs and traditions.

Slovenians for a day – interesting facts, habits, traditions

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Active holidays

Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.

Active holidays

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Nature parks

Discover a wealth of various plant and tree species.

Nature parks

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Charming old town centres of historic towns

Discover the old town centres of historic towns, living museums of time.

Charming old town centres of historic towns

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Slovenia – a land of healthy and clean waters

The abundance of water resources and premium drinking water are among Slovenia’s main advantages.

Slovenia – a land of healthy and clean waters

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Stories from Slovenia

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