Luxuriating in Slovenian Honey

The taste of honey, feeling the healing power of bee products and interesting beekeeping experiences – visit a beekeeping paradise in Slovenia.

Slovenia – the land of beekeeping

If you are a honey lover, your "axe will (definitely) fall into honey" when you visit Slovenia. This Slovenian proverb, which refers to a sudden, unexpected happiness or success, will surely prove to be true when you get to know the honey experiences of this green country. The Slovenian beekeeping tradition is rich and strongly rooted in people's consciousness. This is the home of the Carniolan honeybee, an autochthonous Slovenian bee, which is considered one of the most widespread honeybees in the world.

Beekeeping is in our genes

Slovenians have always been bee experts. The most important figure of Slovenian beekeeping is Anton Janša, the first beekeeping teacher at the Vienna imperial court, who in the 18th century completely revised the hitherto beekeeping methods based on his findings and laid the foundations of modern beekeeping. Janša's birthday, 20 May, was declared World Bee Day at the initiative of Slovenian beekeepers.

Beekeeping is in our genes

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Bee products for health and well-being

Honey and other bee products have a beneficial effect on health and well-being. Various apitherapy methods will help improve your health. In a typical Slovenian apiary, you can discover the secret of beekeepers' long life by inhaling the wonderful aromas of bee products while listening to the buzzing of bees. Honey wellness might very well be your path to a healthy and beautiful appearance, of which even the famous Egyptian beauty Cleopatra was well aware.

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Honey culinary experiences

In Slovenian cuisine, you will come across honey at every step. It was once used primarily as a sweetener, but in modern cuisine you will also find it in other dishes. Due to its positive effects on well-being, it also has an important place in folk "medicine".

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The genuine taste of honey from Slovenia

Slovenian honey and certain local types of honey enjoy various forms of protection in Europe.

Slovenian honey bears the mark of a protected geographical indication. Such honey is produced throughout the entire territory of Slovenia and is distinguished by its exceptional variety and quality.

Kočevje forest honey with a protected designation of origin comes from the vast Kočevje forests, characterised by their varied floristic composition.

Karst honey is considered to be of very high quality. Due to the mild climatic conditions and favourable microclimate, it is dry and ripe and very rich in minerals and enzymes.

Signed with love

You can show love and affection for your loved one with gingerbread hearts, a red cookie made of honey dough decorated with various details, as Slovenian lovers used to do.

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Gingerbread Museum in Radovljica

In the old town centre of Radovljica, right next to the Museum of Apiculture, you can learn about the rich tradition of gingerbread making, as well as try your hand at making red gingerbread hearts.

The gingerbread and candle-making craft heritage of the Perger family – since 1757

In Slovenj Gradec you will discover the rich tradition of one of the oldest family workshops for gingerbread and candle-making; it has been dedicated to the craft of creating honey and wax products since...

Dražgoše and Škofja Loka small breads

Dražgoše and Škofja Loka kruhki or “small breads” are a specialty of folk design using honey dough. Dražgoše small breads are hand-decorated gingerbread cookies, while Škofja Loka small breads are shaped...

Did you know....

Slovenian beekeepers are making every effort to ensure that young generations in kindergartens and primary schools are aware of the importance of bees and beekeeping. For many years, every third Friday in November, children have been served a Traditional Slovenian Breakfast, which includes honey in addition to homemade butter, apples, black bread and milk. The project has spread across the borders of Slovenia and was launched through the European Honey Breakfast initiative in many European countries and beyond.

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Experiences related to beekeeping and honey

Are you tempted to get to know the mysterious world of bees better and discover various positive effects on your well-being? Would you perhaps even consider spending your holidays experiencing the way of life of the bee? Slovenia, with its rich beekeeping tradition, offers a number of experiences that you will enjoy remembering.

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Guided excursions and tours

You can learn about the Slovenian beekeeping tradition by tasting honey delicacies on guided excursions and tours.

Beekeeping tourist guides

Beekeeping tourist guides will be able to answer many of your questions related to beekeeping and bees and acquaint you with the life and importance of these tiny animals.

Resting with the bees

Unique honey experiences are waiting for you at certified providers, whom you will recognise by a sign with one, two or three bees.

Folk art on beehive panels

Painted beehive panels are a characteristic feature of Slovenian beekeeping and an expression of folk art. Beekeepers used to express their artistic creativity on these panels. The oldest are motifs with a religious theme, but later secular motifs appeared that reflected everyday life, historical events and also some humorous stories. The art of painting beehive panels has been proposed for entry in the UNESCO Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

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Museum of Apiculture in Radovljica

You will find one of the richest collections of painted beehive panels at the Museum of Apiculture in Radovljica.

Janša's Apiary

The restored Janša's Apiary at Breznica near Žirovnica offers an excellent display of folk art on beehive panels.

Slovenian Ethnographic Museum

A special honey experience awaits you at the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum – among the other attractions available, you can paint your own beehive panel.

Lower Carniola Museum, Novo mesto

The Lower Carniola Museum in Novo mesto hosts a permanent exhibition containing a broad collection of carved models for lect[TB1] , beehive panels and wax votives from the 18th and 19th century.

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APILAB – House of the Carniolan Honey Bee

Did you know that the Carniolan honey bee has its own experience house? A former school in Višnja Gora has been turned into a centre of innovative technologies where you can peek into the live hives of the Carniolan honey bee and learn in an interactive way about the work of the Rothschütz family, who were the first to record the Carniolan bee and bring it to the world’s attention. A special experience awaits you at the top of the house – relaxation rooms designed in the shape of wooden honeycomb cells.

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Connected to nature

The rich tradition of beekeeping in Slovenia is just one of the things that demonstrates our close connection to nature and care for its conservation.

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Green story of Slovenia

Plan your holidays in green.

Slovenia = a land of sustainable cuisine

Enjoy cuisine that is devoted to the local environment and people.

Green practices of Slovenian cities for a better quality of life

Green Slovenian cities raise the quality of life in the urban environment by adopting a sustainability-oriented approach.

Activities that place Slovenia among the world’s top green destinations

Discover what makes Slovenia one of the world’s leading green destinations.

Unique gifts and souvenirs from Slovenia

Buy something that will really remind you of Slovenia.

Original dishes under European protection

Learn about the wealth of Slovenian cuisine and its protected particularities.

Slovenia’s flavourful wellness experiences

Try various wellness programmes, which use very tasty ingredients.

Local high-quality brands in green destinations

Choose local quality brands in green destinations marketing short supply chains and interesting local delicacies.

Follow the bees

Get to know the land of bees, beekeepers and honey love. Certified beekeeping providers, tourist farms, places of original ethnological heritage and green nature await you in Slovenia. Draw your own Slovenian beekeeping trail!

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