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Slovenia Green Gourmet Route – green cycling and culinary delights

Take a ride along the new cycling route which only passes through destinations bearing the Slovenia Green label and offers culinary delights in sustainable restaurants, including Michelin-starred restaurants, and let yourself be enticed by the nearby vineyards, spas and farm stays.

Sustainable cycling with culinary stops

Nothing brings more pleasure than discovering the local culinary delicacies and hidden culinary gems of this year’s European Region of Gastronomy, sleeping in boutique family hotels and guest houses, admiring the lush green countryside and feeling the wind in your hair when cycling along forest trails. The 11-day tour, designed on the principles of responsible, sustainable tourism, is the right choice for all travellers and cycling enthusiasts seeking an active holiday this year. It is made up of both less and more challenging cycling sections, but mostly it runs along paths offering plenty of scenic views. The route runs from Ljubljana to Goriška Brda, the Vipava Valley and the Kras region and back through the capital towards Sevnica, Podčetrtek, Ptuj and Maribor.

A cinematic journey through the green story of Slovenia

The Slovenia Green Gourmet Route is the common thread of this promotional documentary film about the green story of Slovenia, connecting the stories of the winners of the Slovenia Green label and presenting sustainability through the eyes of locals, destination representatives and tourism providers. Join the cinematic cycling journey of Aliash Tepina and discover how the green story of Slovenia lives in practice.

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The Slovenia Green Gourmet Route in numbers

To make it easier for you to plan your cycling journey, here is some basic information about the tour that will come in handy.

Travel time
11 days
Number of green destinations
10
Length
401 do 473 kilometres of cycling
Difference in altitude
12,870 metres
Connecting trips by train
3

Five reasons to experience the Slovenia Green Gourmet Route:

Embark on a green trip around Slovenia – there are many reasons that make this the perfect cycling adventure!

A new cycling route which only includes destinations holding the Slovenia Green certificate – destinations that are committed to a green future and sustainable tourism development.

Slovenia proudly held the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2021 and has accepted the first Slovenia Green Cuisine providers into the green family.

A total of ten top restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars, and eight have won the Michelin award for their sustainable approach to gastronomy.

The route includes other sustainable ways of travelling to take a break from pedalling, such as using a train for sections of the cycling route that are too long or could not be cycled in their entirety.

The fact that Slovenia is a top cycling destination is proven by two world cycling champions and ambassadors of Slovenian tourism: the two-time winner of the Tour de France Tadej Pogačar and the three-time winner of the Spanish La Vuelta Primož Roglič.

Discover the Slovenia Green destinations included in the new culinary cycling route

Take a breath and embark on a green adventure cycling from the country’s vibrant capital, amid the mountain scenery, through diverse forest terrains and from the lively countryside to calm rivers and lakes. The 11-day itinerary takes you from one end of Slovenia to the other.

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Destinations along the route

See what green destinations you will visit along the way and check out what is worth seeing and experiencing in these locations.

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Slovenia's sustainable cuisine

The basic principles of sustainable cuisine are based on short supply chains, on local, seasonal, and thus the freshest food often made with homegrown ingredients, as well as on the exceptional tradition of beekeeping and honey products, on natural wines and on verified local quality brands that combine beverages, food, products and experiences. In addition, sustainable cuisine goes hand in hand with the responsible management of waste and energy sources. Slovenia is truly a land of sustainable cuisine.

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Green cuisine along the way

As we say in Slovenia, "an empty bag cannot stand upright", therefore, you will also need to refuel with tasty dishes while cycling around green and gastronomic Slovenia. On your way, make a stop at providers that have earned the Slovenia Green Cuisine label for their sustainable efforts.

slovenia green cusine

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Danilo – a restaurant and a wine shop

Danilo – a restaurant and a wine shop

This renovated family-run restaurant, located between Škofja Loka and Ljubljana, preserves the tradition of domestic cuisine that is based on local ingredients, while promising creative and new culinary flavours.

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Saksida wines

Saksida wines

The long tradition of production of quality wines in the Saksida family is based on respect for nature and the local environment. At the property, you will be served with selected flavours of the Vipava Valley and be offered accommodation in an eco-camping...

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Villa Vipolže

Villa Vipolže

In the Kruh in vino restaurant, part of this unique Renaissance manor house, you can taste the rich flavours of the Goriška Brda region, accompanied by a wide selection of fine wines.

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Hiša Linhart, Radovljica

Hiša Linhart, Radovljica

The aroma coming from the kitchen of the renowned chef Uroš Štefelin in the premises of a former town house in the old part of Radovljica is a superb combination of Gorenjska tradition and a modern creative spirit that will seduce even the most demanding...

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Pr' Končovc Open Door Farm

Pr' Končovc Open Door Farm

This idyllic farm above Kranj offers an authentic journey into the world of traditional local dishes, to which a modern touch has been added while preserving the authentic flavour.

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Špacapan House

Špacapan House

If you are looking for an authentic experience of Karst cuisine, Špacapan House in Komen is the right place to go to. Indulge in their Karst delicacies, most of which they produce themselves or source from farmers in the surrounding area.

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Homestead Belica

Homestead Belica

Homestead Belica is located in the village of Medana in the Brda Region. Their cuisine is based on local flavours. They are especially proud of their homemade meat products that they produce and cure at the homestead with experience, knowledge and a...

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Pikol Restaurant

Pikol Restaurant

Pikol’s cuisine is inspired by the gastronomic image of the Brda Hills and the Vipava Valley.

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Breg agritourism farm

Breg agritourism farm

At the idyllic farm among the Brda hills, you will be pampered with old recipes of traditional Brdo and Friuli cuisine, with a lot of herbs. You will be offered home-grown vegetables, meat and wine, marmalade, honey, pasta and bread. 

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Štanjel Castle

Štanjel Castle

The medieval Štanjel Castle will dazzle you with its Karst authenticity. At Štanjel Castle, you will be charmed by the authentic scents and flavours of the Karst, which are woven into modern Karst cuisine.

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Dam, Nova Gorica (Uroš Fakuč)

Dam, Nova Gorica (Uroš Fakuč)

Indulge yourself at the boutique restaurant Dam and enjoy a myriad of exquisite tastes. Chef Uroš Fakuč makes sure that the world of culinary pleasures you enter here is truly an unforgettable experience.

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Restaurant Sedem

Restaurant Sedem

This restaurant in the centre of Maribor is an incubator of future top chefs who follow sustainable principles. The reward for their efforts is the restaurant making it into the Gault&Millau and Michelin guides.

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Pizzeria Vinazza

Pizzeria Vinazza

Fancy a pizza? Then the environmentally friendly, family-run Pizzeria Vinazza at Deskle is worth visiting, where you can choose from a wide range of delicious pizzas topped with fresh ingredients.

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The House of Marica

The House of Marica

The renovated old homestead was named after “granny” Marica who spoilt children with homemade goodies. Some of her recipes are still alive in restaurants that serve traditional dishes from seasonal and local ingredients.

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Pri Kovačniku Farm Stay

Pri Kovačniku Farm Stay

Pri Kovačniku Farm Stay follows the tradition of its previous inhabitants. You will find traditional delicacies of the Štajerska region on their menu, such as “kiblflajš” (smoked meat pickled in fat and onion), beef broth with liver rolls, Štajerska...

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Pivnica Union

Pivnica Union

Be among the first to be given the opportunity to taste the Union Selection of beers. You can only taste this beer at Pivnica Union in the centre of Ljubljana.

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Gostilna pri Lojzetu (Tomaž Kavčič)

Gostilna pri Lojzetu (Tomaž Kavčič)

Zemono Manor House is the gastronomic “playground” where world-renowned chef Tomaž Kavčič plays with the rich flavours of the Vipava Valley and presents them in the most innovative ways.

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Hiša Krasna Restaurant

Hiša Krasna Restaurant

Istria and the Karst are intertwined in every corner and every bite in the Hiša Krasna Restaurant. Discover this unforgettable combination in a restaurant recommended by none other than the Michelin guide.

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Na Gradu Restaurant

Na Gradu Restaurant

Experience a modern castle fairytale at Ljubljana Castle with selected flavours at Gostilna na Gradu, where Chef Luka Jezeršek and his team will provide a unique indulgence for your taste buds.

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Tulipan Guesthouse

Tulipan Guesthouse

The family tradition of the Tulipan Guesthouse in Lesce, not far from Bled, surprises its guests with its original Slovenian dishes based on the recipes of Grandma Mici, and the guesthouse is well-known for its venison dishes. It also offers accommodation.

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Pri Baronu

Pri Baronu

The dishes at the Pri Baronu organic farm, prepared with fresh ingredients right from the garden, will make you feel like a baron. Herbs from their organic herb garden also play an important role.

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Baffi House of Pizza

Baffi House of Pizza

Treat yourself to an excellent Neapolitan pizza in the centre of Radovljica. Choose among a bevy of toppings to adorn your sourdough pizza, made from fresh ingredients. They also serve homemade drinks and an excellent craft beer.

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The Toncevi Organic Agrotourism Farm

The Toncevi Organic Agrotourism Farm

The farm offers plenty of authentic flavours of the Karst Edge specialties, seasoned with home-grown herbs.

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Hungry for culinary experiences?

Ready your taste buds for excellent cuisine awarded with Michelin Stars and for Slovenian wines, taste a diversity of waters, enjoy culinary experiences and local, home-made specialties.

Michelin-starred restaurants in Slovenia

Slovenia’s diverse landscape is also reflected in its cuisine. Each part of the green country has something unique to offer. World-renowned Slovenian chefs incorporate these unique features into their dishes in their own special way. These masterpieces were also spotted by the Michelin Guide scouts, who award the prestigious Michelin Stars and other titles. Which restaurants attracted the most attention from the Michelin Guide?

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Slovenia is a cycling paradise

No matter what kind of bicycles and routes you enjoy, you are bound to find something that suits you in Slovenia. And no need to worry if you do not have the proper cycling equipment with you – you can rent what you need in almost every larger town.

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Why is Slovenia a cycling destination?

In light of the outstanding achievements of Slovenian cyclists, with Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič at the forefront, many wonder how such a small country with only two million people can produce such extraordinary cycling champions. Well, there are quite a few reasons why Slovenia is such an attractive cycling destination. Take a look at the major ones that might convince you to go and pedal through the land of the current cycling champions.

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Top road cycling tours

If you are a cyclist who prefers to cover distances by a road bike, take a look at some of the most beautiful, popular and challenging road cycling tours in Slovenia.

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Cycling and biking

Explore Slovenia by bike. Riding amid the hills and plains, mountain peaks and forests, along the coast and the karst landscape and along the rivers and lakes of Slovenia is a lushly verdant fairy tale. Different trails are suitable for on-road and off-road biking.

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Mountain biking experiences

Rugged trails and single tracks through rocky terrain, meadows and forests are a magnet for mountain bikers. Let their appeal draw you in too!

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Long-distance cycling

Gaze into the distance and set off on scenic routes. Slovenia's long-distance trails wind through varied landscapes across different regions – along the Drava River, the coast, the Alps and the Mura River.

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Family cycling

Take your children on a journey through landscapes they've never seen before. Cycle along forest paths or well-maintained cycling trails. For an active and healthy holiday, choose between mountain or seaside surroundings, the Pannonian plains or rolling hills.

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Explore green destinations with e-bikes

Not a fan of long-distance or uphill cycling? Choose an e-bike and ride to some of the most breathtaking views of green Slovenia.

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Cycling among Vineyards

Go cycling and spoil your taste buds along the wine-tourist roads and trails.

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Go underground by bike and kayak

Koroška, a unique region in northern Slovenia, really is a treasury of surprises. One of them is hidden underground, at Mount Peca in Mežica. Did you know that you can take a bike ride through the tunnels of the disused mine or even row through them in a kayak? Experience a unique adventure.

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The most beautiful cycling routes

Don't forget your bike when visiting Slovenia. Numerous routes cater to all tastes, offering unforgettable cycling experiences. Discover some of the most scenic trails.

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Bike parks

Take on the twists and turns of parks filled with adrenaline and new experiences. Find out just how well you've mastered your bike. Beginners and professionals alike will enjoy testing themselves on the tracks of Slovenia's many bike parks.

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Time to rest

When your legs get tired after your cycling adventure, you can treat yourself to a break in specialised cycling accommodations or have a rest at other providers along the way.

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Villa Eva

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.3

Hotel Alp

98 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.9

Terme Olimia - Hotel Breza

288 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.0

Kamp Koren Kobarid

42 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.5

Avtokamp Ajdovščina

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.1

Gostišče Jelkin hram

24 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Hostel Pekarna Maribor

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.7

Youth hostel Ajdovščina

5 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.1

Grand Hotel Primus - Sava Hotels & Resorts

282 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.8

Hostel Celica

623 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.7

Hotel Arena

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Urban Ring Ljubljana

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Get ready for your visit to Slovenia and cycle responsibly

Upon registering for the Slovenia Green Gourmet Route, participants will receive instructions on how to act responsibly and all the necessary information and maps if they choose to travel the route on their own. Before you embark on this unique cycling adventure, you should acquaint yourself with instructions and tips for a perfect green, biking holiday in Slovenia. Become familiar with our green story and useful green guidelines for visiting Slovenia, keep up to date with our instructions for a healthy and safe holiday and find ideas for unique souvenirs.

Green & Safe

We are aware that travel habits have changed over the past year, which is why we have decided to focus even more on sustainability and safety. When planning your next visit to Slovenia, keep an eye out for the Green&Safe label. The label testifies to our sustainable direction and high health and hygiene standards, among the first in the world to be acknowledged by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which awarded us the Safe Travels Stamp.

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