Stellar experiences in Slovenia

Slovenia and the stars✨🔭🌙

At first glance, it may seem that a small country like Slovenia cannot have much to do with the vast universe. But this is far from truth. Exceptional scientific achievements and engineering breakthroughs, visionary plans and curiosity have always driven us to the stars and beyond.

Space visions: Herman Potočnik Noordung and the Centre of Space Technologies in Vitanje

Did you know that Stanley Kubrick's cult film 2001: A Space Odyssey from 1968 was heavily influenced by the ideas of Slovenian space flight pioneer Herman Potočnik Noordung? The wheel-shaped rotating space station, which viewers admired on the silver screen, was inspired by Noordung's iconic book The Problem of Space Travel – the Rocket Motor and changed science fiction forever. Noordung, born in 1892 to Slovenian parents in Pula, Croatia, was the first person to design and build a space station suitable for both scientific research and habitation. His designs for space technology and ideas about human life in space influenced German, American and Russian space development.

In 2006, the Herman Potočnik Noordung Space Technology Centre was opened in Vitanje, the birthplace of Noordung's mother, where you can learn about the life of this space visionary through the exhibition The Artistic Science of Cosmology.

Visit the Noordung Centre

Unique Slovenian experiences connected to the universe in one way or another

Visiting the Noordung Centre with its numerous permanent exhibitions, interesting exhibits, and a walk across the roof of the centre is in itself a special experience that visitors of all ages can enjoy. You can, however, explore the universe and observe celestial phenomena across Slovenia – at observatories (the Golovec Observatory in Ljubljana hosts truly unique events for astronomy enthusiasts and has even hosted a classical music concert), special hiking trails, exhibitions, and even through an escape room.

Goričko and the stars

Goričko, a hilly region in the far northeast of Slovenia, could be called a paradise for astronomy enthusiasts. Here, in the middle of the unspoiled nature of the landscape park, far away from light-polluted cities, the stars seem especially close. You can even admire them from your starry bedroom, lying under the clear night sky!

Among the hiking and themed trails that lead through the park is the Markovci Star Trail, which guides and educates you with informative signs. Guided experiences, mythological stories, observing the night sky from deck chairs or through telescopes... Explore Goričko under the Stars.

Discover why the stars are at home in Goričko

From the space to slightly different stars

Other Slovenian stars are also shining brightly in the international sky. In addition to scientific achievements and engineering breakthroughs, we are placed on a global pedestal by exceptional artists, architects, authors and athletes, whose successes make us proud, while creators of gastronomic experiences collect stars from prestigious culinary guides.

Michelin stars 🍴🌟

Slovenian gastronomy is among the finest in the world. The presence of the Michelin Guide, which only chooses destinations with distinct, well-defined cuisines of consistent quality and excellence, is proof of this. This is thanks to the chefs and their teams whose creativity, commitment and hard work guarantees that their guests are treated to personalised culinary experiences.

See which restaurants have been listed in the Michelin Guide for 2025

Sports stars – our inspiration and pride 🚴‍♂️⭐️

When the hard work, talent and extraordinary effort of an individual is combined with heartfelt cheering, the most precious of medals take on added value. This is the case in Slovenia, where we celebrate the success of our athletes loudly and passionately. Our ambassador athletes who, with their achievements and values, are not only pushing the boundaries in sport but taking our pride to a higher level, are proof that we are indeed champions by nature.

Basketball star Luka Dončić, young sport climbing legend Janja Garnbret, world's best cyclist Tadej Pogačar, and numerous other Slovenian athletes are stars without equal.

Champions by nature

Relaxing under the Stars ⛺️🌙

In Slovenia, you can stay in a 5-star hotel or in a hotel with a thousand stars. The latter applies to popular campsites, glamping sites, and other unique accommodations in nature, where a view of the starry sky is an everyday luxury.

Special accommodation

5-star experiences ✨

Don't be just a visitor, become an explorer of the most unique stories of Slovenia. If you want to experience something truly unique, boutique, and authentic, look out for the Slovenia Unique Experiences label, which marks unique 5-star experiences. Strict rules for awarding the label ensure that you will experience your story in a very personal way, in unique venues, in interaction with local people, in a manner that has not been transferred from elsewhere and that is in compliance with the principles of sustainability in tourism.

Choose your 5-star experience

Slovenia – a unique destination

No wonder the stars are so kind to us. Slovenia is a country renowned for its unspoiled nature and dedication to its preservation. For hospitable locals who prepare unforgettable experiences for visitors with all their heart. For places where we meet stars face to face, at concerts, exhibitions, and performances. Discover your star story.