Craft and handicraft trades are present in many Slovenian towns. Some of them stand out especially for their inventiveness, with which they conquered the world in the past and even in some places today. Some places have literally become a byword for certain products, such as lace, wood, pottery and forged iron products. Craftsmen and artisans are keen to reveal their knowledge and skills to visitors, and in some places, they even encourage them to put their artistic and handicraft skills to the test.
If you ask someone in Slovenia where to find the best wooden products or woodenware making, you will almost certainly get the answer "Ribnica". Woodenware making has been rooted in the Ribnica valley for several centuries, after the Austrian Emperor Frederick III issued a "Peddlers’ Patent" in 1492 and thus ensured that this industry in the Ribnica area flourished. The inhabitants of Ribnica are also able potters, eager to showcase their skills to anyone who takes an interest in this trade.
Škofja Loka and its surroundings are home to many preserved handicrafts and skills. Learn about the work of blacksmiths and lace-makers, linen-weavers, milliners, comb-makers and masters of other traditional crafts. You may be particularly attracted by the process of making typical small Loka and Dražgoše honey breads. Creativity in Škofja Loka knows no boundaries.
Idrija is a UNESCO-listed heritage town. Firstly this is because of the heritage of the mercury mine, featuring the famous Anthony’s Shaft, the oldest preserved entrance to the mine, inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. And secondly it is due to the tradition of lacemaking, which has made it onto the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List as well. Lacemaking is also present elsewhere in Slovenia, but Idrija lace is recognised as a special type of bobbin lace. Meanwhile, Idrija is also famous for its culinary delicacy of small dumplings, called žlikrofi in Slovenian.
A walk through the charming old town of Radovljica tells you a lot about the craft and handicraft tradition of the town and its surroundings. The old town centre is illuminated by unique hand-forged street lamps from Kropa, while the majestic buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries host handicraft workshops that still operate today and share their knowledge with visitors.
The "Dragon’s Town" beneath the Karavanke mountains used to be famous for its rich shoemaking tradition and connected commercial activities such as the leather and textile industries. Even though most of these activities in Tržič have declined, one can still pick out traces of this once truly active craft and handicraft tradition at every step.
The world along the Mura river is full of clayey soil, which encouraged the residents to make clay cookware and ornamental pieces out of it. Pottery was still the most prevalent handicraft in the Prekmurje region just a couple of decades ago. Though only a few handicraft centres have preserved it to this day, fortunately, they will happily share their knowledge with visitors.
This medieval town nestled in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps used to be a flourishing trading centre, which made the craft industry boom as well. Traces of the lively craft industry can be found to this day by strolling along Šutna, the most beautiful street in Kamnik, decorated with characteristic signboards. Here one can also find boutique shops featuring handcrafted Kamnik products.
Local art and craft products reflect the diversity of the Slovenian landscape and the character of individual areas. Keep a part of Slovenia with you and choose unique products with the Art&Craft Slovenia certificate. Or if you’ve been won over by Slovenian cuisine, why not take a selection of gourmet treats home with you?
Slovenia is one of the most sustainable destinations in the world. This is also reflected in preserving our tradition, not only when it comes to handicraft, but also in our attitude to our natural and cultural heritage. Even as we look to the future, we follow our roots.
10 best reasons to visit Slovenia in 2024.
Plan your holidays in green.
Enjoy cuisine that is devoted to the local environment and people.
Green Slovenian cities raise the quality of life in the urban environment by adopting a sustainability-oriented approach.
Choose local quality brands in green destinations marketing short supply chains and interesting local delicacies.
Make your exploration of Slovenia even more interesting by participating in attractive guided tours.
Choose an unforgettable forest experience in a land where nearly 60% of the surface area is covered by forests.
Slovenian treasure troves of world heritage
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