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

A total of nine top restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars, and seven 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 two-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.

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

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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Michelin-starred restaurants in Slovenia

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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Discover the charms and special features of all three wine-growing regions

Discover the charms and special features of all three wine-growing regions

Slovenia boasts good wines that are the unique result of the sun, soil and caring human hands. Each of the three wine-growing regions in Slovenia has its own specialities. In some places, you will find indigenous grape varieties. Our sustainable wines, where nature itself plays the main role, are especially worth a taste.

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Pour yourself a glass of drinking water anywhere in Slovenia

Pour yourself a glass of drinking water anywhere in Slovenia

In Slovenia, water is "law". The preserved nature and a concern for clean waters allow us to drink water from the tap. Anywhere. Our right to drinking water is even enshrined in our constitution. Slovenian waters also have special powers. Mineral and thermal springs are a rich source of health.

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Feel unique Slovenian experiences with all your senses

Feel unique Slovenian experiences with all your senses

The way to the heart is through the stomach and when you visit Slovenia, you will inevitably fall in love with its rich cuisine. This love will be further fed by unique experiences with the local cuisine being an integral part of the adventure.

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From simple stews to festive meals

From simple stews to festive meals

What do Slovenians like to eat? Above all, we like to eat well. And we also like to offer good food to our guests. Take a look at how a typical Slovenian meal looks like, the dishes we eat during the holidays, the places that offer local delicacies and find out why every bite is so full of flavour.

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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.

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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Kamp Danica

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Lukov dom na Kopah

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Avtokamp Ajdovščina

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Hostel Bearlog

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EcoHotel Koroš

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Youth Hostel Velenje

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Hostel Pekarna Maribor

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Kamp Koren Kobarid

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Brunarica Hike & Bike

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Hotel Vital

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Kovačnica sreče

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Youth hostel Ajdovščina

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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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Green & Safe

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.

More

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 280 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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How to visit Slovenia in a green way

How to visit Slovenia in a green way

We pride ourselves on our unspoilt nature and rich cultural heritage, which we actively protect for the generations to come. We encourage you to help us in achieving this. Follow the green guidelines for ensuring sustainable behaviour before, during, and after your visit to Slovenia, so as to have a positive impact on the natural environment and local communities.

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Slovenia’s green steps towards a sustainable future

Slovenia’s green steps towards a sustainable future

We are proud that Slovenia ranks among the most environmentally friendly countries in the world. By implementing a number of green projects, we are making sure that it stays that way. We prioritise sustainable approaches in various areas of development, such as energy, transport, waste management, water resources management, biodiversity and tourism development.

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For beautiful and unique memories of your holiday

For beautiful and unique memories of your holiday

Take a piece of Slovenia home with you. Choose unique Slovenian crafts and arts products, culinary delicacies and unique souvenirs to remind you of your visit to Slovenia.

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Discover green, active and healthy Slovenia in your own way

No matter where you go, Slovenia will surprise you at every turn. The diverse landscape invites you to experience active adventures, authentic flavours tickle your taste buds while unique thermal and mineral waters pave your way to good health and well-being.

Active holidays

Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.

Active holidays

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Regions

In its small corner of the world, Slovenia is the only European country lying at the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain.

Regions

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Green gastronomic destinations in Slovenia

Destinations where sustainable gastronomy comes first.

Green gastronomic destinations in Slovenia

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Food and wine

Love is experienced through the stomach.

Food and wine

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Spas and health resorts

Rest, relax and enjoy the soothing power of thermal waters and wellness treatments.

Spas and health resorts

Spas and health resorts

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Unique accommodation in Slovenia

Spend your dream holiday in world-class comfort and in authentic touch with nature.

Unique accommodation in Slovenia

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Stories from Slovenia

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