Slovenia is one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world. The “Good Country Index” ranks it 4th out of 154 countries in terms of positive contributions to the planet and climate. Vast forests, protected parks, abundant water resources, and excellent quality drinking water set the stage for a vacation that shows care for the land and its resources.
Sustainable Accommodations
On Lake Bled, there is Vila Mila, which uses energy from renewable sources and rainwater to irrigate its gardens. It follows a Zero Waste strategy and offers eco-friendly land transportation: with their electric car, they can pick you up in Ljubljana or any of the nearby train stations to Bled.
In Ljubljana, you can choose between B&B HOTELS Ljubljana and Hostel Celica. The first, located in the city center, is surrounded by trees and promotes the mantra “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle“. The hostel, on the other hand, is ideal for those who love thrills, as the building was once a military prison for a century, and guests can experience sleeping behind bars! Sustainability is expressed through energy savings, waste separation, local food, and tap water for drinking.
By the sea, in the Slovenian Istria, there are charming cottages on a hill covered in vineyards overlooking the countryside and the Mediterranean. Here, waste is also recycled, and bottles are collected to support charitable organizations.
Throughout the country, you will find many accommodations with green certification, which can be found here.
Green Experiences
Although only one attraction has received the “Slovenia Green Attraction” certification, namely the winery Klet Brda, the largest Slovenian wine producer, Slovenia offers numerous experiences that can be considered Green and sustainable. For example, you can organize trekking along the Dinaric Trail or hikes in the Isonzo Valley. You can also plan excursions in the upper Savinja Valley to appreciate alpine biodiversity or visit the Laško area, a wellness and health oasis where beer is produced, but above all, beekeeping and herbalism are practiced.
Naturally, excursions or an entire cycling vacation align with the choice to travel in safety and with respect for the environment. Among all the options, we recommend the opportunities offered by the Green Karst, the region beyond the Trieste border.
Local Products
Slovenia is committed to keeping its traditions alive, and in many shops, at market stalls, at craft festivals, and especially in the workshops of master artisans, you can find true excellences.
A country of forests, Slovenia is famous for its traditional wooden products, ranging from small toys to furniture. Equally well-known and loved are the bobbin lace jewelry, typical of the city of Idrija.
Of course, there are also food products, including honey, a tradition that is deeply rooted in the local culture, as this is where the foundations of modern beekeeping were laid. Slovenia, the homeland of Anton Janša, the first beekeeping teacher at the court of Vienna in the 17th century, whose innovations brought a wave of change to beekeeping, worked to have the United Nations establish World Bee Day (May 20). It’s impossible to forget that bees are essential for the environment and are a symbol of its protection.
