How Slovenia Is Leading The Way On Green Tourism

As the only country in Europe where four distinct geographical regions meet, Slovenia’s diverse landscape is a major attraction for many visitors. Surrounded by rivers, forests and mountains, Slovenians have always had respect for the natural resources they live off – and now visitors to the country can also experience the best of Slovenia in a truly sustainable way.

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a popular holiday destination with a number of must-see attractions that rank among some of the best in Europe. Like other cities that have seen high levels of tourism, however, there is a worry that large crowds are causing damage to the ancient sites within the walls of Ljublana. The good news for Slovenia is that the rest of the country is perfectly set up for sustainable stays, and this focus on green tourism is a big part of how the country is promoting itself.

As part of Culture Trip’s focus on responsible travel, here’s a look at how one country has been leading the way on green tourism.

Slovenia’s Green Credentials

In 2015, Slovenia introduced a national programme for the development of sustainable and responsible tourism through a five-tier certification programme. Designed to implement green policies, and create and promote green experiences, the Slovenia Green model now offers over 100 ways to visit the country in a more sustainable manner.

From national parks and accommodation to attractions and restaurants, future plans include the elimination of single-use plastics, the development of Slovenia’s Unique Experience (SUE’s) and introducing a new Slovenia Green cuisine label. Sitting between the Alps, the Mediterranean Sea, the Karst and the Pannonian, Slovenia was officially recognised as the first Green Country in the world, according to the Green Destinations Standard.

Discover beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia, such as Slap Virje

Green Experiences in Slovenia

There are 46 landscape, regional and nature parks to explore in Slovenia – including Triglav National Park, which covers 4 percent of the country and is one of the largest parks in Europe. The country is known for its many lakes and rivers, with Lake Bled – situated in the foothills of the Julian Alps – the best known amongst them.

Travel through the country is encouraged by train, bike or on foot. In 2021, six new trails were launched, including the Juliana Loop Biking Trail and the Krokar Primeval Forest Hiking Trail.

The country was crowned European Region of Gastronomy in 2021, having made a point of creating sustainable dishes, and using short supply chains and local ingredients. Slovenia also has the largest number of beekeepers per capita than anywhere else in Europe, so expect to find plenty of cuisine enriched by local honey.

Head for the summit of Slovenia’s phenomenal mountains in the Julian Alps

Environmentally Friendly Attractions in Slovenia

Triglav National Park is home to the tallest mountain in Slovenia. The Triglav is also the highest peak of the Julian Alps, a range that stretches from northeastern Italy to northwest Slovenia. The park is great for hikers and kayakers, with the calm waters even allowing the more adventurous visitor the chance to take to the air for a spot of parasailing.

Over at Lake Bohinj you can also get an elevated view, but this time in a far more sedate way. A cable car system can take you to the top of Mount Vogel, which in turn looks over a series of unspoiled meadows and forests.

Take the cable car from Lake Bohinj up to the top of Mount Vogel

Considered one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Europe, Logar lies within the northern part of Slovenia and is full of historic and cultural value. In the summer, visitors can hike, bike or climb, stopping at local farms to try local delicacies such as stomach sausage and dried pear dough pockets. Famous for its waterfalls, the 90m-high (295ft) Rinka Falls is a must see.

Places to stay in Slovenia

1. Bohinj Eco Hotel

Eco Hotel

An award-winning sustainable hotel in the heart of Slovenia’s Bohinjska Bistrica, Bohinj Eco Hotel is at the edge of Triglav National Park. The comfortable, modern interior is decorated using local natural materials while offering guests panoramic views of the Julian Alps. On the hotel’s top floor, the exclusive wellness area offers a wide range of relaxing facilities and treatments.

2. Sunrose 7 Hotel

Suite Hotel

This landmark Slovenian heritage hotel and digital detox hideaway has been welcoming guests since 1890. Back then, the digital detox element wasn’t high on the agenda, but today the 18 rooms and suites – where traditional Slovenian architecture meets contemporary minimalist alpine design – are great for a complete off-the-grid experience. Sunrose 7’s new wellness area is called Zlata Vila (or Golden Fairy) and focuses on seven elements of relaxation.

3. Hotel Ljubljana Park

Bed and Breakfast

Surrounded by several parks, this hotel is the most urban and green hotel in the centre of the capital. Committed to sustainable development, respecting the environment and connecting with local communities, rooms are decorated with ecofriendly materials and guests are offered optional room cleaning. The hotel rooftop is a great urban space, which is home to a herbal garden and even a series of beehives.

4. Eco Campsite Koren

Camping

Slovenia, Soca Valley, Soca river, Valley near Kobarid

Located next to the emerald Soča River and only 500m (1,640ft) from Kobarid, Eco Campsite Koren is the first eco-camp in Slovenia. Providing 90 plots for trailers, motorhomes and tents, the site has a maximum capacity to house 360 people. It’s a perfect base for active travellers, including kayakers, rafters, mountaineers, paragliders, anglers and cyclists.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.