pristine ties between nature and people The unique charm of the Slovene countryside. OdprteOdprte vasi vasi/ /
... Nature's beauty, the power of tradition, the warmth of genuine hospitality. … Life slows down here. ... Everything smells nicer. ... Full days and peaceful nights. ... A break from everyday worries. Open villages
Come and enjoy a wealth of experiences that go hand in hand with the seasons. Discover the unspoiled nature, diverse landscapes, authentic local customs and traditions, dialects and culinary specialties, sample some wholesome organically produced food and wine, and experience the sincere hospitality of local people.
3 Open villages / Experience
Experience
Life in the Slovenian countryside has its own rhythm. Far away from the urban world and the daily grind, this is a great place to get away from it all, perfect for relaxation in an environment that preserves tradition and respects nature, a world whose rhythm is dictated by the seasons and the knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
The kitchen is filled with the enticing smells of dishes prepared according to our grandmothers’ recipes, spices change the fragrance and the flavours of home-made dishes made of everything that the gardens and fields have to offer. Sometimes the table is laden with juicy vegetables and large potatoes and at other times, when nature is less generous, with dishes made from home-grown grains and meats.
The countryside changes with the days
Here, you will find no noise, traffic jams, smog or plastic bottles. If you’re thirsty, it doesn’t get much better than tap water that comes straight from under the nearby hills and mountains. Local children are still familiar with games played back in the day and people often while away the evening by singings songs from centuries-old songbooks. On Sunday afternoons, men head to the village pub to play some cards, while women visit their friends to share a cup of coffee, exchange some cake recipes, show off their knitting skills and tell one another what’s happened in the vil-lage during the week.
In vineyards, orchards and olive groves surrounding the villages, tractors with all sorts of state-of-the-art attachments are a common sight, but during the growing season stems and shoots are nur-tured by the owners’ capable hands.
Cellars are full of wine, pantries are filled with cheese, beehives packed with honey and glass con-tainers brimful of olive oil – in exchange for the tender loving care, these treats offer a different wealth of flavours every year. Homemade meats are aged by the bora. The best known of all is prosciutto, often served to friends and paired with homemade bread and a glass of fresh wine. Everything is healthy and full of flavour.
4 Technological advances are slow to affect the village life and have only done so to the extent that still benefits the community. It is an unforgettable experience to get to know a part of this one- of-a-kind world. To be able to meet a winegrower who invites you to his cellar and offers you a glass of his wine, or a housewife who offers you the best vegetable minestrone and is more than happy to share her recipe for a delicious potica cake.
There are all sorts of exhilarating experiences to look forward to: you can learn about the bottling process of sparkling wine, feed the chickens and collect some fresh eggs, slice vegetables in the garden and learn how to make a herb frtalja (frittata).
This is what village life is all about.
After checking out everything that’s on offer, including Maxis’ location and the locals’ open doors, tourist attractions and good inns, all there’s left to do is book a stay and pay, which generates a code allowing guests to use the chosen accommodation.
Upon arrival, our guests receive an Open Villages Card with all sorts of special deals for select tourist attractions and restaurants throughout Slovenia.
These are Open Villages. Glamyarding – a new, unique way to holiday in the countryside!
A one-of-a-kind experience of authentic village life paired with the charms of tradition and all the comforts of modern accommodation.
5 Open villages / MAXI
MAXI - A small home with great comfort
Maxi and its trendy exterior, a sustainable approach to planning and construction and a well-thought-out interior make for a pleasant, healthy and comfortable stay for four people.
A spacious kitchen with a stove, a fridge, a microwave and a dishwasher, a bathroom with a shower, a living room that can be turned into a bedroom for two adults and a separate bedroom with a double bed offer all the comforts of a home away from home.
The Minimaxi is made of completely natural materials, is self- sufficient and energy-efficient, and features a water-saver faucet system and large windows, which let in plenty of light and can be shaded on request. Guests enter with a code that they receive upon payment of the reservation, which allows them flexibility in terms of arrival and departure.
Maxis boast the international GREEN KEY eco-label, awarded to facilities whose staff and partners are committed to environmentally-friendly practices. In line with this, our guests are likewise asked to respect our green policy.
Environmental protection:
energy-efficient light bulbs waste sorting water-saver faucets use of eco-friendly soaps and cleaning agents use of eco-friendly toilet paper wastewater collection eco-materials cost- and energy-efficient construction
Additional features:
Wi-Fi, pet-friendly, air-conditioner heating, garden view, flat-screen TV
6 An unforgettable experience of the authentic countryside.
E-bike rental
You can explore Open Villages and the local attractions on comfortable Empress electric road bikes.
7 Open villages / MAXI
Made entirely of Slovenian wood, Maxi is sustainable and energy-efficient. It consists of a private bathroom, a kitchen and a bedroom. It is set in the midst of a green rural setting and also features an outdoor wooden bathtub set right by the terrace, where you can relax and refresh yourself. While staying here, you can also explore the surrounding area by e-bikes, which can be rented directly from the host.
8 Maxi is a modern, sustainable, energy-efficient accommodation unit that boasts design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The bathroom features a spacious shower cubicle and the kitchen offers everything you need to prepare some traditional dishes. The sleeping area has a double bed with a mattress made of natural materials and the living area sleeps two more people. And on top of it all, there is a terrace and an outdoor wooden bathtub. Maxi is designed to offer complete privacy, while also allowing guests to socialise and spend free time in the midst of na-ture.
9 Open villages / Green and safe
Green and safe Open villages
Slovenia is a green and safe tourist destination. We build the trust in the ‘I feel Slovenia’ brand by increasing the safety of you, our guests. We adhere to responsible travelling standards which we have combined in the Green & Safe mark. We use it to mark and emphasise high hygienic standards and protocols as well as the sustainability recommendations which all tourist providers and destinations adhere to. With activities based on safety, responsibility and sustainability, we take care of your well-being and increase your trust in Slovenia as a green and safe tourist destination.
Feel the green heart of Open villages
Slovenia is one of the greenest and most sustainable countries in the world. From generation to generation we live and work with nature by preserving it for our future generations. Almost 70% of our country is covered by forests, crystal clear drinking water springs under the mountains, and the extraordinary biodiversity of our ecosystems can be seen at every step.
In the Slovenian countryside, you can feel people’s connection to nature and the land at every step as well as their devotion to tradition. Therefore, Open Villages are full of inspiring stories. Whichever direction you look in you will find something that will warm your heart. In close cooperation with the local community, we uphold our greatest values: authenticity, untouched nature, peace and quiet, tradition and sustainable development.
In order for you to fully experience Open villages and become part of our life for the duration of your stay, we invite you to participate in the co-creation of our joint green future. Let your visit of Open Villages be inspired by our love for nature and heritage.
10 Nature and landscape
The mild weather makes for a pleasant visit regardless of which season it is. Active holidays which include hiking, biking, horse riding, water sports, fishing, hunting, parachuting and mountaineering have an impact on the natural balance. You can help preserve the balance by following along well-trodden and marked trails.
Environment and climate
Feel Open Villages as your green open air home. Together, we can make sure it remains clean and tidy. Please ensure waste separation and always take your waste to the designated waste bins or home when you are out and about on trips.
Culture and tradition
Through thousands of years, the Slovenian language helped preserve Slovenian culture and identity. Try to learn a few basic phrases to humour your host (hello = dober dan, thank you = hvala, How are you = kako si/ste, that is so good – to je zelo dobro).
The Green Spark opens the Green Heart of the Open Villages
If you are looking for a nice souvenir, it doesn’t get better than handicrafts and home-grown produce. Share your Open Villages experience with friends and help us spread the green philosophy.
Follow our green sparkles. And stay friends with us. For good!
11 Open villages / The open door of the locals
Stories of people from Open Villages
The unique charm of Slovene countryside comes from warm and genuine hospitality of locals.
The landlord always spares some time to invite you to the hram, the landlady offers you a dish of freshly made soup and she is willing to tell you the recipe for delicious potica. Wine matures in cellars, honey in beehives, olive oil in glass containers, and each year careful attention is rewarded with a different nuance of noble tastes. The bora wind helps curing home-grown meats, among which delicious prosciutto reigns supreme. Best served if it is cut for friends, with home-baked bread made of freshly ground flour, and a glass of rujno wine.
Ljubljana
Welcome 365 days a year. 12 Borut Leban and wine from amphorae
Prvačina 121b, 5297 Prvačina +386 31 328 244 [email protected]
Working time By previous telephone appointment
Languages spoken: SLO, IT, EN, CRO
Special offer Wine in amphoras, ecological orange, white and red wines.
Dandelion
Branik 122, 5295 Branik +386 40 576 391 [email protected] www.apartma-dandelion.si
Working time By telephone appointment
Languages spoken: SLO, IT, EN, CRO
Special offer Artisan, stone products.
Kmetija na Hribu
Prvačina 94, 5297 Prvačina +386 41 749 929, 00386 41 241 590 [email protected] www.kmetijanahribu.si
Working time By previous telephone appointment
Languages spoken: SLO, IT, EN, GER, CRO
Special offer Homemade ecological produce, self-sufficiency, homeliness, access, cooperation of guests in work at the farm, riding school.
More about ... www.odprtevasi.si/en/open-villages/?category=opendoors 13 Open villages / The open door of the locals
Kmetija na Štacijonu
Prvačina 121a, 5297 Prvačina +386 41 737 155 [email protected]
Working time By telephone appointment
Languages spoken: SLO, IT, EN, CRO
Special offer Peaches, cherries, extra virgin olive oil from Hvar.
Thomas Krpan
Prvačina 125 , 5297 Prvačina +386 40 360 335 [email protected]
Working time By previous a telephone appointment
Languages spoken: SLO, IT, CRO
Special offer The option to lease the socializing area with or without the lit fireplace, the option to prepare food in the fireplace.
Vina Zgonik
Branik 16, 5295 Branik +386 41 341 120 [email protected]
Working time By previous appointment
Languages spoken: SLO, IT, EN, ESP
Special offer Open and bottled wines.
14 Stara pršutarna in kisarna Q KOMEL
Kobjeglava 63 +386 41 447 854 [email protected] www.q-komel.com
Working time By appointment. Reservation mandatory.
Languages spoken: SLO, IT, EN, CRO
Special offer Prosciutto matured in Karst with teran extract.
Oljkarstvo Ronki
Prvačina 39a, 5297 Prvačina +386 40 280 106 [email protected]
Working time By previous appointment
Languages spoken: SLO, IT, EN, CRO
Special offer Extra virgin olive oil, oil with the addition of chilli peppers, bread baked in brick oven.
Pri Čečkotavih
Prvačina 132, 5297 Prvačina +386 40 315 993, +386 05 301 63 73 [email protected]
Working time By previous telephone appointment
Languages spoken: SLO, IT
Special offer Flower, acacia and linden honey.
More about ... www.odprtevasi.si/en/open-villages/?category=opendoors 15 Open villages / Active experiences
Active experiences
The lovers of physical exercise and dynamic challenges can get away from Open Villages on a trip, preferably with electric or ordinary bicycles, by train or bus instead of by car. The variety of walking, cycling and horse-riding paths is enriched with water sports on rivers and lakes, SUP paddling, canoes, hunting and fishing with a camera, and also high adrenaline ventures, such as canyoning, adrenaline parks and paragliding. Those who prefer intellectual challenges are many times fascinated with the varied gamification offer of escape rooms from enclosed spaces or fictions in nature.
Ljubljana
An active lifestyle is a recipe for good health and vitality. 16 ON-NOSE
Vojkova 19, 5294 Dornberk +386 68 633 022 [email protected] www.onnose.si
Working time We carry out activities with prior booking
Languages spoken: SLO, IT, EN
Special offer HIKE&BIKE, water sports, adrenaline: canyoning, biking on MTB and e-bikes, kayak, canoe, SUP, parachuting.
E-bike point Miren
Miren 172j, 5291 Miren +386 5 395 41 60 [email protected] www.e-bajk.si
Working time Monday - Friday 8:00 - 16:00
Languages spoken: SLO, IT, EN, CRO
Special offer E-BIKE POINT offers rent, free testing and purchase of electric bikes by a high-quality.
Soča Fun Park
Pot na Breg 11, 5250 SOLKAN +386 40 377 477 [email protected] https://socafunpark.si
Working time https://socafunpark.si/sl/urnik/
Languages spoken: SLO, IT, EN, CRO
Special offer Zip-line across the Soča River
More about ... www.odprtevasi.si/en/open-villages/?category=activity 17 Open villages / Active experiences
Karra
Tomaj 105, 6221 Dutovlje +386 41 706 036, +386 41 635 106 [email protected] www.karra.si
Working time Booking time slots at the website
Languages spoken: SLO, EN
Special offer Karra is a personal host and creator of special Karst experiences. It unveils Karst in exciting detective games for adults.
Zeliščna kmetija Rogelja
Vojščica 32, 5296 Kostanjevica na Krasu +386 31 310 800, +386 31 202 588 [email protected] www.zeliscarogelja.si
Working time By previous a telephone appointment
Languages spoken: SLO, IT, EN
Special offer Herb gardens, herbal teas, ointments, liquors, spirits, hydrolates, tinctures (herbal drops), herb oils, massages
Turizem in zdravje, Peter Marinič s.p.
Grajska cesta 20, Dobrovo +386 51 370 305 [email protected]
Working time By previous a telephone appointment
Languages spoken: SLO, IT, EN
Special offer Cosy energy hikes for pairs, families or small groups.
18 More about ... www.odprtevasi.si/en/open-villages/?category=activity Open villages / Enjoy your meal
Enjoy your meal! The finest cuisine
Open Villages kitchen smells of grandma’s recipes, which are added a touch of modernity by chefs. In the same way as each Slovene village has its own food speciality, each chef can offer their own variants of traditional dishes. Try toč s klobaso, herbal frtalja, šelinka soup or delicious štruklji. Aromas and tastes of seasonal dishes that follow the abundance in gardens, fields and forests, sometimes full of juicy fruits, vegetables and aromatic herbs, while at other times, when nature is less generous, home- produced cereal and meat dishes appear on tables more often. All is genuine and full of taste. Fresh and healthy.
• Bistro Grad Štanjel by Q Komel, Štanjel 1a, 6222 Štanjel • Gostilna Bric, Miren 120, 5291 Miren • Gostilna Kogoj, Bilje 149a, 5292 Renče • Gostilna Makorič, Orehovlje 31, 5290 Miren • Gostilna Štirna, Opatje selo 42, 5290 Miren • Ošterija Branik, Branik 79a, 5295 Branik • Ošterija Žogica, Soška 52 Solkan 5250 • Turistična kmetija Gregorič, Prvačina 140, 5297 Prvačina • Vina Saksida, Zalošče 12a, 5294 Dornberk • ...
Ljubljana
Enjoy some fine cuisine in selected Open Villages inns.
19 Open villages / Attractions
Attractions. Discovering heritage and its secrets
Explorers who like to discover charms of tourist attractions and ancestral messages hidden in our heritage, Slovenia is a country of immense opportunities. Nowhere in the world can you find so many pearls of cultural heritage condensed in such a small territory. Castles and museums with living and non- living heritage, churches with mysterious treasures and galleries with artefacts of world-renowned artists impress even the most demanding travellers. And when the eventful day is ending and the soul is brimming with beauty and treats of Open Villages, the silent night softly rocks you in a healthy sleep in a comfortable Minimaxi bed.
Ljubljana
Our journeys into the future are based on the heritage of our ancestors. 20 Čevljarski muzej Hiša Aleksandrink Prvačina 173, 5297 Prvačina Miren 129, 5291 Miren +386 31 601 328 +386 31 845 635 [email protected] [email protected] www.aleksandrinke.si
Krompirjeva jama Pomnik miru na Cerju
+386 51 363 701 Lokvica, 5291 Miren +386 31 310 800 +386 31 310 800 www.visitkras.info [email protected]
Botanični vrt v Sežani Borojevićev prestol Partizanska cesta 2 Lokvica, 5291 Miren +386 (0)5 731 01 28 +386 31 310 800 [email protected] [email protected] www.vrtsezana.si
Zbirka 1. svetovne Kobilarna Lipica vojne v Opatjem selu
Opatje selo, 5291 Miren +386 5 739 1696 +386 31 477 412 [email protected] [email protected] www.lipica.org www.tdcerje.si
More about ... www.odprtevasi.si/en/open-villages/?category=atraction 21 Open villages / Attractions
Kostanjeviški Hiša opajske tradicije samostan z grobnico Opatje selo, 5291 Miren Burbonov +386 31 477 412 [email protected] +386 5 330 77 50 www.tdcerje.si [email protected] www.samostan-kostanjevica.si
Devinski Grad Dolina Soče
+39 040 208120 Rupa 17, 5230 Bovec [email protected] +386 (0)5 30 29 647 www.castellodiduino.it [email protected] www.soca-valley.com
Postojnska jama Mitski park
Jamska cesta 30, 6230 Postojna Reška cesta, 6240 Hrpelje 00386 5 700 01 00 +386 5 680 01 50 [email protected] [email protected] www.postojnska-jama.eu www.mitski-park.eu
Predjamski grad Solkanski most
Predjama 1, 6230 Predjama Kidričeva ulica 11 +386 5 700 01 00 5000 Nova Gorica [email protected] +386 5 330 46 00 www.postojnska-jama.eu [email protected] www.novagorica-turizem.com
22 Kostanjeviški Kostnica v Sredipolju samostan z grobnico (Redipuglia) Goriška brda Burbonov Via Terza Armata; I-34070 Foljan +386 5 395 95 95 [email protected] +386 5 330 77 50 Sredipolje www.brda.si [email protected] [email protected] www.samostan-kostanjevica.si www.itinerarigrandeguerra.com
Galerija Oskar Kogoj Goriški grad
Miren 125, 5291 Miren Località Borgo Castello +386 5 395 42 00 36 34170 Gorizia [email protected] www.comune.gorizia.it www.oskarkogoj.com
Mitski park Ljubljana Škocjanske jame
Reška cesta, 6240 Hrpelje +386 1 306 45 83 Škocjan 2, 6215 Divača +386 5 680 01 50 [email protected] +386 5 70 82 100 [email protected] www.visitljubljana.com [email protected] www.mitski-park.eu www.park-skocjanske-jame.si
Vipavski Križ Idrija
Plače 70, 5270 Ajdovščina Mestni trg 2, 5280 Idrija +386 31 229 336 +386 5 37 43 916 [email protected] [email protected] www.vipavskikriz.si www.visit-idrija.si
More about ... www.odprtevasi.si/en/open-villages/?category=atraction 23 Odprte vasi / turistične atrakcije
An authentic and boutique Open Villages experience
Close your eyes and enjoy the experience. A new one every day. Trust your heart and immerse yourself in one-of-a-kind stories. Enjoy the flavours and colours of individual seasons.
Open Villages – active, healthy, green and safe.
24 Flavours and memories in our e-shop
If you’d like a memento of your Open Villages experience, the fine flavours and colourful goods of the locals who welcomed you into their homes are a perfect choice. You can buy them on the spot or any time later in our e-shop that is open 24/7.
Buy a little something for yourself or your loved ones.
25 Open villages / Become a partner
Become a partner
Open Villages is an innovative rural-tourism concept that is based on franchising and offers a one-of-kind glampyarding experience, bringing together:
• Open Villages is an innovative rural-tourism concept that is based on franchising and offers a one-of-kind glampyarding experience, bringing together: • partners that offer sustainably designed, Green Key eco- certified MAXI accommodation units, which provide guests with all the comfort of living close to the hosts, • e-bike rental for active exploration of the countryside, • hosts and their open doors – locals who include guests in their everyday life, providing them with an unforgettable experience of the authentic village life, • hospitality facilities offering high-quality cuisine, • providers of active, sports experiences and gamification, • sights and attractions in a wider region.
Our door is wide open to new partners
The success story of Open Villages is created by various partners that are all part of a large family that acts locally and thinks globally. Our door is always open to new members. You are kindly invited to complete a questionnaire that opens up an opportunity to work with us. If all the conditions are fulfilled and if we share the same visions, a partnership contract will be concluded.
Thank you for placing your trust in us.
Visit our website www.odprtevasi.si / www.openvillages.com and get in touch with us to let us know what you are interested in: • BUY A MAXI – with an Open Villages partnership • BUY A MAXI – without an Open Villages partnership • BON APPÉTIT • ACTIVE EXPERIENCES • ATTRACTIONS • LOCALS AND THEIR OPEN DOORS
Operation is co-funded by the Republic of Slovenia and the European union from the Cohesion fund. www.eu-skladi.si
Izdrajatelj: Tehnosol d.o.o. / Oblikovanje: Matjash Matjaž Bizjak s.p. / Teksti: mag. Ariana B. Suhadolnik / Prevodi: Cum laude s.p. / 26 Fotografije:Matjaž Bizjak, Mitja Božič, Luka Vodopivec, Miha Bratina, Mediateka Slovenia.info, Jošt Gantar, Tomaž Povodnik in Ambrož Klančič / Tisk: A-media d.o.o. Open Villages bring a new concept of soft tourism to the Slovenian countryside – a one-of-a-kind experience of the local people and their open doors; guests become part the daily lives of local farmers, gardeners, winemakers, honey farmers, olive grower, butchers, craftsmen... through tastings or by taking part in the production process.
New locations in the Slovenian countryside everyday … new, unique experiences. Become part of the Open Villages family.
More about ... www.odprtevasi.si, www.openvillages.com
27 Open villages
Open Villages are made up of a network of partnerships that connect the countryside into a one- of-a-kind glampyarding experience; a combination of attractive accommodation in a Maxi with all the modern comforts and an authentic experience of the locals and their open doors.
Pristine ties between nature and people.
Contact t: +386 51 331 623 t: +386 40 644 137 t: +386 41 390 441 [email protected] [email protected] www.odprtevasi.si www.openvillages.com