President‘s Welcome 5 A welcome from Slovenian president Borut Pahor Dear friends of Slovenia It brings me great joy to know that you have in your hands this fne book, which captures the rhythm of a country ofering every- thing you can imagine when you think of beauty and vitality – because that country is Slovenia. Slovenia will not only thrill you with its natural beauty and the diversity of its countryside, but also with the hospitality of its people and the quality of the services it provides. We Slovenians are hardworking people, and there are many incredible individuals among us who achieve worldwide success in diferent felds - sport, innovation, business, science and art. Our society is modern; it is the society of the future. We live as a sovereign nation, in our own country within the European Union, and we are open to international cultural dialogue and appreciate cooperation and respect. Our mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage we’ve been bestowed with, and to live healthy and active lives. Slovenia is a country of magnifcent nature. In one corner there are green hills covered with vineyards, and in another, forests stretching as far as the eye can see, and in yet another, a beautiful alpine world; with the coast in the south and fertile plains in the far east. All this variety ofers many opportunities for excursions, sports and other recreational activities. Slovenian cites and rural destinations hide many historical secrets, and also ofer excellent gourmet experiences, where Mediterranean infuenced favours mix with continental tastes and form the healthy traditional Slovenian cuisine. Slovenia also prides itself on its fantastic strategic position at the crossroads of the East and West, the North and South. Only a few hours separate us from Vienna or Venice, as well as other large European cities. Tourism forms an integral part of our society and the fundamental values that guide us in welcoming visitors are originality, authen- ticity, well-being and serving as a home away from home. Slovenia is a diverse and quality destination for all its visitors, which is why I am happy that you are coming from all over the world to meet us and discover our beautiful and exceptional country. Kind regards Borut Pahor President of the Republic of Slovenia 8 Table of Contents Table of Contents 9 35. Žalec 164 75. Ribnica 232 36. Šentjur 168 76. Žužemberk 233 37. Vransko 170 Western Slovenia 234 Table of Contents 38. Vitanje 171 MAP for Western Slovenia 236 39. Slovenska Konjice 172 77. Piran 238 40. Žiče Monastery 173 78. Portorož 240 3. Medvode 98 41. Zreče 174 Introducing Slovenia 10 79. Sečovlje 242 Basic Info 10 4. Vrhnika 99 42. Podčetrtek 175 80. Izola 244 Slovenia in Numbers 12 5. Logatec 100 43. Olimje 176 81. Koper 246 Language 14 6. Grosuplje 101 44. Rogaška Slatina 177 82. The Karst 248 History 16 7. Ivančna Gorica 102 45. Rogatec 178 83. Lipica 250 8. Srce Slovenije 104 46. Kozjansko Regional Park 179 Tops 10s & Interviews 18 84. Škocjanske Jame 252 9. Kamnik 106 47. Velenje 180 Top 10 Attractions 18 85. Vipava Valley 254 10. Domžale 108 48. Koroška 184 Interview with Eva Štravs Podlogar 20 86. Nova Gorica 256 11. Litija 109 49. Slovenj Gradec 186 Top 10 Annual Events 24 87. Goriška Brda 258 12. Lukovica 110 50. Upper Savinja Valley 187 Interview with Darko Brlek 26 88. Soča Valley 260 13. Kamniška Bistrica Valley 111 51. Solčavsko Region 188 Top 10 Slovenian Dishes 28 89. Kobarid 262 14. Velika Planina 112 52. Maribor 192 Interview with Janez Bogataj 30 90. Tolmin 263 53. Ptuj 196 Top 10 Souvenirs 32 91. Breginjski Kot 264 Northern Slovenia 114 54. Ljutomer 198 Interview with Ajša Vodnik 34 MAP for Northern Slovenia 116 92. Bovec 265 55. Prekmurje 200 Top 10 Slovenian Brands 36 15. Gorenjska Region 118 93. Zeleni Kras 266 56. Murska Sobota 202 Interview with Dušan Zorko 38 16. Bled 120 94. Postojna 268 57. Grad & Goričko 204 Interview with Otmar Zorn 40 17. Bohinj 126 95. Loška Dolina 270 58. Moravske Toplice 206 Top 10 10 Fairs & Conferences 42 18. Radovljica 130 96. Bloke 271 59. Velika Polana 207 Interview with Danica Purg 44 19. Kranj 132 97. Pivka 272 60. Lendeva 208 Top 10 Start Ups 46 20. Škofa Loka 136 98. Ilirska Bistrica 273 61. Radenci 209 Interview with Dejan Roljič 48 21. Železniki 138 99. Cerknica 274 Top 10 Winemakers 50 22. Gorenja Vas - Poljane 139 Southern Slovenia 210 100. Idrija 276 Interview with Darrel Joseph 52 23. Žiri 140 MAP for Southern Slovenia 212 Useful Information 280 Top 10 Athletes 54 24. Brdo Pri Kranju 141 62. Posavje 214 Top 100 Attractions 280 Top 10 Spas 56 25. Cerklje na Gorenjskem 142 63. Brežice 216 Top 100 Events 282 Interview with Iztok Altbauer 58 26. Žirovnica 143 64. Bizeljsko 218 Top 100 Restaurants 284 Top 10 Golf Courses 60 27. Šenčur 144 65. Bistrica ob Sotli 219 Top 100 Winemakers 286 Interview with Boris Košuta 62 28. Jezersko 145 66. Sevnica 220 Embassies & Consulates 288 Top 10 Ski Resorts 64 29. Tržič 146 67. Krško 222 Slovenian Diplomatic Missions 290 Top 10 Craft Beers 66 30. Kranjska Gora 148 68. Kostajevica na Krki 223 Municipalities 292 Interview with Matthew Charlesworth 68 31. Jesenice 150 69. Bela Krajina 224 Rotary Clubs 294 Top 10 European Destinations of Excellence 70 32. Triglav National Park 151 70. Metlika 226 Lions Clubs 295 71. Črnomelj 227 72 Editorial & Acknowledgements 296 Central Slovenia Eastern Slovenia 152 72. Semič 228 MAP for Central Slovenia 74 MAP for Eastern Slovenia 154 Photo Credits 298 73. Kočevje 229 1. Ljubljana 76 33. Celje 156 Index 300 74. Novo Mesto 230 2. Ljubljana Region 96 34. Laško 160 Topographical map 304 32 Souvenirs ToP 10 SoUvEnIRS IDRIJA LACE KICKSTARTER PRODUCTS Some 50km west of Ljubljana is the town of Idrija, famous for mer- In recent years many Slovene entrepreneurs have turned to the crowd- cury and lace. Not just any lace however, but some of the highest sourcing site Kickstarter to fund their projects, with a total of 42 campaigns quality lace produced on the planet. A large variety of lace goods can successfully to date. Many of the resulting products also make great souve- be found, the perfect souvenir for back home. nirs, and can be found at shops including Trgovina Ika and Slovenika. BEE HIVE PANELS CHOCOLATE ROGAŠKA CRYSTAL SALT Popularised by Anton Janša, the father of modern apiculture, in the Who doesn’t love chocolate? We certainly do, and there are many ex- One of the leading producers of crystal ware in the world, the crys- An oft-mentioned item among Slovenia’s top souvenirs, salt might 18th century, this colourful aspect of Slovenia’s famous beekeeping cellent producers of the sweet stuf throughout the country. Slovenia tal from Rogaška combines functionality with design excellence. Its raise an eyebrow or two. The saltpans at Sečovlje just south of history makes for a most unusual souvenir. All manner of designs are has a proud history of making chocolate, dating all the way back to products adorn the homes of countless celebrities, so why not take Portorož have been churning it out for centuries however, and it is available from which to choose. 1896 in the Trappist monastery in Brestanica. some home as well? well known among gourmands worldwide. DESIGNER WOOD FELT SLIPPERS SCHNAPPS YUGOSTALGIA With forests covering nearly 2/3 of its territory, it's no surprise that wood is a It’s common courtesy to remove ones shoes when entering a Slovene Whether drank as a digestif, a cure all for most common ailments or As time passes on and Slovenia’s Yugoslav history slips further into key element in many of Slovenia's traditional crafts products, and in recent home and replace them with comfortable slippers, which are tradi- a pick-me-up on those cold, dark winter mornings, Slovenians swear the background, the craze known as Yugostalgia has become one years it's become increasing prevalent in modern design as well, such as tionally made from felt, and you will fnd no fner felt slippers than by schnapps and so do we. Borovnica (blueberry), medica (honey) of the biggest tourist souvenir purchases in the country. Old coins, eyewear from Wood Stock or any number of items from Trgovina Ika. those crafted in Solčava in the Upper-Savinja valley. banknotes, stamps, mugs, medals and more can be found here. Dušan Zorko 39 WHAT MAKES A BRAND SUCCESSFUL? HOW WILL HEINEKEN'S TAKEOVER AFFECT THE DEVEL- Products are made in factories. Brands are made in heads. Brands are OPMENT OF THE LAŠKO AND UNION BRANDS? only as valuable as they’re worth in the consumer’s eyes - we can say We are happy to have an owner that is really a jewel in the global beer busi- that everyday is like an election. We have to do things that people care ness, and thanks to their knowledge I’m sure will progress in all areas. As I about, be known for good things, be known for things that are diferent. mentioned in the beer business local brands have the largest market shares We are aware that people don't buy a product or service, they buy a bet- and Heineken is determined to continue the success of our favourite brands. ter life, good feelings, relaxed and happy moments. They're looking for products that make their life easier, simpler, more fun, products that give HOW HAVE CONSUMERS' HABITS CHANGED OVER THE them freedom and touch their hearts.