The story of Slovenia is the story of the love of nature. Its name – SLOVEnia – even has the English word “love” running through it! Slovenia’s brand I Feel Slovenia doesn’t carry such a title by chance. Slovenia cannot be encapsulated only by an image, it has to be felt and experienced. We’re aiming to present our country’s brand through a personal touch and experiences for all the senses.
GREEN
Forests, Waters, Principles
There are over 20,000 animal and plant species on slightly more than 20,000 sq. km of territory. Over one third of Slovenia is included in the Natura 2000 network – a European network of special protected areas that were chosen by European Union members in order to preserve important biological diversity in Europe. Slovenia is the third most forested country in Europe and according to the amount of river water per inhabitant, among the water richest countries in Europe. Slovenia carefully preserves its natural richness, which is a feature of all Slovenian regions.
As you might imagine, sustainability is at the very heart of what we do, and we’re now being rewarded for our efforts. Tolmin, which lies at the Slovenian Italian border, has been named Alpine Town of the Year 2016 for sustainable development and for strengthening the Alpine identity of the local population. Similarly, our capital Ljubljana won the prestigious European Green Capital Award 2016 and was the first destination that received a Golden Certificate of Slovenia Green Destination.
ACTIVE
Europe’s Outdoor Adventure Playground
The central European country of Slovenia packs an adventure-sports punch much greater than its diminutive size would suggest. The north of the country is dominated by towering mountain ranges that provide plentiful challenges for hikers and skiers. In the west, pure alpine streams strengthen as they descend into the valleys, becoming churning white-water rapids, ideal for rafting and the relatively new sport of canyoning. Elsewhere, picturesque lakeside paths provide perfect terrain for cyclists and the lush fields of the Karst are home to a rare breed of white stallion – the Lipizzaner horse. If you love the outdoors, it’s time you got acquainted with Europe’s adventure playground.
HEALTHY
Healing, Invigorating and Nourishing
The secret of health and well-being lies in 87 natural thermal springs. The water, climate and other factors are the core of the offer of the 15 certified natural spa resorts. The thermal and mineral waters in Slovenia have been the source of health for centuries.
But that’s not all – Slovenia is equally proud of its traditional Slovenian cuisine, with particular acclaim to wine region Goriška Brda, a European Destination of Excellence 2015. Slovenia has 24 gastronomic regions and 3 winegrowing regions, which are ranked among the 3 to 5 % of the best locations in the world.
Slovenia also presented itself with the slogan “Green. Active. Healthy.” at Expo Milano 2015 promoting the awareness that everyone can do something useful for themselves and our Planet. Welcome to experience energizing Slovenia – green, active and healthy destination!
Stay tuned for more I Feel 25 stories!
[Partial sources: www.slovenia.info, http://www.ukom.gov.si/en/ and www.lonelyplanet.com. Photo: www.slovenia.info, Nea Culpa]
Dare to expect more.
Over 10,000 karst caves are located beneath the surface of Slovenia. Some of the Slovenian caves represent a unique setting for special events, from art performances, gala dinners to various cave experiences.
The Postojna Cave with all its passages, galleries and halls provides a unique setting for various events.
The Vilenica Cave near Lokev is the oldest show cave in Europe. Tourists have been visiting it since 1633. Every year the Vilenica international literary prize is awarded in the cave’s ‘Ballroom’.
The Škocjan Caves remain the only monument in Slovenia and the Classical Karst region on UNESCO’s list of natural and cultural world heritage sites. Thus, they hold a significant position among the world’s natural monuments.[/vc_toggle]