Earth Day 2024: Explore Slovenia’s Greenest Getaways

Monday 22nd April signifies Earth Day 2024, an initiative that first began more than 50 years ago in 1970, and serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation, encouraging everyone to come together and take action in order to create a healthier planet and secure a brighter future for all.  

Often referred to as the green heart of Europe, Slovenia was the first country in the world to be declared a ‘Green Destination of the World’ in its entirety. This may be in part due to almost 60% of the destination being covered in forest, and also the country’s exceptional green values. 

Leading the Way: Slovenian Green Scheme

Central to Slovenia’s sustainability efforts is the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism, a national certification programme designed to promote cooperation among destinations, tourism providers, and stakeholders in the sector. Participants strive to introduce and integrate sustainable tourism principles into their operations. Through a comprehensive certification process, the scheme provides a framework for rating and improving the sustainability of tourism operations across the country.

There are more than 250 businesses across Slovenia currently taking part in the scheme, across hotels, travel agencies, attractions and restaurants.

Walking in the Wild: A Hiker’s Paradise

With more than 10,000km of marked hiking trails, over 50 specialised accommodation options for hikers, and endless choices when it comes to difficulty and distance, Slovenia is a paradise for those seeking to experience the country’s green surroundings on foot. 

The Alpe Adria Trail is a long-distance trail that connects the western part of Slovenia with Austria and Italy and features hiking through jaw-dropping mountain peaks, lush green valleys and along clear Alpine rivers and lakes. The total trail length through all three countries is 750km, but can of course be done in stages, with eight of these stages being through Slovenia and taking on average six hours per stage. The Slovenian part of the trail begins in Kranjska Gora, known for its mountain sports centre that hosts the Alpine Ski World Cup and Ski Jumping World Cup competitions. The route also passes through the idyllic Soča Valley, Bovec, Tolmin and Lipica, amongst other stops.

The Juliana Trail is a 270km circular hiking trail around the Julian Alps, featuring stunning views of the surrounding alpine environment. The trail will take hikers through vibrant green forests and blooming meadows, along icy blue rivers, and past historical towns and quaint villages that may not have been discovered otherwise. Some must-see stops along the way are the renowned Lake Bled and Bled Island, with the widely recognised Church of the Mother of God. Other notable stops include the Tormin and Soča Gorges, featuring beautiful emerald pools, as well as the Savica and Kozjak waterfalls and the picture-perfect Lake Jasna. 

Earthly Escapes: Slovenia’s Greenest Destinations

Several of Slovenia’s cities and towns have been certified under the Slovenia Green Scheme, making it easier than ever to identify the most sustainable spots to visit when travelling to the country.

The capital city of Ljubljana has received a platinum certification under the scheme, with the city considered to be 93% green, based on its score in the six categories in the Green Destinations standard. The city is surrounded by parks and areas of protected nature, as well as being situated either side of the picturesque river with its ornate bridges. The city centre is closed to traffic, making it ideal to explore on foot or by bike, as well as there being the option to paddle board or kayak through the central river. 

Located in the eastern part of the country, the town of Laško is another platinum certified destination, recognised as being 91% green. The town is known for its spa tradition, with the Thermana Laško Spa located next to the Savinja River and the Rimske terme Spa also not far away. Another long-held tradition of the town is their beekeeping; the town serves their own traditional Laška Medenka pastry, made of local honey, walnuts and browned cream. With wellness being at the core of Laško, honey also plays a part in a number of wellness treatments due to its healing properties. The town also offers the Honeybrew Tour, allowing visitors to create their own bittersweet potions.

For more information on Green Slovenia, please visit: https://www.slovenia.info/en/stories/green-story-of-slovenia  

For more information on the Slovenia Green Scheme, please visit: https://www.slovenia-green.si/