SLOVENIA

Slovenia, the green heart of Europe lies between the mountainous Austria and Italy, flat Hungary and the warm Adriatic Sea. It is a nice surprise for many visitors from all over the world. Snowy Alpine peaks and the Triglav National Park with many glacial valleys, gorges, waterfalls, lakes and crystal-clear wild waters attract visitors looking for peace in the mountains as well as sports climbers, skiers, canoeists, gliders and others in search for relaxation and excitement in everyday life. Bled with an island in the middle of a lake and a mighty castle on top of the cliff is the Alpine tourist center.

Only a two hours' drive separates mountain lovers from pleasures, offered by the Slovene Mediterranean. Portorož Riviere with green hinterland, great hotels, casino, congress centers, marina and airport is known all around. A great deal of entertainment and the exquisite Primorska cuisine with fish specialities and top quality wines satisfies even the most pretentious tastes.

Many possibilities for exploring and discovering Slovenia offers the Karst region with its caves, plateaus, fields, disappearing streams and a periodic lake. There are many underworld caves, from the world famous Postojnska Cave with beautiful stalactites, pillars and rocky curtains and UNESCO's Škocjan Caves to grottos that are difficult to access, where you can climb only with a help of experienced local guides. In Lipica (Karst) sheltered by century-old lime trees there is an over 400 years old stud farm of Lipizzaners, the world famous white horses with their origin in Slovenia.

Numerous world famous natural spas developed near thermal and mineral springs, where activity lovers, families, businessmen and the sick accumulate their strength. The slogan of Slovene spas is a healthy spirit and body, relaxation and well state of health, entertainment and recreation in all seasons.

One of the indicators of rich slovenian history and cultural heritage are castles. Cultural heritage of Slovenia is very rich and colourfull but unfortunately mostly abandoned. Castle Trebnik in Slovenske Konjice is one of the best practice how cultural heritage can become an attractive tourist product.

The Slovene identity has formed together with lively cultural life. It is mirrored in village and city architecture, numerous folk-customs, cultural events, museums and galleries. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is an architectural treasure, the center of economic, cultural and political life with lively tourist atmosphere.  The second most important centre in Slovenia is Maribor. The Štajerska capital invites you to the embrace of its wine growing hills and green Pohorje with number of cultural events.

The sole of our country are people: friendly, warm-hearted, happy and attentive.