SLOVENIA IS...
Green. Active. Healthy.
Slovenia is a place in the centre of Europe where the mighty Alps meet
the colourful Mediterranean, the mysterious Karst and the peaceful
Pannonian Plain. It is a place where green prevails – and there is a
special shade of green in Slovenia: Slovenian green. In Slovenia, nature
is a source of green tranquility; nature is an inspiration for an active
lifestyle in harmony with the great outdoors. Here, every day, nature
serves as a training ground for numerous world-renowned Slovenian
athletes and nature is the source of health. How can we summarize what
Slovenia is? Slovenia is…Green. Active. Healthy. For the 2 million people
who live here and for everyone who visits.
Slovenia is green. Slovenian green and green diversity…
In a small area in the heart of Europe, nature has united and intertwined
immense natural richness, while giving Slovenia extraordinary diversity and
variety. The Alps in the north and northwest of Slovenia, Pohorje in the
northeast, the Pannonian Plain in the extreme east, wine-growing hills and
regions of thermal water in the southeast as well as the Karst and Adriatic
coast in the south and southwest.
Incredible natural beauties are features that Slovenia would like to preserve in a
conscious and calculated manner. Slovenia's own colour of green is integrated in
all strategic thinking about the future development of tourism and economy in the
country.
More than one third of Slovenia's territory is protected within the framework of
the Natura 2000 European network of nature-protected areas, while the
numerous precious areas include natural parks and reserves – within the
framework of large protected areas, Slovenia has one national park, 3
regional parks and 44 landscape parks; moreover, within the framework of
small protected areas, Slovenia has 52 nature reserves and 1217 natural
monuments. Direct contact with nature is visible on the outskirts of towns,
including the capital. At the doorstep of Ljubljana, only a few steps away from the
end of city streets expands the Ljubljansko Barje Landscape Park, one of the
most important nature-protected areas in Slovenia.
Slovenia gets its green colour primarily from its forests, which cover almost
60 per cent of its territory – in this category, Slovenia is among the top
European countries. There are still edible mushrooms growing in Slovenian
forests, which also contain the largest population of bears. There is old-growth
forest just 60 kilometers away from the capital.
With more than 22 thousand animal and plant species, Slovenia is among
the richest countries in Europe with regard to nature. The richness of the
plant and animal species in Slovenia is especially supported by the fact that
Slovenia covers only 0.004% of the Earth's surface, while more than one per cent
of all living species and more than two per cent of land and freshwater animals
live here.
Slovenia is only around 20,000 km2 in size, while it has 28 thousand
kilometers of watercourses and more than 1300 lakes. According to the
amount of river waters per inhabitant, Slovenia is among the richest
countries in Europe. Slovenia is also a sea country – it only has about 46
kilometers of coast, but one fifth of its coast is also protected.
Slovenia is active. In harmony with nature and itself…
Slovenia is active in nature and soul. An amazing variety of active experiences is
provided to all who love to be in contact with nature and their inner spirit. The
active Kranjska Gora, peaceful Bohinj, cosmopolitan Bled, the emerald Soča
River, views of the Alpine peaks, the embrace of sunny Pohorje, the diverse winegrowing hills, the cradle of world-famous Lipizzaner horses or Slovenia's
underground cave system… all between the earth, sky and sea.
Green sports. There are more than 10,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails in
Slovenia and 14 areas for cycling that fulfill the criteria for standard cycling
destinations. About one tenth of golf courses in Slovenia are located on diverse
terrain in different landscapes; there are adrenaline parks as well as equestrian
centres and trails. Moreover, you can learn how to ride horses in Lipica, the
cradle of the world-renowned Lipizzaner horses. Slovenia is also known for its
paragliding.
Blue sports. For wild water lovers, the Soča River is one of the most desired
destinations in Europe; however, for a more relaxed and safe ride you can raft on
numerous Slovenian rivers – you can even discover the old city centre of the
Slovenian capital with a canoe. Slovenian marinas are excellent starting points for
sailors, while clean rivers provide great challenges for fishermen. The sea depths
between Piran and Strunjan offer amazing flora and fauna for divers, while the
numerous lakes provide swimming and boating possibilities.
White sports. For a long time, Slovenia has been known as a popular skiing
destination, while skiing is also considered to be one of the most popular sports in
Slovenia, strongly connected to Slovenian culture. During the winter, more than
ten winter-sports centres provide possibilities for Alpine, Nordic and off-piste
skiing, snowboarding, sled-riding and other winter recreational sports.
The sports character of Slovenia is also provided by numerous top-level
athletes, who have always been among the best in the world; moreover,
the sports recognisability of Slovenia has been growing through its hosting of
several international competitions and events.
Slovenia is healthy. The land of health and well-being…
At the crossroads of the Alps and the Adriatic, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst,
nature is extremely generous with its thermal springs and mineral waters.
Slovenia is truly a land of beneficial waters, well-being and health! The beneficial
effects of Slovenian thermal waters were discovered by the Romans. During the
renaissance of central European spas, several health and spa centres were
established in Slovenia that now still represent the foundations of Slovenian spa
tourism. Fifteen Slovenian nature spas that, along with beneficial waters, use
several other natural active substances, have the strongest tourist cards in
Slovenia (they generate around one third of all overnight stays) – not only
due to their amazing tradition, but also due to their cosmopolitan features and
thermal centres with attractive water surfaces.
They offer medicinal preventive, remedial and other alternative programs for the
preservation of health and well-being. They are intertwined with centuries-long
tradition, experience with thermal waters and modern findings of experts that
dedicate themselves to the health of body and soul. These nature spas are among
the best in the world!
Slovenian nature spas and wellness centres are part of the most recognizable and
visited Slovenian tourist destinations and offer amazing possibilities for sports
activities, entertainment, culinary pleasure and quality accommodation;
moreover, they offer several unique features with their different climatic
characteristics – they can be found all over Slovenia, from the sea to the hills of
Dolenjska and Posavje, in the valleys of Savinja and Sotla as well as in the
Pannonian lowland.
For more information about individual offers please visit www.slovenia.info.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Slovenian Tourist Board
Dimičeva 13, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenija
Tel.: 00386 (0)1 5898 550, Fax: 00386 (0)1 5898 560
www.slovenia.info/press
Brina Čehovin, Head of Marketing, brina.cehovin@slovenia.info
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