1. SLOVENIA

2. Slovenia in short
Area: 20,273 km2 Population: 2 million Capital: Ljubljana Currency: Euro (since 2007)

3. Nearby Intra lighting

4. Ljubljana, the capital
Ljubljana Ljubljana is the capital of a state, but it is small and pretty, easy to get around, and full of surprises. While during winter it is its dreamy central European character that prevails, during summer it has a relaxed Mediterranean feel to it. It is remarkable for its rich tradition, youthful vibrancy, cultural creativity, feel for entertainment, and numerous green spaces. Uniqueness wherever you turn Ljubljana has preserved evidence of all the five millennia of its history, including, among others, the remains of the Roman city of Emona and the old city centre with its medieval castle and beautiful buildings with Baroque façades, decorative portals and uneven roofs. Other significant bits in the mosaic of Ljubljana are its picturesque bridges across the river Ljubljanica and its vast Tivoli park, stretching into the very city centre. In the second half of the 20th century, it was the world famous architect Jože Plečnik that put an indelible personal stamp on his native city, and the so called Plečnik's Ljubljana ranks among the 20th century's most prominent total works of art. Ljubljana's appearance was further shaped by Plečnik's pupils and a whole new wave of renowned young Slovenian architects. A city of culture Ljubljana is a vibrant centre of creativity where cultural activity has become a way of life. It boasts one of the world's oldest philharmonics. Each year it host more than 10,000 cultural events, from prestigious music, theatre and art events to those pertaining to alternative and avant-garde culture. The most convenient base for exploring Slovenia Ljubljana's surrounding areas, packed with natural beauty and cultural sights bearing witness to the city's dynamic history, are well known for their walking, hiking and cycle trails and traditional culinary delights. As distances within Slovenia are short, Ljubljana is a perfect base for exploring Slovenia's diverse beauty. Within a single day you can visit the coast and high mountains and experience the Mediterranean, Alpine and continental climate.

5. Bled, the only island of Slovenia
Slovenia has only one island but its uniqueness makes it more attractive than many an archipelago. Sheltered by picturesque mountains, the island reigns in the middle of an Alpine lake. Its charm has made it a symbol for centuries of a town to which guests from all over the world love to return. This town, which has already existed for a thousand years, is BLED. On the island in the middle of the lake, the ancient Slavs worshipped Živa, goddess of love and fertility. Pilgrims later came to the church of St Mary on the island. A thousand years ago, on 10 April 1004, the town of Bled was mentioned for the first time when the Holy German emperor, Henry II, gifted it to the Bishop of Brixen. At that distant time, a Roman tower already stood at the top of the cliff rising vertically 100 m above the lake, and it still forms part of the mighty castle that now houses a museum collection – Intra lighting luminaires are inside. The town flourished in the Middle Ages due to pilgrims, and these were replaced in the 19th century by the first tourists. The Swiss hydropathist, Arnold Rikli, discovered that the gentle climate and the lake and thermal waters are a source of good health and well-being. The local people supplemented the health spa offer with guest houses and hotels. The town, already famous at the beginning of the 20th century as the most beautiful health spa of the then Austrian empire, attracted the European aristocratic elite. After WWII, one of the most attractive state residences of the former regime was located in Bled. Many of the world’s most important people thus enjoyed the beauties of Bled. And now, for decades already, the pilgrims of the new age have been discovering this town. Cosmopolitan seekers of diversity and beauty, of relaxation and inspiration, tranquillity and the challenges of sport will find here a multitude of opportunities. Walking and coaching trails around the lake, traditional boats, ringing the island’s wishing bell, the castle treasures, the nearby ski pistes, mountain trails, golf courses, hunting, fishing, the casino, congress facilities – all these are but fragments of Bled’s attraction, which is truly worth experiencing. And those who experience it, long for it again and again….

6. Postojna cave, the most visited show cave in Europe
Slovenia is a karstic land, and its region of Kras in fact provided the name for all such phenomena in the world, since the experts first analysed these phenomena right there. Every year cavers discover new caves in Slovenia, and to date there are more than 8,000, while just over 20 have been arranged for visitors. The biggest and most popular of these is Postojna Cave, home of the proteus salamander. Many visitors are also enthralled by Škocjan Caves, which are on the world natural and cultural heritage list kept by UNESCO. Snežna jama (Snow Cave) below Mt. Raduha is also a special attraction with its ice stalactites. The shallow-karst caves in Dolenjska are also quite extraordinary
Postojna Cave is a network of 20 kilometres of passages, galleries and chambers into which experienced guides have accompanied more than 31 million visitors in the last 188 years. It is the largest cave in the “classic karst” and the most vis¬ited show cave in Europe. In 1872 railway lines were laid in the cave; electricity arrived in Today you begin your visit aboard the cave train; the electric lighting allows you to admire the size and splendour of the underground world, where the geological past is recorded in a unique manner. Visitors to the cave are dazzled by a wealth of speleothems: calcite formations, stalactites and stalagmites abounding in a variety of shapes, colours and age. The constant temperatureinthe caves ranges from 8 to 10° C. A guided visit lasts an hour and a half. Take the train through the underground world of the largest cave in the Classic Karst and the most visited tourist cave in Europe to see magnificent caverns and glistening stalactite formations. View the largest collection of cave animals in one place. The nearby Pivka and Črna jama caves are also worth a visit

7. Piran, the Slovenian Venice
Piran is a very special, precious city. It is the best preserved cultural monument of Slovenian Istria and the closest neighbour of Portorož, the luxurious city of flowers. Each time one looks at Piran from a distance or from the air, one is overcome by feeling of surprise. Loved by the eyes of the people and by the eye of the camera, its image is known all over the world. When you visit Piran, you should take a closer look at its architecture, influenced by the Venetian Republic, which left its mark on most Istrian towns. Throughout time, Piran maintained the clustered medieval structure narrow winding streets, houses huddled close together, rising in cascades, the contact with the sea, numerous squares and churches. Tartini Square is the gem found in the very centre of Piran. It was named after the famous violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, who made the town world-famous. His statue is located in the centre of the square. The city is surrounded by a circular wall. Piran is a member of the European Walled Cities Association. The city of Piran is a national historical monument. People earn their living mainly by tourism. Numerous events take place all year round in the open and in magnificent buildings named after famous people from Piran. The Church of. St. George, the patron saint of Piran, rises above the town. From its lookout tower you have a wonderful view of Piran and its surroundings and all the way across the sea to the Croatian and Italian Coast. Two hotels, a youth hostel, a number of private rooms, churches, galleries, museums and Piran Aquarium invite you to come and see for yourself.

8. What is Slovenia famous for?

9. Skiing

10. Water sports

11. Termal water

12. Wine
The loveliest areas of the three Slovenian wine-growing regions are given over to a plant that requires a lot of attention, love and sunshine. Grapevines were brought to the area of Slovenia several thousand years ago by the Illyrians and Celts, they were cultivated by the Romans and since then tended by the Slavs and Slovenians. Maribor even boasts the oldest grapevine in the world, which still bears fruit every year. And this is all very apparent in the Slovenian wines of today, which rank among the best in the world.
Less The wine-growing regions are divided into 14 wine-growing districts, each of which offers at least one established wine road, along which you can get better acquainted with the Slovenian vintner’s tradition and familiarise yourself with the special features of individual wine-growing areas. Along the picturesque wine roads there are cellars where you can taste and buy quality, superior quality and quality-tested (predikat) wines and sparkling wines. Slovenia has excellent red and white wines, including some autochthonous varieties with certified and protected geographical origin. In the Primorska, or Coast, wine region you have to try the teran, then in the Posavje region the cviček, while the Podravje region features some excellent white varieties such as renski rizling and traminec. The administrators of the wine roads arrange various events several times a year. One of the best-attended events is the martinovanje, the Feast of St. Martin, in celebration of the must turning into wine. Get to know the wine roads by individual vinorodni okoliš or wine-growing district: Vinorodna dežela Primorska
- Vinorodni okoliš Goriška Brda - Vinorodni okoliš Vipavska dolina - Vinorodni okoliš Kras - Koprski vinorodni okoliš Vinorodna dežela Posavje
- Vinorodni okoliš Dolenjska - Vinorodni okoliš Bela krajina - Bizeljsko-sremiški vinorodni okoliš Vinorodna dežela Podravje
- Šmarsko-virštanjski vinorodni okoliš - Mariborski vinorodni okoliš - Radgonsko-kapelski vinorodni okoliš - Ljutomersko-ormoški vinorodni okoliš - Vinorodni okoliš Haloze - Vinorodni okoliš Srednje Slovenske gorice - Prekmurski vinorodni okoliš

13. Food
Slovenian cuisine has developed 170 recognised and typical dishes. These are a great basis for countless new explorations and for creating a rich range of flavours. From original soups and buckwheat porridge to meat dishes and delightful desserts. The main ingredients, such as cabbage, beans and potatoes, are of course produced in a natural environment. Without them there would be no typical jota or bograč, Idrija žlikrofi dumplings and sauté potatoes. A tasty meal is often concluded with a rich potica or prekmurska gibanica cake.