SWEET SANCTUARY

From the sunny Mediterranean coast to the mighty Alps, visit Slovenia and discover a country that takes its bees – and their wellbeing – seriously

Slovenia is a proud beekeeping nation and the practice is one of its oldest traditions, with the nation now home to more than 10,000 beekeepers, 12,500 apiaries and nearly 170,000 hive colonies. Slovenia’s Carniolan honey bee is regarded as the world’s second most widespread breed, and the central European country is the only EU member state to have protected its native bee species. The Slovenian Tourist Board even succeeded in getting the UN to back its campaign for a World Bee Day, which was celebrated for the first time on 20 May 2018.

Slovenia is a world leader in sustainability and its tourist board hopes to use the campaign to raise awareness of the importance of bees and promote api-tourism, which focuses on green destinations, travel and apiculture. The Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association has collaborated with tour providers to curate trips that combine the country’s beekeeping tradition and eco-friendly values – read on to discover just a few of the highlights.

Radovljica

Known as Slovenia’s ‘sweetest town’ and home to the Museum of Apiculture, Radovljica is the ideal place to explore the nation’s rich beekeeping history.

Api camps

Slovenia is home to a selection of api camps, where you can learn beekeeping skills like honey production and queen bee breeding.

Honey trails

Slovenia produces an impressive 2,400kg of honey every year. Head to its second largest city, Maribor, to sample sparkling honey-based wine, or watch traditional honey being made in Radovljica.

Apitherapy tours

Embark on an apitherapy tour to learn all about the healing effects of Slovenia’s ancient beekeeping tradition, from honey massages to breathing in air from honeycomb.

Art workshops

Hand-paint beehive panels and make your own wax candles in the village of Selo with local beekeeper Blaž Ambroži.

The Slovenian Beekeeping Centre

Established in 1873 and located in the village of Lukovica, the centre showcases Slovenia’s beekeeping history and offers opportunities for exploring nature trails and sampling traditional honey liqueurs.

Api-friendly accommodation

Stay at the Trnulja Estate, an organic farm with sustainably built bio-apartments, Ljubljana’s Hotel Park with rooftop beehives or a beehiveshaped api chalet in Mozirje.