Slovenia is recognised as one of Europe’s greenest countries, with a strong focus on environmental awareness and intangible cultural heritage — from UNESCO-protected beekeeping traditions to gastronomy rooted in local ingredients, home cooking and seasonality.
Between Beehives and the Cooking Table: Our Experiences in Slovenia
Beekeeping has long been an integral part of Slovenian life, and this is something we discovered through our experience, which took place outdoors, among beehives and small wooden structures surrounded by greenery. Guided by a beekeeper with many years of experience, we were introduced to traditional beekeeping practices and the essential role these pollinators play in the ecosystem.
With protective veils provided, we were able to come close to the hives and observe the bees at work, followed by a tasting of their honey shaped by seasonal flowering. Our experience also included an introduction to painted beehive panels — a protected Slovenian tradition.
The journey then continued into the world of Slovenian gastronomy. Our cooking experience focused on preparing food as part of everyday Slovenian life, in a warm and welcoming family household. We prepared traditional Slovenian dishes in a hands-on way, with no previous cooking experience required and guidance provided throughout. The focus was on understanding Slovenian life through flavours, preparation methods and the way meals are traditionally shared. Cooking was followed by sitting down together to enjoy the prepared food, often accompanied by local wine, relaxed conversation and time spent around the table.
Bled Cream Cake: A Local Culinary Classic
No visit to Slovenia is complete without trying kremšnita, a traditional cream cake from Bled, known for its layers of vanilla cream and whipped cream.
Prepared following a long-standing, hand-made tradition, it has been part of everyday Slovenian life for decades.
Over time, kremšnita grew beyond its place of origin to become a widely recognised symbol of Slovenia’s culinary identity.
Travel Slovenia Through What Locals Value
To experience Slovenia in a meaningful way, it is worth engaging with what local people truly value — care for nature, respect for bees and local food prepared and shared at the table. Through beekeeping traditions and hands-on cooking, these experiences offer a way to step into everyday Slovenian life.
At Journey2Slovenia, this is how we approach travel — through people, local knowledge and values that allow you to feel the destination, not just visit it.
Cover photo: Slovenian Tourist Board, Mitja Kobal, Karata Film