Slovenia Winter Map by Niko Slavnic

Introducing

Slovenia Basics

Top 10 Events

Summer might see the peak of the tourist season throughout the continent, but only the idiotic and foolish would consider winter a time where hibernation is the only option. In our eyes, everything becomes significantly more romantic when it is lightly dressed in pure white snow, walks with loved ones are all the more enjoyable when wrapped up in multiple layers underneath scarves and hats. Winter is when the senses truly get to work. All of the above well and truly applies to Slovenia. Widely regarded as one of the most adorable countries in Europe, winter weather accentuates this no end. Her collection of small picturesque towns takes on new life under the white stuff. The same can be said for the natural sights in the country, as the mountains become snow-tipped, the lakes freeze over and the valleys move from inviting to challenging. Slovenia truly is an aesthetic winter wonderland. This isn’t to say you should only visit to stare, far from it. Slovenia in winter is a ready-made destination for active tourists, and nowhere is this truer than in the dozens of ski resorts dotted through the nation’s mountains. Skiing is many Slovenes favourite pastime, a fact that has led to some impressive development in the mountaintop resorts. Many esteemed international ski events take place in Slovenia over the winter months. For those wanting to escape the cold, a wide range of spas and casinos will more do more than just provide shelter. The former offers relaxation in some of the most picturesque surroundings, whereas the latter brings pure entertainment to one and all. Topping it all off, almost every town in the country has an event over the winter months that we would describe as must-see. Kurentovanje in Ptuj takes the prize as our favourite however, mostly because of the truly bizarre costumes that will dominate the streets during that time. Read on for more information about the winter events being held. There you have it; Slovenia truly is an all-too-ideal winter tourist destination. You’d be a fall to pass it up.

GETTING TO SLOVENIA Even the most cursory glance at a European map can tell you that Slovenia is as central as nations in this great continent come. Bordering Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, it is surrounded by four different historical cultures that it has taken within itself to create something special. As such it is immensely accessible through a number of means, just a few hours drive from Venice or Vienna, from Budapest or Belgrade. Whether it is by car, train, bus, plane or boat (although not so easy in winter via the sea), it has never been easier to get to Slovenia. For those arriving with their own vehicle, it is vital to know that in order to drive on the motorways of Slovenia one must have a vinjeta (veen-yeh-tah) sticker. This system exists in lieu of tolls, and the vinjeta is easily obtained at nearly all gas stations and kiosks. Yearly/monthly/weekly stickers cost €110/30/15 for cars, and for more information head to www.dars.si. Ljubljana, the nation’s capital, has a vast range of train and bus links to other countries, and from the main city it is possible to head out to other parts of the country by the same means. Head to www.ap-ljubljana.si (bus) or www.slo-zeleznice.si (train) for more details). Slovenia also has three international airports (Ljubljana, Portorož and Maribor), with the vast majority of flights heading into Ljubljana. Adria Airways is the national carrier, but a number of budget airlines such as EasyJet and WizzAir also fly here.

IBU World Cup Biathlon Pokljuka (17. 12. - 21. 12. 2014) This year the Pokljuka Sports Centre yet another staging of the famed Pokljuka Biathlon. In case you're wondering exactly what that entails: technically Biathlon means any dual-sport competition, but most commonly it refers to cross-country skiing combined with rifle shooting. It just so happens that Pokljuka plateau is Slovenia's cross-country skiing capital, now with modernised IBU (International Biathlon Union) tracks, which are open to the public outside competition time. There's also a new Biathlon shooting range with 30 electronic targets. Pokljuka Sports Centre is well-prepared for spectators with the 62-bed Hotel Centre and restaurant, stadium with tiers of seats, and new car parks. In addition to the competition, for guests there's 5000m² of recreational grounds, roller-skiing/blading tracks and the pristine, untouched natural beauty of the Julian Alps.Q+386 (0)4 2791 920, biathlon.pokljuka@siol.net, Tickets €10 per day. VIP tickets €100.

Majestic Triglav is Slovenia’s highest peak and only national park

BASICS Population 2,048,951 (2011 estimate) Area 20,273 square kilometres Ethnic composition Slovenian 83%, Former Yugoslav Minorities 5.3%, Hungarian, Albanian, Roma, Italian and others 11.7% Official Languages Slovenian, Italian, Hungarian Local Time Central European (GMT +1hr) Longest River Sava (221km in Slovenia) Highest Mountain Triglav 2,864m Borders Austria 318km, Italy 280km, Hungary 102km, Croatia 670km Alcohol and Smoking Alcohol and cigarettes only sold to people over 18. Alcohol cannot be bought in stores after 21:00, smoking banned from public indoor space except special smoking area.

New Year’s Eve in Ljubljana (31. 1. 2014 - 1. 1. 2015) As the festive celebrations come to a close in the capital, the squares of the city centre play host to a joyful occasion that will entertain people of all ages and tastes. As the clock strikes midnight, fireworks will light up the Ljubljana sky heralding the arrival of another year, and with it another year of failed New Years resolutions for sure! This is the only way to start the New Year when in the capital. Telemark World Cup (20. 1. - 21. 1. 2015) The beautiful surroundings of Golte host a Telemark World Cup youth skiing event in January 2015, with teams from 18 nations competing in the Telemark sprint. Held over two days, the young skiers and spectators can expect a programme of formal training followed by both men's and women's races. There's also live music and a party atmosphere on Friday night for all to enjoy, presumably not too much though in the case of the competitors.Qwww. data.fis-ski.com Ljubno Ladies Ski Jumping (24. 1. - 26. 1. 2015) Ljubno, the home of women’s ski jumping on the sunny side of the Alps, hosts one of the most renowned competitions in the sport, and holds the record for the highest attendance (9000). Participation of the fairer sex in the sport dates back further than one might expect, to the mid-nineteenth century in fact, but this has only recently been recognised on an international level. Women’s ski jumping was, following a rejection in Vancouver, finally accepted into the Olympic games programme for Sochi 2014. Here in Ljubno ob Savinji, Slovenia, the friendly locals welcome the event every year. Q +386 (0)3 583 42 48, ljubno-skoki.si/en, info@ljubno.skoki.si Alpe-Adria: Tourism and Leisure Show (28. 1. - 31. 1. 2015) Held at the end of January, Slovenia’s largest tourism event brings together seemingly every tourism related business, organisation, association and government office in the country. The show not only aims to promote all of Slovenia’s numerous tourist offering, but also bring together people from all of tourism’s diverse sectors in order to facilitate cooperation as well as innovation. As the name suggests, the organisers devote special attention to leisure activities available in Slovenia and abroad, with foreign representative also presenting their respective countries. Participants range from ministries, airports and railways to casinos, ski resorts and restaurants to golf courses, caravan dealers and the publishers of high quality locally-produced city guides.QGospodarsko Razstavišče, Dunajska 18, Ljubljana, www. alpeadria-tourismshow.com, Admission €7 regular, €5 discount, free for children under 14 and those in wheelchairs.

Top 10 Ski

Top 10 Spa

Celjska Koča QPečovnik 34, Celje, www.celjska-koca.si, info@celjska-koca.si, Tel: +386 (0)5 907 04 00

Moravske Toplice QKranjčeva 12, 9226 Moravske Toplice, www.terme3000.si, info@ terme3000.si, Tel: +386 (0)2 512 22 00

Cerkno QSedejev trg 8, 5282 Cerkno, www.hotel-cerkno.si, info@hotel-cerkno.si, Tel: +386 (0)53 74 34 00, Open: Daily 09:00-16:00

Rimske Terme QToplice 10, 3272 Rimske Toplice, www.rimske-terme.si, info@rimsketerme.si, Tel: +386 (0)3 574 20 00

Golte QRadegunda 19c, 3330 Mozirje, www.golte.si, Tel: +386 (0)3 839 12 00

Terme Čatež QTopliška 35, 8251 Čatež ob Savi, www.terme-catez.si, info@terme-catez.si, Tel: +386 (0)74 93 50 00

vals in all of Slovenia, the Kurentovanje truly is a something to behold. We’ve honestly never seen so many strange looking characters in one place at one time. The main characters are the Kurent themselves, once described as looking as though they ‘just escaped from hell and made friends with the devil itself’. To us, that is fairly accurate. In an outfit made of sheep skin with horns made of straw and ears made of turkey (or goose) feathers, these figures stroll through the town throughout. To add some clarity to their peculiarity, the devil himself is responsible for their smooth procession. Many other strange characters can be seen, all coming together in one of the most entertaining spectacles in all of Slovenia. Q+386 (0)1 250 75 00, info@dialogsi.net, www.kurentovanje.net. Prešeren’s Fair (8. 2. 2015) One of Slovenia’s most important cultural events takes place in Kranj each year on 8 February, the country’s official day of culture, which is a work-free public holiday chosen because it was the day famed poet France Prešeren passed away in 1849. As Kranj is the unofficial guardian of Prešeren’s heritage, it’s only fitting that it hosts the largest celebration of not only his life and work, but also the period in which he lived. For one day the streets and squares of Kranj’s old town are transported back to the early-19th century, and some 20,000 visitors are entreated to experience the time of Prešeren with recitals of his poetry, concerts of period music, all manner of costumed performers and various other activities. All of the city’s cultural institutions also open their doors with their own programmes of activities and events. Definitely a festive experience not to be missed!Qwww.tourism-kranj.si, info@tourism-kranj.si Zlata Lisica (Maribor, 21. 2. - 22. 2. 2015) The Zlata Lisica, or Golden Fox, women’s ski championship is one of the largest sporting events in Slovenia, and the highlight of Maribor’s winter events season. Over two days the sports top athletes compete in the Slalom and Giant Slalom, with the combined best score taking home the prestigious Golden Fox trophy. Some 20,000 spectators will be in attendance, with the majority supporting Slovenian favourite, Olympic medalist and current world number one Tina Maze. In addition to the actual ski competition at Pohorje, the city will host several music concerts and other events, with a festive holiday spirit inviting visitors to stay for the weekend and explore Maribor’s excellent restaurants, nightlife and cultural offerings.Q www.goldenfox.org PokAl Vitranc Cup (14. 3. - 15. 3. 2015) Aside from Planica, the Vitranc world cup event (Pokal Vitranc) is what brings the international crowd to Kranjska Gora; it is the place to be for one weekend in March, when skiers from the world’s competitive winter sports nations gather and compete. Slalom and giant slalom world cup races are held on the slopes above the town, and the day is rounded off with concerts and other entertainment at the foot of the Kranjska Gora ski slopes, courtesy of the presently named ‘Q-Max Party’. QPodkoren, +386 (0)4 588 53 00, info@pokal-vitranc.com, www.pokal-vitranc.com

Kope QSlovenj Gradec, www.vabo.si, rezervacije@kope.si , +386 (0)2 883 98 50 Kranjska Gora Qwww.kranjska-gora.si, info@kranjska-gora.eu, Tel: +386 (0)45 80 94 40, Open: Daily 09:00-16:00 Krvavec QGrad 76, 4207 Cerklje na Gorenjskem, www.rtc-krvavec.si, info@rtc-krvavec.si, Tel: +386 (0)42 52 59 30, Open: Daily 08:15-16:00 Maribor Pohorje QMladinska 29, Maribor, www.pohorje.org, info.vzp@sk-branik.si, Tel: +386 (0)26 03 65 57, Open: Daily 09:00-16:00

Terme Dobrna QDobrna 50, Dobrna, www.terme-dobrna.si, info@terme-dobrna.si, Tel: +386 (0)3 78 08 110 Terme Dolenjske Toplice QZdraviliški Trg 7, 8350 Dolenjske Toplice, www.terme-krka.si, booking. dolenjske@terme-krka.si, Tel: +386 (0)7 39 19 400 Terme Olimia QZdraviliška 34, 3254 Podčetrtek, www.terme-olimia.com, info@termeolimia.com, Tel: +386 (0)3 829 70 00 Terme Snovik QSnovik 7, 1219 Laze v Tuhinju, www.terme-snovik.si, info@terme-snovik.si, Tel: +386 (0)18 34 41 00

LANGUAGE Slovene is a Southern Slavic language, closely related to Serbian and Croatian but with a mind of its own. It’s a fairly phonetic language with very few irregularities. Most Slovenes speak English, Italian or German embarrassingly well, but here are the very basics to help you win over your local hosts. Hello - Živjo (zheeve-yoh) Thank you - Hvala (HVAL-a) Please - Prosim (pro-SEEM) Excuse me/Sorry - Oprostite (oh-PROS-tee-tay) Do you speak English? - Govorite angleško (Goh-vo-REE-tay Ahn-GLESHko)?

Kurentovanje (Ptuj Carnival, 7. 2. - 17. 2. 2015) Taking place in Spring and without doubt one of the most important carni-

Ljubljana

Ptuj

Piran

Kamnik & Velika Planina

Postojna

Slovenia’s capital truly comes alive as winter sets in. It all starts with the festive lights that turn the already-gorgeous city centre into a veritable glistening extravaganza, resembling the most dazzling of circuit boards from above. In the streets underneath the lights we find a beautiful festive market, as the walkways alongside the Ljubljanica fill up with stalls of all kinds, selling souvenirs and much more as everyone who is anyone in the capital heads out into the street to sip on mulled wine and take in the atmosphere. As expected, a number of events flesh out the winter schedule, as each square in the city plays host to a number of open-air concerts. The celebrations reach their heights with the impressive New Years celebration, where the focus turns to Ljubljana Castle and the extraordinary fireworks display that emanates from the top of the hill. It truly is a sight to behold, and further proof that Ljubljana is the place to be this winter.

The little town of Ptuj lies in northeastern Slovenia, and it just so happens to have on particularly grand claim to fame; Ptuj is the oldest city in the country. There is evidence of settlements here as far back as the Stone Age, the first written mention of the town comes in 69AD. The history of the town is immensely long and varied obviously, incorporating every element of outside that influence that has hit the entire region. One of the most important carnivals in Slovenia takes place here as winter blossoms into spring. We’re talking of course about Kurentovanje. As the picture that accompanies this text attests, the carnival is full of bizarre characters strolling around the town, making for one of the most entertaining spectacles in all of Slovenia. They were once described as looking as though they had ‘just escaped from hell and made friends with the devil itself’. We aren’t going to argue with such a portrayal.

Piran is to the Adriatic what Bled is to the Alps and Slovenia as a whole is to Central Europe: tiny, friendly and overwhelmingly picturesque. It’s a town that is almost impossible not to fall in love with on your first visit, and if you only have time for a day drip you’ll likely want to make plans to return. Despite its modest size, Piran is awash with superlatives. It boasts with is undeniably the country’s finest square, the 19th-century Tartinijev Trg named after the composer Guiseppe Tartini, and what has to be one of the most dramatically situated churches anywhere in Europe. In addition, its numerous restaurants not only turn out some of the best seafood we’ve ever eaten but also serve it in some equally unforgettable settings. The weather at the coast is usually a little perkier over winter compared to the belly of the country. This isn’t to say it’s scorching, but blustery romantic winter walks in this prettiest of towns can’t be recommended enough.Q

Kamnik, a medieval town some 23km northeast of Ljubljana, is crammed in an area of varied topography with dense forest sitting next to sharp mountain peaks and wooded valleys. The city centre has an undeniable grace, something that is accentuated in winter as snow dots the narrow streets and red roofs. The history of the town is visible to all through its varied (and well-maintained) architecture, the affluence of the past sat next to more modern times. Nearby we find Velika planina, one of the oldest shepherd settlements in Europe still in use today. Hordes of herdsmen’s cottages sit at an altitude of over 1500 metres, surrounded by pine forests. It is a remarkable place, one that is truly a must-see when in Kamnik or Ljubljana. At such a height the winter months see snow blanket the landscape and understandably the shepherds head down to more hospitable climes, but the excellent skiing and sledding more than make up for that, not to mention stunning vistas across the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.

It might not be one of the 20 largest towns in Slovenia, but Postojna is arguably its most well known throughout the world. The reason for this of course is not the town, but the amazing network of karst caves that lie just below its surface. First opened to the public in 1819, the world famous Postojna cave is said to have attracted more then 35 million visitors over the past two centuries, with one of its first being Austro-Hungarian Emperor Francis I the year before it opened. Open to the public every day of the year, in winter tours run three times a day. If this were not enough, Postojna is also blessed with the magnificent Predjama Castle just 11km to the northwest. Built in the 13th century and partially situated under an enormous natural stone arch, it’s not only a fine castle in its own right but also sits atop another tourist cave and is associated with several fascinating legends. Postojna has a couple of good accommodation options in and around it, making it a good base for exploring parts of central Slovenia as well as the Karst region.

Bled

Maribor & Pohorje

Nova Gorica

Kranjska Gora

Škocjan

When we were children, many of us visualised this scene: a frozen lake, a nonemore-romantic island and church providing the centrepiece, surrounded by snow capped mountains and with a dramatic castle overlooking it all. Bled in winter truly is an alpine paradise come to life, fairy tale visions in live action. There’s more to Bled in winter than just staring at the scenery of course, as can be expected with any Alpine resort worth its salt. A variety of events will entertain the masses during the winter months, including one particular event that confuses us on an annual basis. On February 21st 2015, a number of people who must be madder than a box of frogs will take to the frozen waters for the annual Winter Swimming Cup. It is exactly what you imagine it to be. A fee is required to enter, and we’ve used that as an excuse for not taking part so far. This won’t change. We’ll make do with the unforgettable landscapes, thank you very much.

The second largest city in Slovenia and the capital of the Štajerska region, Maribor deserves much more press than it currently receives. Whilst the proximity of it to Ljubljana (it is less than an hour and a half by car) lead many to visit for only a day, the 2012 European Capital of Culture has more than enough for longer stays. The Drava River winds through the town, separating the industrial and commercial area from the patchwork-esque old centre, home to quaint squares, pedestrian streets and the oldest vine in the world. Pohorje, the mountain range just outside Maribor, attracts skiers by the thousands during the winter. A richness of flora and fauna attracts a good number of nature experts along with the tourists, many of who are hoping to catch a glimpse of the largest butterfly in Europe. The views from the top are predictably stunning, and a variety of hiking options are available.

The town of roses, Nova Gorica is the second largest urban area in western Slovenia and a very young town indeed. It was built after the former regional main city (Gorizia) was give to Italy after the Second World War. Gorizia (or Stara Gorica to the locals) was off limits to the Yugoslav population during these times, so the new city was built in 1952 according to modernist principles of architecture. As the regional capital, Nova Gorica boasts a lively cultural life, as well as making the most of its privileged geographic position. Nova Gorica is also a gaming town, boasting several casinos with state-of-the-art equipment and a sizeable stream of Italian clientele from across the border. As the temperatures drop over the winter months, the lure of bright lights, warmth and potential riches becomes too strong a temptation for many. We can’t promise that you’ll make your fortune here, but we can promise you’ll have a good time trying.

Slovenia’s top mountain resort, Kranjska Gora is famous for its skiing and other winter sports. The area has produced a number of excellent skiiers and you’d be hard pushed to find someone around who hasn’t tried it, as parents have their kids racing down the toughest runs as soon as they learn to walk. Slovenia’s professional skiiers have enjoyed a significant amount of success in World Cup and Olympic competitions and most of them hail from Gorenjska. The Vitranc World Cup and the annual ski-flying event in nearby Planica bring thousands of spectators to Kranjska Gora, turning it into the party capital of Slovenia, at least for a weekend or two. All of this is accentuated with the hearty traditional food that is seemingly never-ending, thick slabs of meat and potatoes among the norm. This might sound like a lot, but something needs to soak up all the schnapps. You’ll find that Kranjska Gora ticks almost all the boxes for a splendid winter destination.

Quite simply put, Slovenia’s Škocjan Caves are one of the most astounding natural attractions on the planet. You don’t have to take our word for it, as there is a significant amount of official documentation to support this assertion. One of only three locations in Slovenia to be recognised as a world heritage site by UNESCO, Škocjan is the only one to be on the natural monument list, with this distinction also notably given to only three other caves in the entire world. Created by the Reka River, one of the two possible tours of the cave follows the natural entrance near the village of Škocjan. The more popular tour begins at the other end however, through a man-made entrance, and passes by the main sights such as the so-called Silent Cave and exits by way of the underground Reka River canyon, traversing the dizzying 50m-high Cerkvenik Bridge. Škocjan is easily reached by car and train from Ljubljana.

PLANICA (19. 3 - 22. 3. 2015) Planica is actually busy all year, the village of Rateče undergoing a certain level of ongoing preparation, to be ready for its time to shine every March, and the onslaught of 50,000 people. Being amongst dramatic alpine peaks soaring over 2000m, it’s the only kind of setting worthy of such an internationally prestigious ski event. As such, records have been made and broken here since all the way back in 1934. It is Slovenia’s sporting highlight, but there’s more to it than this however, as the weekend is also synonymous with traditional music, parties and drinking till the sun comes up. Q+386 (0)4 588 70 60, planica@sloski.si, www.planica.si

Rogla QKovaška 10, 3214 Zreče, www.rogla.si, rogla@unitur.eu, Tel: +386 (0)37 57 61 54, Open: Daily 09:00-16:00 Stari Vrh QZapreval 3, Poljane nad Škofjo Loko, www.starivrh.si, info@starivrh.si, Tel: +386 (0)41 65 08 49 Vogel QUkanc 6, 4265 Bohinjsko Jezero, www.vogel.si, marketing.vogel@siol. net, Tel: +386 (0)45 72 97 12, Open: Daily 09:00-16:00

Terme SPA Rogaška QZdraviliški Trg 12, Rogaška Slatina, www.terme-rogaska.si, marketing@ terme-rogaska.si, Tel: +386 (0)38 11 20 00 Terme Zreče QCesta na Roglo 15, Zreče, www.terme-zrece.eu, unitur@unitur.eu, Tel: +386 (0)3 75 76 000 Thermana Laško QZdraviliška 6, 3270 Laško, www.thermana.si, info@thermana.si, Tel: +386 (0)34 232 100

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Slovenian Alpine Museum Perhaps the most popular pastime in Slovenia, the tradition of mountaineering is presented in museum fashion in the hometown of many famous national sportsmen and women. www.planinskimuzej.si

wide variety of languages, Virtual Castle covers the architectural development of Ljubljana’s most recognizable sight throughout its history. www.ljubljanskigrad.si Velenje Castle Museum Another fine Slovenian castle, Velenje’s castle is home to an extensive collection covering the history of the Šaleška valley and the largest collection of African art in the country. www.muzej-velenje.si

Bled Castle Museum Perched high above Bled’s gorgeous lake is its equally stunning castle, and kept within the baroque rooms of the castle we find the Bled Castle Museum. It covers the entire history of Bled, from the first settlements to the present day. www.blejski-grad.si.

Eco-Museum of Hop Growing Known as the valley of green gold, the lower Savinjska valley is one of the foremost hops producing regions in the world, and is home to one of the most organized, informative and interesting hops museums in the world. www.ekomuzejhmelj.si

Kobarid Museum You don’t win the Best European Museum (1993) award for nothing, and the Kobarid Museum truly lives up to this prestigious prize. Two and a half years of fighting during World War One are covered, including one of the major mountain battles in history. www.kobariski-muzej.si

Idrija Municipal Museum Idrija’s award winning museum is housed in the 16th century Gewerkenegg Castle perched above the town, and highlights include the mineralogical and petrographic collection and the Idrija Lace collection. www.muzej-idrija-cerkno.si Pivovarna Union Museum Established in 1987, the Union Brewery museum is one of the largest brewing museums in Europe. Carefully arranged in the attic of the old malt-house in the old brewery yard, the museum showcases the proud history of union, now stretching to 150 years, as well as the history of brewing itself. Insights into transportation of beer, inn keeping, bottles and labelling and much more are also a part of the tour, as well as a visit to the production facilities and the possibility of tasting some fine Union beer at the climax. www.pivo-union.si

Friesach

Malta Gmünd

Strassburg

Bad Kleinkirchheim Radenthein

Bled Radovljica

Vitanje

Vrhnika ST

Vransko

Zagorje

Sava

Litija

Lake Cerknica

RA HA K

Kostel

www.pivnica-union.si | #pivnicaunion 22 Celovška Street, Ljubljana

Buzet

Motovun

Semič

Čavle

Mursko Srediće

ČAKOVEC Nedeliće

Cestica

Drava

VARAŽDIN

Trnovec Bartolovečki Gornji Kneginec

Novi Marof

S K Bizeljsko O

Bedekovčina Zabok Marija Bistrica Oroslavje Donja Stubica

KRIŽEVCI Sv. Ivan Zelina

Brežice

Admire the splendour of the largest cave in Europe aboard the unique cave train.

Vrbovec

Zaprešič Samobor

ZAGREB VELIKA GORICA

Jastrebarsko

Metlika

Vinica

Visit the Queen of all Caves

Varaždinske Toplice

Lepoglava

KARLOVAC /KARLOVEC

Dubrava Publisher IQBATOR Ltd. Director Niko Slavnic M.Sc Editor John Bills Writer Yuri Barron, John Rugvica Bills, James Cosier, Will Dunn Kloštar Ivanić Design Mateja Štruc Sava Ivanić-grad Sales & Operations Irena Jamnikar, Stanka Parkelj Rozina, Karmen Hribar Križ Map Monolit

CAVE A K S N J O T S GROTTE PO JAMA HÖHLE

Lekenik

CROATIA

SLOVENIA SCALE 1:870,000

Kupa

Duga Resa

4,5

18 SISAK

36 Km

Petrinja Legend

Delnice

Opatija

Lendava

Bistrica ob Sotli

Črnomelj

Kolpa

Lupoglav

Ljutomer

JI Osilnica

Klana

Buje

Dolenjske Toplice

I Ilirska Bistrica

Sečovlje Portorož Airport

UMAG /UMAGO

Šentjernej

NOVO MESTO

Kočevje

Izola Portorož

KOPER

J I NA

Pivka

Mura

Krapina

Kostanjevica na Krki

Ribnica

ŠKOCJAN CAVES Reka

Beltinci

Ivanec

Sežana Lipica Divača

Postojna

Cerknica

LENTI

Zlatar Bistrica

Krka

Žužemberk

BLOK E

MURSKA SOBOTA

Sava

Trebnje

POSTOJNA CAVE

Moravske toplice

Ormož

Krško

Grosuplje

Krapinske Toplice

Radeče

Krka

TRIESTE

Rogaška Slatina

Logatec

Villa Opicina Gulf of Trieste /Opčine

Laško

O AL

Podčetrtek

Sevnica

Vipava N S

Trbovlje Hrastnik

P O SA VJ E HI LL

CELJE Šmarje pri Jelšah Šentjur

Lukovica

Ajdovščina K

Žalec

Trojane

Dol pri Ljubljani

Ljubljanica

Polzela

Savinja

Domžale

Lake Ptuj Drava

Slov. Bistrica

Zreče

Slov. Konjice

Vipava

Trzin

LLS

Idrija

NOVA GORICA

Medvode

Ptuj

/Krmin

Mengeš

Sora

Maribor Airport

J E

Velenje

Mozirje

Ljubljana Airport

LJUBLJANA Sava

Žiri

P O H O R

ICK

Lenart

MARIBOR Drava

KOZ

V HO L PO

Moimacco

Piran

IK - S

I AV

Kamnik

Cerkno Gorenja vas - Poljane GRADEC HI

ADRIATIC SEA

Radlje ob Dravi

Dravograd

Črna

Cerklje na Gorenjskem

Sava

KRANJ

L HI A Škofja Loka Š K O FJ A L OK

/Čedad

Monfalcone /Tržič

Soča Tolmin

GORIZIA

Jezersko

Bad Radkersburg

S L O Gornja Radgona V E N Radenci S K

Ravne na Koroškem Mežica Slovenj Gradec

Bohinjska Bistrica

Learn about the rich history of brewing in Slovenia in one of the largest brewery museums in Europe.

Tržič

Lake Bohinj

BREWERY MUSEUM

Bleiburg /Pliberk

Preddvor

Železniki

B R D Soča Cormons A

Solčava

Gamlitz /Gomilica

Zalalövő

P SLake Bled

Kobarid

ITALY Cividale

A VA NKE

Schwanberg

Drau

Eisenkappel /Železna Kapla

Žirovnica

Leibnitz /Lipnica

Őriszentpéter

Mur

St. Paul /Št. Pavel

Völkermarkt /Velikovec KÜhndorf /Sinča vas

Bad Gleichenberg

JULIA

Enjoy the perfect blend of a modern pub atmosphere, superb local cuisine and a wide selection of beers from Union, the local brewery.

Brückl /Mostič

Kondorfa

Bovec

Wildon

Jennersdorf /Ženavci

08:13

JESENICE

BEER PUB & RESTAURANT

St. Andrä /St. Andraž

Gniebing-weissenbach Paldau Feldbach

Kalsdorf

www.vogel.si

12/12/2014

Korona Casino and Hotel Who wouldn’t want to play at the foothills of the Julian Alps? We refuse to believe such a setting isn’t any and all types of enjoyment, and the casino is no different. One of the jewels of Kranjska Gora without doubt. www.thecasinokorona.com

Kranjska Gora 1

St. Veit /Št. Vid

Ferlach /Borovlje

Drau

Mond Casino and Cabaret Not far from Maribor, Slovenia’s second city, Mond offers exactly what you would expect considering its name. For excellent gaming accentuated by a rich and varied program of live entertainment, Mond is the place to go. www. thecasinomond.com

Wolfsberg

Finkenstein /Bekštanj

Tarvisio /Trbiž

Park Casino and Hotel This American-style casino in Nova Gorica has 25 years of celebrated history behind it. Famed for its wonderfully friendly staff, once inside Park Casino is difficult to leave, as all the games we know and love are available to play. www. thecasinopark.com

Koroška 14, 4280 Kranjska Gora, Slovenija T: +386 (0)4 582 00 00 M:+386 41 355 925 F: +386 (0)4 582 0021 01 Pivnica_oglas83x210+3_IN_YOUR_POCKET.pdf www.penzion-lipa.si info@penzion-lipa.si

VILLACH /BELJAK

Bleiberg

Grand Casino Portorož If you find yourself playing poker in Slovenia’s most popular seaside resort town, you want to do so close to the ocean right? Grand Casino Portorož offers gamers just this, with gorgeous views out over the Adriatic. www.casino.si

Deutschlandsberg

KLAGENFURT /CELOVEC

Velden a.W. /Vrba

Grand Casino Lido At Čatež thermal spa, Grand Casino Lido is a most-modern gaming centre. It also happens to sit near to many wine-growing slopes. Perfect for wine sampling followed by a night of gaming entertainment. www.casino.si

Hermagor /Šmohor

Grand Casino Lipica Famous for its Lipizzaner horses, the Grand Casino Lipica adds a gaming experience to this famous Slovenia tourist spot with great live entertainment on top. The interior is worth viewing on its own, designed thematically along the lines of the surrounding landscapes. www.casino.si

Stainz

Guttaring Althofen

Feldkirchen

Feistritz a. d. Drau

Casino Portorož The longest-standing casino in Portorož, Casino Portorož has carved itself a most respectable reputation in Slovenia’s well-populated casino world, and is just another reason to visit this charming seaside town. www.casino-portoroz.si

Drau

Casino Fontana Located at the much-adored health resort Rogaška Slatina, Casino Fontana offers gamers a rare chance to mix health with pure entertainment. If the gaming doesn’t quite go to plan, the resort will see to any and all stresses that may be developed. www.thecasinofontana.com

Unterpremstätten

Bad St. Leonhard

Klein St. Paul

AUSTRIA

Döbriach

Casino Fotuna Situated in Rožna Dolina just 200 metres from the Italian border, Casino Fortuna is the first casino one will encounter when travelling from Italy. It also happens to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. www.casinoslovenia. com

Seeboden

Spittal

Info: +386 30 316 607, info@thesloveniabook.com.

Virtual Castle An excellent 12-minute projection showing the history of Ljubljana Castle in a

Celje Castle Arguably the grandest castle in all of Slovenia, Celje Castle may not be as restored as Ljubljana’s or have the dramatic location of Bled’s but its history, views and sprawling grounds are more than a match. www.grad-celje.com

BELA

Ptuj Regional Museum It’s not surprise that a town with 5,000 years of history also happens to have a very good museum, and the amazing collection of art, archaeological artifacts and ethnographic items on show make for one of the best in the country. pmpo.si

Perla Casino One of the largest casinos on the entire continent, Perla contains over 900 slot machines and a huge variety of table games for the avid gamer. A large open-air casino adds to what is the complete gambling experience in Slovenia. www.thecasinoperla.com

Glina

Capital city

Border Crossing

City > 50,000 citizens

Airport

City 5,000 - 50,000 citizens

Cave

Sunja www.postojnska-jama.eu