PR! Issue #15 (Autumn 2015/Winter 2016)

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pr!

a perfect rendezvous

Kempinski Palace Portorož

Purple Night

Discover Portorož

Celebration in Crystal Hall

Celebration in Restaurant Sophia

Discover Portorož with our special Package: Prolong your summer days on the incredible Adriatic coast, in luxurious Kempinski Palace Portorož.

Spent some unforgettable days on western coast of the Istrian peninsula, enjoy the superb hotel service and experience the destination with our guidence.

There is no better way to discover Portorož than with our Istrian Gourmet & Spa Package, which includes: Accommodation in a Superior double room with park view Local culinary treat in the room upon arrival Lavish breakfast buffet in the magnificent Crystal Hall ballroom until noon Seasonal menu in one of our hotel restaurants, accompanied by a glass of Slovenian wine Entrance to the Rose Spa and fitness centre 30% discount on all Spa treatments Voucher for 10% discount on your next booking at the Kempinski Palace Portorož ... and more Package price starting from: 199.00 EUR +386 5 692 7070 reservations.portoroz@kempinski.com

www.kempinski.com/portoroz

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Souvenirs for the 20th Anniversary of Ljubljana Marathon This year, the Ljubljana Marathon celebrates its 20th anniversary and on this occasion Ljubljana Tourism issued a special edition of the Ljubo, little dragon of Ljubljana products, which are suitable for runners. Choose from running shirts for men and women, phone armbands for running, buffs and sports socks. All products are printed with the little dragon Ljubo represented as a marathon runner.

Ljubo, little dragon of Ljubljana, marathon souvenirs, photo: Ljubljana Tourism Archive

Ljubljana Card With the aim of making the sightseeing spots of Ljubljana more popular, Ljubljana Tourism first launched the Ljubljana Card already in 2004. The card’s popularity grew over the years and in 2012 it ranked third in the Euro Test evaluation of tourist cards in European cities.

Ljubljana Card is a combined ticket for all major tourist attractions of Ljubljana and consequently the best way to experience and get to know the city. By buying Ljubljana Card you can use, among other, the Ljubljana public transport

Russian and Spanish Visit Ljubljana Website Launch In September, the Spanish and Russian language versions of the Visit Ljubljana website were launched. The main purpose of the new content is to present Ljubljana in these two large markets, which had not been covered so far. Although the contents are not as extensive as the primary language versions, the characteristics and special requirements of the markets have been taken into account, thus creating adapted versions of the content. For the Russian market, the special emphasis is given to shopping, while Spanish version puts more emphasis on the culinary delights and the vibe of the city.

system (LPP buses) and enter museums, galleries and other sightseeing spots for free. In addition, you can join a free tour of the city and get a free internet connection.

Ljubljana Card gained its popularity and the position

among the best tourist card by offering 100-percent discounts for all the city’s major attractions and at the same time managed to remain affordable for all visitors to Ljubljana.

Anja Tell

Ljubljana card, photo: Ljubljana Tourism Archive

Ljubljana Sells Adventures Did you know that Ljubljana offers all kinds of adventures, which can be bought online?

Ljubljana is a city that inspires in many ways. Despite being small, a number of different and unique programmes, which will reveal the hidden stories of Ljubljana, can be experienced here.

If you are searching for ideas what to do in Ljubljana, definitely check out our offer of city tours and excursions around Slovenia. Visit Ljubljana webpage sells primarily organized activities such as guided city tours, daily excursions around Slovenia, river cruises and similar.

Among the most interesting adventures are diverse culinary tours, such as the Taste Ljubljana Tour, culinary workshops, the micro-brewery visit, supping on the Ljubljanica River, Segway tour, fly fishing courses, skydiving and a number of others. In addition to various adventures, you can also purchase Ljubljana Card online.

By selling trips and adventures with Ljubljana as the starting point, Ljubljana Tourism made it even simpler and more accessible for visitors to Ljubljana to explore nearby areas and the so-called

Ljubljana cycling tour, photo: Ljubljana Tourism Archive

icons of the country, such as Bled, Postojna Cave, Lipica or Portorož.

The system of online sales is a tool to encourage extended stays of guests in the city, making the capital a convenient hub for day trips. For

A Perfect Rendezvous, Newsletter for Travel Trade Professionals Publisher: Ljubljana Tourism, Krekov trg 10, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, phone +386 (0)1 306 45 90, fax +386 (0)1 306 45 94, pr@visitljubljana.si, www.visitljubljana.com • Editorial board: Petra Stušek,Tatjana Radovič, Nina Kosin, Nika Pirnar • Production: Mediamix Komunikacije d.o.o. • Head of advertising: Zdenka Šarlah, Mediamix Komunikacije, phone +386 (0)2 235 05 67, zdenka.sarlah@mediamix.si • Printed by: Schwarz Print d.o.o. • Autumn 2015/Winter 2016 • Committed to caring for the environment, we print on recycled paper.

the web content, which efficiently connects the tourist offer of whole Slovenia, Ljubljana Tourism was presented the international Award of Digital Tourism Think Tank 2013.

Anja Tell

4 European Green Capital 2016

New Image of Slovenska cesta street With September 1st, Slovenska cesta, the former traffic vein, turned into “the living room of the city”. Once the central traffic route through the city,it has now become a popular venue for different types of events and a public gathering area, where people stroll around, shop and relax. The access for motorized vehicles is limited: only public buses can drive through Slovenska cesta.

The rearrangement of the city’s main avenue also offers a new concept of the transport scheme for all residents and visitors to Ljubljana. The traffic has now successfully been rerouted to the outter city center, while the inner part remains reserved for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. With the new traffic regime, Ljubljana is also encouraging people to walk, cycle or use public transport instead of cars.

Slovenska cesta, former traffic vein, photo: Nik Rovan

Kolezija Open-Air Swimming Complex

Špica Embankment Refurbished Only ten minutes from the city centre, the Ljubljanica River embankment called Špica – the term in Slovenian refers to a sharp-pointed part of the land – is located. Once a popular bathing site for the locals, today it includes pleasant green and wooden areas

After 14 years, Kolezija open-air swimming complex has reopened to public. The history of this popular outdoor swimming complex dates from as early as 1853, when a wooden pool was built here. This makes Kolezija the oldest swimming complex in Ljubljana. The booming period was after WWII, when two concrete pools were built. Many locals learned to swim here.

Today, this outdoor swimming recreation complex includes the Olympic and children’s pool, splash pool, whirlpool and the platform with wooden berths bleachers. The resort includes other sports and recreational areas, such as table tennis and volleyball sand courts.

Due to long-standing tradition, the basketball court, where a number of generations spent their free time, has

that remind of a public city beach.

Thus, many people come here to catch some rays.

In 2009, a new Hladnik Footbridge was built on Špica Embankment, connecting the city with it’s green hinterland, the suburban area and the Botanical Garden.

Špica, photo Dunja Wedam

been preserved as well.

During the reconstruction works, a great emphasis was put on preserving the green areas and the largest possible number of trees, as this is precisely what makes Kolezija so well known. Make sure to visit the cult open-air swimming complex in Guduličeva ulica 7 in 2016. www.sport-ljubljana.si/en/ Nika Pirnar

New Green Tours of Ljubljana In 2016, new, eco-friendly tours of Ljubljana, the European Green Capital 2016, will be added to the range of already available tours. Unlike existing tours, the new tours take visitors also to the other areas of Ljubljana, not only to the Old Town, which is in line with the friendly mobility and sustainable strategy of the city.

Segway guided tour, photo Simon Pintar

The Green Walk first takes you up to Ljubljana Castle with a funicular and further on to the viewpoint of Šance. The tour continues on the

learning forest trail where you will do some relaxation asanas. During the tour you will also learn about the Botanical Garden and take a look at

the refurbished Špica Embankment.

Another green tour is called Tivoli – the green lungs of Ljubljana.

The tour takes place in Tivoli Park, where you will see “the Tičistan” or Bird Home and continue on Jesenko Educational Trail, which will lead you across the Cankar top to the lookout at the top of Rožnik Hill. After a short meditation, you will return to Tivoli Park, where you will visit the Rose Garden featuring among other a white rose named after Ljubljana.

Another way to explore Ljubljana is by bike. Starting in the city centre, which is closed to motor traffic, the bicycle tour will take you along the Ljubljanica River embankments, where you will see the colorful images of the city and relish the fresh air in the largest city park, Tivoli Park.

An unforgettable green experience of Ljubljana will definitely be the supping or kayaking on Ljubljanica River. See Ljubljana from a different perspective.

The adventure begins at Špica or at Breg Embankment, from where you will

row to the centre of Ljubljana, Dragon Bridge and the Petkovšek and Šuštar embankments.

The Ljubljana Beekeeping Educational Round Trail will reveal the organized and sweet life of bees.

Last but not least, Ljubljana offers also Segway Tours, which cover the wider area of Ljubljana, including the green spaces of the town and Ljubljanica River. www.9bot.si More information on green tours and booking is available at Ljubljana Tourist Info Point, Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 2.

Nika Pirnar

Segway guided tour, photo Simon Pintar

5 European Green Capital 2016

ZOO in Winter Ljubljana ZOO is a great place to visit all year round, even in autumn and winter, when about 500 animals are put on display. Native species may be found wrapped in thick fur, which protects them from the cold and damp, while the animals from warmer places stay indoors in colder days and can be seen through glass.

At the end of October and for the Halloween, you can see “the enchanted” corners of the zoo and by the candlelight learn about the animals that are associated with witchcraft.

In December, Father Frost along with his animals comes to visit the zoo and children can pet them, while the kind old man hands out the presents.

At the end of the year, a half-hour

Christmas story takes place, in which the employees of the zoo along with the animals play the scenes and Christmas carols are sung.

Even in winter, Zookeeper for a day and Meet your favourite animal programmes are available. www.zoo.si

The greater part of Ljubljana Marshes, which covers about 160 km2, is a part of Ljubljana Marsh Nature Park. 250 bird species, 49 species of dragonflies and 89 species of butterflies dwell here. The area is also known for prehistoric pile dwellers.

Red panda in ZOO Ljubljana, photo ZOO Ljubljana Archive

The Awakened Beauty – Trnulja Country Estate Trnulja Country Estate, whose name derives from the Slovenian name for the Sleeping Beauty, or the Slovenian name for sloes, wild plum, is just what the name suggests – the awakened sleeping beauty, where the fairy-tale image perfectly fuses with local flavours and results in pure excellence.

Trnulja Country Estate is located in the Ljubljana Marshes, in Črna vas.

Built from the surrounding natural and recycled materials, it reminds of a typical farmhouse, as can be seen in this village at the outskirts of Ljubljana. The completely ecologically oriented property uses electric vehicles and as the only accommodation provider in Slovenia belongs to the BIO Hotels Chain, the largest association of eco-friendly hotels.

The estate opened in 2012, but its story had begun long before, in 2004, when the first field of industrial hemp had been planted.

For this reason, the hemp is also present in their impressive selection of gourmet dishes. Guests are served a completely organic meal prepared

See You Again, Ljubljana Marshes

exclusively from domestic certified products. The restaurant is open to visitors every Sunday between noon and 6 pm, when renowned chef Slavko Adamlje prepares meals.

Apartments, which contain natural and local products, are also furnished with products made from industrial hemp. It can be found in the curtains, mattresses, towels and bedspreads. The main themes of all the apartments are the sloe and the surrounding beauties, such as the Iška River Gorge.

The owners, Urša and Miha, will show you how tradition can intertwine with modern design and ecology and share with you the experience of living on a fairy-tale estate. www.trnulja.com Nika Pirnar

Ljubljana Marsh Nature Park, photo Matej Obid

We used to just pass by Ljubljana on the way to the sea, but last year we decided to stop for a few hours.

We were so thrilled by what we saw that we decided to spend our annual holiday here. For nature lovers like us, the visit of the Ljubljana Marshes was a must, and thus we decided for a guided biking tour to Ljubljana Marshes on our last day.

We wanted to see Plečnik’s Church in Črna vas, we were interested to

learn more about the pile dwellers, as well as the rich flora and fauna.

Starting in the Old Town at the Triple Bridge, we continued the tour past the Botanical Garden and straight forward towards Črna vas, where the ingenuity of architect Plečnik and his masterpiece, the Church of St. Michael, left us speechless. We had a long day ahead, so we stopped at a nearby organic farm for an excellent homemade snack.

Ljubljansko Barje, Foto Darinka Mladenovic

Trnulja Country Estate, photo Simon Pintar Sunset at Ljubljana Marsh Nature park, photo Dunja Wedam

We continued along the Corncrake Trail, which stretches across the entire marsh. The thing we liked the most was the observatory in the form of a bird’s nest from where we were able to observe the colorful birds. The trail then led us to Podpeč, where we cooled down in the nearby karst lake simply named “Jezero” (Lake), which is one of the deepest in Slovenia.

This was also the last point of the tour. But we are coming back next year, as we want to see the peat bogs and focus more on the many birds and other inhabitants of the area. Last but not least, it would be great to understand the life of pile dwellers better. www.ljubljanskobarje.si Johann Bendel from Salzburg, Austria

6 City of Delights

Music Evenings in the ZOO Club In less than a year, ZOO Club has become a popular meeting place for fun-loving locals. The loudest zoo in Ljubljana hosts a number of events every day. Mondays are reserved for jazz, Wednesdays for ethno music, while Friday and Saturday resound to electronic music.

Most events and concerts are free, as the basic mission of the club is to give access to high-quality music to the widest possible audience and at the same time make sure that events cover the widest possible range of musical genres. www.zoo-club.si

Deep end music event at Club ZOO, photo Polona Kumej

Club ZOO, photo Polona Kumelj

Fresh for Foodies in Ljubljana Numerous new restaurants for all types of preferences have recently opened in Ljubljana: there is something for vegans, meat lovers, Slovenian food lovers and modern design lovers.

watchful eye of chef Ivo Tomšič.

FB page: Sorbara Steak House As the name suggests, The Slovenian House focuses on the rich tradition of the Slovenian cuisine, which is refreshed with a touch of modern approach to serving.

Dishes, which are served in a special unique way, are prepared exclusively from domestic, carefully selected

ingredients from various farms throughout the country.

FB page: Slovenska Hiša Last but not least, let us mention the geometrically decorated Robba. The restaurant is located just by Robba Fountain and stands out for its bold style and modernity.

FB page: ROBBA Tjaša Janovljak

Robba, photo Robba Archive

Let us start by mentioning a new vegan restaurant, which serves typical Slovenian as well as international dishes. Nyama is located just a stone’s throw from the Old Town at the foot of the Ljubljana Castle Hill. www.nyama.si

There is also something new for meat lovers: Sorbara Steak House is the place where the “salty-smoky” smell of meat will invite you to taste some of the best steaks prepared from Black Angus beef. Imported from the USA, the Black Angus beef is aged under the

Sorbara Steak House, photo Dean Dubokovic

Two New Stores with Design Products and Creative Ideas Two recently opened stores in Ljubljana, which include a design studio and a production workshop, are a real treasury of ideas and what is more: they sell the products made by the young Slovenian designers.

Love for design has encouraged a team of young designers to open Gud Shop, where you can choose from designer products from many

European countries, including Scandinavia, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and most importantly, Slovenia. The part of the shop where

Inside of the Gud Shop, photo Gud Shop Archive

Slovenian products are sold is the biggest, as the team who designed the shop is eager to design and sell their own ideas. Gud Shop is not just a shop, it is also the place where young designers can develop their ideas, attend creative workshops and meet renowned Slovenian designers.

Thus, Gud Shop is not only about selling the products, but also about passing on the knowledge about the design and encouraging young people to be creative. Gud Shop, centrally located at Breg 2, along the riverbanks, offers products that refresh your home and office or simply brighten up your day. www.shop.gud.si

Brands of Friends Shop can be found in the backyard of Čopova 5a, where you can find Slovenian products with good design, production and story. The building combines the workshop and the store, where you can also see the process of making the products.

Choose from a variety of items, including Desnehemisfere, Wood Stock, Tok Tok, Tri pike, Stolžek, Trash Design, Flying Pussy, Musguard, Lumu, Beatnik, Indi, Amek, Street Lizard, Equa and works of Slovenian graphic designers – Nenad Cizl, Anja Delbello and Aljaž Vesel. www.friendsofthebrands.com Nika Pirnar

7 City of Delights

New USE-IT Map of Ljubljana The purpose of the map is to present the beat of the city and everyday life of the locals and thus enable young travellers free access to useful information while visiting Ljubljana. Information of noncommercial nature is provided by the young locals and updated annually, which makes it attractive for young people from Slovenia and abroad.

USE- IT tourist information is available in more than forty cities across Europe. On an annual basis, local initiatives publish free maps, most of them have their own Facebook page, and some of them even their own website or an office, where young travellers can visit them.

Get a hard copy of the map at Ljubljana TIC, ŠKUC Info Centre, Ljubljana hostels and TOZD Bar. More information: www.use-it.travel USE-IT Map of Ljubljana, photo: ŠKUC Archive

Invisible Ljubljana Are you Curious?

Explore with CurioCity.

How do you manage waste? Do you buy fair trade products?

Dine locally? Support socially responsible companies? Do you want to do the same also when traveling?

Express your selfie tour, photo CurioCitySI Archive

Among this summer’s novelties is a tour carrying a lovely name “From Ljubljana with Love”. The tour focuses precisely on those who want to be environmentally friendly while traveling. CurioCity walks are done in small groups with a local licensed guide who shows you success stories of social entrepreneurship and takes you to the groups that work for the public good and encourage the employment of vulnerable groups,

operate environmentally friendly and allow ethnical consumption.

But that’s not all. CurioCity team has designed three additional innovative walks through the city, which enable the visitors to experience Ljubljana in a local way. This means bringing them closer to the stories of people who live in the city.

Hipsters, photography lovers, and especially selfie enthusiasts should attend the Express your selfie tour, where you are taken, along with your selfie stick, to some of the best photo spots in the town. If you are more into dragons, then the Dragon’s Tales is just perfect for some unimagined and perhaps already forgotten testimonies of the dragons. For all those who visit Ljubljana on Sunday, the Lazy Sunday will reveal the secrets of how to make Sunday in the city as enjoyable as possible. Check out their webpage for some introductory hints. www.curiocity.si Tjaša Janovljak

Forget main tourist sights as you know them and see the unseen.

The Invisible Ljubljana guided tour with a homeless person, photo Oihane Amoedo

Some speak loudly, others more quietly and the same goes for the city – some testimonies are louder than the others. Kralji ulice (Kings of the Street), the association for helping homeless people, has recently decided to speak out.

Everyone who wants to hear the unheard is invited to join them on a stroll along The Invisible Ljubljana, guided by a person who has experienced homelessness.

You will hear about the cruel world of homelessness, where stories will be seasoned with personal

experiences.

Forget about the history, architects, mayors, Dukes, sculptors ... The Invisible Ljubljana speaks about the homeless of Ljubljana. Among other things, they tell you why every morning a bunch of homeless people gather at Prešeren Square, where to get the ingredients for vegetable soup and where to warm up. The list of amazing facts you will hear about could go on and on, as every tour is unique.

FB page: Nevidena Lublana Tjaša Janovljak

CurioCity walks, photo CurioCitySI Archive

The Invisible Ljubljana guided tour at Metelkova mesto, photo Oihane Amoedo

9 City of Arts and Culture

What to do in Ljubljana by Months?

November – Mouth-Watering Month On Saturday, 7 November, Ljubljana Wine Route will take place. At the event, which marks the feast of St. Martin, when grape juice turns into wine, the restaurants and cafés in the old town built up the stands in front of their premises and present young wine and traditional Slovenian dishes on the streets of Ljubljana.

Traditional festivals, Culinary Festival & Wine Festival, which take place at Grand Union Hotel 19 – 20 November, represent the best of what Slovenia has to offer in the fields of culinary delights and fine wines. The Taste Ljubljana project this year represents the traditional dishes of Ljubljana.

From 11 to 22 November, Liffe, the Ljubljana Film Festival, which offers an insight into the world of high-quality films of European and global production, will take place at numerous venues around the city.

On 27 November at 5 pm, the Christmas lights switch on will take place in Prešeren Square, to mark the beginning of the festive season. At that time, all festive lights around the city will turn on simultaneously.

December – Month of Joy Editors (UK), one of the best and most popular English indierock bands is returning to the European stages with a new album.

On 1 December, they will hold a concert at Kino Šiška, Centre for Urban Culture.

Saint Nicholas Parade, photo Dunja Wedam

December continues with the traditional events, such as St. Nicholas and the Ljubljana Festive Fair, St. Nicholas parade, the Christmas concert in front of the City Hall, Santa Claus parade, concerts at Ljubljana squares and last but not least, the New Year’s Eve party in the old town with the midnight fireworks from Ljubljana Castle, which will illuminate the sky over the city and announce the beginning of 2016.

resentment and envy.

February – Month of Carnivals Celebrating the long tradition of Slovenian carnivals, the Ljubljana Dragon Carnival takes place on the streets of Ljubljana.

Accompanied by a dragon, traditional ethnologically coloured carnival masks will parade through the city on 6 February.

The main theme of the 2016 Dragon Carnival is entitled “In the Garden”, so give your imagination free way and watch or even participate in the carnival parade on the streets of Ljubljana.

Performance in Opera House, photo Ljubljana Tourism Archive

Feast of St. Gregory, photo Nada Žgank

March – Welcome to Spring Welcome to Spring – Gregorčki is a traditional event that takes place before the feast of St. Gregory and revives an old tradition of placing little wooded boats down the Gradaščica Stream and announces the arrival of spring.

January – Month of Music

On 1 January, The traditional New Year Concert performed by the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra will feature several great soprano arias and some of the most recognizable works from the world’s treasury of music.

On 23 January, Cankarjev dom Cultural and Congress Centre will host Verdi’s opera Otello, a tragic story of devoted and fragile love between the heroic Moorish commander and the daughter of a Venetian senator, which tragically collapses because of machination,

The Ljubljana Dragon Carnival, photo Miha Fras

Check out the list of numerous exhibitions that will take place in Ljubljana: •

18 November 2015 – 14 February 2016, National Gallery of Slovenia: Rihard Jakopič: Sketchbooks The display of the drawings by Rihard Jakopič, who used drawings long after the photo era started.

•

20 June 2015 – 5 August 2016, National Museum of Contemporary History: Coming Home - historical exhibition The exhibition is dedicated to the stories on the return and the fate of the individuals in the context of the whole history of the 20th century.

•

24 June 2015 – 8 May 2016, City Museum of Ljubljana – MGML: Water Exhibition on water represents the importance of water for survival, the mobility of people, goods, ideas and knowledge, mythology, religion, art and language.

•

26 November 2015 – 20 March 2016: Museum of Architecture and Design: Saša J. Mächtig: Systems, Structures, Strategies – retrospective exhibition Designer and architect Saša J. Mächtig is one of the most recognizable Slovenian industrial designers. His most renowned work is the modular multifunctional unit KIOSK K67 that has marked the image of Slovenian and other central European cities since its creation in 1966 along with other elements of street furniture.

•

3 December 2015 - 1 February 2016: Tivoli Park, The Jakopič Promenade: One Planet, One Water – photographic exhibition Water is one of the most important natural resources.

The exhibition presents stories about water from different parts of the world through the camera lenses of travelers, photographers and philanthropists who care about the future of our planet.

10 City of Arts and Culture

Foodie Autumn in Ljubljana Autumn in Ljubljana is a perfect time to indulge in good food and excellent Slovenian wines. Home-grown food products from the rural areas can be found at traditional culinary events all over the city. One of the events to visit is the Ljubljana Wine Route that takes place every autumn. The Old Town is the venue of a traditional folk holiday, the Feast of St. Martin, held on the first Saturday in November. The Slovenian Wine Festival and the Culinary Festival at the Grand Union Hotel will take place a little later, featuring Slovenian wines and culinary delights from around the world. If you happen to miss any of these events, there is no need to worry! Throughout the year, Taste Ljubljana culinary tours take place, combining excellent food and wines with a relaxed local atmosphere.

31st Biennial of Graphic Arts The Ljubljana Biennial of Graphic Arts is one of the oldest in the world, taking place already since 1955 and spreading the word about Ljubljana and the Slovenian fine arts beyond the country’s borders.

Renovated Plečnik House Reopens to the Public After two years of renovation works, the Plečnik house reopens to the public with an enhanced content. Jože Plečnik (1872–1957), the greatest Slovenian architect of an international renown, is for his native Ljubljana what Gaudi is for Barcelona. The house on Karunova ulica street with well-preserved living quarters, personal items and a garden offers an authentic insight into

the architect’s everyday life, while the museum exhibition presents his comprehensive work opus. The permanent exhibition puts on display his work in three European capitals: Vienna, Prague and, particularly, Ljubljana. The renovated museum house represents an important academic source for all who study Plečnik’s work, as it offers an access to his architectural plans. www.mgml.si

31st Biennial of Graphic Arts, photo Jaka Babnik

The 31st Ljubljana Biennial of Graphic Arts, entitled Over you, explores the socio-political features associated with the graphic arts, especially in relation to reproduction, publicity and community. Works unveiling the concept of graphic arts beyond the established definition are created in various graphic techniques. The exhibition for example includes a sculpture that floats on the river, a street lamp in a park,

kinetic machines designed on the basis of historical drawings and experimental educational programmes. The main exhibition is held at various venues, including the Museum of Modern Art, the International Centre of Graphic Arts, Tivoli Park, Kresija Gallery, National and University Library, Jakopič Gallery and the front of the Mahr House. Read more on: www.mglc-lj.si Nina Kosin

Plečnik’s House, photo Paternoster 31st Biennial of Graphic Arts, photo Jaka Babnik

December in Ljubljana The festive December in Ljubljana begins before the first Sunday of Advent, starting already on Friday, 27 November. This is when the Christmas lights will switch on and the Christmas Market will open, adding a tinge of fairy-tale spirit to the city until 11 January 2016.

This year, the festive December atmosphere will lighten up the streets of Ljubljana a week longer than in previous years. During this time, numerous free events will take place in the magically decorated old town.

Traditional December events include the St. Nicholas and Christmas Market, Santa Claus Parade, the Good Fairy,

street art and organ grinder performances, Christmas concert in front of the City Hall and diverse concerts at numerous squares in the Old Town. Again, the New Year’s Eve will be marked by a variety of concerts by renowned musicians of different genres and at midnight, the fireworks from organic and biodegradable materials

will lighten up the sky above Ljubljana.

With its December decorations and Christmas Fair, Ljubljana ranks among the most attractive European capitals, which are a must-visit during the festive Christmas period. You can read more about the festive December on: www.visitljubljana.com Anja Tell

Fireworks on New Year’s Eve from Ljubljana Castle, photo Luka Esenko

11 City for Meetings

Conventa, an Experience Meeting Professionals Hardly Forget Conventa is not just a typical trade show offering an efficient platform to develop individual business relationships between relevant providers and targeted meeting industry audiences. It is rather a meeting point of the New Europe filled with energy, warmth and great hospitality. At

Conventa personal experience is what matters most: this is highlighted throughout the entire Show, which encompasses business meetings, educational modules, social events and fam trips, including a Ljubljana pre-Conventa day. In the past seven years 888 exhibitors from 17 countries

Enhanced Experience at Grand Hotel Union The largest convention hotel in Ljubljana constantly strives to improve the quality of their services and products.

Illumination and a new, cuttingedge multimedia equipment in the convention centre as well as bathroom renovations in 240 rooms were the main focus over the past months. The Grand Union Café has also acquired a

and 1,702 hosted buyers from 45 countries have conducted 20.668 one-to-one meetings. Ljubljana Tourism with its Convention Bureau, a major partner of Conventa since the start, invites you to join the next edition from 21 to 22 January 2016 in Ljubljana. www.conventa.info

Radisson Blu Brand for Plaza Hotel Ljubljana

spacious summer terrace due to a new traffic-free regime on the street section where the property is located. Aligned with environmental issues and sustainability, green transportation in the form of electric scooters is now available to hotel guests or clients organising events there. www.union-hotels.eu Tatjana Radovič

A Revamp for the Best Western Premier Hotel Slon

photo: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Archive

One of the most dynamic hotel groups worldwide, Carlson Rezidor, has selected the Slovenian capital as a new destination in its portfolio. Their new property, featuring 236 rooms, is the conversion of an existing hotel re-branded to the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Ljubljana in November 2015. Its location is in the BTC City, a »city within the city« known as the most

Hotel Slon Superior Deluxe Room, photo Žiga Koritnik

An extensive investment has been on the Hotel’s agenda in the second half of 2015.

The energy restoration of the building and the fully revamped superior deluxe rooms are to be appreciated by hotel guests, while a new refined culinary experience is to delight other visitors to Ljubljana and local residents, too.

The quality of the stay in terms of quietness has been enhanced by effective noise reduction windows, as well as by a changed traffic regime that has drastically cut the number of vehicles along one of Ljubljana’s main streets, where the Hotel is found.

Furthermore, the public areas at the ground floor will expand due to the glazing of the arcade corridor, which is now an external public space. The Hotel will thus be restored to its original image from 1937, while the refurbished facade has already added brightness to its outer appearance. A part of the project in progress is the renovation of the 32 sq m Superior deluxe rooms, which feature a living room area and a prime quality bed concept, luxurious marble bathroom with walk-in tropical rain shower plus a host of other amenities. www.hotelslon.com Tatjana Radovič

important Slovenian business, shopping and entertainment centre at a distance of 3.5 km from Ljubljana’s Old Town quarter.

The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel is the first internationally branded upper upscale hotel in Ljubljana, thus adding new value to the local hospitality sector. www.radissonblu.com/en/hotelljubljana Tatjana Radovič

FP by Sheraton Ljubljana: Stargazing and Other Stars A good night’s sleep is what many hotel guests regard of top importance when staying away from home, especially if on business travel. Four Points

by Sheraton Ljubljana, a stylish business hotel surrounded by woodland, launched an innovative idea, In-Room Stargazing. Virtual Planetarium™ is an artwork creating the illusion of having a clear glass ceiling above you, as you lie down in your bed. Looking up, what you see is like a real sky on a cloudless night, with countless twinkling stars. This room provides a relaxed and stressrelief environment that spurs a

lot of beneficial effects and also educates guests about the star constellations.

The property is also proud of another achievement: Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG®) announced the winners of the 2015 Member Favorites Hotels & Resorts List. Out of the 1,200 hotels in the global hotel chain Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Ljubljana’s Four Points by Sheraton made it among the top 30 in the world and among the top 10 in the EMEA region. www.fourpointsljubljanamons. com Tatjana Radovič

13 City for Slovenia

Have a Cup of Tea in Central Slovenia Region

Read about our suggestions for a tour in the region of Central Slovenia on a cold winter day. Choose between three destinations where the scent of the homemade tea will make you want to stay there forever.

Beatiful Views and Homemade Tea from Šmarna gora Hill

Tea with Count Blagaj Count Blagaj and his wife Antonija invite you to join them for tea party in the reception room of the picturesque Polhov Gradec Mansion every Friday afternoon.

Climb up to Šmarna gora Hill, ring the wishing bell and treat yourself to a homemade herbal tea, whose recipe still remains a family secret. Šmarna gora Hill is a popular hiking point in the vicinity of Ljubljana. The hill, which was once known as a pilgrimage destination, is today the place where hardly anyone from Ljubljana has not been yet at least once in his or her lifetime.

On the top of this 669 metre high hill, an inn operated by Ledinek Family is located, known for delicious homemade dishes,

such as pretzels and barley soup, and unique herbal tea blend, which is the reason why so many climb there already early in the morning. Ledinek Family carefully picks the herbs from the local area, to create a unique herbal tea blend, which is served only at their inn and whose recipe is a well-kept family secret. www.smarnagora.com

Homemade tea from Šmarna gora hill, photo Tomo Jeseničnik

Count Blagaj is waiting for you to join the tea party, photo Maša Kozjek

Discover Polhov Gradec, which will enchant you with the breathtaking nature and rich cultural heritage. What is more: the heart of the Polhov Gradec Hills hides a mansion with an intriguing story. Get ready to travel back in time, to the 19th century, when a much favoured lord together with his wife resided here. After seeing the impressive castle premises, you will be invited to their reception room for a chat over a cup of delicious herbal tea, made from the herbs picked in the surrounding hills. The mansion

is full of secrets and stories, and who knows which will be revealed to you… But one thing is for sure: they will surely not reveal the recipe for the tea.

After the tea party, take some time to visit the Polhov Gradec Regional Museum and the Museum of Post and Telecommunications, which is located in the mansion, or simply stroll along the Blagaj Trail. Do not miss also the possibility of buying local products under the brand name “Dobrote Blagajeve dežele”. www.dobrova-polhovgradec.si

Tea from Stična Cistercian Abbey Sit back and relax in the tranquil atmosphere of the tearooms in the Stična Abbey and enjoy the scent of herbal tea made according to the recipe of vicar Simon Ašič.

Stična Abbey is one of the most important cultural, sacral and architectural monuments and the only operating Cisterian monastery in Slovenia. In order to present the rich heritage of vicar Simon Ašič to the general public, a tearoom and a herbal pharmacy, which keeps numerous recipes of one of the most famous Slovenian herbalists, have been arranged here. The Cistercian style decorated tearoom invites

you to drink a cup of tea, which is prepared from all kinds of medicinal tea blends. A visit to the herbal pharmacy is also a must: along with a wide selection of different kinds of teas, herbal medicinal products can be purchased here. An old saying goes that for every disease a flower grows, so peek into the pharmacy and find the most appropriate tea blend for you. www.sitik.si

Herbal Pharmacy, photo Stiška čajnica Archive

14 City for Slovenia

December in Historic Kamnik and on The Velika Planina Plateau

In winter, Kamnik and its surroundings offer a wide range of different activities to please visitors of all ages and interests.

On Saturday, 5 December, Kamnik Tourism and Sports Agency organizes a number of events announcing the start of the festive season. This includes switching on the Christmas lights, St. Nicholas’ parade and the opening of the ice rink, which stays in function until the end of the winter holidays in February. On the same day, all running enthusiasts are invited to participate in St. Nicholas’ Run, a 5-kilometre long run through Tuhinj Valley, which finishes at St. Nicholas’ Church on Gora Hill.

The closer it gets to Christmas, the merrier it gets in Kamnik. On 20 December, the Live Nativity Scene takes place at Snovik Spa and Santa Claus will come to visit. Velika planina is the place to be on the Christmas Eve, when masses of visitors hike to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows to attend the Midnight Mass. The last week of 2015 will be marked by various concerts at the Kamnik main square. The series of events entitled Kamnik. In December.

Time of joy. begins on Saturday, 26 December, and finishes with

the New Year’s Eve party.

Winter sports enthusiasts will be enchanted by Velika planina snowy trails for night skiing and sledding. In addition, you can also try snowshoeing and snow biking– the rental of the equipment for both activities is possible on the spot. Tunjice Open-Air Healing Resort, Volčji Potok Arboretum

and Snovik Spa are open whole year round, so make sure to stop by and check what they offer in winter time. Once in the area, do not forget to stop at one of the local restaurants to try out typical local dishes united under the Taste Kamnik brand. www.kamnik-tourism.si Alenka Hribar

Morning on Velika Planina Plateau, photo Rok Markuš

Live Nativity Plays and Cribs In addition to two really unique nativity scenes - one in the Postojna Cave and one in the natural ice, close to Mojstrana – there is a number of other nativity plays and cribs worth visiting all around the country.

Postojna caves, photo Iztok Medja

Also this year, Postojna Cave organizes live Nativity scene performances among stalagmites, stalactites and other impressive cave features. The performances accompanied by music and singing take place every day between 25 and 30 December.

This extraordinary venue is perfect for representing the biblical story of Jesus Christ’s birth and together with the Christmas market stalls in front of the cave’s entrance attracts a great number of visitors. www.postojnska-jama.eu Worth mentioning is also the Nativity play in alpine Mojstrana,

which takes place beneath the frozen artificially created waterfalls in the gorge of Mlačca.

Waterfalls, which are as high as 50 metres, serve as a perfect natural backdrop for the Nativity performances, which take place 25-28 December and 1-3 January at 4, 5 and 6 pm.

In various parts of Slovenia different, less high-profiled, but still interesting Nativity scenes are put on display. Worth mentioning are the ones in Drežniške Ravne and Studenice, which can be visited from Christmas to the end of January 2016.

Tjaša Janovljak

Skiing and Winter Sports in Slovenia Thanks to its vicinity to numerous ski resorts, Ljubljana is the perfect starting point for day trips to the majority of winter sports resorts in Slovenia. Snow and winter adventures are just a step away!

Slovenia is a diverse country, which boasts a number of alpine ski resorts. There are as many as ten ski resorts very close to Ljubljana, which offer a number of fun winter pleasures. The nearest larger ski resort is Krvavec with 26 kilometres of ski slopes. A bit further, other well-known ski resorts, such as Kranjska Gora, Vogel and Cerkno, can be

found. All Slovenian ski resorts are equipped with the latest technology and easily reached from all major urban areas. Most of them also have facilities for artificial snow, which enables adventures on snow even in milder winters. And on a few high mountain slopes you can ski long into the spring. If you do not have your own ski equipment, you can

Krvavec skiing resort, photo RTC Krvavec Archive

easily rent it at most of the ski our online store of adventures and resorts. Check out our winter tours include skiing and sledding. in Slovenia, which can be found in Anja Tell

16

Two Australian Girls on Taste Ljubljana and Kransky Sausage Carniolan sausage is known worldwide, not only in the neighbouring countries of Slovenia. They know it in the USA and Australia, where they call it, a little inaccurately, Kransky sausage. Read about the story of two girls from Australia who visited Ljubljana and fell in love with the local dishes and our version of Carniolan sausage...

We love to travel and some friends proposed us to visit Ljubljana. When visiting a foreign city for the first time, we usually first join a guided tour and then continue exploring the area on our own. We intended to do the same in Ljubljana, but we discovered something new: the culinary tour of the town called Taste Ljubljana. We loved the idea and decided to attend the tour – we did not regret it.

With a small group (amazingly, we were six Australians in the group), we toured the town and learned about the eating and drinking habits of the locals, where fruit, vegetables and fish come from ... Among other things, we visited an extremely

Food Tour, photo Bobo

well stocked marketplace and “the village in the city”, the area of Krakovo, where small houses in the middle of the city centre hide large gardens in their backyards. We also

tasted a number of dishes from Ljubljana, which were served with beer and selected wines, and to conclude, we got a shot of brandy. We started in a bar with street food, where we tasted the authentic Carniolan sausage with horseradish and mustard. I have to admit that it tastes much better than our Australian “Kransky sausage”. In the next restaurant we tried a cooked beef tongue. I hesitated first, but it turned out to be really tasty.

Then we were served roast potatoes, which are traditionally often eaten by the locals. At a modern restaurant, just off the Old Town, we tasted excellent fried chicken drumsticks, a dish

Food Tour, photo Bobo

which originates from the times of boating on the Ljubljanica River. After about three hours, we finished the tour with the tasting of the famous potica rolled cake on the terrace of the first Ljubljana skyscraper, which offers splendid views of the city.

We will certainly prepare one of the dishes from the recipe booklet that we received and in this way thank the organizers for such a splendid tour.

Adele Busuttil from Perth, Australia

Take Slovenia Home With You Finding souvenirs is often the most stressful part of the trip. Sometimes we do not know what we are looking for and sometimes we do not know where to find this. To make souvenir shopping easier, holidays more enjoyable and life after your holidays more nostalgic and tasty, here are some shopping tips.

Enamel mug, photo Janez Pukšič

At TIC Souvenir Shop, located at Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 2, you will find the highly original Makalonca souvenir collection which was created to celebrate the 140th birth anniversary of Ljubljana’s famous architect Jože Plečnik. The souvenirs from the Makalonca collection are quality practical items made using traditional materials such as wood, leather, linen and enamel as well as modern materials such as polypropylene, which is biodegradable and safe for human health. www.visitljubljana.com Kraševka, a shop located in Ciril-Metodov trg 10, offers

selected domestic products from various regions of Slovenia. It is named after the Slovenian Karst, one of the most unique natural and gastronomic regions in this part of the world. The products include prosciutto, Slovenian wines and spirits, olive oil from Slovenian Istria, Styrian pumpkin seed oil, Carniolan and other traditional sausages, honey, home made cheese and other products. www. krasevka.si Skrina Etno Art Sales Gallery (Breg 8) offers selected Slovenian arts and crafts products and souvenirs that are associated with the Slovenian cultural heritage.

Choose from different products that combine tradition with contemporary design and in this way adapt to the needs of modern times. www.skrina.si Idrija Lace Sales Gallery (Mestni trg 17) puts a demonstration of lacemaking on display. Here, you can buy curtains, tablecloths, sheets and other unique Idrija lace products made

by Irma Vončina, a recognized

Laces handmade by Irma Vončina, photo Jurij Pfeifer

designer and master of the traditional Slovenian arts and crafts. www.idrija-lace.com Medex (Miklošičeva cesta 30) is one of the leading Slovenian producers of dietary honey based supplements and other natural products. They work with more than 2,000 Slovenian beekeepers. www.medex.si Piran Saltpans Shop (Mestni trg 18) sells top quality salt from the Piran saltpans, produced in accordance with 700-year-old tradition. You can also buy other products including the Piran salt, among them salt flower chocolate, aromatic salts, excellent cosmetic

products and home accessories, such as salt grinders and salt cellars. www.soline.si Under the brand name of Catbriyur, Katja and Jure Bricman design porcelain cups, plates, trays, bells and jewellery. Their shop is located in Ciril-Metodov trg 19. Distinctive approach to designing the finest porcelain ware is characterized by a unique manufacturing process, which has impressed a series of the most prominent world’s experts in the field of porcelain treatment. www.catbriyur.net Rogaška Glassworks (Mestni trg 22) is one of the leading manufacturers of crystal products in the world. Extensive knowledge of manufacturing and product design derives from almost 350 years of tradition. They have preserved the traditional glassmaking skills, meaning that all products are handmade. They are distinguished by quality and innovative design. www.steklarna-rogaska.si Nika Pirnar