Slovenia

Slovenia is a young a republic, only about 15 years old, part of the former Yugoslavia. It's just east of Italy and south of Austria with spectacular mountains, the Julian Alps, which are just perfect for hiking. The people are friendly, the country is immaculate, the food is wonderful. The relative unanimity of the region has made it a unique and untouched location, unlike anywhere else in Europe. The location of the Bled village is a day hike away from Italy and Austria, winding through dense woodlands and stunning limestone peaks. Hikes will pass through alpine tunnels and pause at mountain huts for rest. Castles from as far back as the 12th century infuse the landscape with storybook views.

Karavanke Mountains, the natural borders between Slovenia and Austria, offers much of the hiking for the week. The range offers panoramic views into Slovenia and Austria, wild meadows, rich forest and beautiful alpine flora. Hikes will takes us between the mighty peaks of the Julian Alps passing the dramatic Mountain of Jalovec, through to the Trenta Valley, finding views over into neighbouring Italy and Austria.

One of the most spectacular hikes of the week is the Ljubelj into Austria. The old Ljubelj pass is one of the most historic walks in the Karavanke Mountain Range and in Europe, dating back over 330 years. From our start at Pod Ljubelj we look up at what used to be one of the most important trading routes between the Mediterranean to the courts of Vienna, Salzburg and Munich. This beautiful pass snakes its way up through the Karavanke while the valley of St Ana stretches out below. This area is also home to many species of fauna and flora which are found nestled here, due to the unusual mix of hot and cold air fronts. Meeting the pyramids at the top of this ancient pass we cross into Austria and can see the trail continue down towards the town of Klagenfurt. Back to Slovenia we lunch in a valley mountain hut while a local band performs traditional Slovene songs.

Tourism is one of the most promising sectors of the economy in Slovenia. Every year more and more foreign tourists visit Slovenia. The largest number of tourists comes from Italy , Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Croatia, Hungary and other European countries. In addition, the number of tourists from the United States is teadily growing.Visiting Slovenia could provide an interesting mixture of leisure, recreation and exciting excursions. Slovenia is especially attractive to those who enjoy mountains and lakes, or spending time on the ski slopes. There are more than seven thousand kilometres of marked mountain trails for hiking and climbing. You can also try high-adrenaline sports or spend time on the Mediterranean coast. Last but not least, Slovenia has numerous natural spas, where you can take care of your health with help of thermal mineral waters. But you could also choose to "travel back through time" in museums, castles, churches and galleries and then go on to enjoy yourself in the evening at one of our casinos as well. We invite you to come and get to know the country yourself!

Country info
Area: 20,273 km2
 Population: 1,964,036 (2002 census)
 Capital city: Ljubljana
 Language: Slovene; in nationally mixed areas, also Italian and Hungarian
 Currency: Euro (EUR)
 Important dates:
 - Independence - 25 June 1991,
 - Member of EU - 1 May 2004  The Republic of Slovenia lies at the heart of Europe, where the Alps and the Mediterranean meet the Pannonian plains and the mysterious Karst. To the north is Austria; to the east, Hungary; to the south, Croatia; and to the west, Italy. Slovenia became an independent state in 1991 and a member of the EU on May 1, 2004.

Arts and Culture
Situated at a cultural crossroads, Slovenia has always been a place of high artistic achievements. Arts and culture have had a special position in the history of the Slovenian nation and have compensated for the lack of its own state and political institutions in the past. A rich cultural life and far-reaching institutions, organisations, and cultural societies are comparable to the most developed European countries.

Country and its People
Find out more about its location, statistics on population, minorities, religion, and the language. You will also learn about the historical and religious holidays celebrated in Slovenia and about what's cooking & all over the country, and all about our wines.

Economy
Using quality of life and social standards as criteria, Slovenia approaches, or even exceeds, the European average. Slovenia is directed towards development and a market economy.

Geography
You can recognise Slovenia through images of the Alps and the Adriatic, the famous Karst and the Pannonian Plain; you can recognise it by the varied landscapes of its regions, which are all accessible to the visitor in a single day! Read an introduction to the main physical and climatic characteristics of our environment.

History
Slovenia has been populated since the Stone Age. This is an overview of the last 1500 years - since our Slavic ancestors arrived in this territory.

Sport
Achievements in the world of sports by Slovene sportsmen and women.

State
Under the Constitution, Slovenia is a democratic republic and a social state governed by law. The state's authority is based on the principle of the separation of legislative, executive and judicial powers, with a parliamentary system of government. See the structure and dynamics of Slovene political system.

Tourism
In Slovenia, you can experience amazing contrasts in the same day: a morning swim in the Adriatic, followed two hours later by skiing below Alpine peaks, then an adventurous discovery of Karst subterranean phenomena and an invigorating bath in a thermal spring; an encounter with history in a lively mediaeval city and, not far away, a more solitary stroll through primeval forests or undulating, winegrowing hills.

Tourism is one of the most promising sectors of the economy in Slovenia. Every year more and more foreign tourists visit Slovenia. The largest number of tourists comes from Italy , Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Croatia, Hungary and other European countries. In addition, the number of tourists from the United States is steadily growing. Visiting Slovenia could provide an interesting mixture of leisure, recreation and exciting excursions. Slovenia is especially attractive to those who enjoy mountains and lakes, or spending time on the ski slopes. There are more than seven thousand kilometres of marked mountain trails for hiking and climbing. You can also try high-adrenaline sports or spend time on the Mediterranean coast. Last but not least, Slovenia has numerous natural spas, where you can take care of your health with help of thermal mineral waters. But you could also choose to &quottravel back through time&quot in museums, castles, churches and galleries and then go on to enjoy yourself in the evening at one of our casinos as well.