Hidden pearls of Slovenia

The “European Destinations of ExcelleNce” project or, in short, EDEN was designed by the European Commission in accordance with the guidelines of the European tourism policy. The overall objective of the project is to draw attention to the value, diversity, and shared characteristics of European tourist destinations, and to promote destinations, where the economic growth objective is pursued in such a way as to ensure the social, cultural, and environmental sustainability.

In Slovenia we decided to participate in the EDEN project in order to identify and award the most sustainable or green destinations, which act in accordance with the principles of environmental, socially responsible, and cultural sustainability, and thus facilitate their further development.

Visit EDEN destinations and discover the hidden pearls of Slovenia!

This time we present you the Solčavsko region, European Destination of Excellence in 2009

National parks, regional parks, protected landscapes, nature reserves and natural monuments and areas of outstanding biodiversity – all of these are examples of nature conservation. Over a tenth of Slovenia falls into specially protected areas, while more than a third of the national territory is protected as part of the Natura 2000 network, which protects the habitats of endangered plant and animal species important for the European Union as a whole. Tourist areas that concern themselves with sustainable development in connection with areas of this kind were the subject of special attention from the European Commission within the context of the EDEN 2009 project. In Slovenia, the title of European Destination of Excellence on the theme of tourism and protected areas was won by THE SOLČAVSKO REGION: THREE VALLEYS IN UNISON.

Don’t miss: Alpine Valleys: Logarska Dolina, Robanov Kot, Matkov Kot, The Solčavsko region Panoramic Route; Rinka Center: exhibitions highlighting the area, local products showcase.

More information on the web page www.solcavsko.info .

EVENTS IN 2013:

24-26 May 2013
MOUNTAIN TIMBER FESTIVAL: Presentation on mountain forests, special trees and properties of mountain timber, demonstrations, workshops and sale of timber products, special culinary features offered by the forest, hikes and fun in nature, etc.

26-28 July 2013
DAYS OF SOLČAVA – a traditional ethnographic event: The presentation and tasting of homemade culinary specialties, exhibitions of local produce, medicinal herbs, indigenous animals, presentations of the most attractive sights, entertainment and musical programme.

20-22 September 2013
THE “BICKA” SHEEP WOOL FESTIVAL: Presentation on the indigenous breed of sheep called jezerskosolčavska, a demonstration of sheep shearing and wool processing, a workshop for the manufacture of felt products, a fashion show featuring wool clothing, traditional mountain pasture cooking, a cultural and musical programme, etc.

Throughout the year
Exhibitions and themed events in the Rinka Centre –a multipurpose centre for tourism and sustainable development.