Slovenian Culture

Probably the best-known dish from Slovenia. It is a thin, coarse and smoked variety of boiled sausage. Sauerkraut or sour beets are often served as a side dish. It can also be eaten cold. 

A rolled cake made from yeast dough with various fillings. It is the traditional festive pastry in Slovenia. There are over 80 different fillings, of which the most familiar are walnut, poppy seed and tarragon. It is an integral part of Christmas celebrations.

A dough roll with a variety of fillings, served on its own or as a side dish. The dough can be prepared in both sweet and savoury varieties. It can also be baked or boiled. The best-known variations are tarragon, curd, walnut, apple or poppy seed.

Air-dried ham has a centuries-old tradition. It is left to dry in the harsh bora wind of the Slovenian Karst, the coastal region. It is said to taste particularly delicious with a glass of the Karst red wine Teran. 

These are traditional Slovenian dumplings. They are filled with potatoes, fresh herbs and sometimes with meat. Sauces often accompany the dish, for instance tomato or mushroom.

Carnival is a major event everywhere in Slovenia. Traditionally called ‘Pust’, it has been celebrated for many centuries. The costumes are largely ethnographic: the main figure in the festival is Kurento (with feathers and horns), who is said to banish evil and herald the arrival of spring, which is also reflected in the devils and peasant clothing symbolising spring.  Carnival builds a bridge between winter and spring. Traditional customs, balls, parades and also delicious food all come together during carnival. It has been held since 1960 and is one of the oldest in the country. 

The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, has been hosting a major jazz festival since 1860, which is considered one of the oldest in Europe. The best jazz musicians from all over the world come to the festival, accompanied by up-and-coming artists looking to make a mark.

With more than 20 years of tradition, the Lent festival in Maribor is considered one of the most important in Slovenia and among the largest in Europe. Events and activities include classical music and traditional jazz, theatre, puppet shows, workshops for children, exhibitions and sporting events.

Arts and festivals are a great and certainly enjoyable way to learn more about Slovenia’s rich and diverse culture. It is definitely worth taking part if you visit the country during one of the festivals. 

The Slovenians have sport in their genes, so to speak. The list of medals and strong performances – as well as the disciplines in which they were achieved – gets longer every year. Ljubljana is known for its marathon. Thousands of visitors flock to the start each year. But there are plenty of other sporting opportunities both inside and outside the capital. Visitors can climb the hill called Roznik in Ljubljana or walk the 32.5km Trail of Remembrance and Comradeship (Pot ob zici) around the city. There is also a broad selection of organised sporting activities. Slovenia even celebrates a national holiday that is entirely dedicated to sport. Many Slovenians are keen winter sports enthusiasts due to the close proximity to the Alps. 

As usual, the marketplace is often at the centre of a town. Visitors can join the hustle and bustle and select from numerous local delicacies. Markets are held throughout Slovenia. The largest and most diverse market is located in Ljubljana. Healthy and local produce is also available in the numerous organic food shops, which are found in many Slovenian towns.