Slovenia is a small country on the sunny side of the Alps. Due to its strategic location, it also attracts many visitors within a 500km driving distance from central, Eastern and Southern Europe. In Slovenia, you can swim in the sea in the morning and climb mountains in the afternoon.
In Slovenia, we are committed to sustainability. For generations we have lived and worked as one with nature and we hope to preserve it for generations to come. Here you will find ancient forests, crystal clear waters, unspoiled nooks and remarkable biodiversity. Visitors can relax in Slovenian spas and enjoy the unspoiled nature and its treasures that lead to health and well-being.
While one can cross the whole country in just over three hours, the wellbeing map focuses mostly on the North-Eastern, Eastern and Southern Slovenia, including the Alpine and Pannonian microregion with famous wellness and wellbeing hot spots.
At the centre of it is Maribor, the 2nd largest town in Slovenia that finds itself at the crossroads of the Alps (mountain range Pohorje as the green lungs of Maribor) and the Pannonian lowlands. Maribor – Pohorje is a great starting point for those who want to discover the features of Eastern Slovenia. Ski slopes and hiking and mountain trails abound in the green hills of the Eastern-most part of Alpine Slovenia – and all just a stone’s throw from the city.
The centre of the city boasts the oldest grapevine in the world. As a destination, Maribor and Pohorje make up a true treasure trove of gastronomical experiences and socialising opportunities. Taste the fine wines of Styria, even one made from the grapes of a graft of the Old Vine itself. Explore the nature by the Drava river and try one of the countless Pohorje activities.
WINE TRAILS NE OF MARIBOR
At the start of autumn, the sun-drenched vineyards are heavy with sweet grapes. This is the most beautiful time to visit wine regions, as the vineyards are filled with the songs of grape pickers and the joy and anticipation ahead of the new harvest are at a pinnacle. Follow the hiking trails leading you over the wine-growing hills and take in some of this festive atmosphere among the winegrowers. They might invite you to join in the harvest and taste some local delicacies. If you like walking in the company of others, you can join hikers on organised autumn walks in the wine-growing regions of Slovenia.
Explore the trails of the wine-growing region of Podravje where the pace will be set by the traditional wind rattles. Let yourself be charmed by the idyllic surroundings of the landscape dotted with vineyards.
Thermal Pannonian Slovenia is an area of healing waters and the most beautiful paths to well-being. Numerous Slovenian natural health resorts are strung among sunny hills with vineyards. Authentic and hearty local cuisine is provided by welcoming farms. Imagination is stirred by experiences in castles and stories of one of the most powerful noble families in Europe.
Experience the beneficial effects of the natural healing waters and treat yourself to thermal adventures in Slovenian spas. Listen to the ancient stories of the castles and discover the traces of history from the Romans to the present. You will be fascinated by the rainbow of tastes – from Prekmurje gibanica (layer cake) to Bela Krajina pogača flat bread, from the special wine variety Cviček wine to the local beer flowing from the beer fountain.
Alpine Slovenia is a world of friendly and accessible mountains and hills. Hiking and biking trails take you across the Julian Alps, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Pohorje Hills (shown on the map) to the highest peaks, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy ski resorts.
Southern Slovenia
In addition to wellness and health programmes, Slovenian natural spas are developing offers of accompanying experiences that additionally enrich your retreat. Get to know local environment and enjoy excellent traditional Slovenian cuisine and fresh local ingredients which represent an important part of the health programmes. Food offered by Slovenian natural spas is grown just a few steps from the actual health resort.
A perfect retreat in a Slovenian natural spa is a combination of relaxing treatments and delicious local cuisine. In some health resorts, a healthy diet is part of the therapy, while for others is an indispensable part of the pampering. Bon Appetit!
Find out more from our Detour digital map: