A Key to Ljubljana for Travel Trade Professionals

Ke y

Fo rT ra ve lT ra de

A Lj ub Pr of lja es sio na na ls

to

Info

A Key to Ljubljana

Location & general data....................................................................... 7 How to reach Ljubljana........................................................................ 8

The City

Ljubljana leaves a lasting impression............................................ 12 Ljubljana of the past and today...................................................... 14 Top city sights....................................................................................... 18 PleÄ?nik's Ljubljana.............................................................................. 24

Arts & Culture

Arts & culture........................................................................................ 28

Relax & Enjoy

Entertainment...................................................................................... 34 Shopping................................................................................................ 36 Recreation & wellness.......................................................................40

Relax & Enjoy

Location

Arts & Culture

Where all of Europe meets.......................................................2 Ljubljana Tourism – your professional contact..................3

Meetings & Incentives

Accommodation & Restaurants

City Tours & Excursions

Manual for Travel Trade Professionals 2012/2013

Meetings & Incentives........................................................................44

Accommodation & Restaurants

The City

Meetings & Incentives

Accommodation................................................................................. 52 Dining out.............................................................................................. 59

Info

Useful information.............................................................................. 78 Promotional material......................................................................... 79 Tour operators - your partners.......................................................80

Location

City Tours & Excursions

Guided tours of Ljubljana................................................................. 66 City map................................................................................................. 68 Outings................................................................................................... 70

Where all of Europe meets What is it that sets Ljubljana apart from other cities and capitals that makes it a great place to visit? There are many reasons for choosing Ljubljana as a place of business opportunity, the venue for your next congress, a place to do research, experience culture, or simply to explore during a city break.

Stretch back & relax is also a motto of our city – having a refreshment in one of the trendy cafes along the riverbanks or in the Old Town is a good way to observe and feel the pulse of our everyday life. As a contrast to the more Germanic attitude in the business sphere, this is where a Mediterranean-style flair is most reflected.

Due to its compact size, Ljubljana is a walking and environmentally friendly city. It has one of the bestpreserved Baroque quarters in Central Europe that blends harmoniously with the younger Art Nouveau style. And it was blessed with the talent of Jože Plečnik, who, between the two World Wars, created the cosmopolitan image of Ljubljana with his eclectic architecture and future-oriented town planning. The young and dynamic spirit of the Slovenian capital often stuns first-time visitors. No wonder, since out of a population of 280,000 around 60,000 are university students.

Just to round up the picture, Ljubljana proudly displays a remarkable agenda of cultural events, including close to 20 international festivals and many other traditional happenings all year round. The good language skills of the local residents are also much appreciated by foreign visitors.

All these elements melt into a special atmosphere of the Slovenian capital. Even at first glance, Ljubljana seems somehow pleasant and familiar, but at the same time interesting and totally different. Its cosiness, dynamic image and human scale flair are often remembered later.

With this publication, we wish to highlight the main attractions and tourist products of our city, with the aim of helping you choose Ljubljana as a next destination, either for your travel / city break programmes, or meetings, congresses and incentives. Only 240 km of motorway separate Ljubljana from Venice, and it’s worth at least a stop when planning a intinerary travel from Vienna, Prague or Budapest to the Adriatic coast or Italy. It is also an ideal base for discovering all the amazingly diverse features of Slovenia.

Something you shouldn’t miss? This certainly is the discovery of the picturesque central market, a real feast to the eyes. It is one of the rare places where one can still buy fresh and genuine produce directly from the farmers. A truly “ljubljanesque” experience is to go there on a Saturday - the day when many local residents flock downtown, combining shopping and socializing.

The fresh ingredients from the market are the basis of culinary delights served in the plentiful restaurants and inns. Something you would really not expect?

The discovery of the exquisite wines produced in our country.

Ljubljana has hosted a number of highly prominent international guests in the past. Presidents, royalties, popes, acclaimed musicians and artists have all shared the charm, safety and hospitality of our city. We wish to stress that, nevertheless, every visitor is a VIP to us!

Ljubljana Tourism

A view of the Triple Bridge

2

Info Do not hesitate to contact us for any necessary assistance, as we will be most pleased to present you all the qualities Ljubljana has as a leisure travel and convention destination. The below contacts are your professional counterparts: Barbara Vajda Managing Director Verica Leskovar Marketing & Sales Promotion Manager e-mail: verica.leskovar@visitljubljana.si Petra Stušek Public Relations Manager e-mail: petra.stusek@visitljubljana.si

Ljubljana Tourism internal organisation reflects its key areas of activity: - Information and agency services (including three Tourist Information Centres) and guide service - Web portal development & editing - Quality and development - Event department (related to events in public spaces) - Marketing & sales promotion - Public relations - Production of promotional materials - Business relations / product development - Convention bureau

www.iccaworld.com

www.mpiweb.org

www.slovenia-convention.com

Relax & Enjoy

Ljubljana Tourism Krekov trg 10, SI - 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Tel. +386 1 306 45 83 Fax +386 1 306 45 94 E-mail: info@visitljubljana.si

Meetings & Incentives

www.visitljubljana.com

Location

The City

Arts & Culture

www.europeancitiesmarketing.com

Tatjana Radovič Congress Manager / Convention Bureau e-mail: tatjana.radovic@visitljubljana.si

Accommodation & Restaurants

Ljubljana Tourism, established in 2001 by the Municipality of Ljubljana, is the official destination marketing organisation encompassing the territory of the capital and its wider area. It operates in close cooperation with the local tourism providers and other key stakeholders, such as institutional partners, with the aim of strengthening Ljubljana’s image and position on the international leisure travel and convention market.

Ljubljana Tourism focuses on several fields, including the development of a highly structured tourist offer that bears a positive impact on the quality of life of local residents and is, at the same time, attractive to foreign visitors, too. This implies the integration of all related services, products and activities into the development, marketing and promotion of the local tourism offer.

City Tours & Excursions

Ljubljana Tourism – your professional contact

Reflections in the Ljubljanica River

3

Location

The City

Arts & Culture

Relax & Enjoy

Meetings & Incentives

Accommodation & Restaurants

City Tours & Excursions

Location Info

Info

Location and general data

Ljubljana is certainly a city with a high quality of life.

It is a city of greenery, its very centre being occupied by parks and forests and it also represents an ideal departure point for the discovery of all the amazing variety Slovenia has to offer. The unique Karst region, the Adriatic coast, the mountains, the hilly winegrowing regions, the spas, and many historic towns are all within a two-hour drive.

From its very beginnings, Ljubljana’s culture and lifestyle have been attuned to contemporary currents in Europe, while both the Central European and the Mediterranean spirit have influenced the temperament of its residents.

Ljubljana’s economy has always been quite heterogeneous, enabling it to adapt rapidly to the ever-changing environment of the global economy.

The capital produces about 25% of Slovenia’s Gross Domestic Product and has maintained a constant orientation toward long-term international business co-operation. This process has been complemented

Location

The City

Arts & Culture

Relax & Enjoy

Ljubljana’s appearance and flair has charmed many visitors. The traveller will find here a unique combination of a tranquil capital city bubbling with the spiritual energy of the nation.

Accommodation & Restaurants

Ljubljana’s geographical position has governed its colourful past, since it is situated on a natural passage leading from Central Europe to the Mediterranean and toward the East called the “Ljubljana Gate.” It is not by pure coincidence that trade routes and waves of migration have passed through it since centuries. From the times of the first settlers right down to the present day, the transit character of this area has stimulated the constant growth of economic and cultural ties with other cities and nations.

Meetings & Incentives

At present, the level of active working population is 61% and out of the total employed, around 56% are women; 64% work in the economic sector and 36% in the public sector. Industry is still the most important employer in the city (pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food-processing), and Ljubljana’s industrial companies are among the major Slovene exporters. Retailing, financial and other business services, transport and communication, construction, skilled trades and services, and tourism and catering follow industry. In the public sector, employment is found in the fields of education and culture, followed by health care and social security, social organisations, and local administration.

City Tours & Excursions

on one side by a gradually growing high-quality tourism and catering sector, and, on the other, by welldeveloped commercial activities.

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a dynamic Central European city lying at an altitude of 298 m above sea level in a broad basin between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. It covers a surface area of 275 km2 and has a population of 280,000. Its climate is continental, with an average temperature of -1,0°C in January and 22°C in July.

Air view of the city centre & the Old Town

7

How to reach Ljubljana By car Distances

Slovenia’s road network has been modernised over the past decade as to provide an efficient road system, improve road safety, and ensure wider European integration.

Amsterdam Budapest Belgrade Berlin Brussels Frankfurt London Madrid Milan Moscow

The construction of the motorway cross is nearly completed and the access from the border crossings with Italy, Austria and Hungary towards Ljubljana is swift. Motorways are complemented by a good network of main roads and regional roads.

From Villach (A) Klagenfurt (A) Graz (A) Trieste (I) Zagreb (Hr) Budapest (H)

Munich Paris Prague Rome Stockholm Venice Vienna Zagreb Zürich

1,230 km 570 km 540 km 995 km 1,180 km 800 km 1,490 km 2,040 km 500 km 2,290 km

400 km 1,250 km 650 km 750 km 2,080 km 245 km 375 km 135 km 710 km

E 651 E 652/E 61 E 57/E 59 E 61/E 70 E 70 E 57/E 71

By rail There are regular train connections to several countries around Europe, including:

Modern comfortable trains serve the capital as well as almost every important tourist destination in Slovenia.

There are good connections to neighbouring countries as direct train services connect Ljubljana / Slovenia with Austria, Germany, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, Serbia, etc.

• • • • • • • •

Railway travel is convenient and inexpensive.

Information on international timetables is available from this website of the Slovenian Railways, www.slo-zeleznice.si

Germany (via Munich) Switzerland (via Zurich) Austria (via Salzburg, Villach and Graz) Croatia (via Zagreb and Rijeka) Hungary (via Budapest) Czech Republic (via Prague) Italy (via Trieste and Venice) Greece, Macedonia and Serbia (via Salonica, Skopje and Belgrade)

Motorway system in the Republic of Slovenia ŠENTILJ

AVSTRIJA/AUSTRIA Pesnica

Dravograd

Slovenj Gradec

Tržič

Radovljica

Velenje

A2

KRANJ Škofja Loka

Koseze

A1

Dolga vas

H7 PINCE

Ptujska c.

GI-2

Žalec

PTUJ GI-2

Hajdina

Markovci

Gorišnica Ormož

MMP Gruškovje

Dramlje

CELJE

H3

LJUBLJANA

Lendava

Laško

Trbovlje

A1

A5

A1

Trojane

Vodice Domžale

Šentvid

ITALIJA/ITALY

A1

Kamnik

Tolmin

Beltinci

Zrkovska c.

A4 Slovenska Bistrica

Vrba Bovec

Slivnica

Ljubelj

A2

JESENICE

Lenart

A5

A5

MARIBOR

H2

predor / tunnel Karavanke

Kranjska Gora

MURSKA SOBOTA

A1

/ Y A AR SK NG AR U DŽ H MA

For more information about international and local train timetables and the museum train please visit the Slovenian Railways web site: www.slo-zeleznice.si/en

HRVAŠKA/CROATIA

Litija

Idrija Vrhnika

NOVA GORICA VRTOJBA

H4

A1

SEŽANA

Jagodje Lucija

H5 ŠKOFIJE Izola

H6

Kronovo

A2

Brežice

OBREŽJE

NOVO MESTO Ribnica

Pivka

A1

Metlika

Kočevje

Črnomelj

Ilirska Bistrica

KOPER JELŠANE

DRAGONJA

Škocjan

Lešnica

POSTOJNA

Divača

JADRANSKO MORJE

Trebnje

A2

A1

A3

Krško

A2 Ivančna Gorica

Vipava Rebrnice Nanos

FERNETIČI FERNETTI

Grosuplje

Logatec

AJDOVŠČINA

LEGENDA/LEGEND zgrajene avtoceste, hitre ceste in druge javne ceste constructed motorways, expressways and other public roads odseki, na katerih se v letu 2012 gradnja nadaljuje sections on witch the construction will continue in the year 2012

PETRINA

odseki v gradnji po letu 2012 sections under construction after the year 2012

8

Info

By airplane Adria Airways, The Airline of Slovenia

In the last decade, the airport was subsequently renovated and reorganised. Recent investments include the construction of a multi-storey car park and office building, and the expansion of the existing passenger terminal. Development plans for the near future feature the development of a business area and the construction of a new passenger terminal (2015). The planning has taken into account both international and domestic regulations and standards for such facilities and relative equipment. All planned development projects and timelines are efficiently presented on the company website.

Adria is successfully participating in the process of European integration and has established partnership agreements with other air carriers. Through its membership in the Star Alliance, its customers can benefit from a full access to this worldwide network.

This membership also confirms that Adria is a modern and efficient airline, meeting all international safety, technical and commercial standards and requirements.

Adria Airways reflects the features of its home country a small, welcoming land of excellent services.

Adria Airways www.adria.si

Apart from the national carrier, other airlines currently flying to Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport include: Austrian, Aeroflot, Air France, EasyJet, Finnair, JAT, Lot Polish Airlines, Montenegro Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Wizz Air.

Distances from the neighbouring airports to Ljubljana by road: Graz Airport, Austria: 187 km Klagenfurt Airport, Austria: 85 km Zagreb Airport, Croatia: 140 km Trieste Airport, Italy: 130 km Venice Airport, Italy: 230 km

More information on scheduled flights is available at www.lju-airport.si

Helsinki

Copenhagen

Moscow

Amsterdam

Paris

Frankfurt Munich

Zürich

Klagenfurt Trieste

Prague Vienna Graz Zagreb

Venice

Sarajevo Podgorica Tirana

The City

Brussels

Barcelona

Arts & Culture

Manchester London

Belgrade Priština Skopje

Istanbul

Tel Aviv Network of scheduled flights from/to Ljubljana Airport. The neighboring airports to Ljubljana are marked in red.

9

Accommodation & Restaurants

The modern Adria fleet comprises thirteen aircrafts and in 2011, 1.163.016 passengers have travelled with the airline of Slovenia.

Meetings & Incentives

Ljubljana Airport is the major and central airport of the Republic of Slovenia, and it currently manages over 1.4 million passengers (year 2011) with ambitious plans for further growth.

Relax & Enjoy

All flights to and from Ljubljana are operated through the Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, which is located at 23 km from the city centre.

Location

Adria Airways is Slovenia’s national carrier and has a rich experience spanning 50 years in both scheduled and charter flights. Today Adria operates around 200 weekly direct scheduled flights from Ljubljana to more than 20 destinations, mainly in Europe. Adria has representative offices located in sixteen European countries.

City Tours & Excursions

Ljubljana Airport

The City

Arts & Culture

Relax & Enjoy

Meetings & Incentives

Accommodation & Restaurants

City Tours & Excursions

The City Info

Ljubljana leaves a lasting impression “Call it LJ. Ljubljana - a city yet to be discovered. It’s amusing, vibrant, and impatient. Full of artists, students and music. Since Slovenia became independent, its capital is a place not to be missed.”

(Glamour Italy)

“The Italian writer Italo Calvino once wrote a book called Invisible Cities, about cities of the mind, cities of memory, the cities that once visited do not go away, but stay labyrinthine and omnipresent. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is this type of city. It has a laid-back, peaceful feel, something like the campus of a liberal arts college.”

“LJ Confidential - Ljubljana is hot. It’s got pop star aspirations. The Slovenian capital has taken to calling itself LJ and eying the big time.”

(Wallpaper Magazine)

“Architecturally, Ljubljana is a synthesis of Italian Baroque, Viennese Secession and International Administrative styles. It’s a jumble, but it works. It provides wonder and enlightenment for the curious visitor.”

(Rocky Mountain News)

“More compact than Prague but hipper than Bruges, Ljubljana is the next “in” place.”

(She Magazine)

“Like something out of a story-book, Ljubljana seemed too good to be true.”

(Financial Times)

“Where to baroque around the clock?

In Ljubljana. Slovenia’s capital is a mix of old charm and new cool!“ (The Daily Telegraph)

“Ljubljana is an exceptionally attractive city and, like Prague, it has more than its fair share of beautiful buildings plus a lively café society. There is one big difference, though - no heavy crowds.”

(The Independent on Sunday)

“Stone is the beginning and the end of architecture. It feels like you came closer to Michelangelo. It’s hard not to feel attracted by the invitation to inhale those “stone perfumes” while walking along the streets of the town.

It is a unique experience to live among the streets of this marvellous city, full of masterpieces of the well-known 20th century architect, Jože Plečnik.”

(Architecture and Design Magazine)

“Standing in the turret of a hilltop castle, leaning with a sigh of bliss against a stone parapet, I took in the old part of the city - curving cobblestone alleys and avenues, a dark river that traced a slender crease between centuries-old buildings, handsome plazas with statues and fountains, a patchwork of red-tiled roofs. I could have been in Italy, or maybe even France.“ (New York Times)

“Ljubljana - the Beloved. Love is to be found in her name, and the joie de vivre behind every corner. Let yourselves be seduced by the charm of the Slovenian capital. “ (Brigitte Magazine)

“Ljubljana, a new cult capital.”

“Ljubljana, the Beautiful Unknown. It is one of the most attractive European cities, but is still scarcely known to tourists. And the Slovene capital has much to offer: an unusual architecture, good restaurants and a flourishing scene.”

(Stern Magazine)

“If you’re looking for a European city packed with charm and atmosphere, plenty to enjoy but without the rush, put Ljubljana on your list.”

(Choice Magazine)

(La Repubblica)

12

The City

Arts & Culture

Relax & Enjoy

Meetings & Incentives

Riverbank cafĂŠs along Cankar Quay

Accommodation & Restaurants

International Street Theatre Festival

Trnovo Pier Klovnbuf Festival

13

City Tours & Excursions

Info

Ljubljana of the past and today The legend of the Golden Fleece If one is to believe the legend, then the founder of Ljubljana was the Greek prince Jason, together with his companions, the Argonauts. According to the legend, Jason and the Argonauts, while fleeing with the stolen golden fleece from King Aites, sailed from the Black Sea up the Danube, then into the Sava and from there into the Ljubljanica. Just around here, Jason encountered a terrible monster, which he fought and slew. This monster was the Ljubljana Dragon, who now has its permanent abode on top of the castle tower in the Ljubljana coat of arms.

Ancient inhabitants

during which Ljubljana experienced great spiritual growth.

The town now had 5,000 inhabitants. This is also the time of Primož Trubar, who published the first Slovene books: a catechism and alphabet, and of Jurij Dalmatin, who rendered the first translation of the Bible into Slovene.

Ljubljana’s geographical position has governed its colourful past, as it is situated along the natural passage from Central Europe to the Mediterranean and towards the East. The first known peoples to inhabit this region, whose name still remains to be discovered, were followed in the Late Bronze Age by the Illyrians, and around the 3rd century B.C. the area was settled by Celts.

Baroque splendour From the very beginning, Ljubljana has lived under a strong Mediterranean influence. The city further expressed its alignment with Italian culture in the late 17th century, with the founding of the Academia Operosorum, an association of Ljubljana scholars based on the Italian model. Numerous foreign masters began coming to the land, hiring local artists and builders and teaching them in the course of their work. This brought the spirit of the Baroque period to Ljubljana, which soon began to cover the city’s Renaissance visage. The height of Slovene Baroque was achieved with Francesco Robba, author of the Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers which was erected in front of the then new Town Hall.

Roman Emona Somewhat greater proof of their existence in this area was left by the Romans, who settled here in around 50 B.C. and built the city of Emona, situated in the southeast of modern-day Ljubljana. At the time, the city had 5,000-6,000 inhabitants. Most of them made their living as merchants or tradesmen, while some were officials and retired soldiers. Following several Barbarian invasions, Emona was finally destroyed by the Huns under Attila in 452 AD.

The origin of the name Our Slavic ancestors came into this region at the end of the 6th century and began building their settlement against the safe flank of the castle hill. Gradually, the settlement grew into a medieval town, which sprawled out beneath the hillside.

At the very beginning of the 18th century, in 1701, the Academia Philharmonicorum (Philharmonic Academy), the predecessor of the present Slovenian Philharmonic, was founded.

Ljubljana in the 19th century

The first written mention of Ljubljana dates back to the period between the years 1112 and 1125, when the city was referred to under the German name of Leibach. A phonetic transcription of the Slovene name for the city (Luwigana) appeared in a later manuscript. Those to whom the city has endeared itself argue the theory that the name can only stem from the word “ljubljena”, which means “beloved”.

When the French, led by Napoleon, occupied Carniola, the Slovenes received them with open arms, as the French brought with them the principle of equality before the law. For four years (from 1809 to 1813), Ljubljana became the capital of the Illyrian Provinces.

During this time, the city also received its first school of higher education. The most important event marking the first years of Austria's renewed hold on the province after Napoleon’s downfall, was the Ljubljana Congress of the Holy Alliance in 1821. In memory of this event, the town square where the delegates met is still called Congress Square today. In 1849, the first train from Vienna rolled into Ljubljana along the newly built railway track. Eight years later marked the completion of the link between Ljubljana and Trieste. The citizens of Ljubljana looked forward to the opening of the railway route, as it promised easy travel and brought them closer to their neighbours.

A medieval town The town’s historical rise began in the 13th century, and soon after it became the capital of the Province of Carniola.

At that time, Ljubljana was comprised of three distinct sections: The Old Square, the Town Square and the New Square. The Old Square was the town’s centre of trade and crafts, the Town Square was the seat of secular and Church authority, while the New Square belonged to the nobility.

In 1335, Ljubljana, together with the entire Province of Carniola, came under Hapsburg rule. With the exception of the period of Napoleon’s Illyrian Provinces, Ljubljana was to remain under direct rule of the Hapsburg dynasty until the end of the First World War.

An Art Nouveau masterpiece In 1895, a second big earthquake hit Ljubljana razing the greater part of the town to the ground. Austrian architects and builders, who mostly carried out the renovation works, brought the ArtNouveau style to the city. The new style blended well with the old Baroque buildings, and their harmony underlines the fact that in its architecture as well, Ljubljana reflects the dialogue between North and South.

Ljubljana became an important centre of trade and crafts, as well as the centre for a range of cultural activities, with its sculptors’ workshops, artists’ ateliers and school of music. After an earthquake in 1511, it began to take on a decidedly Renaissance appearance. This was the beginning of the Reformation, i.e. the Protestant period, 14

Info City Tours & Excursions Accommodation & Restaurants Meetings & Incentives

Gruber Palace - staircase

Hauptman House - detail

The City

Arts & Culture

Relax & Enjoy

Urbanc House, now Galerija Emporium

Dragon Bridge with the Market colonnades

15

Ljubljana of the past and today Plečnik’s Ljubljana Ljubljana is a pleasant city to live in. It gives the distinct impression that it likes people, since it combines the facilities and efficiency of a metropolis with the relaxed ambience of smaller towns.

The deciding role in shaping the contemporary image of Ljubljana was played in the period between the two world wars by the Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik. With great love and immeasurable talent, Plečnik captured the very spirit of his native city and left an indelible mark on its architectural appearance. In fact, his personal influence was so strong that the city is sometimes referred to as “Plečnik’s Ljubljana”.

Today, it is the political and cultural heart of the Slovene nation as well as the political, cultural, economic, trade, transportation, educational and scientific centre of Slovenia, and its largest city, too. The inhabitants themselves and numerous visitors agree that it is truly a city of human dimensions, which is also renowned for its vibrant ambience, since culture is not regarded here as the concern of an elite minority but as a way of living and thinking.

Ljubljana’s recent history With the collapse of Austro-Hungary, Slovenia and its capital became a part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, which was later renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Ljubljana now formally became the administrative and political centre of Slovenia, as a result of which a number of vitally important national cultural institutions were founded: the National Gallery (1918), the University (1919) and the Academy of Arts and Sciences (1938).

For the size of its population, Ljubljana has, on the European scale, an above-average number of museums (15), galleries (42), theatres (11), and 4 professional orchestras.

The city is home to the Slovene Academy of Arts and Sciences, as well as to 136 research organisations and institutes. The most important of the city’s numerous libraries, which rank from highly specialised to general public ones, is the National and University Library, known simply as NUK, which houses over 2.5 million publications.

The Second World War was a harsh ordeal for Ljubljana and its inhabitants as well. In 1941 the city was occupied by the Italians, who surrounded it with a 29,663 metres long barbed wire in 1942, to separate the rebellious city from its rear.

After the capitulation of Italy, the Germans, who even increased the violence over its inhabitants, occupied Ljubljana. On 9 May 1945, after the 1,770 days lasting blockade, the Partisans liberated Ljubljana, and a day later, representatives of the first Slovene government entered the city.

The driving force behind the city’s “institutional” cultural, artistic and congress activities is Cankarjev dom, a multi-purpose centre opened in 1980. In the recent years, the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre - GR (the largest event centre in Slovenia) and the Stožice Stadium and Arena have established themselves as new venues for an array of larger events.

In addition, almost 60,000 students at the University of Ljubljana, which also includes three arts academies, fuel an active alternative art and entertainment scene that ranges from street theatre and postmodernist art galleries to clubs featuring the latest music trends.

After WW II, Ljubljana became the capital city of Slovenia, one of the six republics of the Federative People’s Republic of Yugoslavia, later called the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

A young capital - the modern pulse of the city At a national referendum held on 23 December 1990, the people of Slovenia voted for independence and sovereignty and on 25 June 1991, the Republic of Slovenia proclaimed its independence. With this, Ljubljana became the capital of a new state. Only 13 years later, Slovenia successfully ended the accession negotiations and became a new member of the European Union on 1 May 2004. The same year, Slovenia also joined NATO. In January 2007, Slovenia introduced the Euro as its national currency and by the end of the year, entered into the Schengen Zone.

The hustle and bustle of the city is interspersed with numerous soothing parks and forested areas, which in places reach almost into the very centre of the city. Up on the green and forested hills surrounding Ljubljana, there are plenty of quiet spots where all those who want to get away from the stress of everyday life can relax, and gather strength and sunlight for the colder days to come.

16

Info City Tours & Excursions Accommodation & Restaurants Meetings & Incentives

Street theatre show on the Cobbler's Bridge

Plečnik's Križanke - summer theatre

The City

Arts & Culture

Relax & Enjoy

Ljubljana café scene

Coffe time at the Ljubljana Skyscraper

17

Top city sights Although Ljubljana is one of the youngest capitals in the European Union, it nevertheless reveals a long history and a real wealth of cultural and artistic monuments. A city with a medieval heart, a city of the Baroque and Art Nouveau, with an old castle resting above it like a sleeping beauty.

Allow yourselves to be guided past historical sights, featuring the mysterious old squares, narrow streets, churches and fountains. Discover also the masterpieces of the monumental architectural visionary Jože Plečnik, who made Ljubljana famous and placed it among the modern capitals of the 20th century.

The tourist trail leads you along a circular footpath on which lie most of the sights.

Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg)

Seminary (Semenišče)

This square is named after the greatest Slovenian poet, France Prešeren (1800-1849). His poetry is a symbol of longing for love and freedom, which is why one of his poems, Zdravljica/A Toast, became the national anthem. For the locals, Prešeren Square is the heart of the city, a meeting place where they celebrate cultural events and public holidays. The monument to Prešeren was unveiled in 1905 and is the work of architect Maks Fabiani and sculptor Ivan Zajc. The ornamented façade of the Franciscan Church, built between 1646 and 1660, dominates the square, based on the Italian model. Its great altar is the work of sculptor Francesco Robba, from 1736. Tromostovje (Triple Bridge), a special architectural feature of Ljubljana, is made up of the old stone bridge from 1842 and two more bridges which architect Jože Plečnik added in 1931, thus providing an elegant entrance into the Old Town.

The Seminary Palace behind the cathedral was built between 1708 and 1714 and its portal was created by the Ljubljana stonemason Luka Mislej.

The two giants adorning the sides of the entrance door were carved in the workshop of Angelo Pozzo.

The Seminary Library was the first public library in Ljubljana and, besides preserving a number of valuable manuscripts and printed works, it is also known for its beautiful frescoes. Visits for smaller groups can be arranged on special request.

Vodnik Square - the Market (Vodnikov trg)

Cathedral (Stolnica sv. Nikolaja) The Ljubljana church, which boatmen and fishermen dedicated to their patron St Nicholas, probably stood on the site of the present cathedral as early as the 13th century. The cathedral, with frescoes by Giulio Quaglio and built to the plans of the Roman Jesuit Andrea Pozzo, was erected between 1701 and 1708. The cupola was added later by the native building master Gregor Maček, and painted by Matej Langus in 1843-44. To the right of the main entrance is a Gothic capital with a head of Christ on the external wall and, beside it, a mid-15th century Gothic Pietà, one of the rare works of art preserved from the previous, old Gothic church. Contemporary Slovenian sculptor Mirsad Begič carved the history of the Ljubljana Diocese on the side door of the Cathedral in honour of the Pope’s visit to Ljubljana in 1996.

Vodnik Square was created after the earthquake of 1895 to make space for the market. It was named after the monument to the Slovenian poet Valentin Vodnik, a work by sculptor Alojz Gangl. Opposite the monument, a footpath leads to the castle hill. Along the Ljubljanica, from Vodnik Square to the Triple Bridge, stands Plečnik’s famous Market, a long monumental building with colonnades. The Ljubljana market is among the most attractive ones in Central Europe. There you can find almost everything, from seasonal fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, health and natural products to local handicrafts. It is open from Monday to Saturday, the latter being the liveliest day for a visit.

The main door, made of bronze and created in the same year, is the masterpiece of the contemporary Slovenian sculptor Tone Demšar. It represents 1250 years of Christianity in the country and was blessed by Pope John Paul II.

Bishop's Palace (Škofijski dvorec)

Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most)

The present Archbishop’s palace, originally Renaissance, was later transformed in its first renovation into an early Baroque building, and has the most beautifully preserved arcaded courtyard in Ljubljana. The construction of the palace began in 1512, and a further storey was added to it in the mid-17th century. At the end of the 18th century it acquired its present facade. Today is the seat of the Slovene Catholic Diocese. This beautiful palace has been honoured by the presence of many important personalities, among whom Pope John Paul II in 1996.

The Dragon Bridge stands by the market place, and was built in 1901 on the site of the former wooden “Butcher’s Bridge” to mark the fortieth anniversary of the accession to the throne of Emperor Franz Josef. The bridge is a concrete and iron structure and was among the first of this type in Europe. Otto Wagner’s pupil, Jurij Zaninovich, decorated it - among other - with four dragons’ statues, hence its name.

18

The City

Arts & Culture

Relax & Enjoy

Lively cafe scene

Cobbler’s Bridge & the Old Town

19

Meetings & Incentives

Central market colonnades

Accommodation & Restaurants

City Tours & Excursions

Info

Visiting Ljubljana Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski grad)

Town Hall (Mestna hiša)

The central point of interest in Ljubljana is the Castle Hill. Excavations testify that the hill was first fortified at the time of the Celts and Illyrians, and the Romans had a military post there.

The first building erected on this site in 1484 was rebuilt in 1718 to the plans of the architect Gregor Maček. It has preserved a number of memorials of Ljubljana’s past, including the Hercules and Narcissus fountain (the work of Robba’s workshop) and the Gothic auditorium.

Today it is the seat of the Ljubljana Municipality. In front of the building stands one of the most representative monuments of Ljubljana, the Robba fountain with allegorical sculptures of the three Carniolan rivers: the Sava, Krka and Ljubljanica. Francesco Robba, the greatest name among the Ljubljana baroque sculptors, created it in 1751-52.

The beginnings of the medieval castle go back to the 9th century, although the castle building is first mentioned only in 1144. It gained its present image after the earthquake of 1511 and following further renovations at the beginning of the 17th century. The provincial rulers occupied it until the first decades of the 17th century, while later it became a garrison and the provincial prison. The castle’s gradual renovation, ongoing since the mid 1980’s, is approaching its completion. The majority of premises are open to the public, including the outlook tower and the gothic chapel of St. George. Do not miss the visit of the new permanent exhibition on Slovenian history as well as the Virtual museum at the foot of the tower. Refreshments and traditional Slovenian cusine are served in the castle cafe and new restaurant. The multipurpose rooms are also a suitable location for artistic performances, science and business meetings, club evenings, reception gatherings etc., while the courtyard provides a fine setting for concerts and receptions. A funicular connects the Old Town to the castle hill, adding an even more convenient access alternative to the tourist train or footpaths leading from the old town.

Town Square and Old Square (Mestni trg in Stari trg) The two squares flow one into another and then into Gornji trg (Upper Square). All three, which together form the Old Town, are of a typically Gothic, wreathed design. The houses are almost all Baroque; only some with their axes at right angles to the street have retained their medieval layout. Just as the Cathedral dominates the area around Mestni trg, so the Church of St Florian (1672) dominates Gornji trg. This part of the town is one of the most popular local promenades and meeting places.

The Old Town hums with restaurants, art cafés, galleries and antique shops, and is also the liveliest part of the city during the summer months.

Levstik Square (Levstikov trg)

Opening hours:

- Funicular: 1 Apr - 30 Sep, 9.00-23.00; 1 Oct - 31 Mar, 10.00-21.00 (every 10 minutes) - Info centre, Viewing tower, Virtual Castle, Exhibition of Slovene History: 1 Apr - 30 Sep, 9.00-21.00; 1 Oct - 31 Mar, 10.00-18.00 - Café: 1 Apr - 30 Sep, 9.00-23.00, 1 Oct - 31 Mar, 10.00-21.00 - "Gostilna Na gradu" restaurant: 1 Oct - 31 Mar, 10.00-24.00; 1 Apr - 30 Sep, 9:00-24:00, Sun 10.00-18.00 - Chapel: Sunday service at 15.30 (only in summer)

The Church of St. James was rebuilt by the Jesuits from 1613 to 1615 alongside their monastery, which was also the home of the first Ljubljana school of higher education (theology, philosophy and medicine) and the first high school of music. The high altar in the church was carved in 1732 by F. Robba, who also lived in this square, while the altar in the chapel of St Francis Xavier is by Jacopo Contieri (1669). The Shrine to the Virgin Mary, which stands in the square, was erected in the 17th century in gratitude for the fact that the Turks had bypassed the country. Jože Plečnik redesigned the square in 1927 and gave it its present appearance. On the north side of the square stands the late Baroque Gruber Palace, built in 1770’s by Gabriel Gruber, a Jesuit architect who also planned a canal to drain off the excess water of the Ljubljanica river. The palace conceals a beautiful oval stucco staircase with a chapel on the first floor and a dome on the top.

Guided tours of the castle run according to regular schedules in the summer or every day in the year by prior arrangement.

Virtual Castle Ljubljana Castle Tel. 232 99 94, www.ljubljanacastle.si A 12-minute projection showing the history of the Ljubljana Castle, its architectural development, arheological discoveries, all the way to its present image.

Open: 1 Apr - 30 Sep, 9.00-21.00; 1 Oct - 31 Mar, 10.00-18.00

20

The City

Arts & Culture

Relax & Enjoy

Meetings & Incentives

Ljubljana Castle - courtyard

Accommodation & Restaurants

Town Square

Levstik Square - fountain Prešeren monument

21

City Tours & Excursions

Info

Visiting Ljubljana Congress Square (Kongresni trg)

New Square - Ljubljanica riverbanks - Slovene Academy of Art and Sciences (Novi trg in SAZU)

Basically created in the Baroque style, it was laid out in its entirety for the Congress of the Holy Alliance in 1821. The south end of the square is dominated by the building of the Ljubljana University. Next to the University stands the Slovenian Philharmonic building, erected in 1891 on the foundations of the former Provincial Theatre, which had been destroyed by fire.

The Slovenian Philharmonic is a musical institution with an admirable past, as the first among its predecessors, the Philharmonic Academy, was founded as early as 1701. Haydn, Beethoven, Paganini and Brahms were its honorary members. Schubert applied for the post of city music master here and Gustav Mahler was its resident conductor for the 1881-82 season. The Kazina, a beautiful example of Classicist architecture, dominates the northern side of the square. In the park, called Zvezda (Star), among the remains of the walls of antique Emona, stands the copy of a gilded statue of the Emona Citizen, which was actually found here in 1836 and at first mistaken for a statue of the Emperor Constantine.

The Slovene Academy of Arts and Sciences has its seat in a Baroque palace, which was given its present façade in the mid-18th century. It was formerly the seat of the Provincial Diets and an occasional stage for visiting Italian theatre ensembles. The square, which opens in front of the building, was formerly the heartland of the Ljubljana aristocracy. All the buildings around it have Baroque exteriors. To the east, the square adjoins the banks of the Ljubljanica. Čevljarski most (Cobbler’s Bridge), prior to Plečnik’s intervention, reminded of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, since it was roofed and lined with artisan workshop, from which it got its name. The Ljubljanica riverbanks are an ideal place for walks, with benches for quiet encounters and weeping willows that give the place its special charm, which no photographer can resist.

Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity (Uršulinska cerkev)

National and University Library (Narodna in univerzitetna knjižnica - NUK) The library was built to the plans of architect Jože Plečnik between 1935 and 1940. The largest early Baroque palace in Ljubljana stood there until the earthquake of 1895.

The library preserves a number of medieval documents, incunabula and Renaissance editions and, as a special curiosity, underground literature printed in occupied Ljubljana from 1941-45. Towards the west, the building is adjacent to the remains of the Roman walls, which were restored by Jože Plečnik.

This is the most beautiful Baroque work of art in Ljubljana. Although we do not know the architect who conceived this masterpiece in the early 18th century, it is easy to see his links with the northern Italian Palladian school of the late Baroque. In the interior of the church, which is not painted, is a huge high altar, a major work of Francesco Robba.

Franch Revolution Square (Trg francoske revolucije)

The Roman wall and antique monuments (Rimski zid in antični spomeniki)

The entire south-western part of walled Ljubljana was in the possession of a Teutonic order of knights, the Knights of the Cross (Križniki) and the entire complex between French Revolution Square, Gosposka Street and Zoisova and Emonska Streets is still called Križanke today. The Church of our Lady of Mercy is first mentioned in sources from 1268. The new, still standing church, was built on the same site in 1715 to plans of the Venetian architect Domenico Rossi.

The south-western section of the walls of antique Emona has been preserved. The Emperor Augustus himself supposedly laid the foundation stone in AD 14, therefore one of the highlights in the year 2014 will be dedicated to celebrating 2000 years of Emona.

Not far from here is Jakopič Garden, in which the archaeological remains of the walls of two Roman villas have been preserved. One of the finds can be viewed “in situ” near Erjavčeva Street: the remains of an early Christian centre with a baptistery, portico and Bishop’s Palace, all from the 5th century AD.

The entire monastic complex, following Plečnik’s reconstruction, mostly serves today as the venue of performances organised by the Ljubljana Festival, as well as a stage to other events. Plečnik’s memorial pillar to Napoleonic Illyria, with the emperor’s garlanded head in relief and Vodnik’s verses from the "Ode to Illyria Resurrected" stands in French Revolution Square.

22

The City

Arts & Culture

Relax & Enjoy

The National and University Library

Roman wall

23

Meetings & Incentives

Ursuline Church

Accommodation & Restaurants

City Tours & Excursions

Info

Plečnik’s Ljubljana Few cities have had the personal seal of a single artist so strongly impressed as Ljubljana, the birthplace of the architect Jože Plečnik (1872-1957), a disciple of Otto Wagner. Over three and a half decades, he transformed the former provincial town into the capital of the Slovenian nation.

From the mid 1920’s onwards, one after another, the architect arranged a number of parks and squares in the town. Just like Prague, the city of Ljubljana was subjected to town planning characterized by high obelisks, pillars and pyramids.

The monuments he realized are only a modest contribution to his vision of great Ljubljana: the Church of St Francis in Šiška (1925-30), Ljubljana Stadium (1925-37), the school in Upper Šiška (1927-29), Chamber of Commerce (1927-28), Mutual Insurance Building (1929-30), National and University Library NUK (1936-40), St Michael’s Church on the Marsh (1936-39), Ursuline Grammar School (1939-41), the Žale Cemetery (1939-40) and the Market (1939-42).

Of his urban plans, we should emphasize the design of the junction of Vegova Street with Congress Square (1929-31), the banks of the Ljubljanica and Gradaščica with their bridges (1930-39), Zoisova Street with Šentjakob Square (1926-27), Tivoli Park and the Triple Bridge (around 1930), the Roman Wall, the surroundings of the Church of St Bartholomew in Šiška (1936) and the castle entrenchments. Among the most prominent commissions of his later period is the restoration of Križanke complex (1954-56), a former monastery transformed into a splendid summer theatre.

Plečnik’s house, preserving its original ambient and the artefacts which he used during his life, as well as an important archive, is today a part of the City Museum and Galleries of Ljubljana, while the Plečnik Paris exhibition, an overview of his oeuvre is on display at the Fužine castle, seat of the museum of Architecture and Design.

Žale Cemetery

24

The City

Arts & Culture

Relax & Enjoy

PleÄ?nik’s House in Trnovo

Triple Bridge at night

25

Meetings & Incentives

National and University Library - detail

Accommodation & Restaurants

City Tours & Excursions

Info

Arts & Culture

Relax & Enjoy

Meetings & Incentives

Accommodation & Restaurants

City Tours & Excursions

Arts & Culture Info

Arts & Culture Foreign visitors have found that in Ljubljana culture is not merely a matter of prestige, but an entire way of life. The Slovenes are apparently the only nation that has a Culture Day as a national holiday. Art and culture have helped the Slovenes – wedged as they were between the more powerful German and Romance nations – to retain their own language and cultural identity throughout the centuries.

Through all the momentous events in the European history and critical moments in the existence of the Slovene nation, it was specifically the artists and men of culture who often helped the nation get through the most difficult times, and who gave the Slovenes encouragement and guidance. Always in the mainstream of events, they absorbed all that was new in the European Parnassus, tested it, adopted what resonated with the Slovenian soul and, with a highly critical attitude towards their own creativity, enriched the European cultural treasure trove with their contributions. It is precisely in Ljubljana, the heart of Slovenia, that this creativity is expressed most intensely.

Whether through its architecture, music, the performing or the graphic arts, dance or design … possibly through its very expressiveness, Ljubljana always was - and still is - something of a challenge to foreign artists. It is because of this that Ljubljana can satisfy the demands of cultural connoisseurs and various artistic events.

Tips for …

Music lovers

Fine arts fans

can attend regular opera and ballet performances staged by the National Opera and Ballet Theatre, concerts performed by the Slovene Philharmonic Orchestra and the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, who have shared the stage with world famous soloists and conductors, or concerts of excellent vocal and instrumental groups who perform Slovene and foreign works, ranging from the classics to contemporary works by various composers.

In addition to the regular and guest concerts and events by performers from Slovenia and abroad, the traditional International Summer Festival, the Jazz Festival and the Druga Godba world music festival also bear witness to the liveliness of this city’s musical scene - along with the Slovene Days of Music, and occasional concerts of classical or popular music in the atria, squares and streets of the Old Town. Here we should also mention Laibach - a group which, through its provocative music and performances at home and abroad since the 1980’s, became synonymous with our modern rock scene.

In addition to its two central galleries - the National Gallery, this harbours works by Slovene and foreign artists from the Gothic period to Impressionism, and the Museum of Modern Art, which has a collection of works of art created by Slovenian artists of the 20th century, numerous other galleries, exhibition areas and sales galleries round up the fine arts scene in Ljubljana. On view are primarily works by contemporary Slovenian and foreign artists. For decades, the Ljubljana Academy of Fine Arts has generated artists who have made valuable contributions to Slovenia’s art production and have placed Ljubljana among the most important international art centres through the Ljubljana School of Graphic Art. From the 1980’s onwards, the IRWIN group have not only made a significant impact on the Ljubljana art scene, but have become one of the most provocative and fascinating groups to exhibit in the most prestigious galleries of Europe and overseas.

Going Alternative

Theatre goers

Ljubljana is home to many young artists who express and display their creativity in several venues dotted across the city. The main alternative centre, or rather epicentre, is the unique and eclectic Metelkova, once a military complex that in the 1990’s became the spot where alternative art was and is still created and presented to the public in several galleries, ateliers and clubs. Other alternative culture centres staging steady programmes and initiatives are KUD France Prešeren, famous for its month-long Trnfest festival in August, ŠKUC Gallery that in summer spills culture onto the streets of the Old Town, the legendary K4 music club, the Stara elektrarna (Old Power Plant) Centre for Modern Performing Arts and the last arrival on the scene – the Kino Šiška Urban Culture Centre.

Despite the language barrier, Ljubljana is an important centre for those who appreciate the dramatic arts. In addition to the Slovene National Theatre, Ljubljana is also home to numerous other theatre groups, such as City Theatre, the Mladinsko Theatre, Mini Theatre, the Glej Theatre, Betontanc, the Ljubljana Dance Theatre who, with their modern theatrical language and specific approaches, reap great success at international festivals and guest performances abroad. The performances of the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre are equally resounding, and have won them acclaim on four continents. Ljubljana has several times been the host of the UNIMA - International Puppetry Festival. Traditional festivals, such as Exodos, Mladi Levi/ Young Lions place Ljubljana on the map of contemporary productions.

A list of major cultural events in Ljubljana is available in the monthly publication “Events” or can be found at www.visitljubljana.com

28

Info City Tours & Excursions Accommodation & Restaurants Meetings & Incentives

City Museum of Ljubljana

Performance at the Opera House

Arts & Culture

Relax & Enjoy

The Slovenian Philharmonic and Ljubljana Castle

Opera House

29

Arts & Culture

Slovenia +386; Ljubljana (0) 1

Theatres SNT Drama Ljubljana Erjavčeva 1, Tel. 252 15 11, www.drama.si

Mladinsko Theatre Vilharjeva 11, Tel. 425 33 12 www.mladinsko.com

Slovenian Philarmonic Hall Kongresni trg 10, Tel. 241 08 00, www.filharmonija.si

SNT Opera and Ballet Ljubljana Župančičeva 1, Tel. 241 59 59, www.opera.si

Ljubljana Puppet Theatre Krekov trg 2, Tel. 300 09 82, www.lgl.si

Križanke Summer Theatre Trg francoske revolucije 1, Tel. 241 60 26, www.ljubljanafestival.si

Ljubljana City Theatre Čopova 14, Tel. 251 08 52, www.mgl.si

Dance Theatre Ljubljana Prijateljeva ulica 2, Tel. 430 83 44 www.ptl.si

Cultural centres Cankarjev dom Prešernova 10, Tel. 241 71 00, www.cd-cc.si

Španski borci Cultural Centre Zaloška cesta 61, Tel. 620 87 90 www.spanskiborci.si

Kino Šiška Centre for Urban Culture Trg prekomorskih brigad 3, Tel. 030 310 100, www.kinosiska.si

Metelkova Mesto Slternative Cultural Centre Masarykova cesta 24, www.metelkovamesto.org

KUD France Prešern Art and Culture Centre Karunova ulica 14, Tel. 283 22 88 www.kud-fp.si

Museums & galleries Museum of Architecture and Design Grad Fužine, Pot na Fužine 2, Tel. 540 97 98, www.mao.si Main Slovenian institution operating in the fields of architecture, urban planning, industrial and graphic design and photography.

Open: 10.00 -18.00, Mon closed The Plečnik House - MGML Karunova 4, Tel. 280 16 00, www.mgml.si Displaying the home and work if the famous architect Jože Plečnik.

Open: Tue-Sun: 10.00-18.00, Mon closed City Museum of Ljubljana - MGML Gosposka 15, Tel. 241 25 00, www.mgml.si Faces of Ljubljana – Presentation of Ljubljana's history through different themes and interactive experiences.

Open: 10.00-18.00, Thu 10.00-21.00, Mon closed Slovenian Ethnographic Museum Metelkova 2, Tel. 300 87 00, www.etno-muzej.si Permanent exhibition: Between Nature and Culture – the treasure house of Slovene and non-European heritage of the everyday and the festive; Images of my word is an exhibition about man and his place in the world.

Open: 10.00-18.00, Mon and holidays closed Slovenian History collection Ljubljana Castle Tel. 232 99 94 www.ljubljanacastle.si Open: 1 May – 14 Oct, 9.00-21.00; 15 Oct – 30 Apr, 10.00-18.00

National Museum of Contemporary History Celovška 23, Tel. 300 96 10, www.muzej-nz.si Permanent exhibition: Slovenes in the 20th century and temporary exhibitions. Open: 10.00-18.00, Mon and holidays closed National Museum of Slovenia Muzejska 1, Tel. 241 44 00, www.nms.si The most valuable items related to archaeological and historic periods on our lands.

Open: 10.00-18.00, Thu 10.00-20.00 Slovenian Museum of Natural History Muzejska 1, Tel. 241 09 40, www2.pms-lj.si Zoological, botanical and geological collections, temporary exhibitions.

Open: 10.00-18.00, Thu: 10.00-20.00 Railway Museum Parmova 35, Tel. 291 26 41 Collection of vehicles (steam locomotives, coaches, wagons and other historic rolling stock) and an exhibition related to various fields of railway history and technology.

Open: 10.00-18.00, Mon and holidays closed Technical Museum of Slovenia Bistra Castle near Vrhnika, Tel. 750 66 70, (23 km from Ljubljana) www.tms.si Exhibits related to forestry, woodworking, agriculture, hunting, fishing, traffic and transportation.

Open: 8.00-16.00, Sat 9.00-17.00, Sun and holidays 10.00-18.00 (JulyAugust 10.00-18.00), Mon closed, Dec, Jan, Feb closed for individual visitors, groups by appointment only 30

National Gallery Prešernova 24, Tel. 241 54 18, www.ng-slo.si Displaying Slovenian art from the end of 12th century to the first decades of the 20th century and exhibition of European painters; temporary exhibitions.

Open: 10.00-18.00, Mon closed Museum of Modern Art Cankarjeva 15, Tel. 241 68 00, www.mg-lj.si Moderna galerija houses the national collection of the 20th century Slovene art and a collection of works from the former Yugoslavia. The national collection presents the basic stages in the development of the Slovene tradition of modern and contemporary art from the beginning of the 20th century onwards. Open: 10.00-18.00, Mon and holidays closed International Centre of Graphic Art Grad Tivoli, Pod turnom 3, Tel. 241 38 00, www.mglc-lj.si Specialised art shows, exhibitions of individual artists, often in collaboration with international institutions.

Organiser of the International Biennial of Graphic Art (every odd year).

Open: 10.00-18.00, Mon closed City Art Gallery Ljubljana Mestni trg 5, Tel. 241 17 70, www.mgml.si Periodical exhibitions of contemporary painting, sculpture, graphic art and illustrations.

Open: 11.00-19.00, Sun 11.00-15.00, Mon closed For other galleries and museums check www.visitljubljana.com

Info City Tours & Excursions Accommodation & Restaurants Meetings & Incentives National Museum and monument to the polymath J.V. Valvasor

Arts & Culture

Relax & Enjoy

Scene from an opera performance at the Castle

Tivoli Mansion – Seat of the International Centre of Graphic Arts

31

Relax & Enjoy

Meetings & Incentives

Accommodation & Restaurants

City Tours & Excursions

Relax & Enjoy Info

Entertainment

Slovenia +386; Ljubljana (0) 1

Ljubljana seems a happy city whose people know how to enjoy themselves without bluster. This does not mean that the cafés close their doors at dusk. On the contrary, especially during spring and summer, the tables don’t just line, but fill the narrow streets and squares of the Old Town, and street musicians entertain passers-by along the pedestrian areas.

Few cities of comparable size anywhere in the world have such an intense and eclectic cultural life as Ljubljana.

Innovative and traditional performances of all types and to fit all tastes attract young and old alike to the Old Town.

Music and arts festivals that run all summer long fill the various open-air stages. The summer months festively end with a traditional event, Night in the Old Town that turns the whole area into a concert and party stage. The river lights up for Night on the Ljubljanica, when a procession of festooned and illuminated craft, from boats to rafts, float past. The festive month of December lights the city up in sophisticated colours, while the atmosphere is brightened by church concerts, a Christmas fair and events on outdoor stages, including the traditional open-air New Year’s Eve celebration.

For lovers of dance music there are several discotheques and clubs in the centre and the nearby vicinity, as well as clubs featuring jazz or various modern music genres.

In the Slovenian countryside, the tradition celebration of the village patrons (žegnanje) is still preserved, where you will most often find plenty of dancing to Slovenian traditional music, and no lack of food and drink. In some smaller localities close to Ljubljana, festivals are also held in honour of some locally grown fruit, such as strawberries and chestnuts.

Clubbing Please find a selection below, while further information is available from www.visitljubljana.com, in the “Ljubljana city life - Ljubljana by night” section

Cirkus Trg mladinskih delovnih brigad 7, Tel. 051 631 631, www.cirkusklub.si Cvetličarna

Kranjčeva 20, Tel. 0590 26 316 www.cvetlicarna.info Top & Eat and Party Club Tomšičeva 2, Tel. 040 667 722, www.klubtop.si

Ultra Club

Nazorjeva 8, Tel. 031 56 07 13, www.ultra-club.si

Exen Club

Music clubs (occasional live concerts)

Sax Pub

Eipprova 7, Tel. 040 168 804, www. saxhostelljubljana.com

Orto bar

Grablovičeva 1, Tel. 232 16 74, www.orto-bar.com Zlati zob Zaloška cesta 69, Tel. 040 563 100, www.zlatizob.si

Tango bar

Šmartinska 106, www.tangoslovenija.si

Metelkova mesto: Gala hala, Menza pri Koritu, Gromka Club, Tiffany Club Masarykova 24, Tel. 431 70 63 www.metelkova.org

Cesta Ljubljanske brigade 25, Tel. 031 334 666, www.exen.si

InBox

Jurčkova cesta 224, www.inbox-club.com

Adult entertainment HardCore Club

Dolgi most 4, Tel. 041 716 612, www.hardcoreclub.si

Latino Night Club

BTC Hala 18, Šmartinska 152, Tel. 059 952 121, www.latino-nightclub.com

Night club Escape

Grablovičeva ulica 1, www.nightclub-escape.si

Slon Night Club

Hotel Slon Best Western Premier, Slovenska 34, Tel. 470 11 48 (22.00-04.00)

Casino Casino Lev

www.casinolev.com at the Lev Hotel, Vošnjakova 1, Tel. 430 42 23 Electronic roulette, gaming machines; open non-stop

Casino Rio – Arena Gladiator

Kersnikova 4, Tel. 040 212 292 Alternative scene, rock, techno; Sunday’s gay night. www.klubk4.org

www.casino-rio.si Šmartinska 152, Tel. 520 56 50 Four electronic roulettes and 168 gaming machines. Selected food and beverages are served; open nonstop.

Nebotičnik cafe and restaurant

Casino Kongo

K 4 Club

Štefanova 1 , Tel. 040 601 787 www.neboticnik.si

Ljubljanska cesta 56, 1290 Grosuplje Tel. 781 02 00, www.kongo-hc.com

34

Info City Tours & Excursions Accommodation & Restaurants Meetings & Incentives

Café/club scene

Café/club scene

Relax & Enjoy

Gambling & entertainment

Open-air event at Prešeren Square.

35

Shopping

Slovenia +386; Ljubljana (0) 1

Fashion ware, leather goods and accessories, crystal and glassware are only some of the interesting items you might select in department stores, shopping malls or specialized shops located in the city centre. Since Ljubljana is also renowned for its graphic arts production, a number of galleries in the Old Town offer a variety of prints in different price ranges. In the same area, antique shops and the flea market, which has become a usual Sunday morning ritual for the locals, represent additional attractions, as do some shops specialized in traditional crafts (pottery, ceramics, bobbin lace, wood ware … ).

Strolling around the Ljubljana food market, you might get an inspiration about what to carry home: purchase a bunch of aromatic herbs, dried boletus mushrooms or the famous Karst air-dried ham, which should be accompanied by at least one of the excellent Slovenian wines.

Several shopping malls and boutiques offer a good variety of quality clothing, including foreign design labels and models pieces created by young Slovenian fashion designers.

Just take some time to seen and give yourself a treat, as to prolong the recollections of your stay here.

Working hours Shops are mostly open non-stop without lunch time closing (except for small private boutiques); weekdays 8.00 to 19.00, Saturdays 8.00 to 13.00 - with some up to 17.00. Most shops in the central area are closed on Saturdays afternoon and Sundays, while non-central shopping centres and malls are open also on Saturday afternoons and several of them also on Sundays till 15.00 hrs.

Major credit cards are widely accepted in all shops.

Specialized shops A selection of antique shops: Antika Ferjan

Mestni trg 21, Tel. 426 18 15

Antika Miro

Gallusovo nabrežje 17, Tel. 425 50 88

Antikvarjat Apollon

Mestni trg 8, Tel. 041 255 188

Antikvarjat Tartini

Mestni trg 15, Tel. 041 924 541

Antikvitete Novak

Kongresni trg 15, Tel. 426 65 41

Art gallery Januš

Židovska 5, Tel. 031 606 006

Carniola Antiqua

Handicrafts:

Miscellaneous:

Ljubljanček

Grand Hotel Union, Miklošičeva 1, Tel. 059 025 727 (souvenirs, gifts)

Dom

Ciril Metodov trg 5, Tel. 234 76 30 Mestni trg 24, Tel. 241 83 00

Galerija Idrijske čipke

Mestni trg 17, Tel. 425 00 51 (Idrija bobbin lace) Ciril Metodov trg 20, Tel. 433 83 70

Rustika Galerija

Stritarjeva 9, Tel. 031 383 247 Grajska planota 1, Ljubljana Castle

Galerija Ars

Etnogalerija Skrina

Galerija Ažbe

Mestni trg 18/II, Tel. 425 13 37

Galerija in salon antikvariat Fortuna Gornji trg 1, Tel. 425 01 87

Galerija Feniks

Breg 8, Tel. 425 51 61

Maximarket Department Store underpassage Trg republike 1, Tel. 425 32 72

Tourist Information Centre Souvenir Shop

Kongresni trg 5, Tel. 426 05 46

Stritarjeva Street, Tel. 306 12 15 (Ljubljana souvenirs)

Ritter Antiques

Piranske soline

Stari trg 2, Tel. 425 52 04

Dvorni trg 2, Tel. 426 31 04 Unique glassware

Bazilika Shop and Caffee

MIklošičeva ulica 22, Tel. 041 530 539, www.bazilika.si (An unconventional café & shop offers their own brand of cosmetics and food)

Cafetino

Stari trg 5, Tel. 422 29 50

Laura

Trubarjeva 9, Tel. 231 63 97 Jurčičev trg 2, Tel. 241 47 60

Art Glass

Mestni trg 19, Tel. 425 01 90

Trubarjev antikvariat

Čajna hiša CHA (Tea House)

Stari trg 3, Tel. 421 24 44 (wide variety of teas & fruit teas, china)

Paviljon Zvonček

Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 1, Tel. 426 25 15 (souvenirs)

Demšar Violins

Žabjak 3, Tel. 426 25 31 demsar@demsarvioline.si (violin workshop)

Kraševka

Ciril-Metodov trg 10, Tel. 232 14 45 www.krasevka.si (Offers home made food products from the Karst and Brkini region)

Medex

Miklošičeva 30, Tel. 431 61 16 www.medex.si (original Slovenian honey products)

Mestni trg 25, Tel. 244 26 83 (books)

Trgovina Muzikalije

Trg francoske revolucije 6, Tel. 241 82 80 (classical music and scores)

36

Info City Tours & Excursions Accommodation & Restaurants Meetings & Incentives

Rustika handicraft shop

Skrina Etnogallery

Relax & Enjoy

Kraševka shop

Shop at the Ljubljana Tourist Information Centre

37

Shopping

Slovenia +386; Ljubljana (0) 1

Specialized shops Miscellaneous: Piranske soline / Piran salt-pans Mestni trg 19, Tel. 425 01 90 (natural salt products for home & wellness)

Catbriyur Porcelain

Ciri-Metodov trg 19, Tel. 051 342 293

Rogaška Glassworks sales salon Mestni trg 22, Tel. 241 27 01 (showcase of the best Slovenian crystals)

Zlato runo

Rimska 6, Tel. 426 34 02 (jeweller, silversmith)

Gourmet chocolate: Čokoladni Atelje Dobnik

Trg republike 1 (Maximarket underpass), Tel. 425 31 41

Čokoladnica Cukrček

Mestni trg 11, Tel. 421 04 53 or Štefanova 5, Tel. 426 52 65

Department stores Galerija Emporium

Trubarjeva cesta 1, www.galerijaemporium.si

Maximarket

Trg Republike 1, Tel. 476 68 00

Midas

Ajdovščina 3, T: 300 46 00, www.midas.si

Nama

Tomšičeva 1, Tel. 425 83 00

Market

Central open-air market

Slovenian fashion design boutiques: Akultura Tavčarjeva 5, Tel. 432 10 75 (leather clothing)

Almira Sadar

Tavčarjeva 6, Tel. 430 13 29

Atelje Princ, Irena Funduk fashion Karlovška 1a, Tel. 425 68 55

Butanoga Galerija

Bitenčeva 3, Tel: 041 334 701 (shoes)

Cliché

Novi trg 6, Tel. 426 31 52

Koda 386

Tavčarjeva 4, www.koda386.com

Ika Ciril-Metodov trg 13, Tel. 232 17 43 Studio Draž

Gornji trg 9, Tel. 426 60 41 (knitwear)

Salon Lina

Gornji trg 14, Tel. 421 08 92

Torbice Marjeta Grošelj

Selected wine: EVino Bar

Šmartinska cesta 53, Tel. 403 80 08 Hiša Marica Trubarjeva cesta 52, Tel. 051 204 756 J&B Vinoteka Gosposvetska cesta 7, Tel. 425 40 12

Svarunov Hram

Fairgrounds - Jurček Pavilion, Dunajska 18, Tel. 431 63 52 (wine shop & wine tasting)

Vino boutique

Slovenska cesta 38, Tel. 425 26 80 Vinoteka Dvor Dvorni trg 1, Tel. 251 36 44

Vinoteka Movia

Mestni trg 4, Tel. 425 54 48 (wine shop & wine tasting) Vinoteka Provin Slovenčeva ulica 97, Tel. 568 16 19 Vinoteka Randevu Mestni trg 19, Tel. 426 56 14

Tavčarjeva 4, Tel. 231 89 84 (handbags)

Shopping centres BTC CITY shopping district

Šmartinska 152, Tel. 585 11 00 The largest shopping centre in Slovenia, featuring 120,000 m2 of shopping area with over 400 shops. Around 7,500 free parking spaces are available within its boundaries. BTC City also comprises a business skyscraper, Atlantis Water park, Millennium sports centre and other sport facilities, Emporium fashion mall, City Park mall, Hall 12 fashion store, Kolosej multiplex cinema, Arena Vodafone Live - entertainment centre, numerous restaurants, open market, meeting rooms, post office, banks, cash points, car-wash, insurance company, etc.

Weekdays 6.00-18.00 (summer), 6.00-16. 00 (winter), Saturdays 6.00-16.00, Sundays and holidays closed

City Park shopping mall (in the BTC complex)

The covered market at Pogačarjev trg

Jurčkova cesta 225, Tel. 420 41 00

Weekdays 7.00-16.00, Saturdays 6.00-14.00

The covered market under the Plečnik colonnades Weekdays 7.00-16.00, Saturdays 7.00-14.00

Šmartinska 152b, Tel. 587 30 50 (more than 70 shops, several restaurants)

E. Leclerc hypermarket Interspar megamarket

Jamova 105, Tel. 423 71 10

Mercator Center Ljubljana

Cesta Ljubljanske brigade 32, Tel. 513 99 52

Supernova

Jurčkova cesta 223, Tel. 08 200 80 00

Flea market

Breg / Riverbank Sundays 8.00-13.00

Arts & Crafts market Breg / Riverbank Saturdays 8.00-13.00

A more detailed list of specialized shops is quoted on www.visitljubljana.com 38

Info City Tours & Excursions Accommodation & Restaurants Meetings & Incentives

Sunday Flea market along the Ljubljanica riverbanks

Almira Sadar boutique

Relax & Enjoy

Butanoga boutique

Fashion show in the Old Town

39

Recreation & Wellness

Slovenia +386; Ljubljana (0) 1

There is a surprisingly large amount of green in Ljubljana. Trees line almost every street and parks are found in almost every section of the city. The fairly extensive Tivoli Park, near which the Ljubljana Zoo is located, has quite some sports and recreation facilities and spreads into the very city centre. Many locals and visitors enjoy walking at the Castle Hill, which dominates the area above the Old Town and is criss-crossed with footpaths. In addition to the sports park in Tivoli, Ljubljana has a variety of indoor and outdoors tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness, wellness and sauna centres, bowling lanes, ice skating rinks and squash courts.

“Pot” - a tree-lined memorial path traced along the itinerary of a 33 km long barbed wire that surrounded Ljubljana during WWII, is now a recreational haven for all generations alike.

Atlantis Water Park www.atlantis-vodnomesto.si Located in the BTC City shopping centre, it features a total of 14 indoor and outdoor pools with many water and light effects, 12 saunas and Thai massage. Atlantis spreads on a total water surface area of 1,800 m2.

Laguna Spa & Fun www.laguna.si An outdoor swimming pool and relaxation centre set within the Ljubljana Resort tourist complex, includes three pools with more than 60 water attractions, a playground, sports activities, wellness treatments, etc.

Sense Wellness Club www.sense-club.com Located at the Austria Trend Hotel Ljubljana, it features an attractive and relaxing environment and offers a holistic approach to body care and revitalisation, combining elements of both traditional and modern massage

Sunny Studio www.sunny.si Sunny is an elegantly designed topnotch centre for a healthy lifestyle, featuring a spacious fitness with organised exercise programmes, as well as a host of wellness, spa and beauty treatments and sauna

Thai www.thai.si This wellness centre offers an array of massage options, with a focus on traditional Thai techniques, as well as beauty programmes and saunas

Terme Snovik www.terme-snovik.si Close to the historic town of Kamnik, just around 30 minutes drive from Ljubljana, Terme Snovik is the first tourist establishment in Slovenia which was awarded an ecological certificate.

Snovik 7, 1219 Laze v Tuhinju, Tel. 834 41 00

The Ljubljana region offers ideal conditions for trekking and hiking, and the E7 European footpath runs past Ljubljana. The closest ski areas are just a bit over a half-hour’s drive away, and about the same distance applies to the closest rivers and lakes. Cycling tracks are well spread in the city, and at its outskirts a variety of pleasant cycling tours along not too demanding itineraries can be made.

Canoeing, kayaking and rafting In Tacen (7 km from Ljubljana) on the rapids of the Sava river, at the site of the World Championships (lessons available). Kayaking trips on the picturesque Krka river (lessons available).

Skok Sport Marinovševa 8a, Tel. 512 44 02, www.skok-sport.si (Sava river)

Carpe Diem Club

Krka 27, Krka , (35 km from LJU, Krka River), Tel. 780 60 11 www.kayak.si

Horse-back riding, tours on horseback, riding schools in and close to Ljubljana Rožnik Riding Club Cesta na Rožnik 20, Tel. 040 831 922 (Icelandic horses) Ig Horse-back Riding Centre Brest 47, Tel. 041 641 100 Pri Krač Farm Dolsko 19, Tel. 563 82 60 (tourist farm renowned for its home-made Slovenian specialities) OK club - Ranch Zapotok Zapotok 155, Tel. 041 625 871 Rider’s Ranch Hraše 18, Smlednik, Tel. 362 70 75 Indoor Karting BTC Hall 18, Tel. 585 25 70

Hovercraft Breg ob Savi 1a, Tel. 041 693 947 www.hovercraft.si

40

Bowling Arena Gladiator Šmartinska 152, Tel. 520 56 56 www.arena.si Klub 300 Regentova 35, Tel. 510 39 40 www.klub300.com Trips by hot-air balloon Information: Slovenian Tourist Information Centre - STIC, Tel. 306 45 75

Balonarski center Slovenije Linhartova 8, Tel. 031 777 500

Alpine flying centre and aviation school Less than 50 km from Ljubljana lies the Lesce Bled alpine flying centre and sport airfield, with an aviation school.

Alpski Center Lesce Bled,

Begunjska cesta 10, Tel. 04/532 01 00, 031/653 555, www.alc-lesce.si

Golf www.golfslovenia.net Golf Arboretum, Volčji Potok, 18-hole course Radomlje (20 km from Ljubljana), Tel. 831 80 80 www.golfarboretum.si Trnovo Golf Course 9-holes and driving range golf course in Ljubljana Tel. 051 366 690 www.golftrnovo.com Diners Golf&Country Club Ljubljana Smlednik 200, 1216 Smlednik (15km from Ljubljana), Tel. 051 623 883 www.golf-ljubljana.si Bled Golf Course Bled (50 km from Ljubljana) Tel 04/537 77 11 18 and 9-hole course www.golfbled.com

Relax & Enjoy

Meetings & Incentives

Running event in Ljubljana

Accommodation & Restaurants

Kayaking

Atlantis Water Park Bled Golf Course

41

City Tours & Excursions

Info

Meetings & Incentives

Accommodation & Restaurants

City Tours & Excursions

Meetings & Incentives Info

Meetings & Incentives Meetings on a human scale

The hardware & the software

How is Ljubljana commonly perceived by foreign meeting planners? They would often say that the Slovenian capital offers a blend of old charm and new cool. That it’s a relatively small, but stylish city of arts, music, history and gastronomy. A conveniently compact and a true walking city, which makes it logistically easy to handle events, as almost everything is close at hand. A city looking like a welcoming lounge - in their free time, delegates explore the Old Town quarter, with its narrow cobbled streets and the Ljubljanica riverbanks. These are lined with excellent restaurants (ideal for organising dine-arounds) and trendy bars, which are cosy settings to socialise. Ljubljana’s relaxing cafe-society atmosphere and interesting shopping options - from antiques to art galleries and designer clothes are also appreciated by its visitors, including conference attendees.

Ljubljana’s conference facilities are well-structured, including the two largest venues in Slovenia, Cankarjev dom Cultural and Congress Centre (max 2,000 seats, auditorium style) and the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre – GR (max. 2,200 seats theatre-style). The latter is also known as a venue for some traditional trade shows and fairs that are well-established in the Central European space, and is developing new professional events.

Several well-run convention and meeting hotels, in the 5- to 3 stars range, provide a different option with everything under one roof. Among them, the largest one, Grand Hotel Union, has function space offering a maximum plenary seating for 800 delegates, theatrestyle. Other excellent facilities can be found at the Mons, Lev, Austria Trend Ljubljana, Slon Best Western Premier hotel and Plaza Hotel Ljubljana, while a few others – Central, City and M Hotel, are equipped to host smaller events. Even some academic venues and business buildings are well geared to welcome conferences up to a mid-size.

Over 60,000 university students largely contribute to the city’s youthful image and develop the urban, avant-garde creativity, which gives a good balance to the classical culture, and the many traditional events running in the downtown outdoor stages especially during the warmer months.

A host of delightful special event venues – mainly museums and galleries, are available in the city, and probably the highest demand is for the Ljubljana Castle, which dominates the city’s skyline. The advantage of several among them is their central location, or ease of access.

Modern meeting facilities, professional know-how, a good choice of event space for social functions complemented by an inventive catering offer, as well as good language skills ensure that events are carried out according to plan. On top of this, the feeling of well being, safety, relaxed efficiency and genuine hospitality are often quoted among impressions that both meeting planners and participants carry from Ljubljana. Not to forget – it offers excellent value for money.

The compact and handy-sized Slovenia allows a meeting planner to create a well diversified programme while staying in one destination for several days. The short distances within the country are ideal to include different localities and experiences. Just as an example, for an event that is held in Ljubljana, one can plan a specially tailored visit of the striking Postojna Caves, including a concert and a drink in their fascinating underworld space, concluded by a buffet in a renovated manor, which can welcome several hundred guests. Or, a short drive to the »picture-postcard« of the Slovenian Alps – Lake Bled, where a reception can be organised at the cliff-top medieval castle and a gala at one of the charming lakeside settings. Alternatively, an experience of the traditional Slovenian cuisine at an attractive countryside location is also close at hand.

Time-wise, it’s just 45 minutes driving from Ljubljana to offer delegates a certain “wow-effect”.

Ljubljana – where all of Europe meets Both the architectural image and lifestyle of Ljubljana blend influences of neighbouring nations and cultures into its Slavic essence. This is why we can say Ljubljana has been a meeting place since centuries. Taking a look at the European conference map, Slovenia and its capital have been present there for around three decades, but are still regarded as relatively new destinations yet to be fully appreciated. On the other hand, a comprehensive reference list of international, European and regional congresses proves that Ljubljana has been often selected in the past for important scientific, business or intergovernmental gatherings.

Over the last years, special attention has been paid to the constant upgrading of hotels and meeting facilities, as well as to the quality of service, destination management and new tourist products, topped by investments into infrastructure.

44

Info City Tours & Excursions Accommodation & Restaurants Meetings & Incentives

OSCE Ministerial Council meeting at the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre - GR

Reception in the Kri탑anke Summer Theatre atrium

Cankarjev dom Cultural and Congress Centre - Gallus Hall

Grand Union Hall at Grand Hotel Union

45

Main Conference Facilities & Service Providers Meetings Industry standards. The standardisation was first introduced by the Slovenian Convention Bureau in 2008, and several suppliers are certified in more than one category. It is intended to simplify and shorten the client’s search for venues and event organisers.

The data on main conference / event venues and dedicated service providers is presented here to assist you in selecting the most suitable location and professional partner for planning your event.

A high share of the local suppliers – including the listed convention / exhibition centres, convention hotels, hotels with conference facilities, some special venues (Ljubljana Castle and Križanke Summer Theatre), as well as the listed PCO/DMC/event companies, have proven their quality by complying with the Slovenian

More information is available from the publication “A key To Ljubljana for Meeting Planners" and at the dedicated area for Meeting Planners on the Ljubljana Tourism web portal: www.visitljubljana.com/meetings/.

The venues are listed by their maximum plenary capacity and hotel category CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRES Name of venue

GR - Ljubljana Exhibition & Convention Centre www.ljubljanafair.com info@gr-sejem.si Cankarjev dom, Cultural and Congress Centre www.cd-cc.si/congress congress@cd-cc.si

No. of function rooms

Max. seating capacity, theatre

Max. seating capacity, classroom

Capacity, reception (max)

Capacity, banquet (max)

24

2.200

1.200

2.100

1.200

22

2.000 (auditorium)

560

800 (+600)

550 (+400)

one level lower

one level lower

No. of hotel rooms Several hotels close by Several hotels close by

CONVENTION HOTELS / HOTELS WITH CONFERENCE FACILITIES No. of Max. seating Max. seating Capacity, Capacity, No. of hotel function capacity, theatre capacity, reception banquet, rooms rooms classroom (max) (max) Grand Hotel Union**** 435 (up to 550, Hotel & Conference Centre combining 327 21 800 390 950 www.gh-union.si 2 adjoining hotel.union@gh-union.si spaces) Hotel Mons**** Hotel & Congress Centre Ljubljana 9 600 350 650 330 114 www.hotel.mons.si info@hotel-mons.si Hotel Lev***** 11 360 150 500 220 173 www.hotel-lev.si info@hotel-lev.si Austria Trend Hotel Ljubljana**** 6 400 230 450 300 214 www.austria-trend.at/ Hotel-Ljubljana ljubljana@austria-trend.at Plaza Hotel Ljubljana**** 4 120 90 200 100 236 www.plazahotel.si meetings@plazahotel.si Best Western Premier Hotel Slon**** 5 250 100 200 140 168 www.hotelslon.com info@hotelslon.com Cubo Hotel **** www.hotelcubo.com 1 48 20 50 53 26 reception@hotelcubo.com Central Hotel **** 3 120 100 120 90 74 www.centralhotel.si info@centralhotel.si Antiq Palace & Spa **** 3 75 25 150 60 13 www.antiqpalace.com sales@antiqpalace.com City Hotel*** 4 200 130 200 120 205 www.cityhotel.si info@cityhotel.si M Hotel*** 9 100 64 110 / 154 www.m-hotel.si info@m-hotel.si Ahotel Ljubljana*** 2 50 30 55 / 26 www.ahotel.si reception@ahotel.si G Design Hotel*** 7 70 30 100 100 22 www.gdesignhotel.si

Name

46

Info OTHER CONFERENCE FACILITIES Max. seating capacity, classroom

Capacity, reception (max)

Capacity, banquet (max)

TR/3 Business Building tina.piculin@nlbpropria.si

3

200

150

200 (+160, foyer)

/

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia www.gzs.si

8

150

100

150

/

Crystal Palace www.kristalna-palaca.com kongresna@kristalna-palaca.com

1

200

32

200

/

Domus Medica www.zdravniskazbornica.si mic@zzs-mcs.si

10

260

35

260

200

Technology Park Ljubljana www.tp-lj.si info@tp-lj.si

2

/

170

200

200

SPECIAL VENUES Name of venue

No. of function rooms

Max. seating capacity, theatre

Max. seating capacity, classroom

Capacity, reception (max)

Capacity, banquet (max)

Ljubljana Castle www.ljubljanacastle.si

8

270

n/a 50, I shape

450

280

Museum of Architecture and Design Ljubljana – Fužine Castle www.mao.si

7

250

/

350 indoors, 800 - courtyard

160 indoors, 350 - courtyard

City Museum of Ljubljana www.mgml.si

4

n/a

200

80

Museum of Contemporary History – Cekin Manor www.muzej-nz.si

1

90

n/a

120

75

Križanke Summer Theatre www.ljubljanafestival.si

4

1.270 (ext.)

160 (indoors)

/

3.500 180 indoors

/

National Gallery of Slovenia www.ng-slo.si

2

/

/

1.000

350

National Museum of Slovenia www.nms.si

1

/

/

600

200

Central Post Office www.posta.si

2

/

156

250

140

Slovenian Philharmonic www.filharmonija.si

2

489 (concert hall)

/

150

/

Kino Šiška www.kinosiska.si

2

450 (Katedrala hall)

/

930

/

4

510

390

600

400

Stage Under the Stars Puppet Theatre Ljubljana www.lgl.si natasa.vizintin@lgl.si

2

250

300

380

150

Viba Studio www.vibafilm.si suzana.zirkelbach@vibafilm.si

3

/

45

600

/

ZRC SAZU www.zrc-sazu.si irena.naglic@zrc-sazu.si

1

100

/

200

100

Festival Hall - Pionirski dom www.pionirski-dom.si

80 (+120) fixed seats

festivalna.dvorana@pionirski-dom.si

Several academic venues (Faculty of Law, Social Sciences, Economics, Education, Biotechnical Faculty, etc.) are well geared for the organisation of smaller to medium-sized conferences. However, during the academic year their availability is somewhat limited, and their premises can be primarily rented during the winter break – January to February, on weekends, and during the summer break – July to end September. Some other institutions may be occasionally used as meeting venues, too.

47

City Tours & Excursions

Max. seating capacity, theatre

Accommodation & Restaurants

No. of function rooms

Meetings & Incentives

Name of venue

Name

Website

Business profile/ standard

Cankarjev dom

www.cd-cc.si/congress

PCO standard

Go®Mice

www.go-mice.eu

PCO standard

Intours DMC / Demaco

www.intours-mice.si

DMC standard

Kompas

www.kompas-online.net, www.kompasmice.com

DMC standard

Liberty Incentive & Congresses Slovenia

www.liberty-incentive.net

DMC standard

Maya Team

www.maya.si

DMC standard

iDMC

www.idmc.eu

Event agency standard

Promo Agency

www.promo-ag.si

Event agency

Teater

www.teater.si

Event agency

Relying on the local professional expertise can maximise the success of a meeting and a positive experience of both Ljubljana and Slovenia. The list of our professional partners, PCO / DMC companies and Event agencies features those that are Ljubljana-based, and have obtained the Slovenian meetings industry standard in their respective categories. However they also operate all over Slovenia, and some even abroad.

A Key to Ljubljana for Meeting Planners

Incentives unlimited

The Ljubljana Tourism / Convention Bureau will be pleased to send you by post-mail any of the above- mentioned materials. A Key to Ljubljana for Meeting Planners is available also in electronic format.

The publication was first issued in autumn 2009 specifically focusing on the conference and meetings product of Ljubljana.

Ljubljana and its wider area is an attractive destination for incentive programmes. On top of the city offerings, the huge diversity that characterises Slovenia can be easily incorporated into incentive programmes encompassing a wide array of experiences.

Ljubljana alone has a lot of qualities – including sights, attractions, a multitude of events and trendy places, which helps in building up interesting incentive proposals.

Making Ljubljana your “base camp” allows you to combine the elements of city lifestyle with strikingly different elements, which is an added value to our destination.

The updated version can be downloaded at: www.visitljubljana.com/meetings/.

Our support The Ljubljana Tourism/Convention Bureau (LT/CB) is the prime source of neutral and qualified information on meetings facilities and services in the greater Ljubljana area. With an extensive knowledge on the meetings proposition, as well as the general tourist offer of the city, it provides professional and objective information on the destination and the key partners – its service providers.

With Ljubljana’s central position in the country, many attractive locations for outdoor pursuits or special events are close at hand – within a maximum of 1.5 hours’ drive. In this time, one can reach our lush Adriatic coastline, explore the Karst region and its fantastic underground caves, play golf or dine in Bled, a stunning lakeside resort, go further into our alpine region, crossed by emerald rivers, like the Soča, that are a paradise for white-water adventures, follow the traces of history in old towns, or indulge in invigorating spa and wellness treatments. This is just an initial sample from a much longer list of activities that can be combined into exciting incentive programmes. The main ingredients are culture, history, an active lifestyle, the cuisine and wine culture along eno-gastronomy routes, green nature and an unspoilt environment, and the universal Slovenian fondness of the great outdoors.

The LT/CB aims at being a valuable local adviser with many insiders’ tips, representing a shortcut to prospective meeting planners in finding the best solution or local partner for staging an event in Ljubljana. It does not operate on a membership basis and its support is free of charge. It works in close synergy with the Slovenian Convention Bureau.

The main tasks of LT/CB are the related international promotion and marketing of the Slovenian capital.

This includes participation in selected meetings industry trade shows and workshops, the support to bids for international congresses in all stages (from bid proposals, pre-selection site visits, congress premarketing with promotional materials, A/V materials – photo bank, image videos, etc.). It also coordinates familiarisation visits and requests for information / proposals in the destination.

A special brochure – Tips for Incentives - Ljubljana Central Slovenia, presents over 80 suggestions of diverse activities, both in Ljubljana and at other locations around Slovenia. Not all the available programmes have been included, since some outdoor specialists offer even up to several dozen different activities. It is intended more as a selection of suggestions, or a menu of ingredients, that a meeting / incentive planner can blend to create the most suitable experience for her or his client group.

The LT/CB is active both in national and international trade associations in the fields of the meetings industry destination marketing, research and education. It is a founding member of the Slovenian Convention Bureau and holds a membership in ICCA (the International Congress and Convention Association), ECM (European Cities Marketing) and MPI (Meeting Professionals International).

Ljubljana Tips for Incentives can be downloaded from www.visitljubljana.com/meetings/ Contact: Ljubljana Tourism/Convention Bureau E-mail: convention@visitljubljana.si Tel. +386 1 306 45 84, Fax +386 1 306 45 94 48

PCO – Professional Congress Organiser; DMC – Destination Management Company;

SERVICE PROVIDERS (listed alphabetically)

Info City Tours & Excursions Accommodation & Restaurants Meetings & Incentives

Gala dinner at the Ljubljana Castle

Outdoor team building

Canyoning

Gala dinner at the City Museum

49

Accommodation & Restaurants

City Tours & Excursions

Accommodation & Restaurants Info

Accommodation Ljubljana provides a good range of accommodation facilities of all categories and types, currently totalling to around 2,355 hotel rooms (year 2012). Additional units are available in pensions, bed & breakfast, short-let apartments, youth and student hostels, and private rooms.

All the main hotels as well as the majority of other properties (pensions, apartments, etc.) have been fully refurbished over the last decade. Some of them are announcing soft or major refurbishments in the near future. Most hotels are centrally located and are either within walking distance or up to 3 km to the Old Town, the key institutions or the two largest conference venues in the city (Cankarjev dom Cultural and Congress Centre and Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre), as well as to other major meeting facilities.

New hotel developments have entered the market in 2012. Other facilities that are currently developing in the city are centred on the bed and breakfast and youth accommodation segment.

The metropolitan area (radius of 20 km from Ljubljana) offers a further choice of accommodation - from family-run hotels and small business hotels to guesthouses, pensions, motels, short-let apartments and private rooms.

Legend of symbols Credit cards accepted Rooms with disabled access and en suite facilities Telephone in room

Bicycle hire service Lift Pets allowed Air condition

TV in room

*

Internet corner

S

Wireless internet access

Air conditioning in some rooms only Sauna Fitness

Restaurant

Wellness

Conference facilities

Indoor swimming pool

Outdoor car park

Outdoor swimming pool

Parking garage

Mini bar

Car hire service

Casino 52

Info City Tours & Excursions Accommodation & Restaurants

City Hotel guest room

Celica Hostel

Grand Hotel Union

Antiq Hotel

53

Hotels

Slovenia +386; Ljubljana (0) 1

Hotel Lev 

Hotel Antiq Palace & Spa  Superior

Vošnjakova 1, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Tel. 433 21 55, Fax 434 33 50, www.hotel-lev.si

Gosposka ulica 10 , SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 838 96 700, Fax 838 06 790, www.antiqpalace.com

173 rooms; 288 beds | Restaurants: 2 / 85 and 40 seats | Cuisine: international

13 suites; 62 beds.

Boutique style hotel in the Old Town *

S

Austria Trend Hotel Ljubljana  Superior

Grand Hotel Union - Executive  Superior

Dunajska 154, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 588 25 00, Fax 588 25 99, www.austria-trend.at/lj

Miklošičeva 1, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 308 12 70, Fax 308 10 15, www.gh-union.si

214 rooms; 596 beds Restaurants: 1/ 150 seats Cuisine: international

189 rooms; 5apt; 314 beds Restaurants: 3 | Indoors 330 seats | Terrace 120 seats | Cuisine: Slovenian and international | Parking space for buses: 1

S

S

Grand Hotel Union - Business  Superior

Mons Hotel  Superior

Miklošičeva 3, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 308 11 70, Fax 308 19 14, www.gh-union.si

Pot za Brdom 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 470 27 00, Fax 470 27 08, www.hotel.mons.si

120 rooms; 13 apt; 210 beds Restaurants: see details above (Executive) Cuisine: see details above (Executive)

111 rooms; 3apt; 227 beds Restaurants: 2 / 380 seats.

Cuisine: Slovenian and international, Parking space for buses: large parking lot

S

S

Plaza Hotel Ljubljana 

Slon Best Western Premier  Superior

Bratislavska cesta 8, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 243 00 00, Fax 243 00 99, www.plazahotel.si

Slovenska 34, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 470 11 00, Fax 251 71 64, www.hotelslon.com

208 rooms; 28 suites; 472 beds Restaurants: international cuisine

163 rooms; 5 apt; 216 beds Restaurants: 3 / 80, 70 and 35 seats respectively Cuisine: Slovenian and international

S 54

Info Slovenia +386; Ljubljana (0) 1

Antiq Hotel 

Gornji trg 6, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Tel. 059 119 620, www.allegrohotel.si

Gornji trg 3, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 421 35 60, Fax 421 35 65, www.antiqhotel.eu

16 rooms; 32 beds.

Boutique hotel in the Old Town.

17 rooms; 40 beds.

Boutique hotel in the Old Town.

Cubo Hotel 

Central Hotel 

Slovenska cesta 15, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 031 591 283, www.hotelcubo.com

Miklošičeva 9, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 308 43 00, Fax 230 11 81, www.centralhotel.si

26 rooms; 60 beds; Restaurants: 1/60 seats.

71 rooms and 3 apt.; 140 beds Restaurants: 1 / 80 seats (meals, except for breakfast, are served on request for groups only) Parking space for buses: 1

S

Lesar Hotel Angel 

Vander Hotel 

Gornji trg 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T: 059 119 680, www.angelhotel.si

Krojaška ulica 6, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 430 79 00, www.vanderhotel.com

12 rooms; 24 beds Boutique hotel in the Old Town.

16 rooms; 23 beds

A Hotel 

Adora Hotel 

Cesta dveh cesarjev 34d, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 429 12 24, Fax 429 12 54, www.ahotel.si

Rožna ulica 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 08 205 72 40, Fax 08 205 72 41 www.adorahotel.si

26 rooms; 52 beds Parking space for buses: 2

10 rooms; 25 beds

55

Accommodation & Restaurants

City Tours & Excursions

Allegro Hotel 

Hotels

Slovenia +386; Ljubljana (0) 1

Birokrat Aparthotel 

City Hotel Ljubljana 

Dunajska 191, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 530 02 12 , www.birokrathotel.si

Dalmatinova 15, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 239 00 00, Fax 239 00 01, www.cityhotel.si

6 rooms, 12 apt, 51 beds Parking space for buses : 1

201 rooms and 3 apt.; 400 beds Restaurants: 1 / 150 seats Cuisine: Slovenian, international *

G Design Hotel ***

Ljubljana Resort Hotel 

Tržaška 330, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 423 11 11, Fax 548 00 56, www.gdesignhotel.si

Dunajska 270, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 589 01 30, Fax 589 01 29, www.ljubljanaresort.si

62 rooms; 172 beds. Restaurants: 1 / 150 seats, 300 seats in the garden. Cuisine: Slovenian, international, grill.

Parking space for buses: plenty available

22 rooms; 44 beds Restaurants: 250 seats, Cuisine: slovene seasonal

S

M Hotel 

Hotel Park Ljubljana 

Derčeva 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 513 70 00, Fax 513 70 90, www.m-hotel.si

Tabor 9, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 300 25 00, Fax 433 05 46, www.hotelpark.si

152 rooms and 2 apt.; 224 beds. Restaurants: 1 / 100 seats, 140 seats in the garden. Cuisine: Slovenian, international. Parking space for buses: 3

239 rooms and 2 apt.; 458 beds. Restaurants: 1/90 seats Cuisine: Slovenian and international.

Parking space for buses: 2 *

Hotel Pri Mraku 

Emonec Hotel 

Rimska 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 421 96 00, Fax 421 96 55, www.daj-dam.si

Wolfova 12, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 200 15 20, Fax 200 15 21, www.hotel-emonec.com

35 rooms; 68 beds Restaurants: 1 / 75 seats, 80 seats in the garden Cuisine: mainly Slovenian Parking space for buses: nearby

41 rooms; 86 beds Restaurants: 1 / for breakfast only

*

56

Info

Surroundings

Slovenia +386; Ljubljana (0) 1

Dolenjska 336, Škofljica / 9 km from LJU Tel. 360 22 00, Fax 360 22 10, www.grandvidhotel.si

Ljubljanska cesta 65, Grosuplje / 20 km from LJU Tel. 781 02 00, Fax 781 02 50, www.kongo-hc.com

20 rooms and 3 apt.; 58 beds Restaurants: 1 / 120 seats Cuisine: Slovenian, international Parking space for buses: 1

39 rooms and 1 apt.; 64 beds

Hotel Mantova 

Ambient Hotel  Cankarjev trg 6, Vrhnika / 18 km from LJU, Tel. 755 75 24, Fax 755 31 30, www.mantova.si

Aškerčeva 6a, Domžale / 15 km from LJ Tel. 08 200 20 00, Fax 729 29 00 www.ambienthotel.si

20 rooms and 2 apt.; 54 beds

67 rooms and 3 apt.; 140 beds Parking space for buses: 3

S Hotel Dvor Jezeršek 

Hotel Kanu  Zgornji Brnik 63, 4207 Cerklje na Gorenjskem / 25 km from LJU, Tel. 04 252 94 00, www.dvor-jezersek.si

Valburga 7, Smlednik / 15 km from LJU Tel. 362 70 11, Fax 362 70 09, www.hotel-kanu.si 21 rooms and 4 apt.; 60 beds

18 rooms; 39 beds

S

Wellness Šport Hotel Harmonija 

Hotel Krona 

Linhartova cesta 33, Mengeš / 15 km from LJU Tel. 729 66 50, Fax 729 66 50, www.harmonija.eu

Ihanska cesta 2, Domžale / 15 km from LJU Tel. 724 06 00, Fax 724 06 25, www.hotel-krona.com

12 rooms; 30 beds

23 rooms, 44 beds

S Hotel Medno 

Stil Hotel  Medno 54 / 10 km from LJU Tel. 362 61 00, Fax 362 61 16, www.hotel-medno.si

Litijska 188, SI-1261 Ljubljana-Dobrunje Tel. 548 43 43, Fax 548 43 44, www.hotel-stil.si

36 rooms and 3 apt.; 93 beds

37 rooms and 6 apt.; 90 beds Restaurant: 1 / 50 seats, Cuisine: Slovenian and international Parking space for buses: 4

S 57

City Tours & Excursions

Hotel & Casino Kongo 

Accommodation & Restaurants

Grandvid Hotel 

Youth hostels Alibi Hostel Cankarjevo nabrežje 27, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T. 251 12 44, E: info@alibi.si, www.alibi.si (23 rooms, 106 beds)

Alibi M14 Miklošičeva cesta 14, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T. 232 27 70, E: m14@alibi.si, www.alibi.si (12 rooms, 50 beds)

Celica Metelkova ulica 8, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T. 230 97 00, E: recepcija@souhostel.si, www.hostelcelica.com (29 rooms, 90 beds)

Fluxus Tomšičeva 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T. 251 57 60, E: info@fluxus-hostel.com, www.fluxus-hostel.com (3 rooms, 16 beds)

H2O Petkovškovo nabrežje 47, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T. 041 720 825, E: info@h2ohostel.com www.h2ohostel.com (6 rooms, 23 beds)

Park Hostel Tabor 9, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T. 300 25 00, E: info@hotelpark.si, www.hotelpark.si (42 rooms, 125 beds)

Student hostels Open from June / July through the end of August. Double and triple rooms, single use possible.

Dijaški dom Bežigrad Kardeljeva ploščad 28, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T. 534 28 67, E: info@ddb.si, www.ddb.si (146 rooms, 349 beds)

Dijaški dom Ivana Cankarja Poljanska 26-28, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T. 474 86 00, www.dic.si (220 rooms, 630 beds)

Dijaški dom Poljane Potočnikova 3, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T. 300 31 37, E: dd-poljane@guest.arnes.si, www.d-poljane.lj.edus.si (84 rooms, 244 beds)

Dijaški dom Tabor Vidovdanska 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T. 234 88 40, www.d-tabor.lj.edus.si/ (128 rooms, 366 beds)

Hostel Ava Trubarjeva 5, Si-1000 Ljubljana, T. 425 50 06, E: hostel@ava.si, www.hostel-ava.si

Bit Center Hotel / YH Ljubljana Litijska 57, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. 548 00 55, www.bit-center.net 39 (6 in YH) rooms; 100 (+35 in YH) beds

Ljubljana Resort Campsite **** Dunajska 270, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T. 568 39 13, Fax 568 39 12 www.ljubljanaresort.si

Autocamp Resnik** Maistrova ulica 15, SI-1240 Kamnik (25 km from LJU) T. 831 73 14

Autocamp Smlednik ** Dragočajna 14a, SI-1210 Smlednik (15 km from LJU) T. 362 70 02 www.dm-campsmlednik.si

KAMP ALPE camping site Kamniška Bistrica 2, 1242 Stahovica (35 km from LJU), T. 031 226 763; www.kamp-alpe.com

Short-let apartments Ljubljana Tourist Information Centre Stritarjeva Street, SI-1000 Ljubljana T. 306 12 15, Fax 306 12 04 E: tic@visitljubljana.si www.visitljubljana.com

Mala ulica 8, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T. 434 26 60, Fax 434 26 64 E: info@apartmaji.si, www.apartmaji.si

Guesthouses Please refer to the current "Accommodation guide" or visit our website www.visitljubljana.com, link to Accommodation, for a detailed list of pensions, guesthouses, and other structures of a similar type.

Zeppelin Slovenska cesta 47, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T. 059 191 427, E: info@zeppelinhostel.com, www.zeppelinhostel.com (6 rooms, 26 beds)

Print Hostel Rožna dolina c.IV/34 T. 051 387 111 Info@hostelprint.com (23 rooms, 46 beds)

Confidenti Hostel Ziherlova 30 T. 041 440 441 comfy-hostel-ljubljana.si confidentihostel@gmail.com

Campsites

Tour As

Vila Veselova Hostel Veselova ulica 14, SI-1000 Ljubljana, T. 059 926 721, E: desk@v-v.si, www.v-v.si (8 rooms, 42 beds)

Slovenia +386; Ljubljana (0) 1

58

Private rooms Ljubljana Tourist Information Centre Stritarjeva Street, SI-1000 Ljubljana T. 306 12 15, Fax 306 12 04 E: tic@visitljubljana.si www.visitljubljana.com

Info

Dining out

Slovenia +386; Ljubljana (0) 1

Culinary delights

A land for wine lovers

The variety of food tells a lot about the Slovenes from porridge or bread-based food in north-eastern Slovenia to the Mediterranean diet of the coastal region, an interesting combination of vegetable dishes supplemented by “Karst pršut” - a delicious air-dried ham and famous “Teran” wine, whose very name hints at its earthy quality. The oldest Slovenian foods are dishes made from flour and grouts. The best known are the breads made for holiday occasions which appear in the form braided loaves or wreaths, the “štruklji” which Slovenes prepare in 70 different ways, stuffed with sweet fillings, meat or vegetables, and the “žganci” boiled meal.

In the costal region by the Adriatic Sea there is a large choice of fish and seafood, but the same can be easily found also in Ljubljana. Another speciality which you can order in some restaurants is venison, as a multitude of game lives in the forests of Slovenia. And walking through them, one encounters a lot of edible wild mushrooms that Slovenes enjoy cooking.

The choice of drinks is also very wide, from fruit juices and fruit brandies to top quality wines. Vine-growing was introduced in our part of the world by the Celts, and the Romans greatly improved the vine and spread it throughout our present country.

Slovenia is divided into three large wine-growing regions: the Podravska (north-east), Posavska (south) and Primorska (south-west) regions, according to the varying climates and the composition of the soil. This means a rich variety of wines to savour; you almost can’t go wrong, because most of the wine here is of very good quality.

The north-eastern part of Slovenia is well known for its outstanding white wines. This area is the home of wines which have received a host of domestic and international awards: The Laški and Renski (Rhine) Riesling , the Muscat Sylvaner (Sauvignon), the Traminer … The largest wine cellars are in Maribor, Ptuj, Ormož, Ljutomer and Gornja Radgona. The Ptuj cellars have the oldest archives and the oldest wine currently kept there dates from 1917.

A true Slovenian speciality is “potica”, a dough pastry for festive occasions prepared with a wide variety of fillings. Typical folk dishes such as various traditional roll cakes, “gibanica” (layer cake), and dishes made from buckwheat are again appearing on the menus of more renowned restaurants.

To the south, Dolenjska is the homeland of the “Civet”, a light red wine with a pleasant bouquet and low alcohol content, and grapes are successfully grown for other white, red and rosé wines as well. Another wine which should be mentioned is the “Metliška Črnina”, which is synonymous with the Bela Krajina region.

The restaurants in Ljubljana give a full portrayal of the national cuisine, consisting of the culinary heritage on one hand, and on the other, the search for modern orientations and the striving to recreate specialities from around the world with a tendency towards light, healthy food.

In the western part of Slovenia, the wines grow under the influence of the Mediterranean climate. Along the coast of the Adriatic and in the Karst region mainly red wine varieties are grown. The most famous wine from this region is Karst Teran, known for centuries for its medicinal qualities. Together with “kraški pršut” (Karst ham) it is one of the country’s most delightful culinary duets. Another area giving outstanding, both white and red dry wines, is the Goriška brda (Collio) area. Some of the best and internationally renowned wines of Slovenia come from here. Fine wines are also produced in the fertile Vipava Valley.

And if you are ready for another surprise, don’t miss the chance to taste some of the excellent sparkling wines, too!

59

Accommodation & Restaurants

Some restaurants that would be regarded as rather expensive for an à la carte meal, also offer daily lunch menus at affordable prices. False modesty aside, many visitors have given a high rating to the quality and variety of the gastronomy in Ljubljana. It’s worth having a taste!

City Tours & Excursions

Ljubljana provides a wide choice of restaurants and inns that offer exquisite meals, both in the downtown area and the city suburbs. Their cuisine can be defined as national, ethnic (from different countries of origin), specialised (seafood, grill … ) or international. The price range includes all budget categories, from low to upmarket, the latter for fine dining or gourmet restaurants.

Dining out

Slovenia +386; Ljubljana (0) 1

Restaurants & inns A selection of restaurants and inns in Ljubljana, most of which have facilities large enough to welcome groups, is presented below. They are divided by location criteria (central, city, surroundings), and by price range (moderate, medium, upmarket). Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Several restaurants are willing to open for larger group bookings outside their regular opening schedule Data presented: price range (€ - moderate; €€ - medium; €€€ - upmarket) | opening time | seating capacity | cuisine, specialities | parking; Ljubljana Quality award recipient Central/downtown As Restaurant €€€

Čopova 5a, Knafljev prehod, Tel. 425 88 22 | www.gostilnaas.si | Daily 9.00 - 01.00 | Indoors 80 and 160 in the Lounge | Seafood, international, slow food

Bistro Zvezda

€€

Kongresni trg 3, Tel. 421 90 91 | www.zvezdaljubljana.si/bistro | Mon to Sat 11.00-22.00, Sun and public holidays closed | International | Public parking nearby

Emonska klet Inn

€

Plečnikov trg 1, Tel. 421 93 00 | Mon to Fri: 8.00-03.00; Sat, Sun and public holidays 12.00 - 3.00 | Indoors 130, outdoors 64 | Slovenian, international | Public parking at nearby Trg republike square

Figovec Inn €€

Gosposvetska 1, Tel. 426 50 00 www.figovec.si | Mon to Fri 9.00 24.00, Sat, Sun and public holidays 12.00 - 16.00 | Indoors 72, outdoors 130 | Slovenian, international Gostilna na Gradu Grajska planota 1 | Tel: 08 205 19 30 | www.nagradu.si | Daily 9.0024.00 | Indoors 60, outdoors 56 | Slovenian

JB Restaurant €€€

Miklošičeva 17 - 19, Tel. 433 13 58 | www.jb-slo.com | Mon to Fri 12.00 - 23.00, Sat 18.00 - 23.00, Sun and public holidays closed | Indoors 75, outdoors 30 | Slovenian (modernised), Mediterranean and French cuisine; slow food

Kavalino €€

Trubarjeva 52 | Tel. 232 09 90 | MonThu: 9.00-22.00 | Fri - Sat: 9.00 – 23.00 | Indoors 90, outdoors 10 | Slovenian , Mediterranean | Free Internet

Ljubljanski dvor Restaurant

€€

Dvorni trg 1, Tel. 251 65 55 | 12.00 24.00 daily | Indoors 40, outdoors 50 | Meals cooked in a wood burning owen, fish, pasta | Parking at nearby Kongresni trg

Most Restaurant €€

Petkovškovo nabrežje 21, Tel. 232 81 83 | www.restavracijamost.si | Mon to Sat 11.00-23.00, Sun 12.00-22.00 | Indoors 50, outdoors 60 | Slovenian, Mediterranean

Manna Restaurant €€€

Eipprova 1a, Tel. 059 922 308 | www. kulinarika-manna.si | Mon-Wed 11.30 - 24.00, Thu-Sat 11.30-01.00, Sun 11.30-16.00, public holidays 11.30-22.00 | Indoors 55, outdoors 30 | Slovenian (modernised), international; slow food | Public parking nearby

Maxim Restaurant €€€

Trg republike 1, Tel. 051 285 335 www.maxi.si /maxim | Mon to Fri 12.00 - 18.00, 19.00 - 23.00, Sat closed, Sun and public holidays closed | Indoors 100, outdoors 30 | International | Public parking at nearby Trg republike

Namasté €€

Breg 8, Tel. 425 01 59, www.restavracija-namaste.si, | 11.00-24.00 daily | Cuisine of northern India

Pekorino €€

Nazorjeva 5, Tel: 08 205 56 30 | www.pekorino.si | Mon-Sat 10:0023:00, Sun and public holidays 12.00-17.00 | Indoor 86, outdoors 25 | Mediterranean, modernised Slovenian

Pri Levu Restaurant€€€

Vošnjakova ulica 1, Tel: 432 70 89 | www.prilevu.si | Mon to Sat 11.30-24.00 | Sun and public holidays 12.00-22.00 | Indoors: 45 | International

Pri Vitezu Restaurant €€ / €€€

Breg 20, Tel. 426 60 58 Mon to Fri 11.00 - 23.00, Sat: 12.00 - 22.00, Sun and public holidays closed Indoors 80, outdoors 30 | Mediterranean, modernised Slovenian 60

Nebotičnik Restaurant €€

Štefanova ulica 1, Tel. 0590 70 396 | www.neboticnik.si | Mon-Sat 12.0022.00, Sun and public holidays closed

River House €€

Gallusovo nabrežje 31, Tel. 425 40 90 | www.riverhouse.si | Mon-Sat 12.00-23.00, Sun 12.0022.00 | Indoors 50, outdoors 40 | Mediterranean

Shambala Restaurant €€ / €€€

Križevniška ulica 12, Tel: 031 843 833 | www.shambala.si | Mon to Sat 12.00-22.00 | Indoors 50, outdoors 40 | Asian fusion

Sokol Inn €€

Ciril Metodov trg 18, Tel. 439 68 55 www.gostilna-sokol.com | Daily 6.00-23.00 | Indoors 230 | outdoors 75 | Slovenian traditional

Šestica Inn €€

Slovenska 40, Tel. 242 08 55 www.sestica.si | Mon to Fri 10.0023.00, Sat 12.00 - 23.00, Sun and public holidays closed | Indoors 170, outdoors 180 | Slovenian, international cuisine

Špajza Restaurant €€ / €€€

Gornji trg 28, Tel. 425 30 94 Mon to Sat 12.00 - 23.00, Sun and public holidays 12.0022.00 | Indoors 60, outdoors 60 | Slovenian, Mediterranean, international

Valvas’or €€€

Stari trg 7, Tel. 425 04 55 Mon to Sat 12.00-24.00 | Indoors 50 , outdoors 20 | Sun and public holidays closed Vodnikov Hram €/€€ Vodnikov trg 2 | Tel. 234 52 60 | www.vodnikov-hram.si | Daily 8.0024.00 | Indoors 120, outdoors 50 | Slovenian

Info City Tours & Excursions Accommodation & Restaurants

Most restaurant

Cubo restaurant

Valvas'or restaurant

Polna skleda - freeflow restaurant at the Mons Hotel

61

Dining out

Slovenia +386; Ljubljana (0) 1

In the city area Argentino €€

Šmartinska 152, Tel. 523 36 30 www.argentino.si | Mon to Fri 9.00-23.00, Sat 9.00-24.00, Sun 12.00-17.00, public holidays closed | Indoors 200, outdoors 200 |Argentinean

Cubo Restaurant €€ / €€€

Šmartinska 55, Tel. 521 15 15 www.cubo-ljubljana.com | Mon to Sat 12.00 - 22.00, Sun and public holidays closed | Indoors 130 | Mediterranean

Kovač Inn €€ / €€€

Pot k Savi 9, Tel. 537 12 44 | www.gostilnakovac.eu Mon-Fri 12.00 - 22.00, Sat, Sun and public holidays closed Indoors 133, outdoors 40 | Slovenian, international, fish dishes | 30 cars

Livada Inn € / €€

Hladnikova 15, Tel. 280 38 70 Mon to Sat 10.00 - 22.30, | Sun and public holidays 10.00 - 18.00 | Indoors 270, outdoors 250 | Slovenian and international | 3 buses, 70 cars

Ljubljana Resort - Štern Inn € / €€ Dunajska 270, Tel. 589 01 28 7.00 - 24.00 daily | Indoors 80, outdoors 120 | Slovenian, Balkan (grill) | Large parking facilities

Portal Restaurant € / €€

Zaloška 110, Tel. 540 01 66 www.portal-m.si | Mon to Thu 11.00 - 23.00, Fri and Sat 11.00 - 1.00 (live music often on Fri and Sat nights) | Indoors 180, outdoors 100 | International, Balkan / Serbian: grilled meats | 4 buses, up to 100 cars | Large parking facilities

Pivnica Kratochwill (Pubbrewery) € / €€ BTC City, Šmartinska 152, Tel. 585 27 56 | Mon to Thu 9.00 - 22.00, Fri and Sat 9.00 - 24.00 (live music Fri and Sat night), Sun and public holidays 12.00-17.00 | Indoors 320, outdoors 100 | Slovenian, own beer production | Parking available

Čad Inn €€

Cesta na Rožnik 18, Tel. 251 34 46 Daily 11.00 – 23.00 | Indoors 220, outdoors 220 | “Rožnik” platter, grilled meats | 3 buses

Surroundings Pod vrbo Inn €€

Ziherlova 36, Tel. 280 88 92 Mon- Sat 11.00 - 22.00, Sun and public holidays closed | Indoors 70, outdoors 70 | Slovenian, international | 1 bus, 10 cars

Polna skleda Restaurant Hotel Mons €€

Pot za Brdom 55, Tel. 470 27 00 www.hotel.mons.si | 7.00 - 20.00 daily | Indoors 320 (marché restaurant), outdoors 50 | Slovenian, international | Plenty of parking location by the Ljubljana ring road

Pr’ Noni Restaurant €€ / €€€

Cesta v Gorice 1, Tel. 242 58 20 www.copia.si/nona | Mon-Fri 13.00 22.00, Sat 12.00-22.00, Sun 12.00-16.00, public holidays closed | Indoors 90, outdoors 140 | Slovenian, Mediterranean (picnic barbecue for groups in summer) | 1 bus and several cars

Pri Katrci Inn €€

Rožna dolina Cesta I/26a, Tel. 422 88 40, www.katrca.si | Mon-Fri 10.00 - 22.00, Sat, Sun 12.00 - 17.00, public holidays closed | Indoors 100, outdoors 75 | Slovenian and international | Parking available

Pri Vodniku Inn €€

Vodnikova 65 a, Tel. 505 59 07 www.privodniku.si | Mon to Fri 11.00 - 22.00, Sat 12.00-22.00, Sun and holidays 12.00-17.00 | Indoors 60, outdoors 80 | Slovenian | 1 bus and several cars

Sofra Restaurant €€

Dunajska 145, Tel. 565 68 00 Mon-Sat 11.00 - 23.00, Sun and public holidays closed | Indoors 75 | Bosnian - Sarajevo cuisine

Via bona Restaurant €€

Tbilisijska 59, Tel. 200 50 80 | Mon to Fri 8.00-24.00, Sat 11.00-24.00, Sun and public holidays 11.0017.00 | Indoors 160, outdoors 80 | Slovenian, international

Vinoteka Svarunov Hram (Wine cellars of Slovenia and Inn) €€ Dunajska 18 (Fairgrounds), Tel. 431 63 52 | www.svarunov-hram. si | 10.00-23.00 daily | Indoors 90 | Slovenian, international | Parking available

62

Dvor Jezeršek €€

Zgornji Brnik 63, 4207 Cerklje na Gorenjskem, Tel. 04 252 94 00 www.dvor-jezersek.si | Fri to Sat 12.00 - 22.00, Sun and public holidays closed | Indoors 80, outdoors 30; function space for banqueting - up to 190 seats | Slovenian, international

Mihovec Inn €-€€

Zg. Pirniče 54 (12 km from Ljubljana), | Tel. 362 30 60 | Wed, Thu 12.00 - 23.00, Fri, Sat 12.00 - 01.00 (live music) | Sun 12.00 18.00, Mon, Tue closed | Indoors 162, outdoors 80 | Slovenian, international | 3 buses, 40 cars

Narobe Inn €€

Mengeška 37, Trzin (12 km from Ljubljana) | Tel. 564 20 89 | www.narobe.eu | 07.00 - 01.00 daily| Indoors 145, outdoors 70 | Slovenian, international | 2 buses, 20 cars

Pri Gorjancu Inn €€

Tržaška 330 (5 km from Ljubljana), Tel. 423 11 11 | Sun-Tue 11.00 - 17.00, Wed-Sat 11.00-22.00, Public holidays 11.00-17.00 | Indoors 250, outdoors 200 | Slovenian, seasonal | 2 buses, 40 cars

Pri Poku Restaurant €€-€€€

Podpeška 1-3, 1351 Brezovica (8 km from Ljubljana), Tel. 365 74 10 www.pripoku.si | Mon to Fri 12.00 - 22.00, Sat and Sun closed (can open on request for groups) | Indoors 120 | Slovenian (seasonal, modernised) and international; slow food | Plenty of parking space

Spodnji Kirn Restaurant €€

Jezero 19, 1352 Preserje (15.km from Ljubljana), | Tel. 363 10 34 | Fri, Sat and Sun 12.00 - 22.00, Mons and Tues closed | Indoors 100, outdoors 40 | Slovenian (venison, roasts, sausages, smoked meats, lamb.) | 1 bus - nearby

Kuren Tourist Farm €-€€

Stara Vrhnika 97, 1360 Vrhnika (25 km from Ljubljana) | Tel. 041 350 670 | Weekdays by the prior agreement, Fri-Sun 12.00-24.00 | Indoors 90 / outdoors 100 Pr’ Krač Dolsko 19, 1262 Dol pri Ljubljani (19 km from Ljubljana) | Tel. 563 82 60 www.him.si/prkrac/ | Weekdays by the prior agreement; Fri-Sat 13:00-24:00, Sun 13:00-20:00 | Indoors 34

Info City Tours & Excursions Accommodation & Restaurants

Bistro Zvezda

Ĺ estica inn

Manna Restaurant

Shambala - fusion Asian

63

City Tours & Excursions

City Tours & Excursions Info

City Tours & Excursions Guided tours of Ljubljana Standard tours on request available in 17 languages and a variety of other sightseeing programmes, including specialinterest itineraries, can be ordered throughout the year at the Ljubljana Tourist Information Centres. Apart from this, a set of regular city tours, which are intended mainly for individual visitors, is also available.

Ljubljana Tourism organises the educational seminar and issues licences for local guides. The City Council has passed a Decree on Tourist Guiding that defines, among other, the conditions for performing the city sightseeing tours with tourist guides. Only guides holding licenses, which are issued by Ljubljana Tourism, are entitled to deliver this service.

As for the parking regime for tourist buses in transit, two bus parking spaces for temporary parking have been allocated at Streliška street, Trg francoske revolucije Square, Slovenska street-in front of Kongresni trg Square, Tivoli Park, Šubičeva street-opposite Parlament. The temporary parking is limited to max. half an hour and, for longer stays, buses should direct themselves to parking areas which are intended for long-term parking: Vilharjeva street, behind the Railway station and by Stožice Sports Hall.

City tours - some sample programmes & itineraries to discover the city Archaeological remains of the Roman settlement of Emona, the old city centre with its Baroque buildings nestled between the river and the castle hill, the Art Nouveau buildings and other creations by the local architects who gave the city its original Slovenian character, and, in particular, the works by the famous architect Jože Plečnik - all this and more is included in the sightseeing tours organised by Ljubljana Tourism.

Tours on request give you an opportunity to get thoroughly acquainted with the city’s different faces and, apart from the standard tour available in many languages, both groups and individual visitors can choose from a diverse range of sightseeing programs. Some of these run according to a regular schedule (but can also be booked at a custom departure time), while others are available on request only.

The many options include: — the standard 2-hour walking city tour — the cycling tour of Ljubljana — the boat tour along the Ljubljanica river (1 hour – daytime and at night, special tours in December) — the tourist train ride to the castle — a “see the city from above” experience: the hot-air balloon flight over Ljubljana — the boat and /or walking tours of Ljubljana by night — a city tour combining different transport means, such as: • walking + by funicular to the Ljubljana Castle • walking + tourist train ride to the Ljubljana Castle • walking + short tour by boat — a number of special interest tours covering, respectively: • Ljubljana in Antiquity • Baroque Ljubljana • Art Nouveau Ljubljana • the masterpieces by architect Plečnik • a tour related to the life of the greatest Slovenian poet France Prešeren - following his footprints in Ljubljana • literary routs.

Guided tours on request Rates 2011

2 hours up to 5 persons 50 EUR up to 10 persons 60 EUR up to 35 persons 80 EUR up to 50 persons 110 EUR 20% VAT included Supplements — The cost for each additional hour is 27 EUR — The cost of waiting time is 16 EUR (from 1/2 hour to 1 hour) — 50% of the rate is charged if the tour is not cancelled 24 hours in advance — The rate increases by 25% if the tour is ordered on the same day.

Regular sightseeing tours Rates 2012 Most programmes available cost 10 EUR per person. In some cases, children, students and seniors are entitled to reductions.

Detailed information on itineraries, seasonal schedules and rates can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centres or via the www.visitljubljana.com website.

Detailed information on programs, schedules and prices can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centres or by visiting www.visitljubljana.com, link to Tourist services. Note: the rates and schedules featured in this chapter apply to the year 2011. We reserve the right to changes.

66

Standard tour - 2 hours on foot*

The tour includes a visit to the central market and the Cathedral (Stolnica), the Town Square (Mestni trg) with the Town Hall (Magistrat), Cobbler’s Bridge (Čevljarski most) - New Square (Novi trg) - the National and University Library (NUK) - French Revolution Square (Trg francoske revolucije) with the Križanke Summer Theatre Congress Square (Kongresni trg) with the Ljubljana University, the Slovenian Philharmonic and the Ursuline Church - Wolfova Street Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg) with the monument to the poet France Prešeren and the Franciscan Church - Triple Bridge (Tromostovje).

City tour - longer route - 4 hours on foot* The tour includes a visit to the central market and the Cathedral (Stolnica) - Town Square with the Town Hall - Old Square (Stari trg) - Upper Square (Gornji trg) - Ro/ na Street with the Gruber Palace (Gruberjeva palača) - St. James’ Bridge (Šentjakobski most) - French Revolution Square with the Križanke Summer Theatre - the open air museum on Erjavčeva Street with the Roman baptistery - Republic Square (Trg republike) with the Parliament building and Cankarjev dom Cultural and Congress Centre - the National Museum - the Museum of Modern Art - Nebotičnik (“Skyscraper”) Prešeren Square, the monument to the poet France Prešeren and the Franciscan Church - Triple Bridge (Tromostovje). * The tour does not include visits inside buildings except for the Cathedral (entrance to the Cathedral is not possible between 12.00 and 15.00).

Info City Tours & Excursions Hot-air balloon ride

Ljubljana bikes

View of the open market and Cathedral

Sightseeing tour

67

City Tours & Excursions The Old Town and Ljubljana Castle - 3 to 4 hours on foot A tour of Town Square with the Town Hall - Old Square (Stari trg) - Cobbler's Bridge - Levstik Square (Levstikov trg) - Rožna Street - Upper Square (Gornji trg) - the Ljubljana Castle, including the castle chapel, the tower and virtual museum - the central market and the Cathedral.

Access to the castle tower is on foot.

Note: the castle can be reached from the downtown area also by means of the tourist train, and by funicular (starting from Krekov trg Square).

Ancient Emona (Ljubljana of Roman times) - 3 to 4 hours on foot A tour of Congress Square (Kongresni trg) - the City Museum (Mestni muzej) including a tour of the museum - Jakopič Garden (Jakopičev vrt) - the Roman Wall - the Mirje district - the open-air museum on Erjavčeva Street with the Roman baptistery - the square in front of the Cankarjev Dom Cultural and Congress Centre - Plečnik Square (Plečnikov trg) - the ancient Roman statue of the Emona Citizen - Prešeren Square, the monument to the poet France Prešeren and the Franciscan Church - Triple Bridge.

Art Nouveau Ljubljana and Ljubljana of the 1920’s 2 hours on foot A tour featuring the works of architects M. Fabiani, M.C. Koch, J. Vancaš, I. Vurnik and J. Plečnik: Prešeren Square, Miklošičeva Street with the Bamberg Mansion and Regali House, Miklošič Park and the Palace of Justice, Slovenska Street with the Opera, the National Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art.

Plečnik’s Ljubljana - a 5 hour tour on foot and by bus — On foot: Vegova Street - Congress Square (Kongresni trg) - Triple Bridge - the central market Cobbler’s Bridge - Križanke Summer Theatre - Vegova Street.

— By bus: Past the Gradaščica canal to the Trnovo district, Plečnik’s house on Karunova Street - St. Michael’s Church on the Barje the Architectural Museum with the Plečnik Collection at the Fužine castle - the Žale cemetery - Navje - a drive past the Central Stadium to St.Francis’ Church, ending on Vegova Street /city centre.

Tourist train ride to Ljubljana Castle The tourist train, which rides between the city centre and Ljubljana Castle, departs on the hour from Stritarjeva Street and takes 15 minutes to reach the castle. The ride to return downtown from the castle is scheduled every hour, 20 minutes past the hour.

Up there, you can visit the Virtual Castle, enjoy the view of Ljubljana from the Castle’s outlook tower and have a refreshment at the Cafe or restaurant.

Guided tours of the Castle are available daily from 1 July to 30 September.

The train schedules change according to the season. Custom departure times can be arranged for groups. Detailed information is available from the Tourist Information Centres.

Price of return tickets (2012): 3,50 EUR for adults, 2,50 EUR for children below the age of 12.

Regular general tours The two hours’ tours are intended mainly for individual visitors and smaller groups.

They are available in English and Slovenian.

1 April - 30 September

• daily at 10.00: walking tour of the main city sights, and by funicular to the Ljubljana Castle • daily at 14.00: walking tour of the main city sights and a short boat ride combined • daily at 17.00: tour combining a short walk through the Old Town and a tourist train ride to Ljubljana Castle

1 October - 31 March

• daily at 11.00 walking tour of the main city sights and by funicular to the Ljubljana Castle

All year round Saturdays at 13.00: guided visit of the Town Hall

Departure point: in front of the Town Hall, Mestni trg 1.

Purchase of tickets: all Tourist Information Centres and at the departure point.

Price: 10 EUR for adults, 5 EUR for children, students and seniors.

Old Square (Stari trg) Upper Square (Gornji trg) - Rožna Street with the Gruber Palace (Gruberjeva palača) - St. James’ Bridge (Šentjakobski most) French Revolution Square

68

The City Map 1 Town Hall 2 Town, Old and Upper Square - Old Ljubljana 3 Church of St James 4 Cobbler’s Bridge 5 Slovene Academy of Sciences and Arts 6 National and University Library 7 City Museum 8 Križanke Open air Theatre 9 Roman Wall 10 Drama - Slovene National Theatre 11 Congress Square 12 Church of the Holy Trinity (Ursuline) 13 University of Ljubljana 14 The Slovenian Philharmonic 15 Prešeren Square 16 Church of the Annunciation (Franciscan) 17 Triple Bridge 18 Central Market 19 Cathedral of St Nicholas 20 Dragon Bridge 21 Ljubljana Castle 22 Skyscraper 23 National Opera and Ballet Theatre 24 National Gallery 25 Museum of Modern Art 26 National Museum 27 Republic Square 28 Cankarjev dom, Cultural and Congress Centre 29 Slovene Ethnographic Museum 30 GR - Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre Tourist Information Centre Lev Hotel Central Hotel Grand Hotel Union - Executive Grand Hotel Union - Business Hotel Slon Best Western Premier Allegro Hotel Lesar Angel Hotel Antiq Hotel City Hotel Ljubljana Mrak Hotel Park Hotel Emonec Hotel Cubo Hotel Antiq Palace Hotel Vander Hotel Adora Hotel (Austria Trend Hotel Ljubljana, Mons Hotel, M-Hotel, BIT Center Hotel, Ljubljana Resort Hotel, Ahotel, Stil Hotel, Plaza Hotel Ljubljana, G Design Hotel, Birokrat Apart Hotel and Grandvid Hotel are located outside the city centre map.)

Info

30 City Tours & Excursions

er

29

22 16

23 26

15 27

28

11

12

18

17 19

14 ega

13

20

21

10

Zrinjs k

25

24

16

8 9

e

Museum, gallery

Railway station

Hotel

Petrol station, open 24 hours

Theatre

Bus station

Post office

Swimming pool

Church Cultural and congress centre

Car park

Promenade

Funicular

69

Covered car park

Fairgrounds

Outings Excursions from Ljubljana Quoted distances are for the return trip.

of outdoor activities, including a golf course in a spectacular setting, lure many guests to Bled. The resort can be recommended for its modern conference facilities and excellent thermal, spa & wellness products.

Bled is also a good departure point for hiking tours to the Julian Alps and is close to several ski centres.

Barje - the Ljubljana Marshland (half day, 60 km) The Ljubljana Barje (Marshland), which lies to the south-west of Ljubljana, is a nature park with a unique landscape, and an attractive spot for excursions and various activities, such as cycling, trekking, ballooning, bird watching, etc. Spreading on around 160 km2, the area’s numerous wetlands and peat bogs provide home to many rare and interesting plant and animal species, particularly birds and other game. The Ljubljana Marshes are also the site of the earliest traces of a settlement found on the territory of the present Ljubljana, which are believed to date back to the Middle Stone Age (around 5000 BC). The latest known lake dwelling has apparently survived until the Bronze Age (around 1000 BC). Finds from the Ljubljana Marshes include more than 10,000 objects, which are now kept at various museums in Ljubljana and abroad. The most important recent find is the world’s oldest wooden wheel, dating from 3350 to 3100 BC, which is currently under restoration.

Bled - Bohinj (full day, 185 km) The visit to Bled in the morning is followed by free time for lunch. The drive later continues to the picturesque Lake Bohinj, covering a surface area of 6.6 km2 and reaching a maximum depth of 45 m, which is considered the most beautiful alpine lake for miles around.

At the far end of the lake, a hiking path climbs to the Savica waterfall, where water crashes 60 m down into a narrow canyon from where it flows into the lake.

There is also an optional tour of the Alpine Herdsmen’s Museum in Stara Fužina and the Oplen House. The Alpine Herdsmen’s Museum is located in what used to be the village cheese manufactory, where all the original cheese-making equipment is preserved. In the museum, the life and work of the alpine herdsmen and cheese-makers is depicted, supplemented by much documentary material. The Oplen House is a typical Bohinj homestead, where all the rooms still contain the same equipment and furniture as when it was last inhabited, giving an interesting portrayal of the past way of life in this mountain area.

Close to Črna vas, a village named after the typical black soil in the area, stands the Church of St. Michael (1938), the Marshes’ most beautiful architectural monument, built to the plans of arch. Jože Plečnik. Due to the low bearing capacity of the marsh soil, the church is supported by 350 eight-metre long beams. Its interior is decorated in a most original style reflecting Plečnik’s refined feeling for folk architecture.

A suggestion in the area is a cable-car ride to Mt Vogel, from where a fantastic view of the Julian Alps unfolds.

About 25 km from Ljubljana lies Bistra Castle, a former Carthusian monastery founded in 1255. Abandoned by the order in 1782, it houses since 1951 the Technical Museum of Slovenia. The Department of Vintage Vehicles, whose collection includes Slovenia’s first electric-powered vehicle - a tram car which ran along the streets of Ljubljana around 1901, is one of the highlights . Another attraction is a collection of the former Yugoslav president Tito’s vehicles.

The Postojna Caves (half day, 120 km) The Postojna Caves, set only 50 km from Ljubljana, represent a unique subterranean wonderland of limestone formations and underground tunnels and caverns, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Apart from standard tours, combining a train ride and walking, tailor-made programmes can be booked for groups. Not far from there lies the Predjama Castle - a Renaissance structure built into a cave in a vertical cliff-face, which has been converted into a museum. In a cave just behind the castle are the remains of an even older structure - the first Predjama Castle to be built on this site, which was home of the renowned robber knight, Erazem Predjamski.

Bled (half day, 120 km) Bled certainly is Slovenia’s most stunning resort, with the longest tradition of tourism in our country. In 1854, the Swiss Arnold Rikli established there an open air and thermal health resort, but the source of the town’s magnetic allure is the deep blue lake with its picturesque island and breathtaking landscape. The ancient castle, perched on a high cliff, dominates the lake and the surrounding countryside.

Lipica Stud Farm - the Škocjan Caves (full day, 190 km)

The area was settled already in ancient times - as indicated by numerous archaeological findings, but the castle and Bled were first mentioned in documents dating from 1004. The castle features an interesting museum collection and a restaurant. Not to be missed is a ride on the typical “Pletna” boat to the island which, with the ancient Church of the Assumption, has been since long a place of pilgrimage. The “wishing bell” from 1534 in the church attracts many newly-weds and other visitors who still believe in the power of miracles…

In the middle of a green oasis and typical karst surroundings, shady linden trees and oaks, lies the Lipica stud farm - the cradle of all Lipizzaner horses in the world. The Austrian Archduke Karl, son of Emperor Ferdinand, founded the stud farm in 1580, which now breeds full-blooded Lipizzaners for dressage, carriage rides and recreational riding. The regular programme of dressage includes performances of trained Lipizzaner stallions, demonstrating traditional equestrian skills of the Spanish Riding School.

Not far from Lipica lies one of the world’s most beautiful underground canyons: the Škocjan Caves. These

A well-developed hotel infrastructure, complemented by other accommodation facilities, as well as a host 70

Info City Tours & Excursions Lipica Stud Farm

Postojna caves

Lake Bled

Church of St. Michael on the Marshes

71

Outings Excursions from Ljubljana huge caves are traversed by a torrential underground river, which makes its way through huge underground caverns in a wonderful world of limestone formations. In 1987, the Škocjan Caves were included on the UNESCO list of the world’s national and cultural heritage sites.

Romanesque to modern; Lent - Maribor’s historical waterfront area, where rafts once docked to load and unload their cargos (mostly iron, timber and wine); Glavni trg , Maribor’s medieval market place, with the 16th century Town Hall and the plague pillar.

The Lent district also boasts one of the city’s most celebrated possessions - the oldest grapevine in the world, called Stara trta, which was planted more than four centuries ago and still produces some 35 litres of red wine each year. An option for wine-tasting is to visit the huge Vinag Wine Cellar and wine shop, which offer a large selection of local vintages. Modern Maribor is a vital university city, displaying a rich annual events agenda with several festivals and sports competitions of international renown (i.e. the multicultural Lent Festival, the Golden Fox women’s world ski cup competition). In 2012 it has proudly worn the title of European Capital of Culture.

Portorož and Piran (full day, 260 km) Portorož is the leading holiday resort at the Slovenian coast, which also boasts a century-old tradition in the hospitality industry. Its lush Mediterranean vegetation, comfortable hotels with conference facilities, beaches and modern swimming pools, thermal spas and excellent wellness products, numerous sports grounds, a Casino as well as the largest and best equipped Slovenian marina are its key assets. Its hinterland features a number of old Istrian settlements (Padna, Krkavče, Koštabona, Pomjan, Gažon), and not far from the coast one can visit the picturesque village of Hrastovlje with the Church of the Holy Trinity, adorned by late Gothic narrative frescoes. Due to these, Hrastovlje is considered a real treasure of medieval fresco arts in Slovenia.

Ptuj, which is a living stage of historical and cultural heritage, is located just half an hour drive from Maribr.

The writer Tacitus mentioned it for the first time in written documents in the year 69 A.D., and numerous archaeological remains testify that it experienced its first period of prosperity as a Roman town named Poetovio. Ptuj’s Gothic centre, with its Renaissance and baroque additions, is best discovered on foot. A walk to the Ptuj Castle is worth it for the views alone, but there is more to it - the legacy - as it now houses the fascinating collections of the Ptuj Regional Museum.

Other highlights include the Minorite and Dominican monasteries - the latter featuring the regional museum’s archaeological collections and reconstructions of two Mithraic temples, the Provost Church and the old City Hall. Ptuj also boasts the largest Carnival festival in Slovenia, famous above all for its “Kurenti” masquerade figures that are said to drive away evil and bring good fortune to the land.

A pleasant walk along a waterfront promenade divides Portorož from Piran, one of the most attractive historical towns in our country — an old seaport that has preserved its medieval layout. Piran was mostly built of stone and is criss-crossed by narrow streets that lead to colourful squares, noble mansions and ancient churches. Among the highlights of local sacral art and architecture are the 14th century St George Cathedral and St Francis Church with the Franciscan monastery, featuring a cloister that lends a delightful setting for the Piran Musical Evenings each summer. It is also known as the birthplace of the famous Italian composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini (1692- 1770). Piran pays tribute all year round to the spirit of the virtuoso through numerous events, including the Tartini Festival.

Another attraction in the region are the Sečovlje Salt Pans which are protected as a regional park. The salt pans comprise an area of a special natural, cultural and technical value where unique flora and fauna are found, and salt is still produced according to the centuries-old tradition.

Another local recommendation is a visit to the Ptuj Wine Cellar, which has a history of more than seven centuries and boasts the oldest wines in Slovenia. Last, but not least, this attractive town is also known for the Ptuj Thermal Spa, which features outdoor and indoor thermal pools as well as numerous treatment and wellness programmes.

Maribor and Ptuj (full day, 320 km)

The Krka Valley - valley of castles and the Carthusians / Otočec - Pleterje - Kostanjevica Mokrice (full day, 300 km)

Maribor, the centre of the Štajerska region, is the second largest city in Slovenia and in character, quite different from Ljubljana and the western parts of the country. Situated on the banks of the Drava River and at the foot of the Pohorje mountain range, Maribor is surrounded by a hilly countryside dotted with countless vineyards, along which more than 50 kilometres of wine routes spread. Although of a much older date, Maribor rose to prominence in the Middle Ages and reveals attractive sights from that period, most notably in the well-preserved Old Town, which displays visible remnants of the ancient defence walls. Some landmarks are: Grajski trg square with the 17th century St Florian Column and the 15th century Maribor Castle; the 13th century Cathedral of St John the Baptist, which displays elements of virtually every architectural style from

Otočec Castle, first mentioned in 1252, stands on a green island in the mid of the Krka river. The castle received its final form in the Renaissance and the Baroque periods and is now a renowned hotel with a restaurant. On the right bank of the slow-flowing Krka, almost like a twin to Otočec Castle, stands the old Struga Castle, with Gothic and Renaissance architectural features, which is a popular horse-riding centre.

About 20 km to the south-east, in a valley by the foothills of Gorjanci, lies the Carthusian monastery of Pleterje, built between 1403 and 1413. The monastery is still operating today and covers 60 hectares of land, of which 20 hectares lie within the monastery walls 72

Info City Tours & Excursions Kostanjevica Monastery

Maribor - Lent

Piran

Sailing competition at the coast

73

Outings Excursions from Ljubljana along with a beautiful gothic church, an exceptionally rich library and a chapel with wooden intarsia from Nancy (France). Until a few years ago, the monastery was open only to male visitors, but the interior is now closed to public. It can only be seen in a slide show accompanied by a lecture on the history and way of life in the monastery, which is presented in the church.

In the shop beside the chapel the famous Pleterje apicultural products, various herbal teas and spirits are on sale. After Pleterje, the tour returns to the Krka river and continues to the oldest town in Dolenjska region, as well as the smallest town in Slovenia - Kostanjevica.

Amidst unspoiled nature, the route leads past the second source of the Savinja, the Olcar farmstead, timber slides, hunters’ hides, giant juniper bushes and the features many others interesting sights on the way to the way to the Rinka waterfall, which is the final stop.

The 7-km long guided tour till Rinka waterfall takes up to 3 hours, but a shorter and less demanding version of the itinerary is also possible. A picnic at the Olcar farmstead can be arranged on request.

There are many options for those who are not particularly fond of walking, since Logarska dolina offers a host of activities, such as mountain biking, horse riding at the Lenar farm, paragliding (with a pilot guide) or swimming at the Plesnik Hotel (use of sauna and solarium is also possible).

Kostanjevica na Krki was an important centre in feudal times and is, like Otočec, situated at the confluence of two rivers. The first records of the town date back to as early as 1091. Not far from the “island” lies one of the most important architectural monuments in Slovenia, a former Cistercian monastery founded in 1234. Today, the buildings harbour the Božidar Jakac Gallery, which, in addition to works by this renowned Slovenian artist, contains paintings from Pleterje treasury.

Apart from being an attractive destination for a one day trip, Logarska dolina is favourite spot for active vacations, too. In additional to the above-listed possibilities, the valley also represents a good starting point for mountaineering and rock climbing and is equally enchanting when covered with snow (winter sports).

The next stop is at the Mokrice Castle, which lies in the midst of a large and manicured English park. The castle is first mentioned in a document from the year 1444, when it was owned by an old German feudal dynasty, but no further data on owners has been preserved.

From 1560 onwards, the castle was the property of the noble Gregorijanc family, who carried out extensive renovations of the original unpretentious late Gothic castle and transformed it into a fortified Renaissance castle, with battlements, a portcullis and drawbridge and chain, as it appears today. Mokrice Castle functions today as a high category hotel with its own golf course, stables with a riding school and horses available for trail-riding. It is managed by Terme Čatež, one of the leading health spa resorts in Slovenia.

Goriško (full day, 280 km) The itinerary starts in the direction of Postojna and then follows the road along the picturesque and fertile wineand fruit-growing Vipava valley, which is known for its mild climate and abundance of sunshine. The road continues further along the southern edge of the Trnovski Gozd forest to the city of Nova Gorica and the valley of the Soča which, with its crystal-clear waters of an unusually blue-green hue, is regarded as the most beautiful river in Slovenia. The city of Nova Gorica is the regional centre of north-west Slovenia and is known today, among other, as the main gambling and entertainment centre in Slovenia under the banner of the HIT group.

On a hill south of Nova Gorica stands the monastery of Kostanjevica, built in the first half of the 17th century, which boasts a rich library collection and also the crypt of the last descendants of the Bourbon royal line. East of the town of Nova Gorica lie the Kromberk hills, together with the village of the Kromberk and a castle, which was built at the beginning of the 16th century. The castle suffered fairly severe damage in both the Great wars. Most of the renovation work was completed in the 1960’s, while the baroque park in front of the castle was landscaped later.

The castle now harbours the Gorica Museum.

The Logarska dolina Landscape Park (full day, 220km) Logarska dolina is one of the most beautiful and peaceful glacial valleys both in Slovenia and the entire Alpine region. The valley gradually rises from 720 m above the sea level at its lowest point to an altitude of 1,100 m at the foot of the Rinka waterfall. It borders on wooded foothills of the Savinjske Alps, which are dotted with peaks reaching over 2,200 m high. Due to the wide variety of natural sights and fascinating landscape elements which occur in this area, Logarska dolina has been protected by a special decree as a landscape park.

Apart from the best-known Rinka waterfall, there are twenty other such formations in the valley. A host of hydrological and geomorphologic points of interests, such as sinkholes, cliffs, river sandbanks, water springs and boulders are also worth visiting.

To the south-west of Nova Gorica lie the Goriška Brda hills, flanking the sunny side of the town facing the Goriška plain. The old, fortified villages on the top of these hills, where the houses are built huddled close together along winding medieval alleyways, and the many still preserved feudal manor houses in the area, mirror a landscape of centuries ago. The renaissance Dobrovo Castle is a typical example of the type of construction preferred by our nobility at the beginning of the 17th century. It now presents a permanent exhibition of the graphics by Zoran Mušič, who created mainly in Venice and in Paris, and a renowned wine cellar showcasing all the wine sorts of the Briško wine-producing region.

Expert guides are available to accompany visitors along the Logarska Valley Trail, a tour providing nature-lovers with a lot of data regarding the formation of the valley, its natural phenomena, forests, wildlife, birds, as well as the way of life of the local inhabitants over the centuries.

74

Info City Tours & Excursions Dobrovo Manor in the Goriška Brda hills

Otočec Castle

The Logarska dolina valley

Soča River

75

Info

Useful information Time zone Central European Time (GMT + 1)

Currency Euro since January 2007

Language Slovenian; many local residents speak English, German and / or Italian.

Public holidays 1 January, 8 February, Easter Monday, 27 April, 1 and 2 May, 25 June, 15 August, 31 October, 1 November, 25 and 26 December

Electricity 220 V

Telephone codes Country code: +386 Ljubljana city code: (0)1 International code when calling from abroad: 00+county+city codes

Airlines flying to / from Ljubljana — Adria Airways, Gosposvetska 6, Tel. 239 19 12, Fax 239 19 13, www.adria-airways.com — Air France, Igriška 5, Tel. 244 34 47, www.airfrance.fr — ČSA Czech Airlines, information at the Ljubljana – Jože Pučnik Airport, Tel. 04/ 206 17 50, www.czechairlines.com — Easy Jet, information at the Ljubljana – Jože Pučnik Airport, Tel. 04/ 206 12 26(15:00-17:00), www.easyjet.com — Finnair, Tel. 080 13 00, www.finnair.com — JAT, Slomškova 1, Tel. 231 43 40, www.jat.com — Montenegro Airlines, information at the Ljubljana – Jože Pučnik airport, Tel. 04/259 42 52, www.montenegroairlines.com — Turkish Airlines, information at the Ljubljana – Jože Pučnik Airport, Tel. 04/ 206 16 80 www.turkishairlines.com

Airport — Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (25 km from Ljubljana), Tel. 04/206 10 00, Fax 04/202 12 20, www.lju-airport.si

Slovenia +386; Ljubljana (0) 1

Transport to the airport — Airport Shuttle operated by Orbita, to / from the airport and Ljubljana hotels. Advance reservations required! Info: Orbita, Tel. 040 88 77 66, www.orbita.si — Regular private minibus service, operated by Markun Transport: from Ljubljana Bus station daily at 5.20, 6.15, 10.25, 12.15, 14.00, 15.30, 17.00, 18.00 and 22.30; from Ljubljana – Jože Pučnik Airport daily at 5.50, 6.45, 9.00, 10.55, 12.45, 14.30, 16.00, 17.30, 18.30, 20.30, 22.00, 22.55, 00.00; Info: Tel. 041/792 865, Fax 04 252 63 69, E-mail: borut.markun@siol.net — Airport Tranfer Novotny, www.mnj.si, Tel. +386 40 771 771 — Public bus No. 28: Bus Station, Trg OF, Tel. 090 42 30; The bus departs from the Adria Airways terminal at Ljubljana Bus Station on weekdays at 5.20 and every hour from 6.10 till 20.10 inclusive; on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at 6.10, and from 9.10 onwards every odd hour till 19.10 inclusive. The bus departs from the Ljubljana-Jože Pučnik Airport on weekdays at 5.00, 6.05, and from 7.00 onwards every full hour until 20.00 inclusive; on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at 7.00, and from 10.00 onwards every two hours until 20.00 inclusive.

— Taxi: Tel. 9700, 9701, 9702, 9703, 9704, 9705, 9707, 9708, 9709, A host of Taxi companies are quoted at www.visitljubljana.com

Banks Most banks are open on weekdays from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 16.30 or 17.00; they are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. You can change money at hotel receptions, exchange offices, travel agencies and some department stores.

ATMs for cash withdrawal are widely available in Ljubljana.

Bicycle rentals In the summer and early autumn months, bicycles can be hired from Slovene Tourist Information Centre (Krekov trg 10).

Hired bicycles come with locks. Hire charges: up to 2 hours - 2 EUR; full day (8.00 – 19.00) - 8 EUR. Urbana - The Ljubljana Tourist Card entitles to 4 hours' free rental. 1 April - 31 May 78

(8.00-19.00), 1 June - 30 Sept (8.0021.00), 1 Oct - 31 Oct (8.00-19.00)

Botanic garden

Botanični vrt Ižanska 15, Tel. 427 12 80 www.botanicni-vrt.si

Bus station Trg OF (by the Railway Station), Tel. 090 42 30. Ticket office is open from 5.30 to 21.00; www.ap-ljubljana.si

Car hire — ABC Rent a Car d.o.o. , Europcar Slovenia, Celovška cesta 268 and City Hotel Ljubljana, Dalmatinova 15, www.europcar.si, Tel. 059 070 500 Represents also National-Alamo — Atet, www.atet.si, Derčeva 4 (M Hotel), Tel. 513 70 17 — Avis Rent-a-Car, www.avis.com, Čufarjeva 2, Tel. 430 80 10 — Budget Car Rental, www.budgetslovenia.com, Miklošičeva 3 (Grand Hotel Union), Tel. 421 73 40 — Hertz Rent a Car, www.hertz.si, Trdinova 9, Tel. 434 01 47 — National Rent a Car, www.nationalcar-slovenia.com, Dunajska 140, Tel. 589 08 50 — Sixt , www.sixt.si, Trg OF 5, Tel. 234 46 50 Note: all the above car rental companies have their offices at the Jože Pučnik Ljubljana Airport, too.

Car parking system Parking spaces are marked with a white line. Each street has a signboard denoting the permitted duration of parking. The parking fee is paid with a parking ticket which can be obtained from parking machines that are widespread in the downtown area. Parking is restricted to a maximum of two hours in the inner city centre.

Medical treatment Hospitals — Emergency Medical Service, Medical Centre, Bohoričeva 4, Tel. 232 30 60 — Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana / University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 2-7, Tel. 522 50 50 — Slovenian Institute for Rehabilitation, Linhartova 51, Tel. 475 81 00

Duty dentist Zdravstveni dom Ljubljana, Zobozdravniška služba, Metelkova 9, Tel. 472 37 18 (21.00 - 04.00 and

Info 08.00 - 16.00 on Sundays and bank holidays)

Duty pharmacy Lekarna Ljubljana, Prisojna 7, Tel. 230 62 30 (24 hour service)

Petrol stations Petrol stations open 24 hours / day: Dunajska 130, Tivolska 43, Šmartinska 130, Celovška 226, Tržaška 130, Cesta dveh cesarjev 71, Zaloška 60 a

Public toilets — Under Tromostovje (Triple Bridge), 7.00 - 24.00 — Plečnikov podhod - the underway passage between Zvezda Park and the Maxi department store, 7.00 - 23.00 — by the Dragon Bridge, Mon to Sat 7.00 - 15.00 — under the Butcher's Bridge, Mon to Sat 7.00 - 23.00 — Under Congress Square, Mon to Sat 7.00 - 23.00

Public transport Those wishing to travel on Ljubljana city buses, operated by the Ljubljanski potniški promet (LPP) public utility company, should purchase the Urbana public transport card. The Urbana card is available from LPP ticket offices, tourist information centres and most of the city's newspaper kiosks, newsstands and post offices.

The card is priced at €2.00 and can store up to €50.00 of credit to be spent on city bus fares.

Visitors to Ljubljana who purchase their Urbana card from a Tourist Information Centre and keep the receipt can return the card to the place of purchase when they no longer need it and claim a €2.00 refund.

A single journey fare is €0.80. It covers an up to 90-minute journey regardless of the number of buses needed to be changed to reach the destination.

SOS Police: 113 Fire Brigade: 112 Ambulance & First Aid: 112 Medical assistance: 232 30 60 (5.00-20.00) AMZS, Slovene Automobile Club: Info 530 53 00 Road emergency and towing service: 1987

Train information Railway Station, Trg OF 6, Tel. 291 33 32, www.slo-zeleznice.si

ZOO Živalski vrt Večna pot, Tel. 244 21 88

www.zoo-ljubljana.si The Zoo is set on the southern slope of the Rožnik Hill. Visitors can admire numerous wild animals in their natural environment.

May, June, July and August: 9:0019:00 daily January, February, November and

December: 9:00-16:00 daily March and October: 9:00-17:00 daily April and September: 9:00-18:00 daily

Promotional material Publications, DVDs, posters…

All publications and other support material for marketing, PR & sales promotion purposes can be ordered by contacting Ljubljana Tourism, Krekov trg 10, SI-1000 Ljubljana, e-mail: info@visitljubljana.si Tel. 306 45 83, Fax: +386 1 306 45 94 Note: In the spirit of environmental sustainability all our publications are printed on recycled paper. The majority can be downlaoded at www.visitljubljana.com, while those marked by * do not exist in printed form.

Ljubljana city map Tourist map, including a detailed city centre section.

Monthly events Languages: Slovenian, English

Ljubljana photo dvd Over 400 selected high-quality images of Ljubljana, divided by genre / topic.

Ljubljana promo video Five minutes movie in English.

Accommodation guide Published annually Languages: English, German and Italian

Sightseeing tours Published twice a year, this brochure features handy information on sightseeing tour programmes, both those organised on a regular basis and pre-booked ones, including current schedules and rates.

Languages: Slovenian-English

Ljubljana the Capital of Slovenia An image brochure of Ljubljana Languages: Slovenian, English

Ljubljana at a glance Tiny teaser-leaflet, ideal in contents for an initial presentation and in weight for post mailings.

Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Greek, Serbian, Croatian, Dutch, Finnish, Chinese, Japanese

Ljubljana Town Hall Languages: Slovenian, English

Key to Ljubljana for Meeting Planners Language: English

Tips for Incentives Ljubljana and Central Slovenia Language: English

Ljubljana tourist guide A pocket edition that comprises history in brief, main sights, traditional events, excursion tips, etc.

Languages: English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian

Wrapped in a big hug A guide to the Central Slovenia Region Languages: Slovenian, English

Ljubljana theme trails This series features four separate booklets: — Roman Ljubljana — Plečnik’s Ljubljana — Baroque Ljubljana* — Art Nouveau Ljubljana* Languages: Slovenian, English

79

Tour operators - your partners

Tourist Information Centres

A selection of Incoming specialists - Tour Operators and DMCs

ABC Tourism / ABC Rent-a-Car d.o.o.

Celovška cesta 268, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. +386 59 070 510, Fax +386 1 519 95 76 www.abc-tourism.si

Imperial Travel Tavčarjeva ulica 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. +386 1 239 16 00, Fax +386 1 239 16 09 www.imperial-travel.si

Intours DMC / Demaco Dalmatinova 3, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. +386 1 430 35 50, Fax +386 1 430 35 56 www.intours-mice.si

Kompas International Travel Corporation Pražakova 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. +386 1 200 63 33, Fax +386 1 200 64 34 www.kompas-online.net, www.kompasmice.com

Liberty Slovenia Dunajska 109, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. +386 1 232 11 71, Fax +386 1 232 11 12 www.liberty-slovenia.com

Panoramic Travel Stegne 11a, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. +386 1 600 43 00, Fax +386 1 600 43 25 www.panoramic-travel.com

Promet T & T Celovška cesta 73, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. +386 1 519 35 11, Fax +386 1 519 53 45 www.promet-tt.si

Renee Tours Rožna dolina cesta XVII 16, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel. +386 1 423 12 75, Fax +386 1 423 12 85 www. reneetours.ru

Ljubljana Tourist Information Centre - TIC Stritarjeva Street, SI - 1000 Ljubljana Tel. +386 1 306 12 15, Fax +386 1 306 12 04 E-mail: tic@visitljubljana.si Information and tourism publications (brochures, maps, events calendars, tourism literature) on Ljubljana and Slovenia · Ljubljana Card · Regular and pre-booked sightseeing tours, tourist train rides, boat tours · Booking of accommodation and tours/excursions · Tickets for cultural, entertainment, sports and other events.

Open: 1 June - 30 September: 8.00-21.00, daily; 1 October - 31 May: 8.00-19.00, daily

TIC Ljubljana Souvenir Shop Specialized shop within the TIC premises.

The souvenirs available from the the Ljubljana Tourist Board reflects the feel of Ljubljana by combining the city's arts and crafts tradition with modern design.

Open: 10.00-19.00, daily

Slovenian Tourist Information Centre - STIC Krekov trg 10, SI - 1000 Ljubljana Tel. +386 1 306 45 76, Fax + 386 1 306 45 80 E-mail: stic@visitljubljana.si Information on Slovenia’s tourism offer and events taking place in tourist localities across the country · Ljubljana Card · Booking of accommodation and excursions · Tickets for cultural, entertainment, sports and other events · Internet corner · Bike hire Open: 1 June - 30 September: 8.00-21.00, daily; 1 October - 31 May, Mon - Fri 8.00-19.00, Sat, Sun and public holidays 9.00-17.00 December 8.00-19.00 daily

Tourist Information Office at the Railway Station Trg OF 6, SI - 1000 Ljubljana Tel. +386 1 433 94 75, Fax +386 1 430 05 51 E-mail: ticzp@visitljubljana.si Information and tourism publications on Ljubljana (brochures, maps, events calendars) · Basic information and promotional materials on Slovenia · Ljubljana Card · Booking of accommodation and excursions · Tickets for cultural, entertainment, sports and other events Open: 1 June - 30 September: 8.00-22.00, daily; 1 October - 31 May: 10.00-19.00 Saturdays: 8.00-15.00 Sundays and public holidays closed

Edited and published by: Ljubljana Tourism Krekov trg 10, SI - 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Tel. +386 1 306 45 83, Fax +386 1 306 45 94 E-mail: info@visitljubljana.si, www.visitljubljana.com Editor: Ljubljana Tourism (Janja Romih Kulenovič) Design: John Morgan, John Morgan Studio Photo credits: B. Bajželj, R. Balen, BoBo, B. Cvetkovič, A. Fevžer, M. Fras, B. Gradnik, P. Hieng, B. Jakše Jeršič, S. Jeršič, T. Jeseničnik, B. Kladnik, I. Lapajne, E. Kaše, D. Mladenovič, R. Moravec, G. Murn, M. Paternoster, A. Pavan, J. Pivka, S. Rančov, J. Skok, J. Vinšek, D. Wedam, Zaklop Photo archives of: Slovenian Tourist Board, Ljubljana Tourism, all the listed hotels and other accommodation facilities, Cankarjev dom, GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, National Gallery, National Museum of Slovenia, Atlantis Water Park, shops / boutiques; Skrina, Kraševka, Butanoga, AS Boutique, Rustika, and the listed restaurants.

Prepress: Studio DTS Updated in September 2012

Committed to caring for the environment, we print on recycled paper.

Share our commitment by sharing this publication with your friends.

www.visitljubljana.com