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Some useful information
About Slovenia
Slovenia's climate varies from Alpine in the north, across Mediterranean in the coastal region to continental in the Pannonian Plain in the northeastern part of the country. The average temperature in December/January is approximately 0°C and you can expect some snow or rain. In summer average temperature goes from 15°C during the night to 25°C during day time. On hotest days it can go up to 35°C.
We advise you to check the weather forecast before departure in order to bring appropriate clothing. You can look at: http://meteo.arso.gov.si/met/en/ or http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/Ljubljana/forecasts/latest
Slovenian currency is Euro. Most ATMs also accept Maestro, Mastercard, Visa for cash withdrawal, normally with some additional charge, depending on your home bank.
Like in several EU countries smoking in Slovenia is not allowed within closed public spaces. Pubs, bars, clubs usually have an outdoor smoking area or special glass rooms used exclusively for smoking.
Learn basics of Slovenian language:
Slovenian for Travelers
Thezaurus - Slovenian Cultural Archives
Basic Slovene Phrases
About Ljubljana
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a central European city lying between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, in a basin where the Ljubljanica river flows into the Sava. It has all the facilities of a modern capital, and yet it has preserved its small-town friendliness and relaxed atmosphere. It is a vibrant city full of surprises. Its surrounding areas, packed with natural beauty and cultural sights bearing witness to the city's dynamic history, are renowned for their walking, hiking and cycle trails and a wide variety of culinary delights. As well as a city of culture, is Ljubljana a city of students. In fact, there are more than 50.000 students at the University of Ljubljana, so don't be surprised when every second person in the city centre you run into is a student hanging around.
For additional information go to:
http://www.ljubljana.si/en/tourism/
http://search.pbase.com/search?q=Ljubljana
About Goričko region
Goričko is hilly area in the north-east of Slovenia – we say »in the head of the chicken«. It lies between Austrian border on the west and Hungarian on the east.
The name Goričko comes from the word "gorice", which is what the local people call the hills which were formed long ago on the bottom of the Pannonian Sea and rose later on. People inhabited the softly shaped sandy terrain in pre-historical times and remained here. Even though the great European cities are close by, "progress" avoided Goričko and thus it has preserved the characteristic appearance of Central Europe from before the Second World War. As for its remoteness, Goričko is a perfect place to enjoy the nature by cycling or walking and to taste unique home made products.
For additional information go to:
http://www.park-goricko.org/
About Dolenjska region
Hill vineyards and little hilltop churches, castles and monasteries, broad forests and groves of birch trees give the extensive region of south-east Slovenia a particular charm. Dolenjska, which joins hands with Bela Krajina across the beautiful Gorjanci Hills and, further up, with the Posavje region, is an area that offers countless opportunities to relax, explore and enjoy, to visit natural sights of interest and make interesting stops along heritage trails and wine routes.
Tourists setting off towards the south from the centre of Slovenia can begin their journey at the Renaissance Turjak Castle or in nearby Rašica, where they can visit Trubar's birthplace. The two sights are linked by a forest trail, one of many footpaths in the Velike Lašče area, which boasts rich cultural traditions. Not far away is Dobrepolje – a large karst polje with Podpeč Cave and the largest linden grove in Slovenia. One of the sights of Ribnica, the cradle of Dolenjska woodenware, is Ribnica Castle, which today houses a small museum of local culture and traditions. You can see traditional craftsmen at work in the town's workshops and at numerous events. In Kočevje, the centre of one of the most forested parts of Europe, you can see the virgin forest reserve in Kočevski Rog, visit the Ice Cave or the Željne Caves, and relax by the lake or on the river Rinži. The area has numerous footpaths, nature trails, cycling trails and horseriding trails. Anyone seeking something a little bit more out of the way should visit the area around Kostel. One of the sights of this mysterious region above the gorge of the river Kolpa is Kostel Castle and, nearby, the legendary Nežica waterfall. The Land of Peter Klepec (after the legendary hero) has its centre in Osilnica, a valley with seven churches and various opportunities for recreation: from water sports on the Kolpa to hiking trails and cycling routes.
Those wishing to follow the waters towards the south can set off from the centre of Slovenia along the river Krka. The Krka gives Novo mesto, the capital of Dolenjska , a town built on seven hills, its characteristic appearance. Not far from the town, with its many historical and religious monuments, are the spas of Dolenjske Toplice and Šmarješke Toplice and Slovenia's only island castle Otočec Castle, which stands on an island in the middle of the Krka. The nearby Gorjanci Hills promise adventure to hikers, cyclists and hunters. Trška Gora, a hill above the town, shows us that we are in wine country, the home of Cviček, a famous local speciality.
For additional information go to:
http://www.slovenia.info/?_ctg_regije=13
About Primorska region
Primorska region consists of two parts – Coast and Karst. Every kilometer of the Slovene coast is a new surprise. Here is a natural reserve with a rich fund of marl and sandstone and the unique, eighty-meter Strunjan cliff, the highest flysch wall on the Adriatic coast. Here are the Secovlje saltworks, first mentioned in the 13th century. Here the towns of Piran, Izola, and Koper draw visitors with their medieval cores, while Portorož, though mentioned as early as 1251, offers numerous modern hotels with congress halls, a fully equipped marina, a sport airport, thermal baths, a casino, and a varied offer of summer cultural, entertainment, and sport events. Not far from the coast, the beauties of Slovene Istria with its picturesque villages await for you. Among them, for example, is Hrastovlje with its Holy Trinity church decorated with narrative late Gothic frescoes including a marvelously preserved Danse Macabre.
Behind the Slovene coast is the Karst region. In the cellars of the stone houses excellent wines are poured and sold, and in the attics excellent pršut is cured in the bora wind. This gourmets’ paradise is also a heaven for lovers of the beauties of the karst underworld. Postojna Cave, first mentioned in 1231, is the most popular cave in Europe with more than 31 million visitors so far. The Škocjan Caves, which are on UNESCO’s list of natural and cultural world heritage sites, boast the 1400-meter long and 150-meter deep underground canyon of the Reka River.
The only cave vertebrate in Europe, the Proteus anguinus or “human fish” which is also the largest known cave animal in the world, lives in Slovene caves. And this is far from being the last of the attractions of Slovenia’s karst region. Perhaps you didn’t know that the noble Lipizzaner horse originated in Slovenia. Lipica, where the stud farm was established in 1580, is today a popular tourist center with a riding school, hotels, a swimming pool, a golf course, and a casino.
For additional information go to:
http://www.slovenia.info/?lng=2
About AEGEE and AEGEE-Ljubljana
AEGEE is one of the largest interdisciplinary student associations in Europe. It is represented by 15.000 students, active in 232 academic cities, in 43 countries all around Europe. It is a secular, non-profit organization, not linked to any political party. It is made of incredibly motivated young people, who work for what they believe in. In return they get personal satisfaction from making influence on the world around and gather experience, which enriches their whole life. The dream of Europe without borders has inspired and continues to inspire generations of students from the Caucasus to the Atlantic shores and makes AEGEE permanently developing. Learn more about AEGEE in Wikipedia or at the official site.
AEGEE-Ljubljana is one of the local committees, also known as antennas, in AEGEE. It has been an active organization for 18 years already, in which several significant international events were organized by its enthusiastic members. For example, one of the two annual general assemblies of the whole AEGEE network, called Agora, was in Ljubljana in May 2008. The members of AEGEE-Ljubljana prepared an unforgetable four days for 600 students from all over Europe - AEGEE Spring Agora Ljubljana 2008..