Tag Archives: Taste Radol’ca

Open Day at the Dolenc Farm

Posted in Adele in Slovenia, gluten-free food in Slovenia, ifeelsLOVEnia, Okusi Radol'ce, Radol'ca, Radovljica, Slovenia blog, Taste Radol'ca, Visit Radol'ca by

As we are well into autumn now, it’s time for Culinary Autumn in Radol’ca. This year’s timetable of tasty events is more jam-packed than ever. From lunch at a farm, various open days and guided bike trips to an opening dinner, the Month of Local Cuisine and a closing event.

As I am somewhat limited as to what events I can join in, due to being a coeliac, when browsing the list of events I decided I would start by going to the open day at the Dolenc Farm (Kmetija Dolenc). Located in Vrbnje, in close proximity to Radovljica, I must have run past the farm at least several hundred, if not thousand, times since living in Radovljica, but have never taken the time to stop and see how it operates and what it offers.

To reach the farm from Radovljica, simply pass under the motorway (near Spar), turn immediately right then the farm is on your left – you can’t miss it!

I must say, the visit to the open-day was a real eye-opener. I knew farming was hard graft, what I wasn’t aware of is how much automation and technology is changing the farming industry too. Despite this, at the Dolenc Farm, the owners know every cow by name and are clearly passionate about what they do. It is one of the largest and most modern farms in the area.

Below are just a few of the interesting facts I learnt during my visit.

Each cow has a collar that transmits information, such as how much it has eaten and drunk, how long it has grazed, chewed the cud, etc. This information is relayed direct to the farmer, who, in the event that something isn’t as it should be, can react almost immediately to rectify the situation.

A robot pushes the fodder from the store to the feed area, and also clears the excrement.

Cows prefer the cold to the heat, hence the farm has fans to keep them cool, even when the temperature outdoors is below zero.

A lot of hay is used!

Calves are kept in special nursery pens, and at first sometime need a bit of help and encouragement to start suckling.

The quality of the milk at the Dolenc Farm is five times better than the average best; most of it goes to Italy for sale. A sad sign of the times and reflection of the state of farming and price cutting policies among governments, major shopping chains, etc.

Fresh milk is available from a vending machine.

Work at the farm is a real family affair, with father and son looking after the livestock, and mother and daughter-in-law taking care of the retail side of things as well as providing tastings for visitors.

Fortunately for me, or rather us, gluten isn’t used anywhere throughout the farm, except in one kind of yoghurt that contains chocolate cereal, hence we were both able to try all the other delicious yoghurts and cheeses.

And, of course, we couldn’t leave without buying some of the tasty yoghurts and cheese to take home. The farm previously had a small shop, however, nowadays visitors can purchase products 24/7 from the vending machine.

As I mentioned at the start, this is just one of many events taking place from now until the start of December in the Radol’ca are. Among the others are:

Wishing you a delicious culinary autumn, wherever you are and whatever tickles your taste buds! Until next time…

© Adele in Slovenia

Our Romantic Radovljica Wedding!

Posted in Adele in Slovenia, Begunje na Gorenjskem, gluten free food in Slovenia, ifeelsLOVEnia, Okusi Radol'ce, Radol'ca, Radovljica, Slovenia blog, Taste Radol'ca, Tourism Radol'ca, Weddings in Slovenia by

Yes, you did read the title correctly! After 18 years in Slovenia, last year I finally found ‘Mr Right’, or rather we found each other. One thing led to another and we tied the knot last Saturday, 21st June, where else but in Radovljica.

Following the proposal, there was no doubt in my mind that we would get married in Radovljica – the town that I have called ‘home’ for the past 18 years since moving from the UK to Slovenia in 2007.

My dad, about to give me away!

So, we set about the planning, which, fortunately was relatively easy. Well, as relatively easy as planning a wedding can be, involving guests from 4 different countries!

Of course, in addition to the usual wedding arrangements, with both of us having coeliac disease, as well as several of the guests, the next question that arose during the planning stage was where to hold the reception; it had to be somewhere where I knew I could trust and rely on the staff to ensure the food served was 100% gluten-free with no risk of contamination. The fall out (literally!) of many guests, including the bride and groom, being contaminated with gluten doesn’t even bear thinking about.

Fortunately, I already knew where I wanted to hold the reception and following a quick phone call, it was settled. The venue would be Gostišče Draga in the Draga Valley in Begunje na Gorenjskem.

As there were guests from various countries, our aim – apart from having a wonderful day ourselves – was for it to be as relaxed and informal as possible, and for people to mingle. Therefore, we arranged a pre-wedding event, with drinks and nibbles, at Gostilna Avguštin in the heart of Radovljica’s old town centre – Linhart Square.

After a quick change to clothing for me, we then went a few doors along for the ceremony, which was held in Šivec House, which houses a gallery on the ground floor and a small wedding hall upstairs.

Waiting for the bride to arrive!

Anton looking very happy and excited! To my left is my brother.

Throwing confetti is not allowed in Linhart Square, but thankfully one of the guests had taken care of that and brought rose petals from her garden.

On the way to the restaurant in the Draga Valley, we stopped at Kamen Castle for a few photos.

We were all pretty hungry by the time we reached the restaurant, so were glad of the delicious homemade mushroom soup, and vegetable soup, that awaited us upon arrival.

All the food was so delicious that had we not let on, I’m sure none of the guests would have known it was gluten-free. Gostišče Draga is a member of the Taste Radol’ca collaboration. The photos don’t really do it justice, but, trust me, it was delicious, and we even had gluten-free štruklji and Wiener schnitzel, which was a real treat for us coeliacs among the wedding guests! We’d like to extend a huge thank you to owner and chef Ales Tavčar and his team at Gostščce Draga.

We didn’t opt for a tradition wedding cake but instead a selection of desserts, ordered from Italy via Kotiček dobrot in Kranj; all gluten-free of course, and equally delicious.

To continue the theme of mingling, we had come up with a couple of games for wedding guests, which went down a treat and meant everyone – regardless of their nationality – was able to join in. And finally, as the evening was coming to a close, the obligatory group photo!

So, as you can see from the above, and speaking from experience, Radovljica really is the perfect place for a wedding! For a larger and grander wedding, Radovljica Manor is the perfect choice. More information about weddings in Radovljica click here.

© Adele in Slovenia

Restaurant Week is Here!

Posted in Adele in Slovenia, Begunje na Gorenjskem, Camping in Slovenia, EXPO, gluten free food in Slovenia, ifeelsLOVEnia, Kamp Sobec, Okusi Radol'ce, Radol'ca, Radovljica, Radovljica Chocolate Festival, Slovenia blog, Slovenian chocolate, Sobec camp, Taste Radol'ca, Visit Radol'ca by

Considering its relatively small size, Radovljica and its surroundings – collectively known as Radol’ca – are certainly well endowed in culinary terms.

So, it’s no surprise that the year’s Spring Restaurant Week, which began on 21st March 2025 and ends on 30th March 2025, features an impressive five restaurants from Radol’ca among the more than 100 participating restaurants: Gostišče Draga, Hiša Linhart, Restavracija Šobec, Vila Podvin, Restavracija Tabor.

The ethos of Restaurant Week, which takes place twice per year – in spring and autumn – is to bring together some of Slovenia’s finest restaurants to highlight the country’s excellent cuisine and bring gourmet food closer to the general public by offering special menus at affordable prices.

To help you choose which one, or ones, to visit, here’s a little more information about each one, from my layperson’s point of view!

Gostišče Draga, located in the lush Draga Valley, is headed up by chef and owner Ales Tavčar. In the past the restaurant was particularly popular in summer, as the valley remains pleasantly cool even on the hottest of days, but nowadays it has become well-known throughout the country and beyond and is popular year-round.

Gostišče Draga

Photo: https://vivi.si/en/restavracija/gostisce-draga/

A lot of the ingredients used come from the family farm – Kmetija Lizokar – thus truly adopting the ‘farm to fork’ approach.

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In addition to food cooked in the restaurant, you can also take the taste of Gostišče Draga home with you, by buying some of it’s ready meals sold in jars, such as beef goulash, Bolognese sauce, various stews and pickled vegetables.

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Hiša Linhart is a Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Linhart Square in Radovljica’s old town centre. Masterchef Uroš Štefelin and his team focus on transforming traditional Slovenian ingredients into nouvelle cuisine.

I’ve been fortunate enough to eat there on a few occasions, the last of which was as part of Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia, which took place in Radovljica in September 2024 and which I organise(d). The entire menu, part of which you can see below, was gluten-free.

 

Restavracija Šobec is located at the highly popular and award-winning Šobec Camp. The restaurant is far from the average campsite restaurant. It is now open year-round, even when the camp is closed, and out of the main season, has also become popular among locals for Sunday lunches, dinners, various celebrations, weddings, etc.

Restavracija Šobec

Photo: https://vivi.si/en/restavracija/sobec-restaurant/

Although the menu offers pizzas and other traditional Slovenian dishes, Restaurant Week is the time when the chefs can showcase their best culinary skills.

No photo description available.

Out of season, the camp is also a pleasant place for a stroll.

Vila Podvin is located in Mošnje, just a few kilometres from Radovljica. In the past the building was a stables, but now offers gourmet food and luxury accommodation.

Dean Dubokovič

Photo: https://vivi.si/en/restavracija/vila-podvin-2/

It was formerly run by the team who are now at Hiša Linhart, and I must confess that I haven’t been there since it came under new ownership, so can’t comment first-hand. However, it received a good write up from the food critics Uroš and Violeta Mencinger, who are the organisers of Restaurant Week.

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Restavracija Tabor is a seafood restaurant, which is located in Podbrezje, very close to but not actually within the municipality of Radovljica, but due to its excellent food and ethos, it has earned its place among Taste Radol’ca restaurants.

UME

Although the menu is largely seafood-based, there are also some meat dishes available.

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Room are also available, and the restaurant’s garden is the ideal place to soak up the views of the surrounding countryside and hills.

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Of course, there are also plenty of restaurants in other areas, and with 7 days still to go, get browsing, choose and book! You can read more about all the participating restaurants here.

Finally, just a heads up, it’s not long now until the ‘sweetest’ event of the year in Radovljica – The Radovljica Chocolate Festival. This year’s festival takes place on 12th and 13th April. The programme is packed with entertainment for all the family. Click here for more information.

© Adele in Slovenia

 

 

 

 

 

What Not to Miss in 2025 in Radol’ca and the Surroundings

Posted in Adele in Slovenia, Begunje na Gorenjskem, Christmas in Slovenia, coeliac disease, EXPO, gluten free food in Slovenia, Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia, hiking in Slovenia, ifeelsLOVEnia, Okusi Radol'ce, Radol'ca, Radovljica, Slovenia blog, Slovenian food, Tourism Radol'ca, Visit Radol'ca by

For my first blog of the year 2025, I decided to start with an overview of all the year holds in store here in Radovljica and the surroundings, so that you can put important dates in your diaries (does anyone still use paper diaries these days? Perhaps I should say into your online diary!) and plan your visit.

I’m a bit late for January, so to make it up to you, here’s a photo I took this morning from St. Peter’s Church, above the village of Begunje na Gorenjskem.

Photo: Adele in Slovenia

Even though we should be in the midst of winter, the weather at the moment is very much spring-like. Whilst winter in the capital, Ljubljana, often means days on end of heavy fog, here in Radovljica we are fortunate that we mostly avoid the fog, and even if it does appear, we don’t have to go far to get up above it.

Photo: Adele in Slovenia

So, here’s a snapshot of whats on in 2025 in Radol’ca.

February

Of course, the month of love and romance!

If you prefer not to waste money on overpriced flowers and soppy cards, then how about treating your loved one to a Valentine’s Day Meal and/or Getaway at one of the Taste Radol’ca restaurants, such as Hiša Linhart in Radovljica or Gostišče Draga in the Draga Valley, both of which have special Valentine’s menus.

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Gostišče Draga: https://www.gostisce-draga.si/

Hiša Linhart in Radovljica

February in Slovenia also means carnival time and carnival time means doughnuts!

Among the most popular doughnuts in Slovenia are those at Trojane, about an hour’s drive from Radovljica, which is famous for its super-sized jam- and custard-filled doughnuts.

No photo description available.

https://gp-trojane.si/sl

The date of pust, as carnival time is called in Slovene, varies from year to year and can be in either February or March, but is always on a Tuesday 47 days before Easter (Shrove Tuesday). One day later, on Ash Wednesday, some begin a 40-day fast. And because pust precedes a period of fasting, carnival time involves copious amounts of fried food, mainly doughnuts, krostule and fritule.

March

Every year during carnival time, a Shrovide carnival procession takes place through the streets of Radovljica, as well as numerous other towns and villages throughout the country. This year’s procession will take place on 1st March. You can read more about carnival celebrations elsewhere in Slovenia here.

April

April in Radovljica is all about chocolate!

The annual 2-day Radovljica Chocolate Festival is the highlight of the year for many chocoholics. This year’s festival will take place on 12-13th April 2025.

April also means Easter, which is particularly late this year; Easter Sunday is on 20th April. You can read more about coloured Easter eggs and other Easter traditions in a blog titled Easter in Slovenia, which I wrote last year.

May

Spring is a great time to start spending more time outdoors, and in the Radovljica area and surroundings, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to hiking trails and cycling routes.

Among my favourite hikes in spring, well actually in winter too, are the trails to Suharna, Roblek, and Talež.

June

The Radovljica Craft Beer Festival takes place in Radovljica’s park, close to the historic old town. The festival is a coming together of craft beer, street-food, music and socialising.

The international Shake the Change Swing Festival is another very popular event in Radovljica. This year’s 2-day festival will be on 20th and 21st June.

July and August

Summer in Radovljica means Thursdays in the Square, featuring live music and Taste Radol’ca street food, as well as free open-air cinema screenings at various locations throughout the municipality.

September

Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia in Radovljica is the place to be for those with coeliac disease, gluten intolerance or who avoid gluten for any other reasons.

 

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https://sourdoughmania.com/

Last year’s Expo attracted visitors from far and wide, and this year’s event will feature, among others, cookery workshops run by a gluten-free provider from Algeria.

This year’s Expo in Radovljica will take place on 27th and 28th September. Visit the Expo website here, and you can also read more about last year’s event here, on a brand new website by a lady from Poland, who, together with her family, attended the 2024 Expo and loved it so much they plan to come back again this year. Thanks Dora!

October 

Culinary Autumn in Radovljica includes culinary events and guided experiences at local farms, restaurants, dairy farms and more.

November

The Taste Radol’ca Month of Local Menus includes two unique Taste Radol’ca culinary experiences and local menus featuring traceable ingredients at 7 restaurants for a set price.

Gostišče Tulipan in Lesce

December

The festive season begins with the switching-on of the lights, which is always a really popular event in Radovljica, as well as elsewhere in the country. The entertainment programme over the festive season in Radovljica includes a small Christmas market, various street shows, live music and more.

For more information about all the events scheduled for this year, click here.

© Adele in Slovenia

 

 

Festive Radol’ca – Fairytale lights, Christmas market, food, drink, music and more

Posted in Adele in Slovenia, Christmas, Christmas in Slovenia, ifeelsLOVEnia, New Year in Slovenia, Okusi Radol'ce, Radol'ca, Radovljica, Slovenia, Slovenia blog, Taste Radol'ca, Visit Radol'ca by

The festive season began in style today in Linhart Square – the heart of Radovljica’s old town centre.

As has become tradition in recent years, the start of the festive season also marks the end of the Taste Radol’ca Month of Local Cuisine, and this year the St. Nicholas Fair, to mark St. Nicholas Day, was also held on the same day – 1st December 2024.

Every year people flock to see the switching on of the Christmas lights in Linhart Square, and this year was no exception. In fact, in all the years I’ve been here, I’ve never seen so many people. I couldn’t even get anywhere near the stage, hence my photos aren’t great, I’m afraid. So, you’ll just have to come and see the lights for yourselves!

Once again the old town centre is adorned with wonderful handmade decorations, and the windows of shops and homes in Linhart Square feature hand-painted festive illustrations, the work of the local academic painter Mojca Solar.

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Foto: Hisa Linhart

Through the month of December numerous festive-themed events will take place in Radovljica and the surroundings. Below I’ve highlighted just a few of them:

Saturday 7th December, Radovljica Market and Christmas Market, a guided tour of the window illustrations, creative workshop, opening of a new nativity scene and a performance by the children’s choir from Radovljica primary school.

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Sunday 15th December, CHRISTMAS ARTish art and craft fair, and fairytale horses with the Sitar Ranch.

Friday 20th December, Christmas Market, concert by Batista Cadilla, and TASTE RADOL’CA street food.

Sunday 22nd December, Christmas Market, carol singing with the Korona mixed choir next to the nativity scene.

Wednesday 25th December, street performance by ANA SNEŽNA.

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Friday 27th December, Christmas Market, concert by Masaya, and TASTE RADOL’CA street food.

Saturday 28th December, Christmas Market, and visit by GRANDPA FROST. 

To see the full programme of festive events in Radovljica and the surrounding areas, click here.

Radovljica’s ice rink also opened this weekend. Skating is free for children up to the age of 18.

The ice rink is open for public skating from Monday to Friday between 3pm and 6pm and at weekends, public holidays and during school holidays from 10am to 6pm. You can bring your own skates or hire them on site.

Finally, as this will be the last blog from me this year, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading another year of blogs about what to do and see in Radovljica, and my life here as an expat, albeit I consider myself a Slovene these days after 17 years here – how time flies!

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.

© Adele in Slovenia

Culinary Autumn in Radol’ca: The Farmer’s Table

Posted in Adele in Slovenia, gluten-free food in Slovenia, ifeelsLOVEnia, Radol'ca, Radovljica, Slovenia blog, Taste Radol'ca, Tourism Radol'ca, Visit Radol'ca by

I know I am somewhat biased, since I live in Radovljica, but nonetheless I truly believe that the team at Visit Radovljica has to be one of the best, if not the best, in the country. Why? Because instead of resting on their laurels, they are constantly coming up with new ideas that are attractive to tourists, beneficial to the local community and adhere to the sustainable goals of Slovenian tourism as a whole.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Taste Radol’ca, when every November the chefs at the participating restaurants create set price menus using local ingredients. This year, the Taste Radol’ca Month of Local Cuisine will extend over two months rather than the usual one, as throughout October there are various activities in which locals and visitors alike can take part.

Guided bike trips, available on Saturday 14th, Friday 20th and Saturday 28th October, are an ideal combination of fresh air, sightseeing and tasting the produce of local farms.

In addition, open days at local farms provide a great opportunity to discover the importance of getting food from field to table in the shortest possible way. The first takes place on 14th October at 10am at the Vegerila Farm, then on 20th October at 1pm at the Dolenc Farm, and 28th October at 10am the Brinsek Farm.

Another among the latest great ideas is a unique culinary experience named The Farmer’s Table, which will take place this Saturday 7th October at 12noon and is the opening event of this year’s Taste Radol’ca. Reservations are required in advance for the 4-hour culinary programme, which includes a horse and cart ride, snacks along the way, lunch at an organic farm prepared by Radovljica’s chefs  (6-course menu from selected traceable ingredients), live music and a practical gift.

Morda je slika naslednjega: 9 oseb in poroka

The chefs taking part in The Farmer’s Table are:

Morda je slika naslednjega: 1 oseba in hrana
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Contact Visit Radol’ca for more information and to book your place at the Farmer’s Table or to book a cycling tour.
Still on the theme of food, albeit it gluten-free food, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who visited the festival I recently organised in Radovjlica – Festival of Gluten Free Tastes and Fun. I’m delighted to say the day was a great success, which was a huge relief as the weather forecast had been a bit dodgy to say the least. It’s estimated that up to 3,000 people visited. Having spent much of the last year organising it, it was lovely to see so many happy, smiling faces – both visitors and stallholders alike. The festival also further proved what an excellent venue Radovljica is for outdoor events.
Below are a few photos of the day, for posterity’s sake, of course!

Photo: Roman Baloh

Photo: Roman Baloh

Photo: Roman Baloh

Photo: Roman Baloh

Photo: Roman Baloh

Photo: Roman Baloh

Of course, it didn’t take long for people to start asking if the festival will become a regular event. And the answer is … watch this space!
© Adele in Slovenia

 

Taste Radol’ca Goes Beyond Borders!

Posted in Adele in Slovenia, ifeelsLOVEnia, Okusi Radol'ce, Radol'ca, Radovljica, Slovenia blog, Slovenian food, Taste Radol'ca, Tourism Radol'ca, Visit Radol'ca by

During the height of the coronavirus-related lockdowns, here in Slovenia we weren’t allowed to leave the borders of our municipalities; something that we would never usually even consider in ‘normal’ times. Fortunately that’s a (fairly) distant memory now – and hopefully one never to be repeated – and now not only we (the people!) but also Taste Radol’ca can go beyond borders!

This year, in addition to the Taste Radol’ca restaurants from the Radol’ca area, there are also two others from neighbouring municipalities, one of which – Restavracija MANU – has already won numerous accolades in the short time it has been open.

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The annual highlight of the Radol’ca culinary year takes place next Friday 28th October – the opening Taste Radol’ca event and dinner prepared by all the talented chefs!

Morda je slika naslednjega: 5 oseb, ljudje stojijo in znotraj

The focus of this year’s Taste Radol’ca is sustainability and, as usual, there is an emphasis on locally produced and/or locally grown, i.e. no, or minimal, food miles and supporting local farmers and producers. The 3-course (or more) set menus remain at the same price as last year – 26 euros – which, considering the price rises all around us, remains excellent value for money.

This year’s participating restaurants are: Restavracija Tabor (Podbrezje), Restavracija Manu (Žirovnica), Gostišče Tulipan (Lesce), Gostilna Avguštin (Radovljica), Vila Podvin (Mošnje), Hiša Linhart (Radovljica), Gostišče Draga (Begunje na Gorenjskem), Šmeks-Baffi House of Pizza (Radovljica), Gostila Pr’Tavčar (Begunje na Gorenjskem).

Further proof of Radol’ca’s status as the ‘culinary capital of Gorenjska’ is the Michelin Star recently awarded to Uroš Štefelin, formerly from Vila Podvin, and his team at Hiša Linhart, as well as a Michelin green sustainability star.

This year’s opening event kicks off at 4pm with a farmers market, which offers visitors a chance to chat to, and buy from, the suppliers to Taste Radol’ca restaurants. Entrance is free, so come along and join in. The more the merrier!

At 5pm there is a presentation of Taste Radol’ca restaurants, with entertainment from pupils from Radovljica’s Anton Linhart primary school.

This year’s gourmet opening dinner will take place at Gostilna Avguštin in Linhart Square – the heart of the historic old town. The restaurant is hugely popular due to it’s sunny terrace with views of the Jelovica plateau, the Lipnica valley and the Julian Alps.

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Reservations for the dinner, which costs 55 euros, are mandatory and can be made by contacting the Radovljica Tourist Information Centre.

Having just translated all the menus, I know you’re in for a treat, but I won’t let the cat out of the bag just yet. After all, there has to be some element of surprise in life!

© Adele in Slovenia

What’s New and What to Do This Summer in Radol’ca

Posted in Adele in Slovenia, cycling, cycling in Slovenia, Hop-on Hop-On Bus, ifeelsLOVEnia, ironworking, Jelovica, Kropa, Okusi Radol'ce, Radol'ca, Radovljica, Slovenia blog, Taste Radol'ca, Tourism Radol'ca by

It’s hot! Hooray!!! While those that aren’t lovers of the heat are already complaining, I’m in my element at this time of year when I get get out on my bike and in the hills and mountains, and when one doesn’t need to go out dress in multiple layers of clothing!

The tourist season seems to have started much earlier this year here in Radol’ca and elsewhere in Slovenia, no doubt such is the yearning among many for holidays after the long COVID-19 pandemic.

So, with that in mind, this blog contains a rundown of new features and events in Radol’ca this summer, as well as some of the great, existing, traditional events too! As you will see, there’s certainly plenty to choose from and something to suit all the family.

Thursdays in the Square

Thursdays in the Square are back this year with a series of concerts featuring a variety of music. The concerts take place every Thursday evening in July in the old town centre of Radovljica. The first concert will feature Slovenian hit songs performed by young musicians from the surroundings of Radovljica, followed on 14th July by the Argentian-Italian group SuRrealistas. The third Thursday in July Čedahuci will perform followed by Masharik on the last Thursday in the month. Taste Radol’ca street food will be available at all the Thursday evening concerts and, prior to that, visitors will have a chance to purchase arts and crafts from stalls of the ARTish festival.

Guided independent cycling and cycling-culinary tours

Why not set off on a culinary-cycling tour of the Radol’ca area? Guided e-Bike tours are available or just hire a bike (or bring your own), pick up a map from the Radovljica Tourist Information Centre, and set off on your way.

Cycling is an ideal way to get some outdoor exercise, enjoy the fresh air and see and taste the countryside. Along the way you can stop off at the Pr’Šlibar farm, where you can buy fresh strawberries, strawberry jam, juice and cordial as well as dried meats, and the Dolenc Farm where you can taste and buy some of the home-produced dairy products.

You can then cycle on to the lush Draga Valley, home to the Gostišče Draga restaurant. At the entrance to the valley you can stop and take a look at the magnificent ruins of Kamen Castle.

This year Gostišče Draga, which is part of Taste Radol’ca, was once again visited by Slovenia’s top food critics, who awarded it two hearts, thus confirming its place as one of the best in the Radol’ca area. The restaurant with rooms is also the holder of the Green Key in Green Cuisine sign as a result of its efforts to operate sustainably.

The Draga Valley is also home to the parkour archery course, which I can highly recommend.

Free guided tours

Special free guided tours of Radovljica, Kropa, Mošnje, Kamna Gorica and Kamen Castle will be held throughout July and August.

In addition to guided tours, from Mondays to Saturdays throughout July and August, half day Hop On and Discover bus tours, run in cooperation with the neighbouring destinations of Tržič, Jesenice and Bled, offer the opportunity to explore more of Radol’ca and the surroundings. The bus trips are free of charge for holders of a Julian Alps: Radovljica benefits card (see below).

Julian Alps: Radovljica benefits card

Discount cards are available free of charge for those staying in partner accommodation in the Radol’ca area for a minimum of three nights. The card is issued by accommodation providers and can be used to take advantage of numerous discounts and other special offers for activities in Radol’ca and the neighbouring destinations.

Iron Forging Festival

The village of Kropa sits nested into the far eastern edge of the Jelovica plateau and is crammed with interesting architecture and preserved technical heritage, which is showcased during the annual Iron Forging Festival. This year’s festival takes place on Saturday 2nd July.

The festival features demonstrations of hand forging of nails in the vigenjc Vice forge, a small local market, open days at the Iron Forging Museum and the Fovšaritnica Museum House, as well as at the headquarters of the company UKO Kropa, which specialises in all manner of wrought iron furnishings and fittings and is keeping the village’s iron-forging tradition alive.

Avsenik Festival

The hugely popular Avsenik Festival attracts lovers of Slovenian folk music from far and wide. This year’s festival takes place over three days from 26th to 28th August.

In addition to the above, there are also other events, such as the annual Radovljica Early Music Festival, Medieval Day and open-air cinema, as well as plentiful water sports, theme and hiking trails and more! Click here to get the full list of summer events.

As you can see, whether your a culture vulture or an adrenalin junkie, there’s something for everyone this summer in Radol’ca!

© Adele in Slovenia

 

The Radovljica Chocolate Festival is Back!

Posted in Adele in Slovenia, ifeelsLOVEnia, Museum of Apiculture Radovljica, Okusi Radol'ce, Radovljica, Radovljica Chocolate Festival, Slovenia blog, Slovenian chocolate, Taste Radol'ca, Tourism Radol'ca, Visit Radol'ca by

After a 2-year COVID-enforced hiatus, next weekend Radovljica will again rightly live up to its destination slogan – Honestly Sweet – with the return of the hugely popular Radovjlica Chocolate Festival!

While Radovljica itself hasn’t changed much in the past couple of years – in a positive way, I mean – there are some changes to the forthcoming festival, so I went along to the press preview this Wednesday to find out all the juicy, or rather chocolatey, details!

The opening event of the festival – the gourmet Three Chefs’ Dinner – takes place on Friday 22nd April at Hiša Linhart in Linhart Square. This year the stars of the show will be three young chefs, mentored by three masterchefs.

The festival itself then kicks off on Saturday 23rd April from 9am to 8pm and continues on Sunday 24th April from 9am to 6pm.

The ‘chocolate’ part of the festival will take place this year in Radovljica’s town park, which is just minutes from the main bus station, so ideal if you plan to visit by public transport (unfortunately, maintenance work will be taking place on the railway line, so this year it won’t be possible to come by train).

Chocolatiers from Slovenia, Croatia and Italy will feature at the festival. Among the chocolates available to try (through the purchase of tasting coupons) and buy will be the winning chocolates from the annual festival ‘Best Praline’ competition, which this year was judged by the owners of the prestigious Zotter chocolate factory in Austria.

And Radovljica has even more reason to be proud, since first place was awarded to the chocolate and buckwheat praline made by the new Radol’ca Chocolate chocolatier!

The new Radovljica chocolate hearts made by the Molinet chocolatier in Kropa will also make their debut at the festival.

Meanwhile, in Linhart Square – the heart of the medieval old town – there will be a jam-packed entertainment programme with something for all the family.

The main highlights of this year’s entertainment programme include cookery workshops (chocolate, of course!), live music and dance performances, a chocolate roulette wheel, a 100kg ‘bar’ of Gorenjka chocolate to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Gorenjska chocolate, stand-up comedy, face-painting, discount entry to the Museum of Apiculture, non-chocolate food from Taste Radol’ca (Hiša Linhart and Gostišče Draga) and more.

Click here to find the full programme for both days.

Hope to see you here in ‘Honestly Sweet’ Radovljica!

© Adele in Slovenia

Autumn Colours and Tastes of Radol’ca

Posted in Adele in Slovenia, Gostilna Kunstelj, ifeelsLOVEnia, Okusi Radol'ce, Radol'ca, Radovljica, Slovenia blog, Slovenian food, Taste Radol'ca, Tourism Radol'ca, Visit Radol'ca by

Radol’ca, like much of the rest of Slovenia, is awash with stunning autumn colours at the moment, so if you get the chance, now is the time to visit and take a drive through the Gorenjska countryside.

This week and next will be the peak of the autumnal colours, as the leaves are dropping at a rate of knots now, so don’t miss out on this short-lived annual spectacular. Autumn is a time of mixed emotions for me; I love it because of the colours and still (usually!) relatively warm weather, but at the same time know that it means winter is on the way!

In addition to stunning colours, autumn is a time of seasonal tastes, and the annual Taste Radol’ca month of local menus, which takes place every November, is another good reason to visit. This Friday 29th October the opening event of this year’s Taste Radol’ca takes place at Vila Podvin in Mošnje, near Radovljica. It begins in the afternoon with a farmers’ market featuring local suppliers and tastings, whilst in the evening the opening dinner will be prepared by Taste Radol’ca chefs and served by waiting staff from all the nine participating restaurants.

The farmers’ market, which will run from 5pm to 7pm, is open to everyone – the more the merrier (though note that you must meet, and be able to prove, that you meet one of the RVT conditions (recovered, vaccinated, tested) – while the five-course opening dinner is a ticket-only event. Contact the Radovljica Tourist Information Centre to enquire about purchasing tickets and to find out more information about what to see and do in autumn in the Radol’ca area.

After the opening event, and right up until the end of November, you will be able to try one (or more!) of the specially prepared menus featuring local ingredients prepared by the talented Taste Radol’ca chefs at: Vila Podvin, Draga Inn, Lectar Inn, Kunstelj Inn, Gostišče Tulipan, Gostilna Avguštin, Gostilna Pr’ Tavčar, Restavracija Center and Restavracija Tabor.

On a side note, albeit still on the same theme, if you haven’t yet got round to visiting Vila Podvin – awarded a Michelin Star in both 2020 and 2021 – you might want to hot foot it there before the end of November (again, don’t forget RVT), when its eight-year chapter of exceptional success draws to a close.

But all is not lost, as one book closes and opens, as the entire Vila Podvin team will be moving to Hotel and Restaurant Linhart in Linhart Square, the heart of the old town of Radovljica, which Uroš and his business partner, Marcela, bought at the start of 2020 as a result of their offer being rejected to purchase the building in which Vila Podvin operated. The hotel, like many other places in Radovljica (Linhart Hall, Linhart Square…) is named after the well-known 18-century Slovenian playwright Anton Tomaž Linhart who lived in the neighbouring house.

So, now is the time to visit AND taste Radol’ca! Hope to see you there, or rather here, soon!

© Adele in Slovenia