Under the auspices of the “Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism”, we implement green policies and create green experiences. The SLOVENIA GREEN certificate, which is a promise of a green future, is also awarded under this national program. From the green nature to green-minded people who create Slovenian tourism, we wish to host green-minded tourists.

GREEN GUIDELINES FOR YOUR VISIT TO THE DESTINATION PODČETRTEK

Slovenia is a country telling a green story. Everywhere you look, everything is green and the destination Podčetrtek is no different. Untouched green nature encourages us to act responsibly and protectively.

Under the auspices of the “Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism”, we implement green policies and create green experiences. The SLOVENIA GREEN certificate, which is a promise of a green future, is also awarded under this national program. From the green nature to green-minded people who create Slovenian tourism, we wish to host green-minded tourists.

How can you as a visitor contribute to improving sustainability and reinforce the promise made by the SLOVENIA GREEN brand?

Through awareness that your actions affect the environment, the local community and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. Through following the “Green Guidelines”, you contribute to reducing the negative impact of tourism and help strengthen the reputation of the SLOVENIA GREEN brand. Through feeling the “green” before coming to Slovenia and to Podčetrtek.

• Visiting one of the greenest destinations on the planet is a responsible decision. According to the Green Destinations standards, Slovenia is the first comprehensively assessed green country. And the destination Podčetrtek is also the recipient of the Slovenia Green certificate. Try to learn as much as possible about Slovenia and Podčetrtek and the traditions here. Get to know Slovenia and Podčetrtek before you arrive.
• Arrive by train or bus or choose an airline that invests in programmes for carbon footprint reduction.
• Enrich your holiday with the green – choose a green provider for your stay!
• Book your holiday in an accommodation with an international and national Slovenia Green certificate. In Podčetrtek, such are Apartments Ortenia, where they strive for sustainable operation; they are responsible in how they handle waste water, waste and energy. They mostly employ locals who will be happy to share a local story or two with you.

Green travel – Nature and landscape

• Visit the green natural parks of Slovenia and hike through the green hills and valleys of the destination Podčetrtek. Visit the Kozjansko Regional Park, where the diversity of flora and fauna awaits and is part of the Natura 2000 project.
• Instead of going by car, explore Slovenia by train or by bike. Rent a bike and ride it to the nearest destinations, Rogaška Slatina and Podčetrtek. There are as many as 35 km of marked and arranged cycling routes in the destination.
• Slovenia is perfect for leisurely exploration, there is a network of over 11,000 km of marked hiking trails. Destination Podčetrtek is a hiker’s paradise, as most of the trails are marked and arranged. Visit the thematic routes of the destination, from Emma’s Thematic Route to the Educational Trail to the Podsreda Castle.
• Show your affection to your loved ones in a way other than by treading on grass or picking a flower. Wild flowering meadows are pastures for indigenous Slovenian bees, as Slovenia is a country most dedicated to bees in the world. Visit the Podčetrtek Tourist Information Centre where the friendly guides will hint you about the hidden spots of Podčetrtek with gorgeous views of Podčetrtek that in no way interfere with the environment.

Environment and climate

• Feel Slovenia and Podčetrtek as a green outdoor home. Together we can keep it clean and tidy. Make sure you separate your waste and dispose of it in places accessible to municipal care. When hiking in the hills and mountains, take your trash with you to the valley.
• Water is clean and drinkable everywhere in Slovenia, as the right to clean drinking water is enshrined in the constitution. We recommend you buy a flask suitable for multiple filling in Slovenia, as you can fill it up with clean drinking water at every step.
• Help us maintain the richness of water resources by opting for a quick shower instead of taking a bath and by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth.
• Help contribute to energy saving by reusing towels or bed linen.
• Choose soaps, cosmetic and other cleaning products that are environmentally friendly and do not harm nature or its sensitive ecosystems.
• Even if your bottles of cosmetics are almost empty, use it up and take it home with you.
• If a device breaks down or your battery runs out during your trip, take it to a special dedicated bin.
• Let the environment and nature pick up their signals. Unplug all electronic and other devices whenever possible.

  Culture and tradition

• Over the millennia, the Slovene language has helped preserve Slovene culture and sovereignty. Try to learn a few basic words and phrases that will put a smile on the face of your Slovenian hosts all over the country. (Hello = Dober dan; Thank you = Hvala; How are you = Kako si/ste; That is so good = To je zelo dobro).
• Buy locally, in local shops with Slovenian products and crops. In Podčetrtek, local products are available at the Podčetrtek Tourist Information Centre, the Pekarna pod Gradom bakery and directly at other tourist providers listed in the tourist guide. Here you can choose between home-made arts and crafts that reveal the knowledge and skill of traditional production, and discover the taste of domesticity is captured in the countryside produce and delicacies. All goodies and products possess the noble message of our ancestors and the domestic environment and make up a suitable gift for your relatives and friends.
• Taste the cuisine of Podčetrtek with local destination providers who draw their inspiration from nature and its treats.
• Local guides will bring Slovenian culture closer to you, as they know all 4 seasons inside out, and even the 5th, the year-round time of cultural experiences and events. Get in touch with local guides at the Podčetrtek Tourist Information Centre, where they will help you choose the most suitable experience and guide for you.
• Visit traditional events that will bring you closer to Slovenian habits, traditions and customs. Visit the Festival of wine and chocolate in Podčetrtek and the Kozjansko Apple Festival, the latter being the largest ecological event in Slovenia.
• Keep the green Slovenia and Podčetrtek in your heart.
• The handiwork of local artists is the most beautiful souvenir. Get yours at the Podčetrtek TIC or from one of the providers.
• Share your positive experiences with friends and help us spread the green mind-set.
• Share your experiences in Slovenia, use #ifeelsLOVEnia and #visitpodcetrtek
• Open your heart to green habits and practice them at home as well.