Readers selected the most popular local hospitality providers and tourist experiences, cultural events, as well as designers, shops, and services in the international Best of Local 2026 selection.
This year’s edition was record-breaking, with 150,528 valid votes cast. Votes were given to 500 selected locations and experiences from across Slovenia, divided into seven main categories and 51 subcategories for Slovenia.
Who are the winners in each category? You can find them listed at the end of the article.
Media and Expert Selection of Best of Local Slovenia Finalists
The Best of Local 2026 Award represents public trust and has been awarded for the 15th consecutive year. The project is organized by media outlets led by the independent media house The Slovenia, in cooperation with the international media In Your Pocket, and supported by Žurnal24, MojaObčina.si, Moji Mediji, Marketing Magazin, Hey Slovenia, and others.
The selection process is based on nominations by locals, professional associations, and media. These nominations are reviewed by the editorial team, which selects finalists in each category. A key element of credibility is public voting, where readers choose among 10 finalists and identify their favorite local providers.
This demanding project included a review of 682 finalists, divided into 7 categories and 62 international subcategories.
The selection was professionally supported by: The Slovenian Museum Association (SMS), DGISS – Association of Private Galleries, the Association of Tourist Farms, the Association of Farm Cheese Makers, the Specialty Coffee Association, Shoptok, Slovenika, Mladinska knjiga, Galarna, CZK – Made in Slovenia, Chocolarium Chocolate Museum, LJFW, Izvorno Slovensko, and Hey Slovenia Patrol.
For 15 years, Best of Local awards and entrance labels have served as trusted signposts for both local and international visitors—initially in Ljubljana and now across Slovenia. All 500 selected providers are also featured in the annual exclusive printed Best of Local Yearbook, distributed free of charge at 100 premium locations.
Award Ceremony at Alpe Adria and GASTexpo Fair
The Best of Local 2026 Award Ceremony took place on February 4, 2026, at the Gospodarsko razstavišče Exhibition Centre, during the Alpe Adria and GASTexpo fairs. In addition to the winners, the organizers presented highlights from 15 years of selections, the methodology, and project partners.
More than 350 guests applauded the winners in an electric atmosphere. The evening concluded with a toast to a successful year ahead, adding a warm and authentic touch to the event.
Best of Local Slovenia 2026 – Winners
Who are the favorites chosen by readers and awarded the BEST OF LOCAL 2026 title?
SPEAKER SLOVENIA
Best Speaker of the Year 2026: Marko Podgornik Verdev
TRAVEL EXPERIENCE SLOVENIA
Best Family Trips: Arboretum Volčji Potok
Best Weekend Getaway Destination: Soča Valley
Best “Hidden Gem” Destination: Mozirje
Best Outdoor Activity: Velika Planina
Best Indoor Fun: Vulkanija
Best Events: Planica
Best Boutique Luxury Accommodation: Gjerkeš Estate
Best Health & Beauty: Wellness Krka
Best Getting Around: Slovenian Railways
Best Beautiful Viewpoint: Triglav National Park, Lake Jasna
SLOVENIA SHOPPING
Best Brands to Feel Slovenia: Radenska Mineral Water
Best Gifts from Slovenia (by Slovenika): Hand-harvested Piran Salt
Best Shopping Centers: Supernova Rudnik
Best Slovenian Online Shops (powered by Shoptok.si): Mimovrste.si
Best Designers – Made in Slovenia (Center for Creativity/MAO): Darja Malešič
Best Real Estate Agency: Stoja Trade
Best Gift Shops: Židana Marela
Best New Shops: Pri Zmaju
Best Ljubljana City Shopping: Limittted Sneaker Boutique
Best Fashion Designers (by LJFW): Draž
SLOVENIA CULTURE
Best Cultural Festivals: Festival Ljubljana
Best Slovenian Book (by Slovenika, Mladinska knjiga & Galarna): Bronja Žakelj – “White Wash at Ninety”
Best New Exhibitions & Experiences (Slovenian Museum Association): Baroque in Slovenia
Best Museums: Technical Museum of Slovenia
Best Unique Museums & Galleries: Plečnik House
Best Unique Castle Experience: Snežnik Castle
Best Private Galleries (DGISS): Galerija Fotografija
Best Theatres & Opera: Slovene National Theatre Opera and Ballet Ljubljana
Best Cultural Family Experience & Events: Museum Night
Best UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Beekeeping in Slovenia – A Way of Life
SLOVENIA FOOD & DRINKS
Best Gastronomic Events & Festivals: Odprta Kuhna
Best Traditional Gostilna (Local Cuisine): Gostilna pri Lipi
Best Tourist Farm (Association of Tourist Farms of Slovenia): Firbas
Best Street Food (Hey Slovenia Patrol): Olimpija Burek
Best Food & Drink Experience: Wine Fountain
Best Cheese (Association of Slovene Farm Cheese Makers): Ekološka turistična kmetija Pri Lovrču
Best Chocolate (Chocolarium Chocolate Museum): Teta Frida Chocolate
Best Artisanal Local Brands: Soča Valley Finest
Best Craft Brewery: Pelicon
Best Specialty Coffee Roasters (Slovenia Specialty Coffee Association): Escobar
LJUBLJANA FOOD & DRINKS
Best Slovenian Food: Hiša pod Gradom
Best Michelin-Awarded Restaurant: AFTR, Chef Jorg Zupan
