The Republic of Slovenia is located in southern Central Europe. It is part of the European Union. Ljubljana, the proposed host city lies in the center of Slovenia, which is known for its diverse landscape and nature.
Both its residents and numerous visitors perceive Ljubljana as a city built on a human scale. Despite the fact that it ranks among the mid-sized European cities, it has preserved its small-town friendliness and, at the same time, has everything that all the larger capitals have.
European Green Capital
Ljubljana was the European Green Capital 2016. It is a city with a green soul and a sustainable vision of development. It has excellently preserved green spaces and nature even in the heart of the city centre.
Modern services
Free Wi-Fi
The WiFree Ljubljana wireless network allows visitors to Ljubljana city centre to use free wireless internet for up to 60 minutes a day. The holders of the Ljubljana Tourist Card can enjoy 24-hour free access to the WiFree Ljubljana network.
BicikeLJ
The BicikeLJ bicycle-sharing system offers hiring bikes from self-service terminals located across the wider Ljubljana city center. Hiring of BicikeLJ bikes is free of charge if you return a hired bicycle to the nearest docking station within an hour.
Kavalir
Ljubljana’s four electric-powered vehicles named “Kavalir” (eng. gentleman) are a free city centre public transport option friendly both to people and the environment. Kavalirs run around the pedestrianized historical city center at a speed slow enough to allow you to hail them anywhere on the street.
Clean drinking water
Ljubljana is a city which can be proud of its clean drinking water. While rambling the streets of Ljubljana, you can quench your thirst for free at public drinking fountains, which operate from April to October.
Car sharing
Several car sharing systems with their vast fleet of electrical vehicles is available throughout Ljubljana. Some also have a drop-off/pick-up location at the Ljubljana airport.
Electric scooters
Electric scooters and electric bicycle hiring systems are becoming very popular in Ljubljana as an affordable and green transportation around the city.
Safety
Slovenia is one of the safest countries in the world. It is safe to walk anywhere in Ljubljana at any time of the day and night. At worst, there are occasional incidents of purse snatching and pickpocketing in the tourist areas, but even these occur at a much lower rate than in other capital cities.
Summer festivals
Ljubljana is well known for its rich offering of festivals, which contribute significantly to the cultural life of Ljubljana in the summer. The festivals offer a rich program of concert, opera, and ballet events, featuring internationally renowned artists, including some of the world’s most recognised names in music and performing arts. Festival events are held at a number of venues in Ljubljana and its surrounding areas and the majority of them are free to attend.
We have already arranged with one of the concert organizers to hold the majority of its free concerts to coincide with the ESSAI & ACAI school. This will provide our attendees with additional opportunities for cultural experiences.
Tours
Slovenia, albeit only spanning 20,273 sq. km, is very geographically varied, from the seaside in the south, the Karst region with vast UNESCO-protected underground caves, the Alps (highest peak Triglav; 2,864m) and idyllic mountainous lakes in the north, to the Pannonian plains in the northwest. Ljubljana is located in the very middle of the country and tours from Ljubljana offer different and interesting possibilities, at most an hour’s drive away. The country has a rich history and boasts an array of medieval castles scattered across it.
A list of recommended tours can be found on page excursions.
