Green guidance

Extensive green areas, high-quality water resources, pedestrian zones, support for the local economy, and an inclusive and welcoming urban environment all help create a city where quality of life, care for the environment and people’s well-being are closely interconnected. At Ljubljana Tourism, we are committed to preserving and developing the city as an attractive, green and environmentally friendly destination that offers residents a high quality of life while remaining welcoming to visitors.

By following the simple guidelines below, you help us preserve and shape Ljubljana as a green city for the future.

Ljubljana is a city where nature and urban life are seamlessly intertwined. Green spaces, the Ljubljanica River, tree-lined streets, and vibrant public areas create an environment where the quality of life for residents always comes first. Nature is woven into everyday life here – from urban forests and riverbanks to parks, meadows and quieter green corners that offer space to relax, play, explore or simply enjoy a moment of silence.

This unique blend of urban and natural environments is not something to be taken for granted. To preserve its beauty and harmony, we encourage everyone to experience nature thoughtfully: stay on marked paths, dispose of waste responsibly, and observe nature without disturbing it. 

Your sustainable experience can begin even before you arrive in Ljubljana. Travelling by train or coach produces significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions than travelling by car or plane. Even if you arrive by air, you can choose airlines that actively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment for the city.

When exploring Ljubljana, sustainable mobility plays a key role. The city centre is designed for people and pedestrians. One of the largest pedestrian zones in Europe allows for pleasant walks and the discovery of countless corners in the historic centre. You can also take advantage of the city’s bike-sharing system and well-maintained cycling routes, public transport, or shared electric vehicles such as Kavalir, the free electric vehicle service, and Urban, the tourist road train. Holders of the Ljubljana Card for tourists can use the city bus network LPP free of charge, while environmentally friendly mobility options also include electric car sharing through Avant2Go.

Every choice that reduces car use contributes to less noise, lower emissions, and a more pleasant urban environment, while also allowing visitors to experience the city in a more authentic way.

Natural resources are not unlimited, and climate change is already affecting water availability, ecosystems and quality of life. Visitors can help preserve these resources through simple everyday choices: use reusable bottles and drink tap water or water from public drinking fountains (available from April to October), of which there are more than 60 throughout the city.

Separate waste and dispose of it at the appropriate recycling points or bins. Save energy and water during your stay as well: take short showers instead of baths, decline daily towel and linen changes, and reduce your use of single-use plastics. Small actions, such as using reusable shopping bags, refilling your own water bottle, or ordering drinks without a straw, allow every visitor to contribute directly to the city’s sustainable development.

Ljubljana was the first European capital to commit to a Zero Waste strategy and today achieves one of the highest rates of separate waste collection in Europe. The city continues to develop projects for the continued implementation of this strategy thereby reducing waste and promoting the circular use of resources, including in tourism.

Every small action counts – by using natural resources prudently, we help keep Ljubljana green, welcoming and sustainable for future generations.

Sustainable tourism also means supporting the people who live, work and create in Ljubljana. By choosing locally produced food and products, you support the local economy while reducing the environmental impact of transportation. Taste the flavours of Ljubljana, which celebrate local gastronomy and the use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Visit markets, restaurants and events with a distinctly local character, and choose accommodation with sustainability certifications.

The city also offers a rich creative scene shaped by local artists and craftspeople. You can elevate your experience by purchasing unique products made by Ljubljana creators, visiting creative handicraft workshops, or exploring the city’s cultural quarters, where art and everyday life perfectly complement one another.

Ljubljana is also known for its lively atmosphere and numerous free events in public spaces, which bring the streets and squares to life throughout the year. These events give the city its distinctive sense of openness and creativity while allowing visitors to experience the authentic heartbeat of the city.

By choosing such activities and providers, you support local creators, preserve the authentic character of the city and contribute to Ljubljana’s sustainable development. At the same time, every visit becomes a more meaningful experience that brings people together.

Climate change also affects cities. Summer temperatures are rising, and the number of hot days is increasing. At the same time, milder winters and pleasant spring and autumn weather are extending the urban tourism season throughout the year.

Ljubljana is a signatory of the European Mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities and aims to become carbon neutral by 2030. This includes the introduction of sustainable mobility, improved energy efficiency and the implementation of green solutions. During your visit, you are invited to stop by the Mission 100 Info Point.

You can be part of the solution as a visitor. Through well-considered choices about how you travel, move around the city, and use energy and water, you help keep Ljubljana green, healthy, and pleasant both to live in and to visit.

During the warmer months, choose to spend time in the city’s many green spaces, which Ljubljana has in abundance. Ljubljana boasts more than 542 m² of green areas per resident, offering opportunities to connect with nature almost directly from the city centre. Among the most recognisable green landmarks are the expansive Tivoli Park, as well as Rožnik and Šišenski hrib, forested hills rising from the heart of the city. Another highlight is the Path of Remembrance and Comradeship, a recreational trail lined with more than 7,000 trees that encircles Ljubljana. Just a few kilometres from the centre lies the Ljubljana Marshes, a marsh renowned for its exceptional biodiversity.

The Bee Path is also a distinctive feature of the city, which highlights Ljubljana’s rich tradition of urban beekeeping and its commitment to protecting pollinators. You can also venture into the Central Slovenia region, which offers numerous opportunities to spend time in nature.

When planning outdoor activities during warmer periods, consider heading out in the early morning or evening, stay in the shade and make sure to drink enough water.

Ljubljana is an attractive destination throughout the year. Visiting outside the peak season offers more pleasant temperatures and a rich programme of events – including November Gourmet Ljubljana in autumn and LUV Fest in winter – while also contributing to a more balanced and climate-friendly development of tourism.

Ljubljana is an accessible and inclusive city. An increasing number of public spaces are being adapted for people with reduced mobility, while city buses are designed to allow easier access for wheelchair users. The city is continuously and systematically improving conditions that enable independent and safe movement for all residents and visitors.

On the Tourism Ljubljana website, visitors can easily find accessible accommodation, attractions and services for people with reduced mobility, as well as for blind and partially sighted visitors and for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors.

Ljubljana is also recognised as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination. With an open, respectful, and inclusive attitude, we can all create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone.