Radovljica: Culture, Crafts and Trails

If you’re looking for a hotel in Radovljica, you can plan your stay around the things that interest you: beekeeping history, architecture, crafts or outdoor activities. The town’s cultural character includes museums, historic buildings and traditional gingerbread hearts. An annual chocolate festival, as well as opportunities for hiking and cycling, round out these highlights.

Culture, History and Crafts

A viewpoint at the end of Linhart Square offers views across the Sava Valley and the Julian Alps. St Peter’s Church is an outstanding example of a Gothic hall church. Its distinctive features include intricately designed vaults, an angel star and a black marble altar. Radovljica’s town moat also stands out for its state of preservation: it is the only preserved town moat in Slovenia.

Since 1959, the Beekeeping Museum has showcased the heritage of Slovenian beekeeping. The permanent exhibition at the Radovljica Municipal Museum focuses on a different period in history: the Enlightenment and Anton Tomaž Linhart’s rebellious spirit. If these subjects interest you, the two museums offer different perspectives on beekeeping traditions and intellectual history.

The ground floor of Šivec House hosts exhibitions of works by Slovenian and international visual artists. The Lectar Workshop focuses on gingerbread making: visitors can see historic tools, old baking and decorating equipment, and gingerbread products that are several decades old. The workshop organises traditional gingerbread heart-making sessions for groups of all sizes by prior arrangement. Magušar House showcases the pottery tradition of the Gorenjska region. Together, these venues present distinct cultural themes: art exhibitions, gingerbread making and regional pottery.

Festival and Experiences

The Radovljica Chocolate Festival takes place every year in April and lasts three days. It features tastings and an accompanying programme. Check the exact dates and programme before you travel so your plans fit the festival dates for that year.

“Follow a bee through Radovljica” is an interactive family experience with educational and creative activities about bees. Information about the booklet and participation may change; check these details in advance. A guided tour of Radovljica’s old town visits the Gothic tavern, the Edith Stein Chapel and the Baroque Hall in Radovljiška graščina. The tour is available by prior arrangement.

Hiking and Cycling

The fourth stage of the Juliana Trail runs from Begunje na Gorenjskem through Radovljica to Bled. As route details may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before setting out. There are also hiking trails in the area around Radovljica that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Conditions on individual trails may vary by season, so take this into account when planning.

Radovljica is a starting point for cycling tours that follow side roads through the countryside and traditional villages to castles and churches. Signposting and mapped routes may change, so it’s worth checking the relevant information before your ride. The options described can thus be distinguished by the type of activity: a stage with named start and end points, hiking trails in the surrounding area, or cycling tours through countryside and villages.

Discover more destinations: Studor v Bohinju, Jereka, Lesce, Ljubno, Srednja Vas, Bohinjsko jezero, Nemški Rovt, Brezje.

Go to the main travel overview: Radovljica.