Best Local Cuisine to Try on a Slovenia Hiking Tour

Slovenia is a dream destination for nature lovers. It’s a hiking paradise and for a reason – its multitude of breathtaking hiking trails promise an active escape like no other. Slovenia hiking tours, from Julian Alps to Velika Planina and Triglav National Park will reward you with the incredible sights that will be forever etched in your memory.

But there is another side to Slovenia that’s just as delicious as its nature – its flavourful cuisine.

A Country with a Lot on Its Plate (Pun Intended)

One of the best ways to discover a country is through its culinary traditions. Therefore, hiking tours in Slovenia are a perfect chance to experience not only its beautiful landscapes but also its rich gastronomic heritage. Although every Slovenian region offers its fair share of mouthwatering bites, we’ll focus on the typical dishes you are most likely to come across when hiking in this green Alpine oasis.

Kremna rezina (Bled Cream Cake)

Have you really gotten a taste of Bled if you haven’t tasted their famous cream cake? Its crispy pastry base, a light and fluffy vanilla custard cream, and a thick layer of whipped cream will satisfy even the most demanding gourmand eaters.

Štruklji (Dumplings)

Today, this traditional dish is available in many different versions. Štruklji are essentially rolled dumplings with a variety of delicious stuffings like cottage cheese, walnuts, or tarragon. Some modern versions also include more extravagant fillings and toppings like blueberries, white chocolate, yogurt, coconut, etc. However, in the mountain huts, you’re most likely to come across the more traditional versions of this popular savory dish.

Ajdovi žganci (Buckwheat Spoonbread)

Buckwheat spoonbread is often served with cracklings or sour milk. This traditional delicacy is a classic in mountain huts across the Slovenia highlands. It is not only insanely tasty but will provide you with carbs needed for endurance on your hiking expeditions.

Kranjska klobasa (Carniolan Sausage)

Another Slovenian favorite is Kranjska klobasa – Carniolan sausage, a delicious and protein-rich culinary delight that originates from the Gorenjska region and is one of Slovenia’s most distinctive culinary items. This famous sausage was first mentioned in the year 1896 and is one of the European Union’s protected agricultural products.

Ričet (Barley Stew)

If you’re looking for a warm and hearty meal, ričet is your best bet. This cooked barley porridge or stew is enriched with beans, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. For those who want to add an extra flavor, you can opt for a non-vegetarian option with smoked pork or sausage. Ričet is commonly served in mountain huts and is a perfect meal to help you refuel after a long hike.

Potica
If you visit Slovenia in time for the Easter holidays, don’t miss your chance to try potica. Potica is a spiral-shaped rolled pastry made from stretched dough and filled with different fillings – most often rich walnut mixture, but also with hazelnuts, cottage cheese, poppy seeds, tarragon, and walnuts with raisins. This traditional Slovenian dessert is commonly enjoyed during Easter and Christmas gatherings.

Enhance Your Slovenia Hiking Tour With an Authentic Culinary Experience

If your appetite for savory bites is just as strong as your appetite for adventure, Slovenia won’t disappoint you. For foodies who are looking to explore the rich Slovenian culinary scene even further, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can create a custom itinerary for you that will include some of the best foodie spots in Slovenia.

Savory Dishes:

1. Štruklji – Traditional rolled dumplings filled with cottage cheese, walnuts, or tarragon. Great for energy!
2. Jota - Hearty stew made with sauerkraut, beans, potatoes, and sometimes pork—perfect for warming up after a long hike.
3. Kranjska Klobasa - Carniolan sausage, a delicious and protein-rich snack to enjoy on the trail.
4. Ajdovi Žganci - Buckwheat spoonbread, often served with cracklings or sour milk, providing carbs for endurance.
5. Prekmurska Gibanica - A layered pastry filled with poppy seeds, cottage cheese, walnuts, and apples—great for a sweet energy boost.
6. Pohorski Pisker - A mountain stew from the Pohorje region, combining meat, potatoes, and vegetables, ideal after a strenuous hike.

Quick & Portable Snacks:

1. Potica - A rolled nut cake, easy to carry and packed with calories.
2. Belokranjska Pogača - A type of Slovenian flatbread, excellent with cheese or cured meats.
3. Medeni Keksi - Honey cookies, providing a natural sugar boost for energy.
4. Planinski Čaj - Mountain herbal tea, a refreshing and traditional Slovenian drink after a long trek.

Would you like recommendations based on specific regions in Slovenia? 😊