Shopping in Slovenia: Traditional Slovenian Crafts

Slovenian Crafts - Bee Hive Boards

Every country has its array of traditional items, which every tourist must consider buying, from the local tipple to nationally recognised handicrafts. When it comes to such purchases, the visitor to Slovenia is spoiled for choice. Slovenia offers a wide range of gifts and crafts, many coming from the bee keeping and forestry industries.

Most items are available from the great many tourist shops present in Slovenia however, better examples are usually available and at a lower cost from markets and specialist craft shops.

Food Gifts From Slovenia

Defining the food and cuisines of Slovenia is somewhat difficult, if only because of the vast number of outside influences upon the country. Here are some items however, which have a district association with Slovenia:

Honey – Slovenia is famous for its bee keeping industry, the primary product being a high quality honey. The best flavoured honey comes from the Pine forests and has a unique flavour and scent. The best specimens are sold by market traders, where one can sample before making a purchase.

Medenjaki – These are traditional Slovenian honey cakes, they usually come in a heart shape and are often given as gifts.

Slovenian Wine – If visiting Slovenia be sure to sample some of the local wine. Slovenian wine, although becoming more popular is relatively rare outside of the country. Look out for sparkling wines from the Goriska-Brda region. The best wines are usually white and made as single varietal bottles.

Handicrafts From Slovenia

Beehive Panels – Traditionally beekeepers in Slovenia have painted various motifs and images on the front panels of their beehives. Over time this has lead to the development of a form of folk art depicting various fables and traditional country activities. Today, the panels are produced as gifts for tourist and are available in range of qualities, from the distinctly touristy to some very high quality folk art specimens.

Wax Candles – Bees wax is the other product of the traditional bee keeping industry. Not surprisingly a range of traditional candles are available, from the plain rolled candle with a honeycomb texture, to elaborate figurines, almost too artistic to use.

Wood Shavings – Timber is another key product of the traditional Slovenian economy however, not all of it ends up in furniture or being made into wine barrels. A significant form of folk art has grown up using wood shavings to make everything from bookmarks to collage style pictures.