Slovenia is a small enchanting country that has long been ranked among popular tourist destinations. It also plays a significant role in the international sustainability community; its destinations and providers are strongly involved in the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism, and consequently, in Green Destinations as well. It captivates visitors with its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional hospitality. In the Slovenian economy, tourism plays a crucial role, contributing to job creation, revenue growth, and the promotion of everything this picturesque land offers. Diverse forms of tourism, such as cultural, natural, adventure, and culinary tourism, allow visitors to delve into various facets of Slovenia.
In this blog post, I'm introducing one of the hidden gems of Slovenian tourism - tourist farms. While not as prominent as bustling cities or the most renowned attractions, these farms possess a unique charm. A visit to a tourist farm embodies both a modern trend and an immersion into rich tradition.
Despite more than half of Slovenians residing in urban areas, Slovenia presents itself as an open landscape (at least at first glance). Slovenian agriculture holds greater emotional than economic significance, as the intertwining of tradition, culture, and nature remains prevalent in rural life. Unfortunately, in recent decades, agriculture has encountered numerous challenges, hence the necessity to seek new means of survival and maintain its role in the modern world. Enter tourist farms - a role ideally suited. This innovative concept merges traditional agricultural activities with tourism.
Tourist farms represent a fusion of rural life and unique experiences for visitors. In doing so, they not only revitalize the economy of local communities but also preserve heritage and tradition while promoting sustainable development. On these farms, guests can immerse themselves in the daily life of a farmer, learn about food production processes, and relish authentic flavors of homemade dishes crafted from fresh ingredients grown on the very farm.
Tourist farms are a form of rural tourism that operates under specific conditions. Four types of farm tourism are distinguished:
Tourist Farm with Accommodation offers guests the opportunity to stay on the farm with provisions for meals or apartment rentals.
Excursion Tourist Farm provides guests with hot and cold meals and beverages.
Wine Cellar (Vinotoč) offers cold snacks, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.
"Osmica" (Temporary Wine Tavern) offers wine, non-alcoholic beverages, three locally characteristic hot dishes, cold snacks, bread, and pastries.
Camping Space as the name suggests, it provides guests with camping facilities on the farm.
These diverse offerings on tourist farms cater to various preferences, making them an integral part of the Slovenian rural tourism experience.
Tourist Farm with Accommodation offers guests the opportunity to stay on the farm with provisions for meals or apartment rentals.
Excursion Tourist Farm provides guests with hot and cold meals and beverages.
Wine Cellar (Vinotoč) offers cold snacks, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.
"Osmica" (Temporary Wine Tavern) offers wine, non-alcoholic beverages, three locally characteristic hot dishes, cold snacks, bread, and pastries.
Camping Space as the name suggests, it provides guests with camping facilities on the farm.
These diverse offerings on tourist farms cater to various preferences, making them an integral part of the Slovenian rural tourism experience.
To visit Slovenian tourist farms, it's necessary to make arrangements in advance. Excursion tourist farms and wine cellars are generally open only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. "Osmice" also follow the tradition dating back to the time of Maria Theresa's monarchy and can be open twice a year for up to ten days.
In the next part of this blog, we will delve into one of these charming excursion farms, which serves as a perfect example of how tradition intertwines with innovation in the welcoming embrace of the Slovenian countryside. Get ready to uncover the secrets offered by this unique farm and to get to know the people and stories behind it. So, let's finally set off to our destination for today!
Koren Farm by Korošec is located along the Maribor Wine Road on Kozjak, in the immediate vicinity of the idyllic village of Gaj nad Mariborom. It's tucked away from the urban hustle and bustle, nestled in the embrace of nature.
We've been visiting this excursion farm for years. They offer both hot and cold dishes along with beverages. On weekends, they serve home-cooked lunches, and during winter, they prepare traditional pig slaughter dishes.
This Sunday, on a wonderfully cloudless summer afternoon, with the temperature soaring above 35º C, we were convinced to find a table under the shade of the walnut tree. As usual, my wife and I craved a local platter and a glass of sweet Muscat wine, brought by the host from their 140-year-old wine cellar. The kids, with their sweet tooth, also opted for a cheese-filled gibanica pastry (though sometimes they prefer apple pie).
Heartwarming hospitality comes naturally to all three generations that consider the Koren Farm their home. Their affection for the well-maintained estate and their welcoming attitude toward visitors deserves admiration. Perhaps their involvement in one of the tourism programs will bring them even greater recognition. In truth, I'd rather see "our farm" remain our secret, but that hasn't been the case for a long time.
The younger members of our family were eager to get better acquainted with the domestic animals, but these had their tasks and paid them no mind.
At the farm we felt so at home that we've already arranged for a visit this autumn, when they'll treat us to roasted chestnuts and new wine. This time as well, we didn't rise from the table until there was nothing left to indulge in. Some even managed to sneak in a nap in between bites ;-)
After all the goodness, it was a bit difficult to set out for a walk. The road to Tojzlov Vrh passes by the farm, so we decided to make it as our own. I console myself with the thought that we admired nature, lamented the aftermath of a natural disaster, and even got in some exercise along the way, since we didn't quite make it to the top ;-)
Izletniška kmetija Koren pri Korošcu, Šober 23, Bresternica, Slovenija
+386 (0)31 735 030, +386 (0)2 656 06 91
[email protected]
https://www.turisticnekmetije.si/kmetija/koren-pri-koroscu