6 unmissable experiences at Ljubljana's LUV Fest
Art installations, love-themed exhibitions and romantic tours of the old town are just some of the experiences that await in the Slovenian capital's celebration of love.
Each year, Ljubljana's LUV Fest celebrates love in all its guises — whether it's romantic affection, the love between good friends, a passion for the arts, an appreciation for great food or the deep connection many have with nature. The festival also celebrates the beauty of Ljubljana itself — the Slovenian capital with no shortage of charm.
In 2024, LUV Fest will begin on 8 February, coinciding with Prešeren Day — a public holiday in Slovenia in honour of one of the country’s greatest poets, France Prešeren. It continues through to 12 March, which is St Gregory’s Day — also known as the Slovenian Valentine’s Day, which also traditionally marks the onset of spring.
This period is one of the quietest times of the year in Ljubljana, with fewer visitors, meaning it's an ideal time to go to have the city almost to yourself, and discover its hidden nooks and riverside haunts. With various events planned to coincide with LUV Fest, it is the perfect time to go with your friends, your family or your significant other.
1. Take a love-themed guided tour
Start your exploration of Ljubljana during LUV Fest with a love-themed guided tour of the enchanting city — taking in the splendid Ljubljana Castle on the hilltop, the banks of the Ljubljanica River and the cobbled streets and squares of the old town. As you wander, you’ll hear local love stories, both requited and otherwise, that are said to have taken place in these locations over the years. Later, take a stroll in the beautiful swathe of green that is Tivoli Park, or enjoy a romantic tour of the city from a boat ride on the river with a glass of sparkling wine in hand.
2. Get creative with a workshop
During LUV Fest, you’ll find several creative workshops in Ljubljana. These include jewellery-making classes led by a master jeweller, who’ll guide you through designing, forging and finishing your own silver rings. Alternatively, try your hand at a pottery workshop for two, during which you'll learn about the region’s ceramic traditions and create a cup together on the wheel using locally sourced clay.
Throughout the city, you’ll also discover captivating art installations and romantic photo spots, such as the ‘love locks’ on The Butchers’ Bridge and the ramparts of Ljubljana Castle. Ljubljana’s museums and galleries also embrace the theme of love, with many offering insightful commentaries and special events. The City Museum of Ljubljana will be offering a guided tour, exploring the millennia-long history of love stories about those living in the city.
3. Dance the night away
Ljubljana Castle is a fantastic year-round destination. But during LUV Fest it will become an even more enchanting spot, as visitors can attend a jazz concert held in the castle's Rock Hall. For more dancing and celebrations, head to The Festival Hall for a Valentine's Dance, where you can expect jives, sambas and tangos. Or alternatively, book tickets to the Kizz Kiss Festival at The Grand Hotel Union, where you can take part in dances and workshops.
4. Indulge in the local street food
Ask a local what defines Ljubljana, and food will inevitably appear somewhere in their answer. This city loves its food, and is home to a huge market, culinary festivals and many fantastic places to eat, from street-food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Just as LUV Fest ends, stay a little longer and you can also enjoy the Ljubljana Open Kitchen which begins in March — with a celebration of street food and delicious local produce. Here you can tuck into Slovenian classics such as štruklji at one of the many food stalls every Friday between March and October.
5. Get active in the great outdoors
The wider Ljubljana region offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. So if you feel like a longer stroll than one in Tivoli Park, try exploring the Ljubljana Marshes to the south of the city — a nature park made up of unique meadows and fields, with an interesting history.
You can also venture to the mountain pastures at Velika Planina, near the town of Kamnik, to enjoy skiing, snowshoeing and other winter activities. Alternatively, if your goal is to simply indulge in some relaxation, book the romantic package at the Terme Snovik, the country’s highest-altitude spa, just 19 miles from the capital.
6. Be part of local traditions
The penultimate day of LUV Fest culminates with one of its most captivating moments — the tradition of releasing candles on little rafts into the Gradaščica and watching them drift down the river in a beautiful display of floating lights, welcoming the arrival of spring. Children have the opportunity to join a workshop where they can build their own biodegradable float specifically for the event.
Three more events in Ljubljana to enjoy in 2024
1. Ljubljana Festival
Ljubljana’s leading summer event has an impressive programme of opera, ballet, and musical performances. Every year, the festival has a line-up of world-renowned performers, placing Ljubljana on the map as a globally recognised cultural and arts destination. Running from June to September, the international event will host more than 4,000 artists from over 40 countries.
2. November Gourmet Ljubljana
A month-long celebration of Ljubljana’s culinary excellence, visitors to November Gourmet Ljubljana will be able to taste a range of traditional dishes with an innovative twist, revived by some of Slovenia’s best chefs. Eventgoers can join tastings, attend workshops, and participate in guided tours, including the Yummy Market Walk and the Ljubljana Beer Experience.
3. December in Ljubljana
Every December, Ljubljana is home to a wintery wonderland celebrating the magic of Christmas. Visitors can head to the enchanting Christmas fair and join in on a range of free events, including a spectacular Christmas light display and musical performances from Slovenian artists. The festival culminates in the main square’s New Year’s Eve celebrations complete with a fireworks display.
British Airways, EasyJet and Wizz Air all operate direct flights to Ljubljana from the UK, and buses run between the airport and the city centre. Ljubljana is also well connected by rail with many other European cities. For more information, go to visitljubljana.com
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