The story of Slovenia is also the story of its people, their customs and habits. If you are a foreigner frequently visiting Slovenia, or maybe even living here, you might have already learned about the way Slovenians do certain things and live their lives. Some of their habits you might find interesting and some maybe odd, depending on where you are from.
However, here are 5 Slovene habits people of other nations might find strange or funny!
1. Spending holidays on the Croatian coast – season after season
Slovenia shares land borders with four countries, one of which is Croatia (the other three are Hungary, Austria and Italy). Croatia’s 1,800 km coastline, with its islands and turquoise Adriatic, is well established on the holiday scene. So it’s Italy’s.
Yet, most Slovenes choose to spend their summer vacations – year after year – in Croatia.
Most Slovenes don’t mind waiting for hours in line of cars at 35 degrees Celsius to cross the border with Croatia. They are not even put off by high prices of the accommodation (in many cases higher than in Italian, Spanish, Portuguese etc. resorts). Even the fact that often they feel undervalued and neglected as tourists in Croatia comparing to German, British, Dutch and other tourists won’t make them change their holiday plans for next year.
Who wouldn’t like to have neighbours like this, right!
Piran: Slovenia has its own coast. Tiny, but pretty!
2. Having a closet full of slippers
If you are from Slovenia, it is very likely that you have at least dozen pairs of slippers in your closet – different sizes, colours and patterns. Many foreigners find this very odd and at the same time amusing. But Slovenes are serious about it. They don’t like to have their feet cold or their carpets dirty. Therefore, they expect their guests to have the same attitude about this.
Entering the house with shoes on is not common in Slovenia. Guests are expected to take their shoes off and there’s no room to argue about it.
3. The importance of having a good car
It wouldn’t be an instance of exaggerating to say that for majority of Slovenes a car is more than just a car. It is a kind of status symbol, far more than »only« means of transportation.
Ficho (Zastava 750) is the museum relic. Now Slovenes go more for German brands such as Audi, BMW or Mercedes.
The relationship between a Slovene and his or her car is in fact a very interesting point to explore. When spring begins you will see tons of people out cycling, rollerblading, running or hiking. It’s like they all do mountaineering. Still, to most Slovenes it is beyond imagination to have to run errands in town on foot or have to walk some small distances, let alone to use means of public transportation.
For being able to afford their ”steel horse”, many people in Slovenia decide for cost-saving measures. The most popular are German brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Volkswagen.
4. Watching skiing and ski jumping on TV whole winter
Slovenia is home to some of the best-value skiing in the Alps. The majestic mountain peaks of the Julian Alps surround several small, picturesque ski resorts. Therefore, it is not surprising Slovenia is home to some of the world’s best winter sportswomen and sportsmen. Every winter when either skiing or ski jumping competitions are on, Slovenes are cheering them in front of TV’s all through the winter season.
Knowing any of the names of Slovene skiing or ski jumping champions will take you far into the hearts of Slovenes.
So, after you have heard about the hiking and mountaineering mentality in Slovenia, this last one might not come as such a huge surprise to you. If you are a true Slovene, you have to climb Mt. Triglav, which is the highest peak in the country – at least once in your life time.
To be honest, this is indeed a true and stunning life adventure. In Slovenia we tend to think this tradition confirms our national identity and love to our country – which our ancestors were dreaming about for long centuries.
Mt. Triglav (2,863 m) is a national symbol of Slovenia!
