Radovljica
Anton Janša's 1747 birthplace celebrates World Bee Day; museum holds world's largest painted beehive panel collection, UNESCO-nominated folk art.
Radovljica is where Slovenia learned to keep bees. Anton Janša, born here in 1747, became the first teacher of beekeeping at the Habsburg imperial court in Vienna. His birthday—May 20—is now World Bee Day, an international recognition that Slovenia championed. The Apiculture Museum, opened in 1959, holds the world's largest collection of painted beehive panels—folk art unique to Slovenia, proposed for UNESCO intangible heritage status.
The Carniolan grey bee (Apis mellifera carnica) is autochthonous here, meaning no other species can legally be kept in Slovenia. This protection preserves genetic distinctiveness: a bee adapted to Alpine climate, gentle temperament prized by beekeepers worldwide. Four of every thousand Slovenians practice beekeeping—a density that makes the nation a genuine apicultural power. Over 80% of honey sells directly to households; each Slovene consumes about 1.4 kilograms annually.
Apitourism has emerged as the next evolution. "Sweet Radovljica" brands the municipality's honey cuisine and beekeeping experiences. The "Bee Our Guest" project coordinates with Bled, Bohinj, and neighboring municipalities to offer visitors immersion in traditions that predate industrial agriculture.
By 2026, Radovljica will likely deepen its identity as Slovenia's beekeeping capital—a niche that simultaneously preserves tradition and generates tourism revenue. What Anton Janša codified 250 years ago now markets itself to visitors seeking authenticity. The bees continue their work regardless.