Stow Coffee's Insider Guide to Ljubljana, Slovenia: Coffee, Culture, and Hidden Gems 🇸🇮
As the specialty coffee industry grows worldwide, one European city has is quietly emerging—Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia. In this city guide, Peter Sevic, founder of Stow Coffee and director of the Ljubljana Coffee Festival, uncovers the hidden gems and rich cultural landscape fueling Ljubljana’s passionate coffee community. From unique cafes to yet-unknown natural escapes just outside the city limits, Peter shares an insider's guide to experiencing the very best of Ljubljana through the lens of a true coffee connoisseur.
Peter Sevic is the founder of Stow Coffee and director of the Ljubljana Coffee Festival. Photos courtesy of Stow Coffee
Filter: What do you like to do for fun around Ljubljana?
In Ljubljana, I enjoy exploring the vibrant cultural scene. The city’s rich history and artistic community offer a diverse range of activities. I love spending time in the many cafes and restaurants, sampling local cuisine and, of course, enjoying the specialty coffee scene. Strolling along the Ljubljanica River and taking part in outdoor activities, such as cycling or hiking in the nearby hills, is also a favorite pastime.
Filter: If a good friend came to visit, where would you be sure to take them? What are your favorite places/activities there?
I would definitely take them to Ljubljana Castle for its panoramic views of the city and its historical significance. A visit to the Central Market to experience the local flavors and products is a must. Spending time in the Tivoli Park is a perfect place for a leisurely walk. Another favorite activity is exploring the charming streets of the Old Town, particularly Mestni Trg and Stari Trg, and visiting the iconic Triple Bridge.
Filter: What do you like to do to escape the city? Are there any tips people should know before trying these?
To escape the city, I enjoy heading to the nearby nature spots, such as the Triglav National Park for hiking and the beautiful Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj for its stunning scenery. The Soča Valley is also a fantastic destination for outdoor adventures like rafting and kayaking.
Filter: What touristy things in/around Ljubljana are worth the hype?
Ljubljana Castle is definitely worth the hype for its historical significance and breathtaking views. The Dragon Bridge and Triple Bridge are iconic landmarks that capture the essence of the city. The Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhna) food market, held on Fridays, is a culinary delight where you can taste dishes from top local chefs. Additionally, Postojna Cave and a visit to Lake Bled, with its picturesque island and castle, is a must-do trip from Ljubljana.
Filter: Where are your favorite quiet corners, green spaces, charming walks, or hidden gems there?
Tivoli Park is a favorite green spaces in Ljubljana, offering tranquility and beautiful walking paths. For charming walks, the streets of Krakovo and Trnovo, with their quaint houses and gardens, are delightful. A hidden gem is Špica, a lovely riverside area ideal for a relaxing afternoon by the water.
Filter: What's another coffee shop around there that you really admire, and what about them stands out to you?
I really admire the coffee shop “Čokl.” What stands out about Čokl is their commitment to sustainability and quality. They source their beans ethically and have a strong focus on environmental responsibility.
Filter: What makes Ljubljana feel most like home to you? Why do you think that is?
Ljubljana feels most like home to me because of its close-knit community and vibrant cultural life. The city’s manageable size allows for a strong sense of connection among its residents, and there is always something happening, from cultural events to outdoor activities. The blend of historical charm and modern amenities creates a unique and comfortable living environment. Additionally, the coffee culture here is rich and dynamic, aligning perfectly with my professional and personal interests.
Filter: Could you share about yourself? Where are you from originally, and how did you end up in Ljubljana and in the coffee scene there?
I am originally from Nova Gorica, which is located on the border with Italy along the Soča River and below Goriška Brda, an area globally renowned for its exceptional wines. I found myself in the coffee industry by chance. I must admit, I wasn't a fan of coffee until I discovered specialty coffee. My journey into the coffee scene began with a deep interest in specialty coffee and the desire to elevate the standards of coffee culture in Slovenia. This led me to help our company CEO. Aleš, establish Stow Coffee Roastery, the Stow Academy—which is the leading academy in the coffee industry in Slovenia—and to open our own coffee shop, Stow Cafe. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to developing a comprehensive educational program and establishing Stow as a leader in the specialty coffee industry in Slovenia.
Filter: Can you share about your role at Stow and how you start it? What is rewarding about your work there?
At Stow Coffee, I wear several hats. As an AST trainer, I implemented the SCA Coffee Diploma System, making it the first of its kind in Slovenia. I am responsible for sourcing green coffee, evaluating its quality, and providing feedback to farmers. I work also in wholesale department, doing marketing, social media, and for last I am a director of the Ljubljana Coffee Festival. The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing the impact we have on raising coffee standards and educating both industry professionals and coffee enthusiasts.
Filter: If you could move to any place in the world just for the coffee scene, where would you move, and what shop would be the biggest reason?
It would be Copenhagen, Denmark. The coffee culture and culinary there is renowned for its innovation and quality. One particular coffee shop I really like in Copenhagen is The Coffee Collective.
Filter: What have I not asked that you'd love to tell about?
As the director of the Ljubljana Coffee Festival, I am proud to see how Ljubljana Coffee Festival has evolved. LCF has put Slovenia on the coffee map and fostered a thriving coffee culture.
The festival premiered in 2016 as a gift to our capital and coffee culture in Slovenia. It began with a small specialty coffee community, aiming to grow and reach new heights. Today, it stands as the largest specialty coffee festival in Slovenia, representing an invaluable contribution to the development of the coffee community and leading the entire coffee industry in our country.
This year’s program, with lectures, workshops, competitions, and tastings at the highest level, attracts specialty coffee lovers from all over Europe. We host over 40 international experts, key players from coffee industry and chefs from high culinary, including world-renowned coffee producers, scientists, roasters, and several world champion baristas, making our professional program one of the strongest.
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Stow Coffee operates a roastery, academy, and cafe in central Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Food & Beverage
The Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhna)
Parks & Outdoors
Landmarks
