Can you name the greenest capital city in Europe?

Ljubljana is one of the least known capitals of the Old Continent. And although its name is not the easiest to pronounce, Slovenia’s largest city has a good handful of awards and honorary mentions that raise it to the top of the European ranking. We’ll tell you why!

Europe’s greenest capital

Over the past few years, Ljubljana has received many awards and honours for its commitment to sustainability. The Slovenian capital is one of Europe’s smallest in Europe, and it’s also the most environmentally friendly. Quality of life is high, and this city with a green soul is at the top of the podium when it comes to eco-friendliness. Its preserved natural heritage and its low population density offer real advantages: Its inhabitants have 542m² of green spaces at their disposal, while the historic centre has been a pedestrian zone since 2008. The architect who designed the city in 1920, Joze Plecnik, was a visionary, having anticipated the idea of sustainability and mobility in contemporary urban spaces.

Ljubljana’s list of distinctions is varied and long. In 2019 alone, it was a finalist for the European Capital of Smart Tourism for the second time, and has found itself on the Sustainable Destinations Top 100 list for the sixth year in a row.

The city centre is closed to traffic and can be reached by the Kavalir electric car service, on foot, by bicycle or via an eco-friendly train that stops at the main tourist attractions. You can also discover the city by cruising the river that crosses it, either by boat or by paddle boarding. The latter allows you to admire the beautiful buildings along the banks of the Ljubljanica River.

The central market of Ljubljana is just one of the sights located on the banks of the Ljubljanica. Both indoor and outdoor, this market abounds in fresh local produce and various types of artisan products. Nature lovers love to stroll through the Tivoli Park, but also through the hills of Roznik or Golovec, the two green hearts of the city where several hiking trails start. Nature is at the gates of this pocket-sized capital, surrounded by a green and sustainable environment. The Ljubljana reservoir is located a short distance from the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, making a visit to it almost compulsory. More information about this beautiful city can be found on the website of the Slovenian Tourist Office.