Ljubljana, European Green Capital 2016: The WTM London press release
2 Nov 2015
We invite you to find out why Ljubljana has won the European Green Capital Award 2016. Ljubljana is a picturesque city, with natural spaces at every turn and the Ljubljanica River flowing through its heart.
Kavalir © D. Wedam
Ljubljana is situated about halfway between Vienna and Venice. Its character and appearance have been shaped by diverse cultural influences and historical events. While in winter it is remarkable for its dreamy Central European character, it is its relaxed Mediterranean feel that stands out in the summer.
Ljubljana is a picturesque city full of romantic views, with a medieval hill-top castle towering over the historical city centre and a calm river spanned by a series of beautiful bridges running right through it. The city owes a great deal of its architectural appeal to the famous Ljubljana-born architect Jože Plečnik (1872–1957), whose soul and vision are imprinted on Ljubljana just like Gaudí's are on Barcelona.
For the last decade, Ljubljana has been working hard to achieve high environmental standards. Its efforts were first internationally recognised in June 2014, when the European Commission announced it as the European Green Capital 2016 in recognition of its efforts to raise environmental awareness and decade-long implementation of its sustainability strategy, Vision 2025, which sets out a range of green measures, including a green public transport network.
In April 2015, Ljubljana received the Tourism for Tomorrow Award for 'Most Sustainable Destination' at the Global Summit of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The jury pointed out that, following its sustainability policy, Ljubljana has undergone a complete transformation.