Velenje: Slovenia's Hidden Gem of Modernity and Nature

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeNasvidenje
  [Nahs-vee-deh-nyeh]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeProsim
  [Proh-seem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryOprostite
  [O-proh-stee-teh]
• How are you?Kako ste?
  [Kah-koh steh?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. In vi?
  [Doh-broh. Een vee?]
• Do you speak English?Govorite angleško?
  [Goh-voh-ree-teh ahn-gleh-shko?]
• I don't understandNe razumem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mehm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseŽelel bi videti jedilnik, prosim
  [Zheh-lehl bee vee-deh-tee yeh-deel-neek, proh-seem]
• I don't eat meatNe jem mesa
  [Neh yehm meh-sah]
• Cheers!Na zdravje!
  [Nah zdrahv-yeh!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelel bi plačati, prosim
  [Zheh-lehl bee plah-chah-tee, proh-seem]

• Help!Pomoč!
  [Poh-mohch!]
• Go away!Pojdi stran!
  [Poy-dee strahn!]
• Call the Police!Pokliči policijo!
  [Poh-klee-chee poh-lee-tsee-yoh!]
• Call a doctor!Pokliči zdravnika!
  [Poh-klee-chee zdrahv-nee-kah!]
• I'm lostIzgubil sem se
  [Eez-goo-beel sehm seh]
• I'm illBolam
  [Boh-lahm]

• I'd like to buy...Rad bi kupil...
  [Rahd bee koo-peel]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko stane?
  [Koh-lee-koh stah-neh?]
• That's too expensiveTo je predrago
  [Toh yeh preh-drah-goh]
• Can you lower the price?Lahko znižate ceno?
  [Lah-koh znee-zah-teh tseh-noh?]

• What time is it?Koliko je ura?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh oo-rah?]
• It's one o'clockJe ena ura
  [Yeh eh-nah oo-rah]
• Half past (10)Pol desetih
  [Pohl deh-seh-teeh]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopoldne
  [Poh-pohl-dneh]
• EveningVečer
  [Veh-chehr]
• YesterdayVčeraj
  [Vcheh-rah-ee]
• TodayDanes
  [Dah-nes]
• TomorrowJutri
  [Yoo-tree]
• 1Ena
  [Eh-nah]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Štiri
  [Shtee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peht]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedem
  [Seh-dehm]
• 8Osem
  [Oh-sehm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Kje je...
  [Kye yeh]
• What's the address?Kakšen je naslov?
  [Kahk-shen yeh nahs-lohv]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mi lahko pokažete (na zemljevidu)?
  [Mee lah-koh poh-kah-zheh-teh nah zehm-lyeh-vee-doo]
• When's the next (bus)?Kdaj je naslednji (avtobus)?
  [Kdy yeh nah-sled-nyee av-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Vstopnico (do ...)
  [Vstohp-nee-tsoh doh]

Velenje’s origins trace back to prehistoric times, with archaeological findings suggesting that the area was settled as early as the Neolithic period. The first significant settlement occurred during the Roman era, when the region was part of the province of Noricum. Evidence of Roman roads and artifacts has been discovered, indicating its early importance as a local hub.

The medieval period saw Velenje developing into a more structured settlement. The first written mention of Velenje dates back to 1250. The construction of Velenje Castle in the 13th century played a crucial role in the town's development, serving both as a fortress and a residence for local nobility. The castle remains a prominent historical landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the medieval past.

The 19th century ushered in significant changes for Velenje, as the discovery of lignite coal transformed the region into an industrial center. The establishment of the Šoštanj coal mine in 1875 and later the Velenje Coal Mine in 1876 marked the beginning of a new era. The influx of workers and the development of related industries spurred rapid urbanization and economic growth.

After World War II, Velenje underwent a dramatic transformation, driven by the socialist government of Yugoslavia. The town was redesigned as a modern, planned city, with new residential areas, cultural institutions, and public amenities. Velenje became a model of socialist urban planning, earning it the nickname 'City of the Future.' The construction of Tito Square, named after the Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito, symbolizes this era of ambitious development.

Today, Velenje is a vibrant city that celebrates its rich cultural heritage while embracing modernity. The Velenje Museum, housed in the historic Velenje Castle, offers extensive exhibits on the region’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day. The annual Pippi Longstocking Festival, inspired by the beloved children's character, highlights Velenje's commitment to culture and community, attracting families and visitors from around Slovenia.

Velenje is located in the northern part of Slovenia, approximately 85 kilometers from Ljubljana, the capital city. The nearest international airport is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport. From the airport, you can reach Velenje by rental car, taxi, or public transportation. Regular train and bus services run from Ljubljana to Velenje, with the journey taking about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Velenje has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses that cover the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are also available and are relatively affordable. For more flexibility, consider renting a car to explore the scenic countryside and nearby attractions. Cycling is another popular mode of transport, and the city offers various bike rental services.

The official currency in Slovenia is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout Velenje, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also becoming increasingly popular.

Velenje is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is important to stay vigilant and take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Velenje has a local police station and medical facilities, including a hospital and several pharmacies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacists can provide advice and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing in formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Dober dan' (Good day) is always appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Velenje like a local, visit the town market where you can buy fresh produce and local goods. Engage with the locals, who are known for their friendliness and willingness to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the Velenje Castle and the Coal Mining Museum of Slovenia for a unique insight into the region's past. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Šalek Valley offers beautiful hiking and cycling trails.