LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

While thousands of tourists flock to Lake Bled every year for its wellness retreats, tucked away in the Julian Alps lies one of the sweetest little towns I have ever visited: Radovljica. A chocolate-box town with a medieval heart, its cobbled streets and sun-dappled squares are steeped in history, and the town’s sweet reputation is as irresistible as its famed confections. Bathed in sunshine for much of the year, Radovljica perches gracefully above the Sava River, with mountains towering like dark chocolate cliffs in the distance. Every corner invites slow exploration, from charming lanes to vibrant markets and artisan shops, offering a taste of tradition, charm, and indulgence at every turn.

We were greeted at the tourism office with a chocolate cup filled with mead, and then invited to wander the streets, where you’ll find colourful buildings dating back to the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, where the town’s historic houses wear their stories on their walls. Each façade is graced with delicate frescoes, offering homage to protective deities whose watchful presence once kept fire at bay. Wander past these charming dwellings to discover intimate restaurants, a majestic manor, and even a Michelin-starred culinary gem that invites indulgence for the most discerning palates. Culture thrives around every corner, from museums celebrating the art of beekeeping and the mysteries of alchemy to galleries showcasing the town’s treasured art collection. Linhart Square, named after Anton Tomaz Linhart – the founder of Slovenian theatre- pulses with music, culture, and culinary delights throughout the year.

This is Slovenia’s honey capital, where the sweet tradition is celebrated with gusto, and it is also the capital of Apiculture, with a whole museum dedicated to this art in the village and a rich lineage of beekeepers who keep making the sweetest honey and royal jelly. The town proudly played a role in establishing World Bee Day on May 20th. Children can lose themselves in a playful adventure along the cobbled streets, solving puzzles that lead to a delicious reward. Meanwhile, chocolate aficionados will find heaven at Radolska Cokolada, a family-run chocolatier with a century of expertise at the heart of the old town. Watch master chocolatiers craft exquisite handmade creations, taste innovative flavour combinations, and immerse yourself in guided tastings, workshops, and team-building experiences that celebrate the artistry of chocolate.

Every spring, Radovljica transforms into a paradise for chocolate lovers with its annual Chocolate Festival, held in mid-April in the town’s picturesque old center. For a weekend, the streets, squares, and parks come alive with the rich aroma of cocoa as local and international chocolatiers showcase their creations. Visitors can indulge in tastings, attend workshops, watch live cooking demonstrations, and enjoy concerts, all set against the town’s medieval backdrop. It’s a celebration of sweetness, craftsmanship, and community, making Radovljica a must-visit destination for anyone with a love of chocolate.

A Culinary Journey
Radovljica’s culinary scene is a feast for the senses, where history, gastronomy, and artisanal craft converge – offering an experience as rich, layered, and sweet as the town itself. Michelin-starred Hiša Linhart, led by chef Uroš Štefelin, elevates traditional Gorenjska flavours with exquisite technique, earning accolades for both taste and sustainability. Nearby Vila Podvin and family-run inns offer inventive menus that showcase the region’s freshest, locally sourced ingredients. At the same time, village taverns, pizzerias, and hotel restaurants provide comforting, authentic food for every palate. From village taverns, polished hotel restaurants to relaxed pizzerias all share a devotion to seasonal ingredients and heartfelt hospitality. As autumn yields its last harvest, this becomes a destination for thoughtful travellers, offering intimate culinary events, traceable local menus, and a sense that the true luxury lies in authenticity, landscape, and time well spent.

It’s not surprising that this sweet location is a great place to get married as well – the Radovlijica Manor is an ideal place for nuptials

10 Ways to Savour Radovljica

1. Wander the Medieval Streets – Lose yourself in cobbled lanes and sun-dappled squares straight out of a fairy tale.
2. Dine at Hiša Linhart – Michelin-starred mastery meets Gorenjska tradition on every plate.
3. Lake Bled Escape – Emerald waters, a fairy-tale castle, and the world-famous cream cake await.
4. Alpine Adventures – Hike, cycle, or simply gaze at the Julian Alps rising like chocolate cliffs.
5. Chocolate Festival Bliss – Every April, the town turns into a cocoa-scented playground for all ages.
6. Local Markets – Taste the region’s freshest produce, artisan cheeses, and handmade treats.
7. Cosy Café Moments – Sip coffee, hot chocolate, or a slice of cake in a charming hideaway.
8. Beekeeping Museum – Sweeten your visit with Slovenia’s rich honey-making heritage.
9. Hands-On Culinary Workshops – Learn to craft local dishes or chocolate delights from the experts.
10. Seasonal Festivals – Autumn harvests, winter markets, and lively local events make every visit unforgettable.

Getting There
Radovljica is easily reached via Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), just 25–30 minutes by car. The airport offers flights from major European hubs including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Zurich, Istanbul, and more.

Regional alternatives include Klagenfurt (Austria, ~35 km), Trieste (Italy, ~80 km), and, for longer drives, Zagreb (Croatia, ~200 km) or Venice and Salzburg (~2–3 hours by road). From any airport, the town is accessible by car, shuttle, or train, while the compact centre is best explored on foot or by bike.