Public Institute for Culture, Tourism, and
About our work
The Tourist Information Centre Loška dolina, operating under the public institute Javni zavod Snežnik, developed its first brown bear watching programmes in 2013. These programmes emerged from a newly recognised opportunity to create a tourism product based on the rich and diverse natural heritage of Loška dolina. From the very beginning, they have incorporated all key principles of sustainable tourism development while promoting a respectful relationship with nature — especially the protection and conservation of the brown bear in its natural habitat.
We were the first on the Slovenian tourism market to offer organized brown bear watching tours for individual guests. The target audience for brown bear observation programs in its natural environment mainly consists of nature lovers – individuals, families, and small groups. The Loška dolina Tourist Information Center quickly took on the role of an information hub through which the organization of bear watching activities is carried out. At the same time, it also provides visitors with additional information related to the presence of brown bears in Slovenia and about coexistence between bears and people in the local environment. In this way, the information center goes beyond the traditional role of tourist information services by incorporating nature conservation and sustainability aspects of living alongside bears in the Loška dolina area.
All of our programmes are founded on the principles of coexistence between humans and brown bears, for which we have received the “Bear Friendly” certificate. In addition, part of our revenue is dedicated to supporting brown bear conservation, preserving its habitat, and encouraging a positive attitude among local communities toward this remarkable animal. To achieve this, we cooperate with various regional and national institutions that provide professional support, educational programmes, and practical assistance.
Above all, we focus on the needs and expectations of our guests. We listen carefully, adapt continuously, and consistently enhance both our offer and the quality of our programmes to provide an authentic and responsible bear watching experience.
