Private Beekeeping & Honey Tasting Workshop

Overview

Immerse yourself in Slovenia's revered beekeeping culture at Čebelarstvo Ambrožič in Selo pri Bledu, a short distance from Lake Bled. On this private educational workshop, you'll put on protective bee gear to inspect working hives up close, learn about the native Carniolan grey honeybee (kranjska sivka), experience hive-air apitherapy, and conclude with an extensive tasting of single-origin Slovenian honeys, honey liqueur, pollen, and traditional honey cookies.

Step-by-step Plan (rough timing)

1. Arrival & Introduction (15 mins): Meet the beekeeper, tour the picturesque apiary, and admire the hand-painted Slovenian beehive panels (panjske končnice).
2. Hive Inspection & Apitherapy (35 mins): Suit up in protective beekeeper hats and mesh to observe the colonies inside glass-backed observational hives and outdoor boxes. Experience the gentle humming and soothing, propolis-scented hive air.
3. Guided Honey & Product Tasting (30 mins): Head to the tasting room to sample monofloral honeys (such as acacia, chestnut, and forest/fir honey), raw comb honey, dried fruits, pollen granules, and local honey liqueur (medica).
4. Q&A & Farm Shop (10 mins): Ask your guide questions about sustainable apiary management and pick up certified Slovenian honey or beeswax goods to take home.

Reservations & Hours

• Venue: Čebelarstvo Ambrožič (Kralov Med), Selo pri Bledu 26, Bled.
• Hours: Tours operate primarily from April to October; advanced direct booking via email or phone is required.
• Reservations: Contact the hosts at least 3–7 days in advance via phone (+386 41 227 407 / +386 41 657 120) or through the local tourism office.

What to Bring

• Closed-toe shoes and comfortable long pants (avoid bright floral patterns or woolly/fuzzy textures).
• Unscented toiletries on the day of the visit (strong perfumes and scented lotions can agitate bees).
• Cash or local card for purchasing jarred honey and artisan beeswax products.

Budget

• Workshop & Tasting Fee: Approximately €15–€25 per adult for private/small-group tours (includes protective gear and full tasting).
• Souvenirs & Products: €8–€16 per 500g–900g jar of artisanal honey or specialty mead.

Tips & Accessibility

• The site accommodates wheelchair users and individuals with reduced mobility in the main educational beehouse.
• Allergy Notice: Unsuitable for individuals with severe, life-threatening bee sting allergies. Notify the hosts in advance if you have pollen or honey food allergies.
• Languages available include English and Slovenian.

Backup Plan

If weather is excessively rainy or chilly (which keeps bees inside and less active for outdoor hive opening), visit the nearby Museum of Apiculture (Čebelarski muzej) in Radovljica Manor (open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–18:00), which features comprehensive indoor exhibits on Slovenian beekeeping history, live observation glass hives, and historic painted panels.