The area around Radovljica has a long tradition of chocolate making. The first chocolate factory opened in 1922, and a chocolate festival has been held in Radovljica’s Old Town for the past 14 years. However, there had never been a dedicated chocolate shop in Radovljica. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mikelj family began experimenting with chocolate, eventually inspiring them to open a chocolate shop in the town. The shop is located at the roundabout right at the entrance to the Old Town.
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The Chocolate Shop
The chocolate shop is run by the Mikelj family – Gregor, Nataša and their daughters. The whole family is involved in the business, with the daughters also helping out in the shop from time to time as needed.
The shop offers handmade pralines in a variety of flavours. The cocoa is sourced from single origins: the milk chocolate pralines are made with Peruvian cocoa, while the dark chocolate pralines use aromatic cocoa from Ecuador. The pralines also incorporate local ingredients such as buckwheat, tarragon, honey, pollen, walnuts and rose extract.
Customers can buy individual pralines, pre-packaged assortments and handmade chocolate bars in a variety of flavours. The shop also offers sessions where you can try your hand at making your own pralines.
The Chocolate
Below are some examples of the pralines available to buy.
- Marzipan and Lemon (Dark Chocolate)
- Marzipan, Coffee, Valnuts and Glenfiddich Whiskey (Milk Chocolate)
- Marzipan and Coconut (Milk Chocolate)
- Marzipan and Almond (Dark Chocolate)
- Coffee (White Chocolate)
- Pistachio (Dark Chocolate)
- Long Black Pepper, Cognac and Martell (White Chocolate)
- Raspberry (White Chocolate)
- Hazelnut (Milk Chocolate)
- Yuzu, Coconut and Almonds (Dark Chocolate)
- Pina Colada (Dark Chocolate)
- Black Currant and Chilli (Dark Chocolate)
- Rosemary and Almonds (Dark Chocolate)
- Lumberjack - Spruce Tip, Pine nuts and Schnapps (Dark Chocolate)
- Blueberry (Dark Chocolate)
Radovljica Chocolate Festival
A chocolate festival is held in Radovljica every year in mid-April. It takes place in the town’s historic centre and attracts chocolate makers from all over Slovenia, as well as from abroad. It has grown into the largest chocolate festival in Slovenia.
In 2022, the shop won an award for its “Crunchy Buckwheat” praline.
Where to Stay
During the summer months, Radovljica attracts many tourists due to its proximity to Bled. However, it is not a typical tourist resort, so there are no large hotels. Instead, you will find numerous small boutique hotels and rooms for rent.
- Arthouse Radovljica - Run by an older couple who are also involved in art and culture, this large house in the old town offers a unique cultural experience that blends perfectly with its historic surroundings.
- Hiša Linhart - A one‑star Michelin restaurant where you can also stay for a few nights. It is located in the old town.
- Kunstelj 1873 - An inn just outside the old town, offering beautiful views of the Sava River Valley and the Julian Alps.
- Villas and apartments - Thanks to Radovljica’s proximity to Bled, you can find many villas, apartments, and rooms for rent.
Places to Eat
Radovljica and its surroundings offer a great selection of restaurants, from authentic Slovenian cuisine and quality pizzerias to Michelin-starred places—there’s something for everyone.
- Hiša Linhart - A one‑star Michelin restaurant located in the old town of Radovljica. You can reserve a table here.
- Vila Podvin - Another restaurant mentioned in the Michelin Guide, located in the countryside outside Radovljica. Their focus is on modern Slovenian cuisine with Slavic, German, and Italian influences. One of the highlights is the beautiful garden, especially in summer. You can book a table here
- Baffi House of Pizza - Our favorite pizza restaurant when we don’t feel like cooking. It’s located not far from where we live and features fresh ingredients from local growers and farmers, along with a selection of good craft beers.
- Kunstelj 1873 - A restaurant serving traditional Slovenian cuisine in a simple, authentic way. From the veranda, you can enjoy fantastic views of the Sava Valley and the Julian Alps. You can book a table by emailing gostilna@kunstelj.si.
- Gostilna Avguštin - Another restaurant serving traditional Slovenian cuisine, located in the old town of Radovljica. You can book a table by emailing nfo@gostilna-avgustin.si
