HARET Project Study Visit – Krško, Slovenia

2-6 March 2026

The study visit integrated into the HARET Project focused on sustainable tourism and social innovation in predominantly rural regions. The initiative aimed to identify and share good practices and local initiatives, while also fostering direct engagement with communities, institutions, and projects in the Krško region, Slovenia.

Organised by the partner Center za Podjetništvo in Turizem Krško, the visit provided an in-depth immersion in the local territory. It began with institutional meetings with the Krško Municipal and County Council and an overall presentation of the area. Throughout the programme, several working meetings and coordination sessions were held among project partners, including steering, evaluation, and quality committee meetings, in order to define the next steps of the project and align implementation strategies.

The practical component of the visit included the exploration of various local initiatives strongly connected to the cultural, economic, and social heritage of the region. In Senovo, participants engaged with the local mining heritage, traditional bread baking in a wood-fired oven, and the activities of a local non-governmental organisation. The programme also included initiatives promoting regional products, such as the “Wine and Chocolate” experience in Kunej, which featured a chocolate-making workshop and tasting session.

The visit further included cultural and educational institutions such as the City Museum of Krško and the Mencingere House, the Krško Beekeeping Centre, and the Municipal Library, highlighting their role in heritage preservation and community engagement.

Field visits to rural settings, including the village of Podbočje and the Jarkovič farm, provided additional insight into local agricultural practices and sustainable rural livelihoods. One of the highlights of the programme was the visit to Rajhenburg Castle, including a guided tour and a presentation of its historical and cultural significance.

In parallel with the field activities, several working sessions were dedicated to project development, including the organisation of training sessions, the definition of the educational and methodological approach, the adaptation of activities to different local contexts, and the preparation of audiovisual materials and training videos.

Overall, the study visit offered a comprehensive overview of the rural dynamics of the Krško region, reinforcing the importance of international cooperation, social innovation, and the sustainable valorisation of local resources within the framework of the HARET project.