Slovenianbears – Bear-Friendly and Sustainable
At Slovenianbears, we believe that humans and brown bears can coexist responsibly and sustainably. For over a decade, our work has combined scientific expertise, sustainable tourism, media presence, and support for local communities.
Our activities are designed to avoid disturbing bears, promote respect for nature, and support sustainable ecotourism. We follow guidelines including:
- limited number of visitors and small groups,
- quiet and well-hidden observation hides,
- time-adapted visits without disturbance during sensitive periods,
- feeding strictly controlled and limited, using only minimal amounts to deter bears from settlements, never to attract or manipulate their natural behavior,
- emphasis on silence, patience, and respect for the natural environment.
Therefore, we are officially certified as a bear-friendly company.
Our References and Collaborations
Books
Marc Graf & Christine Sonvilla – book Unter wilden Bären.
Our contribution: access to observation hides, coordination, and local expertise.
Three photographers spent three years tracking the bears of Central Europe in Slovenia. Their mission? To capture new, never-before-seen photographs and provide an intimate glimpse into the lives of Europe’s largest predators. They share their own intense bear encounters, insights into how humans and bears can coexist, and inspire awe for the wild nature right on our doorstep.
Documentary Films
Slowenien – Am Puls der Wildnis (ORF II)
Premiered on ORF II, October 4, 2019
Our contribution: SlovenianBears actively participated in filming, organizing observation hides, and providing expert knowledge, enabling authentic footage.
Andreas Kieling – Kielings wilde Welt
Renowned German documentarian covering the life of large European carnivores.
Our contribution: SlovenianBears introduced our bear observation methods, safety protocols, and sustainable approach, which were part of the filming process.
Otmar Penker – Die Alpen
Documentary film about the Alps and bear life.
Our contribution: We supported filming with local knowledge, transport, and access to observation hides, allowing authentic footage.
DreiD.at – Bears of the Karawank Mountains
International documentary about bears in the Karawanks.
Our contribution: SlovenianBears provided local expertise, logistics, and access to observation hides, enabling the filming.
Media Coverage
CGTN / AFP: “Slovenians strive to live in peace with bears” – global media coverage.
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- Our contribution: SlovenianBears provided journalists with access and expert information, ensuring accurate reporting.
- CGTN / AFP
Siol.net – Bear Photo Safari: over 160,000 views.
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- Our contribution: We presented responsible bear tourism in practice, organizing photo safaris and practical demonstrations for visitors.
- Siol.net
Bayerisches Fernsehen (BR): feature on human-bear coexistence.
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- Our contribution: Provided expert guidance and filming coordination.
- BR Fernsehen
Awards and Recognition
Sejalec Award 2018 – for innovative tourism and bear-friendly photo safaris.
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- Our contribution: Developed a sustainable tourism concept, photo safaris, and support for local communities.
- Zeleni Kras – Sejalec 2018
Bear-Friendly Certificate – awarded by the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana.
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- Recognizes our commitment to responsible and sustainable bear tourism.
Impact on Local Environment and Sustainability
- Education and Awareness: Books, lectures, documentaries, and photo safaris change public perceptions of bears and nature.
- Tourism and Local Communities: The project supports local accommodations, restaurants, and educational centers.
- Nature Conservation: Our sustainable approach protects habitats and respects wildlife.
- International Recognition: Collaborations with renowned creators and media strengthen Slovenia’s reputation as a responsible, nature-friendly destination.
At SlovenianBears, we show that human-bear coexistence is possible, responsible, and touristically attractive. Every project, book, lecture, or documentary is proof that sustainable tourism, local development, and nature conservation can work together, benefiting wildlife, local communities, and the broader public.
About Slovenianbears.com
Slovenianbears offers the best options in Central Europe for bear watching and photography. For this, we have a network of 8 hides that can either be booked separately or visited within the scope of a photo tour.
Our visitors have high chances of seeing and photographing wild brown bears since our hides are located in an area that holds one of the world’s richest densities of brown bears. Moreover the hides are selected carefully regarding location and light availability.
Whilst offering our visitors best watching and photographing opportunities we strive to keep pressure on brown bears minimal. We do so by not constantly using all hides, by briefing our guests thoroughly, by providing only limited amounts of food at hide locations and by thinking ahead: The number of hides in our network shall remain at the current level to keep the experience special and sustainable.
Why do we feed? Slovenia as many other European countries have a long-lasting history of providing food for wildlife in specifically assigned hunting locations. Our hide-network has been set up in cooperation with local hunters, we use the same locations and place limited amounts of food, respectively corn. The quantities are defined by official institutions and are strictly controlled per year and site.
Slovenianbears also cooperates with a number of local companies, guides and employees.
Thereby, revenues stay in the region and create a positive feedback loop. Locals make a living of their natural resources, visitors appreciate the experience of nature and wildlife and thefore brown bears, which are an integral part of our rich natural heritage, have greater chances of long-term survival.
