Date: 30. January 2026
Time to read: 2 min
Slovenia is once again preparing for the arrival of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games with enthusiasm and a sense of unity that embody the Olympic spirit. From 2 to 6 February, the Slovenian Torch will travel through various towns across Slovenia. As a symbol of respect, excellence and friendship – values promoted by Olympism for generations – the torch will visit several municipalities, accompanied by local communities, athletes, Olympians, young sports enthusiasts and the wider public.
The Slovenian Torch is more than a symbolic object; its meaning runs deeper. It radiates strength, resilience, wisdom and confidence – values that Olympians carry into their everyday lives and wish to share with their fellow citizens. The torch's journey will begin in Laško and continue through Maribor, Kamnik, Mojstrana and Nova Gorica, with a specially planned stop at the Soča University Rehabilitation Institute in Ljubljana. There, young patients undergoing rehabilitation will be warmly encouraged to let sport and the Olympic spirit inspire them and strengthen their motivation on the road to recovery.
The ambassador of the Slovenian Torch is Vesna Fabjan, a bronze medallist from the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games, whose story continues to inspire both athletes and fans alike.
The events accompanying the torch's arrival are designed to be gatherings for all generations. In addition to sporting events for young visitors, there will also be cultural and musical performances by local artists. At each stop, the community will come together to carry the torch forward, further strengthening the sense of belonging and the festive atmosphere of support. It is important that all events are open to the public and free of charge, allowing the values of Olympism to reach as wide an audience as possible.
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The ambassador of the Slovenian Torch 2026 is former cross-country skier Vesna Fabjan, a bronze medallist at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games. Photo: OKS
A new story every day
The Slovenian Torch will begin its journey on Monday, 2 February, in Laško. It will be carried by a group of Olympians that includes Urška Žolnir Jugovar, Luka Žvižej, Tina Trstenjak, Marijana Lubej and Bernard Vajdič. On Tuesday, 3 February, the torch will continue on to Maribor, accompanied by Katja Koren, Katja Fain, Metka Jerman Šenica, Natalija Prednik Burič and Metka Sparavec.
Wednesday, 4 February, will be dedicated to Kamnik, where the torch will be carried by a large group of Olympians, including Bojan Križaj, Damjan Zlatnar, Klemen Bauer and Jernej Zupančič Regent. On the same day, the torch will also visit the Soča University Rehabilitation Institute, where, alongside its young patients and the Slovenian Paralympian, Gal Jakič, it will symbolically spread positive energy and Olympic spirit.
On Thursday, 5 February, the torch will visit Mojstrana, where it will be carried by the Olympians Alenka Dovžan, Janez Demšar and Marko Milenkovič. Friday, 6 February, will be dedicated to Nova Gorica, where the torch will be carried by a larger group of Olympians, including Danilo Pudgar, Andreja Slokar, Kristjan Koren, Meta Mačus and others.
Each day of the journey brings new narratives, encounters and experiences that connect the Slovenian Torch with its people and Olympic values.
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The Slovenian torch will begin its journey on Monday, February 2, in Laško and conclude on February 8 at the ceremonial opening of the Slovenian House in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Photo: OKS
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The first Slovenian Torch was carried by Petra Majdič, cross-country skier and bronz olympic medallist, in 2021. Photo: OKS
The journey of the Slovenian Torch will conclude on Slovenia's cultural holiday on 8 February at the ceremonial opening of the Slovenia House in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
It is, at that moment that its symbolic significance will reach its peak, as Slovenia will present its values, traditions and support for its Olympic athletes, who will soon compete at the world's largest winter sporting event.
The Slovenian Torch thus remains more than just a flame – it is a bridge between sport, culture and social cohesion, illuminating both individuals and communities across Slovenia.
