Songs for Tourists: Instead of Brandy and Roast Beef, We Offer a Modern Song

Four established Slovenian poetic voices have released 44 Poems For Tourists, an anthology in English aimed primarily at international visitors to Slovenia. The book, published by LUD Šerpa in 2026, is not a translation of their earlier collection Pesmi štirih (2019), but rather a new selection of poetry designed to introduce foreign readers to Slovenian literature and offer them a different perspective on the country. One of the authors, poet, translator, and editor Primož Čučnik, explained that the work was inspired by the realization that while the bookstore Ludi has both its own publishing house Literatura and Šerpa’s titles, there is little available in English. “We noticed that during visits, tourists sometimes understand more in English than in Slovenian,” he said. “Now they will have something to read in a language they might find more accessible.” The project began as a spontaneous idea and took just over a month and a half to complete. The four poets, Gregor Podlogar, Tone Škerjanec, Ana Pepelnik, and Primož Ĉučnik, chose to blur the boundaries between their individual poetic styles, creating a cohesive yet diverse anthology. This approach reflects their desire to present a multifaceted view of Slovenia through poetry, allowing each author’s unique voice to contribute to a shared vision. Čučnik discussed his thoughts on translating poetry and crafting poems in another language. He emphasized that the process involves capturing the essence of the original work while adapting it to the nuances of the target language. “It’s not simply about word-for-word translation,” he noted. “It’s about conveying the spirit and emotion behind the poem.” He also suggested that foreign readers should approach the poems as works by an anonymous author, encouraging them to engage with the text on its own terms rather than through the lens of cultural familiarity. The anthology includes guidance for readers who may be unfamiliar with Slovenian culture or language. It encourages them to explore the poems as a means of discovering the landscape, history, and soul of Slovenia. Ĉučnik expressed hope that the poetry could serve as an alternative to traditional tourist guides. “I imagine a traveler who prefers to get lost slightly rather than follow a well-worn path from one famous landmark to another,” he said. Such a traveler would find in these poems not just descriptions of places, but reflections on the experience of being in Slovenia. The publication of 44 Poems For Tourists marks a deliberate effort to make Slovenian literature more accessible to an international audience. By offering poetry in English, the authors aim to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, inviting readers to connect with Slovenia through its literary heritage. The anthology stands as a testament to the power of poetry to transcend borders and foster understanding. As the book becomes available, it is expected to attract interest from both literary enthusiasts and travelers seeking deeper engagement with the country’s culture.