Lečtarski Museum

Slovenian bakers have been transforming honey-infused dough into beautiful cookies known as lect for centuries. Those who descend the steps to a basement bakery in the town of Radovljica can learn all about this tradition⁠—and sample more than a few treats⁠—at the Lečtarski Museum and Workshop. 

Located in a building that’s been selling lect since 1766, the bakery operates as a living museum where visitors can witness the traditional craft of lectarstvo, or lect-making, up close. Bakers, often clad in folk costumes, use tin and wooden molds to shape the dough into everything from animals and houses to people and bells. The cookies’ most common and beloved form, however, is a heart that’s dyed red and decorated with frosting flowers and a white trim.

Though the cookies are most often compared to gingerbread, their primary flavor is local honey. In addition to baking lect, the region also has a long history of beekeeping. Those who want to learn more about this other local craft can take their cookies to-go as they walk a few doors down to the town’s Museum of Apiculture.