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Lek Pharmaceuticals

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Lek d.d., headquartered in Ljubljana, is a pioneer of the Slovenian pharmaceutical industry and now an integral part of the global Sandoz Group. Founded in 1946, Lek has evolved from a local manufacturer into a globally recognized expert in generics and biosimilars. The company operates several state-of-the-art facilities across Slovenia, including a development center in Ljubljana that ranks among the most significant within Sandoz. Lek specializes in complex pharmaceuticals in the fields of oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and anti-infectives. A particular emphasis is placed on biopharmaceuticals, with the Mengeš plant playing a leading role in the production of biological active ingredients. As one of Slovenia's largest private employers and investors in research and development, Lek significantly shapes the nation's scientific landscape. The company is also deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility through numerous health programs and local initiatives.

Location: Slovenia
Top sights: Plesni in gledališki center Srednje vzgojiteljske šole in gimnazije Ljubljana · Spomenik generalu Rudolfu Maistru · Sveti Ciril in Metod
Nearby: Domžale (10 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	0	4	9	14	18	20	20	15	10	5	0
Rain mm	60	73	71	73	96	88	83	94	118	104	109	85

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

Lek Pharmaceuticals, as part of the Sandoz Group, is an essential cornerstone of the Slovenian biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. It represents advanced research and significantly drives the national export economy with high-tech manufacturing.

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Visiting

Because sensitive biochemical processes occur here, the internal laboratories and production areas are generally entirely closed to tourists. The premises maintain strict access policies typically reserved exclusively for authorized staff and business visitors.

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Where to view it

The modern industrial and research facades can often be clearly viewed from the surrounding urban streets in the northern part of Ljubljana. The large administrative buildings form a recognizable part of the city's commercial district architecture.

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Local products

Travelers will typically not be able to purchase medications directly at the factory gate, as these are distributed regularly via pharmacies. However, the lively capital of Ljubljana has endless local craft boutiques and markets with traditional goods.

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Active season

The corporate campus is usually highly active during standard business days, characterized by a steady flow of employees and logistics. The surrounding area is generally particularly busy during the morning commuter rush hours.

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Nearby

Exploring the lively historic heart of Ljubljana is the first-rate complement to observing the city's modern industrial zones. The urban area also typically serves as an excellent base for day trips out to the scenic alpine regions of Slovenia.

Geography

Coordinates

46.07110, 14.51220

Facts

Lek was officially established on October 11, 1946.
The company has been part of the Novartis/Sandoz group since 2002.
The development center in Ljubljana is the leading hub for Sandoz generics.
Lek employs more than 3,500 people in Slovenia.
The plant in Mengeš is the largest Slovenian center for biopharmaceuticals.
Lek exports its products to over 160 markets worldwide.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ljubljana Dairy1 km · NEExplore →

Ljubljana2 km · SExplore →

BTC City Ljubljana2 km · EExplore →

Plečnik House3 km · SExplore →

Ljubljana Zoo4 km · SWExplore →

Šmarna gora8 km · NWExplore →

Helios Coatings9 km · NEExplore →

Domžale10 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Lek Pharmaceuticals (10)

Plesni in gledališki center Srednje vzgojiteljske šole in gimnazije Ljubljana

Dance and theatre center of the Secondary School for Educators and Gymnasium in Ljubljana, Bežigrad.

Spomenik generalu Rudolfu Maistru

Monument to General Rudolf Maister, Slovenian independence fighter and poet, in Ljubljana.

Sveti Ciril in Metod

Parish church in the Bežigrad district of Ljubljana, dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Bežigrajska galerija 2🏛 museum

Art gallery in the Bežigrad area of Ljubljana, showcasing contemporary works.

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Pot ob žici KT-3: Bežigrad

Path along the WWII barbed wire fence, part of the circular trail around Ljubljana.

Parna turbina Škoda

Historic Škoda steam turbine displayed as an industrial monument in Ljubljana.

Slovensko mladinsko gledališče

Slovene Youth Theatre, founded in 1955 as the first professional children's theatre in Slovenia.

Navje

Memorial park in Ljubljana, burial site of notable Slovenian figures.

DLŽ Železna cesta🏛 museum

Railway museum located on Železna cesta street in Ljubljana.

Slovenian Railway Museum🏛 museum

Railway museum in Ljubljana featuring historic locomotives and carriages.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Lek?

Lek is a leading pharmaceutical company in Slovenia and belongs to Sandoz.

Where is Lek located in Ljubljana?

The headquarters and production are located in the Bežigrad district.

Are there open days?

Occasionally there are information events, but the factory site is secured.

What research is conducted there?

Lek has a major development center for modern drugs and biosimilars.

Is Lek a major exporter?

Yes, it is one of the largest Slovenian exporters of pharmaceutical products.

Lek Pharmaceuticals: where is it located?

Lek Pharmaceuticals is located in Slovenia.

Lek Pharmaceuticals: what is there to see?

Highlights include Plesni in gledališki center Srednje vzgojiteljske šole in gimnazije Ljubljana, Spomenik generalu Rudolfu Maistru, Sveti Ciril in Metod.

Lek Pharmaceuticals: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Lek Pharmaceuticals: why is it worth visiting?

Lek d.d., headquartered in Ljubljana, is a pioneer of the Slovenian pharmaceutical industry and now an integral part of the global Sandoz Group.

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