National Slovenian AZ hives 20-frames with feeder

🐝 Traditional Slovenian AZ Beehive – 2-Story • 20 Frames • Rear Access
🇸🇮 Handcrafted in Slovenia from natural kiln-dried spruce wood, this traditional AZ beehive reflects generations of Slovenian beekeeping knowledge. Designed for rear-access management, it offers a compact and ergonomic way to work with colonies without lifting heavy hive boxes.
🌍 A Classic Slovenian Beekeeping Design
Interest in the Slovenian AZ hive has grown worldwide thanks to its unique rear-access system. Instead of lifting supers, the beekeeper works from behind the hive at a comfortable height, making inspections easier and less physically demanding.
Traditionally, these hives are placed inside bee houses — structures that protect colonies from direct sunlight, wind, and sudden weather changes. Decorative hive fronts are a well-known part of Slovenian beekeeping culture and heritage.
🌲 How the Traditional AZ Hive Works
The hive consists of two stories separated by a queen excluder:
• Lower section – brood chamber with the queen
• Upper section – honey storage area
Each level has its own entrance, allowing flexible management depending on colony strength and seasonal conditions.
When the rear door is opened, the ends of the frames become visible. Frames slide out horizontally like books from a shelf while maintaining proper bee space through a slotted rack system at the front and rear.
The bottom of the frames rests on metal rods, allowing smooth movement and minimizing contact with the hive body.
🐝 Key Features
Rear-access design – inspections at eye level with no heavy lifting
2-story structure – includes 20 traditional AZ frames
Horizontal frame removal – calm and controlled colony management
Queen excluder included – effective brood and honey separation
Separate entrances for each level
Durable spruce wood construction – natural insulation and long lifespan
Compact traditional design – ideal for bee houses and sheltered apiaries
🛠️ Craftsmanship & Heritage
Handmade in Slovenia — a country with a deep beekeeping tradition
Built from kiln-dried spruce wood for strength and stability
Rear door helps maintain darkness and internal warmth
Metal rods support smooth frame handling
A design refined through decades of use in Alpine environments
📐 Specifications
Type: Traditional Slovenian AZ Beehive
Configuration: 2 stories — 20 AZ frames
Material: Natural kiln-dried spruce wood (untreated finish)
Includes: Hive body, queen excluder, metal frame supports
Compatibility: Traditional AZ frames (not Langstroth size)
Origin: Slovenia 🇸🇮
⚠️ Usage Notes
Designed for use under a roof or inside a bee house
Exterior should be painted or varnished before outdoor use
Best suited for sheltered apiary environments
🚚 Shipping Information
All orders ship directly from Slovenia (EU) and are carefully packed for secure international transport.
🇪🇺 European Union: Orders ship freely within the EU single market.
🌍 Other countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.): Shipped DAP (Delivered at Place) — buyers may be responsible for local import duties, taxes, or customs fees depending on destination country regulations.
Tracking information is provided with every shipment.
🏅 A Piece of Slovenian Beekeeping Heritage
The Slovenian AZ hive has a long and proud history, shaped by generations of beekeepers working in challenging alpine climates. Its distinctive rear-access system offers comfort for the beekeeper and stability for the colony — combining tradition, functionality, and craftsmanship in one compact hive design.
🐝🍯 Bring authentic Slovenian beekeeping tradition to your apiary.