SIGHTSEEING SPOTS WORTH PAYING A VISIT

Postojna Cave (distance from Vipava: approx. 30km)

The mysterious underground of Postojna is that piece of Slovenia that has been carved, shaped and forged by water. And the world famous Postojna Cave holds within its bosom the culmination of all that is most beautiful in this process lasting millions of years - a magnificent underground landscape meticulously sculpted, drop by drop, year after year. In 175 years of organized tourism, over 26 million curious visitors from all around the world have explored the stalactitic, calcified passages of Postojna Cave. Entrance tunnels reveal signatures from the distant past, indicating the cave's first visitors stepped through its doors in the 13th century. Anyone unimpressed by the sheer vastness of the 20 km network of dry and water passages is sure to be left wondering upon seeing the indigenous human fish (Proteus angunius) - how has life in this impenetrable stalactite kingdom even survived? Yet another secret of the underworld.

 

Bled (distance from Vipava: approx. 120km)

The 6km path around the lake is just the right length for some easy reaction, like a walk or bike ride. The trail also leads to some scenic slopes – the castle hilltop and other nearby hills that provide magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Take a rest at one of the benches and enjoy the view of the lake and island, the Karavanke mountains in the distance or watch the ducks and swans play in the water. Rowing is a very popular activity in this area, with Bled boasting a long tradition of rowing sports and having played host to numerous international rowing competitions. In the summertime, you can cool off with a swim or relax at a series of small beaches that attract crowds of visitors each year. When temperatures dip low enough, the lake also freezes in the wintertime. Would you dare skate across its icy surface?

 

Ljubljana Castle (distance from Vipava: approx. 80km)

The Ljubljana Castle is the most noticeable feature in Ljubljana. The hill on which is stands is proven to have been inhabited at least in the 12 century B.C., with the remains of an Urnfield culture being preserved on Castle Hill from these early times. The first known larger fortification stood on the hilltop during the times of the Illyrians and Celts. The Romans later probably also had an outpost here. A medieval castle was constructed in the 9th century and is first mentioned in a document dating to between 1112 and 1125. At the time, the castle served as the seat of the House of Sponheim, a noble family that even coined their own money in Ljubljana. In 1335, the castle became the inherited property of the Habsburgs as well as the centre of Carniola. The newer circular castle, which is larger than its predecessors, was built in the second half of the 15th century by the Duke, and later, Emperor, Frederick III.

 

Bohinj (distance from Vipava: approx. 150km)

Bohinj offers peace and relaxation in all seasons but also lots of fun and recreation. This region also doesn't fall short on natural and cultural attractions. Bohinj has traditionally been symbolized by the pristine Lake Bohinj with its old stone bridge and the church of St. John the Baptist in the backdrop. At the other end of the lake is Ukanc, home to the 51m high two-part Savica Waterfall and source of the Sava Bohinjka River – a sight certainly worth a visit. Take the cable car for the ascent to Vogel atop the 1534 m high Rjava skala (Brown Rocks) for a magnificent view of the Julian Alps. In the wintertime, Bohinj provides great skiing on groomed runs as well as the possibility of backcountry skiing on nearby mountain slopes.

 

Lipica (distance from Vipava: approx. 40km)

With its stately horses, the Lipica Stud Farm is a treasure in this extraordinary countryside. The Stud Farm was founded in 1580, which ranks it among the oldest in the world and is a unique cultural monument of European and global importance. Today, it lends a home to nearly 400 Lipizzaners. These elegant horses are keen to demonstrate their exquisite beauty through refined movement, a dignified stance and a gracious step for which they are renowned worldwide. Today, visitors to Lipica can explore and revel in the region's natural beauty, all the while enjoying the real life of a Stud Farm that resonates centuries of breeding and rearing experience at its every step. Lipica Stud Farm offers guided tours, training and performances of the classic school of riding as well as horseback riding lessons and horse carriage rides for the nostalgic. Dressage displays may be viewed from April until the end of October. Hotel Maestoso, named after a prominent lineage of Lipizzaners, offers a pleasant and comfortable stay for those who wish to relax in the tranquillity of the picturesque Karst landscape. And Maestoso Restaurant is certain to seduce you with its tantalizing scent of homemade Karst delicacies that favour a drop of excellent wine to taste. Sheltered by centuries-old lindens and oaks is a nine-hole golf course with a driving range. Thanks to this region’s favourable climate, the golf course is open all year round. Lipica with its surrounding region also has numerous walking paths and an extensive network of cycling trails. A pleasant escape from the everyday is provided by the Valley of Our Lady of Lourdes, a shrine in the outdoors.

 

The Slovenian Coast (distance from Vipava: 60 – 75 km)

The Slovenian coast beckons active vacationing with its lush evergreen vegetation and a wide range of holiday accommodations. The coast encompasses the area along the Slovenian section of the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by the Piran, Koper and Strujan bays. Inland lay the larger regions of Koper, Portorož, Lucija, Sečovlje with its Saltworks, Debeli Rtič, Ankaran and Fiesa. Piran, Izola and Koper are three ancient coastal cities that reveal the life and soul of centuries past, each in its own way. Visual highlights include cathedrals, palaces, narrow streets, market squares with a myriad of stone carved details and green cypresses.

  • Touristy Portorož is the central Slovenian seaside resort with a rich variety of hotels and tourism offers.
    The thermal baths of the Palace Hotel cultivate 700 years of spa tradition, Portorož airport offers scenic panoramic flights.


     

  • Today, Koper is an important port and the cultural, administrative and academic centre of the Primorska region. Its main architectural highlights include Praetor's Palace, the Loggia and Cathedral.
    A rich fishing tradition is had by Izola – a town and municipality located in Simon's Bay, where the remains of a sunken Roman port may be seen at low tide.

  • Piran,
    with its mighty St. George Cathedral and other exceptional architecture, is today entirely protected as cultural heritage.
    This town is also home to a Maritime Museum and a Marine Biological Station.


     

  • The bays near Sečovlje still operate centuries-old salt works dating at least 800 years back in time. These have been preserved as the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park.
    A renovated Salt Worker’s House holds an ethnographic museum.