Štanjel Castle is a historic medieval fortress offering cultural, historical, and culinary experiences within its ancient walls, including an interactive museum and art galleries. Adjacent to it lies the Ferrari Garden, a terraced garden masterpiece designed by architect Maks Fabiani in the early 20th century, featuring traditional karst stonework and a distinctive oval pond with an islet, now a cultural monument of national importance. Visitors can explore both sites to enjoy panoramic views and learn about the region’s heritage.

• Guided tours
• Museum exhibits
• Art galleries
• Panoramic terraces
• Garden walking paths

Otliško okno, or the Otlica Natural Window, is a dramatic karst rock formation and natural bridge on the edge of the Trnovo Forest Plateau above Vipava Valley. Formed by weathering and erosion of limestone along a tectonic fault, the large opening offers spectacular panoramic views of the valley below. The site is a popular stop on local hiking routes, accessible via scenic paths from the village of Otlica and from the Hubelj spring above Ajdovščina, and is appreciated for its unique geological character and legends about its origin. The formation of the window has been woven into local folklore, adding cultural intrigue to its natural beauty.

• Scenic viewpoint
• Geological formation
• Hiking trails
• Photo opportunities

Castra (Castra ad Fluvium Frigidum) is a late Roman fortress located in the centre of Ajdovščina in the Vipava Valley. Built around the early 3rd century as part of the defensive Claustra Alpium Iuliarum, it features well-preserved remains of walls and towers, archaeological sites, and interpretive displays that tell the story of Roman military presence in the region. Visitors can explore remnants of city walls with 14 towers, parts of ancient baths, and foundations of command buildings in open-air presentations, often enhanced with guided tours that bring ancient life to history.

• Archaeological remnants
• City walls & towers
• Interpretive displays
• Guided tours available
• Photo spots

Vipavski Križ is a picturesque medieval hilltop settlement in the Vipava Valley known for its narrow cobbled streets, fortified walls, and rich cultural heritage. Once an important trade and defensive centre, it flourished in the Middle Ages and was granted town rights in the 16th century. The village features remnants of its castle, narrow alleys, baroque churches, and a Capuchin monastery with a historic library, making it one of Slovenia’s most beautiful cultural history monuments. Visitors can enjoy walking through its historic lanes, learn about its storied past, and take in scenic views of the valley below.

• Fortified walls
• Historic streets
• Capuchin monastery
• Panoramic views
• Guided tours

Solkan Bridge is a world-renowned engineering masterpiece with an 85-metre stone arch—the longest stone arch on a railway bridge in the world—spanning the emerald Soča River near Solkan. Built between 1904 and 1905 as part of the Bohinj Railway to link Trieste with Vienna, it was first opened in 1906. The bridge was partly destroyed during World War I and rebuilt following the original plans, and today it remains an active railway bridge and protected technical monument. Visitors enjoy its historic significance, striking architecture, and scenic surroundings, with opportunities to see heritage steam trains pass or to participate in nearby bungee jumping from the road bridge.

• Longest stone arch railway bridge
• Active railway use
• Heritage steam train rides (seasonal)
• Scenic photospots
• Nearby bungee jumping

Lipica Stud Farm is one of the oldest stud farms in Europe, founded in 1580 and world-famous as the birthplace of the Lipizzaner horse. Set in the karst landscape near the Italian border, the estate includes historic stables, a training arena, a carriage museum, and extensive pastures where the white horses roam freely. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, classical dressage performances, and learn about the centuries-old tradition of breeding and training these noble horses that are closely associated with the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

• Guided tours
• Dressage performances
• Carriage museum
• Horse stables visit
• Walking trails in park

Postojna Cave is the most visited show cave in Slovenia and one of the world’s most famous karst cave systems, featuring a spectacular underground landscape of stalactites, stalagmites and chambers. The cave’s guided tour includes a unique electric cave train ride along its illuminated passages and galleries, allowing visitors to explore about 5.3 km of pathways adapted for tourism. The site also includes the Vivarium Proteus where the endemic olm (Proteus anguinus) can be seen, and the interactive EXPO Cave Karst exhibition offering insight into the cave’s geological history and ecosystem. Postojna Cave has been open to visitors since the early 19th century and welcomes over half a million guests annually.

• Guided tours
• Cave train ride
• Vivarium Proteus
• Interactive exhibits
• Accessible pathways

Predjama Castle is a unique Renaissance fortress dramatically built into the mouth of a 123-metre high cliff in southwestern Slovenia, making it the largest cave castle in the world. First mentioned in the 13th century, it is best known as the legendary home of the knight Erazem of Predjama, a rebellious nobleman who resisted the Habsburgs. The castle combines natural cave passages with man-made chambers, secret tunnels, and defensive systems. Today, it is a popular cultural monument and museum, offering visitors insight into medieval life, military architecture, and local legends.

• Guided tours
• Museum interiors
• Secret tunnels
• Karst cave system
• Seasonal knight events

The Škocjan Caves are a spectacular underground canyon system and one of the most important karst phenomena in the world, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The caves are famous for their immense underground chambers, deep gorges, and the Reka River flowing through the largest known subterranean canyon in Europe. Guided tours lead visitors across dramatic bridges, through vast caverns, and past powerful waterfalls, revealing exceptional geological, hydrological, and biological features.

• Guided cave tours
• Suspension bridges
• Underground river
• Educational trails
• Visitor centre & museum

The Vipava Spring is the main source of the Vipava River, emerging from several powerful karst springs beneath steep limestone cliffs in the old town of Vipava. The springs form a picturesque natural amphitheatre with emerald pools and small waterfalls, making it one of the most scenic water sources in Slovenia. The area is easily accessible and popular for walks, photography, and learning about karst hydrology, as it clearly demonstrates how underground water resurfaces in the Dinaric Karst.

• Natural spring pools
• Walking paths
• Information boards
• Rest areas
• Photography viewpoints

The Peace Memorial on Cerje is a monumental architectural structure dedicated to peace and remembrance of all victims of wars, located on a hill above the Karst plateau with sweeping views of the Vipava Valley, the Adriatic Sea and the Alps. Built in the shape of a defensive tower using stone from all regions of Slovenia and neighbouring countries, it symbolically connects different cultures and histories. The interior features exhibitions on war history, peace-building and European reconciliation, while the rooftop platform offers one of the most impressive panoramic viewpoints in western Slovenia.

• Observation tower
• Museum exhibitions
• Panoramic terrace
• Guided tours
• Memorial park

Pilgrimage site with basilica and panoramic views.

Hilltop monastery with Bourbon tombs and rose garden.

Ljubljana is the charming capital of Slovenia, known for its vibrant cultural life, green spaces, and harmonious blend of Baroque, Art Nouveau, and modern architecture. The city is dominated by Ljubljana Castle, which rises above the old town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. A network of picturesque bridges crosses the Ljubljanica River, including the famous Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge. With its lively cafés, museums, markets, and numerous events, Ljubljana is considered one of Europe’s most pleasant and sustainable capitals.

• Old Town walking tours
• Ljubljana Castle funicular
• River boat cruises
• Museums & galleries
• Culinary scene

Pri Lojzetu restaurant is located in the Renaissance Zemono Manor above the Vipava Valley and is one of Slovenia’s most renowned fine-dining destinations. Led by chef Tomaž Kavčič, the restaurant is celebrated for its creative interpretation of Vipava Valley and Mediterranean cuisine, combining local seasonal ingredients, heritage recipes, and modern culinary techniques. The elegant setting, extensive wine cellar, and personalized service have earned it international recognition, including a Michelin star and Green Star for sustainability.

• Tasting menus
• À la carte dining
• Wine pairing
• Historic manor dining rooms
• Private events

Štanjel Castle offers refined gastronomic experiences inspired by Karst cuisine, local wines, and seasonal ingredients. Within the historic castle complex, visitors can enjoy wine tastings, culinary events, and gourmet presentations that combine traditional Karst flavours with contemporary culinary interpretation. The setting of stone courtyards and panoramic terraces above the village of Štanjel provides a unique atmosphere for boutique food and wine experiences, often in cooperation with local winemakers and chefs.

• Wine tastings
• Local food sampling
• Culinary events
• Panoramic terrace dining
• Guided gourmet tours

Restaurant Pikol is one of Slovenia’s pioneering fine-dining establishments, located in the tranquil Lake Village near Nova Gorica. Led by chef Marko Pavčnik, it is renowned for its innovative, seasonal tasting menus inspired by the Vipava Valley, the Karst, and the Adriatic, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients and artistic presentation. The restaurant is particularly famous for its exceptional wine cellar, featuring one of the richest selections of Slovenian and international wines, and for its intimate, elegant dining atmosphere.

• Tasting menus
• Wine pairing
• Extensive wine cellar
• Private dining rooms
• Chef’s table

Restaurant Grad Kromberk is a family-run culinary destination situated within historic Kromberk Castle, offering a refined dining experience in a unique castle setting. With a tradition of flavour since 1982, the restaurant focuses on fresh seasonal dishes that reinterpret traditional and almost forgotten recipes in a modern and creative way. Guests can enjoy expertly prepared seafood, locally inspired cuisine, and a serene ambience on the castle terrace overlooking the Vipava Valley. Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and the exclusive atmosphere.

• Seasonal gourmet dishes
• Seafood specialties
• Terrace dining with valley views
• Wine pairings
• Tailor-made menus

Reservoir Dogs is a Slovene craft brewery and taproom located in Nova Gorica that produces an eclectic range of craft beers, including IPAs, sour ales, and other creative styles. Founded by a group of local beer enthusiasts, the brewery welcomes visitors for beer tastings, brewery tours, and a lively taproom experience with snacks and drinks available on-site. With around 16 beers on tap and a relaxed, social atmosphere, Reservoir Dogs has become a hub of the local craft beer scene.

• On-site beer tasting
• Brewery tours
• 16+ taps
• Craft beer variety
• Snacks & small bites

Pelicon Brewery is an independent craft brewery in the Vipava Valley that produces unfiltered, unpasteurised beers with full flavour. Since launching their first beers, including the IPA 'The 3rd Pill' which has earned awards and recognition, Pelicon continues to expand its range with innovative and high-quality craft beers. Visitors can purchase bottles at the brewery shop and find Pelicon beers on tap in local bars and restaurants across the region, enjoying a taste of Vipava’s burgeoning craft beer scene.

• Bottle shop
• Local distribution
• Beer varieties (IPA, ale, lager)
• Available on tap in local venues

Pivovarna Castra is a boutique craft brewery in Ajdovščina named after the nearby Roman fortress ‘Castra’. Founded by local brewers who developed their first beers from homebrewing experiments, the brewery focuses on producing a variety of craft beers with balanced flavour profiles, including light, drinkable styles as well as more aromatic ales. Their beers can be found on tap in local bars and venues across the region, and Castra participates in beer events and tasting evenings that highlight the growing craft beer culture of the Vipava Valley.

• Variety of craft beers
• Local distribution
• Beer tasting events
• Collaboration with local venues

Pivnica in Pizzeria Porka Eva is a popular local restaurant and pizzeria near Ajdovščina known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas made with high-quality ingredients, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere. The place also serves craft beers and Italian-inspired dishes, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy great pizza in a relaxed setting.

• Neapolitan pizzas
• Bar service
• Indoor seating
• Craft beers
• Casual dining

Riverside restaurant serving homemade dishes and wood-fired pizzas.

Ferjančič Winery is a family-run winery in the Vipava Valley with viticulture traditions dating back to 1809, producing expressive wines from local and international varieties. Guests can tour vineyards and the cellar, enjoy guided tastings with local charcuterie, and relax under chestnut and olive trees in the estate yard. The wines reflect the unique terroir of Vipava’s marl soils and the influence of the bora wind.

• Guided wine tastings
• Vineyard tours
• Local charcuterie pairings
• Cellar visits

Batič is one of the oldest and most respected wineries in the Vipava Valley, with origins dating back to 1592. The winery practices biodynamic and natural viticulture across extensive vineyards, crafting expressive wines from indigenous and international varieties like Pinela, Rebula, Merlot and Cabernet. Its wines showcase precision and elegance with a strong sense of place.

• Estate wine tastings
• Biodynamic vineyards
• Classic and experimental cuvées

Burja Estate, led by the Lavrenčič family, blends traditional Vipava Valley winegrowing with modern biodynamic practices. The estate’s vineyards are farmed naturally, and wines emphasize purity, balance and expression of local varieties such as Rebula, Zelen and Malvasia. Tastings are offered with insight into their holistic approach to viticulture.

• Biodynamic vineyard visits
• Wine tastings
• Local variety focus

Guerila is a biodynamic winery in the Vipava Valley focused on organic, low-intervention winemaking. With vineyards on the southern slopes of Planina, they cultivate native white varieties like Pinela, Zelen and Rebula, as well as some red varieties. The cellar conducts spontaneous fermentations and emphasizes terroir-driven expression. Tasting sessions include several natural wine styles.

• Wine tastings
• Biodynamic vineyards
• Spontaneous fermentation
• Vineyard tours

Edi Simčič Winery is a well-known producer from Goriška Brda whose wines are regarded as some of the most expressive examples of the region, particularly for varieties like Rebula, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The estate combines traditional techniques with careful vineyard management to create wines with depth and character that reflect the unique terroir of Brda. (Commonly recommended by wine aficionados and guides)

• Estate wine tastings
• Rebula & Pinot styles
• Guided tours

Wine and camping resort with mobile homes and pool.

• mobile homes & pitches
• swimming pool
• winery tours