Slovenian Karst Walking Holidays
Stroll from village to village, staying in cosy local B&Bs, discovering the Slovenian Karst’s serene landscapes
Delve into the underground wonders of Postojna Cave, a subterranean marvel on a unique train ride
Marvel at the architectural feat of Predjama Castle, perched dramatically on a cliffside
Savour the pastoral charm and rich winemaking heritage of the Vipava Valley, Slovenia’s renowned viticultural heartland
Explore the historic and scenic beauty of Štanjel, with its castle and the mesmerising Ferrari Garden
Visit the Lipica Stud Farm, home to the elegant Lipizzaner horses, embodying a tradition of grace and beauty
Stroll through blooming gardens to historic Slovenian castles
Unveil the secrets of Slovenia's underground wonders at Postojna Cave
Encounter the elegance of Lipizzaner horses
Walk back in time to Slovenia's awe-inspiring Predjama Castle
Explore gardens of tranquil waters and lush greenery
Wander through golden vineyards as the sun sets on the Karst horizon
Follow the shade of Karst's tree avenues to your next cozy inn
Embrace the expansive views of Karst's peaceful, undulating hills
Itinerary
Your exploration of the Slovenian Karst will begin in Postojna, where a private transfer will deliver you from the airport. Once you check into your hotel, you’ll visit one of Slovenia’s most famous attractions – the Postojna Cave. The visit includes a ride with an underground train and a walking tour of the most attractive sections of the cave. After that, you’re free to get some rest and prepare for the upcoming inn-to-inn walking adventure.
Hotel Kras / Hotel Jama or similar (depending on availability)
In the morning, you’ll be transferred to Landol, a nearby village, where you’ll begin your day’s hike. The gravel path will weave across an undulating Karstic landscape, crossing little hills and valleys. It will take you to Predjama Castle, a redoubtable fortress built upon a steep cliff, which inspired George R. R. Martin for his series, A Song of Ice and Fire. From there, the route runs right below the Nanos Plateau, ending at the Hudičevec tourist farm, where you’ll spend your second night.
16.75 km and 400 m of elevation gain / 385 m of elevation loss
EkoTurizem Hudičevec or similar (depending on availability)
Leaving Hudičevec behind, you’ll cross under the highway and traverse the wooded slopes of the Nanos Plateau, entering Vipava Valley, an evergreen land of wine. The path will be gently descending towards the town of Vipava in the heart of the valley. There, you’ll end your day in a B&B. If time permits, we can also organise a wine-tasting experience for you.
16.6 km and 330 m of elevation gain / 780 m of elevation loss
Fine Rooms Vipava / Lukova Hiša or similar (depending on availability)
From Vipava, you’ll head across the valley and climb over the ridge on the other side. The route winds through several quaint villages, which all boast a very typical Karstic architectural style. You’ll spend the night in Štanjel, the oldest settlement in the Karst. It prides itself on at least two attractions worth pointing out: Štanjel Castle and Ferrari Garden, designed by the famous Italian-Slovenian architect Maks Fabiani.
16 km and 490 m of elevation gain / 280 m of elevation loss
Vila Ana / Hotel St. Daniel or similar (depending on availability)
Today, you’ll continue traversing the unique Karst landscape, following macadam tracks from Štanjel as they wind across an undulating landscape dotted with vineyards. Again, you’ll pass or walk through several picturesque villages, including Tomaj, famous for its Teran winemaking tradition. There’s an option to organise a wine and food tasting for you mid-route, or you can have one after reaching Sežana and checking into your B&B.
18.2 km and 300 m of elevation gain / 260 m of elevation loss
Boutique Hotel Grahor / Apolonija Guest House or similar (depending on availability)
You’ll spend an additional day in Sežana, which is in the immediate vicinity of the Lipica Stud Farm, known worldwide for the breeding of Lipizzaner horses. It has been operating without interruption for over 440 years, making it the oldest stud farm in Europe to do so. You’ll walk from Sežana to Lipica, visiting the farm and seeing these majestic creatures live before returning to your B&B for another night.
12 km and 100 m of elevation gain/loss
Boutique Hotel Grahor / Apolonija Guest House or similar (depending on availability)
You can have a relaxed final day in Slovenia, exploring Sežana and its surroundings some more before saying goodbye to Karst. We’ll arrange a transfer to whisk you back to the airport or Ljubljana, allowing your experience to remain hassle-free.
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Description
Experience the Slovenian Karst Walking Holidays, an idyllic inn-to-inn journey that threads through the heart of Slovenia’s tranquil Karst region. This curated path winds through picturesque vineyards and quaint villages, immersing you in a serene winemaking country with minimal elevation changes.
Revel in the under-the-radar beauty of the Karst landscape, a treasure trove of natural wonders and historical marvels. Discover the underground marvel of Postojna Cave, wander around the awe-inspiring Predjama Castle, and soak in the pastoral beauty of the Vipava Valley.
Visit the Lipica Stud Farm to witness the grace of Lipizzaner horses and explore Štanjel, a village that captures the essence of Karst architecture and history.
Each day’s journey leads you from one charming inn to another, ensuring a warm, local hospitality experience that captures the essence of Slovenian culture. These carefully selected accommodations provide comfortable retreats, allowing you to rest and rejuvenate amidst the beauty of the Karst region.
For our guests, we ensure a seamless experience from arrival to departure. From organising private transfers from the airport to facilitating inn-to-inn luggage transport, every detail is meticulously planned.
Enjoy the freedom of exploration with our 24/7 support, a personalised travel booklet, and GPS navigation for all routes, enabling you to navigate Karst’s scenic paths with confidence.
The Slovenian Karst Walking Holidays invite you to step off the beaten path and into a world where nature’s tranquillity meets the rich tapestry of Slovenian winemaking tradition.
Map
Accommodations
Hotel Kras
Hotel Kras in Postojna offers a luxurious stay with 24 double rooms and three terrace suites atop the building, boasting unique city and hill views. The 4-star establishment features a 24-hour reception, multipurpose event rooms, a café, and underground parking.
Hotel Jama
Hotel Jama, situated just steps from the Postojna Cave entrance, offers modern, air-conditioned accommodations with free WiFi, on-site dining, and convenient parking, all amidst the enchanting backdrop of the Postojna Cave Park.
EkoTurizem Hudičevec
EkoTurizem Hudičevec delights with its farm-based charm, offering spacious, clean accommodations and a host of family-friendly activities, including playgrounds and animal encounters, complemented by meals prepared with farm-fresh ingredients.
Fine Rooms Vipava
Fine Rooms Vipava offers a charming stay in the heart of Vipava’s old town, featuring modern double rooms with ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and picturesque views of the alleys and tiled roofs, complemented by free public parking a minute away.
Lukova Hiša
Lukova Hiša in Vipava, surrounded by lush vineyards, offers a tranquil retreat with fully equipped apartments, easy access to local wine tastings, and cycling adventures, perfect for exploring the scenic Vipava Valley.
Vila Ana
Vila Ana in Štanjel combines rustic charm with modern comforts, featuring cosy rooms, a lush garden, and proximity to the iconic Štanjel Castle and Ferrari Garden, offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of the Karst region.
Hotel St. Daniel
Hotel St. Daniel in Hruševica near Štanjel is an eco-friendly boutique hotel offering a unique blend of holistic wellness and sustainability, with organic dining and a peaceful garden in the picturesque Karst region.
Boutique Hotel Grahor
Boutique Hotel Grahor in Sežana dazzles with its elegant rooms featuring minibars and en-suite bathrooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant serving meat, fish specialties, and typical local dishes.
Apolonija Guest House
Apolonija Guest House in Sežana is a family-run establishment offering a serene ambiance with uniquely designed rooms, a restaurant serving local delicacies, and a setting that invites guests to explore the wonders of the Karst region and its famous Lipizzaner horses.
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Things to know
Our guided walking tours are led by UIMLA or IMFGA internationally licensed guides who have completed many years of training to make your walking holidays both safe and enjoyable. They are enthusiastic individuals who are ready to share their passion for Slovenia and its rich culture and nature with you, and make your walking holiday one to remember.
We are always looking for the perfect fit for you. We use a few different accommodation providers that fit our standards but they are subjected to availability, especially in the high season. We can also adjust the holiday, keeping in mind your preferences and budget and can always find a more suitable solution for your taste.
We recommend booking as early as possible. Slovenian mountain huts are very popular and get booked up several weeks in advance, especially on weekends. If your booking is late, we will try our best to find a suitable alternative. Sometimes, last-minute spots open up. However, we cannot guarantee a free spot.
All of the huts offer vegetarian options and usually at least one vegan option. Still, kitchens high up are basic, so don’t expect too many choices. Huts generally serve authentic meals like stews, soups, and sausages. If you have strict dietary restrictions, consider bringing your own food as they can’t make a special meal per request.
If you want to, sure! We are well aware that some people love to stay in groups while others prefer some more alone time on their trip. We wanted to give you the opportunity to do things your way. It is your holiday, after all! As long as you respect the group timings and locations designated by your guide, please feel free to customize your itinerary and create your own adventure!
Depending on the tour, some of our tours go through high mountains and there is still snow in spring (sometimes as late as early June) and autumn (sometimes as early as October). Other tours don’t go as high and are suitable for spring and autumn as well as summer. Read more about hiking seasons in Slovenia.
Most of the tours can be done even in light rain, as long as you dress accordingly. It is not unusual in the summer that there are afternoon thunderstorms, so early starts are advisable. If the weather looks really bad, we will try to reschedule or propose an alternative tour.
Some of our tours are hut-to-hut tours, with overnights in authentic mountain huts. Try to pack light, only take what you really need. You need your passport or ID for check-in, and some cash is advisable if the internet is down. Bring your sleeping liner and earplugs for the night, and toothbrush and body wipes for hygiene. You don’t need slippers, they are in the hut already.
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