Experience the Karst and Mediterranean Slovenia

From the mountains to the coast
Imagine driving your motorhome through picturesque landscapes, over rolling hills and along breathtaking coastlines. The wind blows through the open windows while the sun warms your skin and you get away from it all - on a journey into the heart of Slovenia. This route takes you through the impressive Slovenian Karst area and the Mediterranean region of the country, and promises an experience full of scenic beauty, cultural riches and hospitable people.

This route is more than a simple journey from A to B. It is a tribute to nature and an invitation to feel the magic of landscapes that have been shaped by nature for centuries. The Slovenian Karst, the namesake of all karst phenomena worldwide, will make your heart beat faster with its underground caves and impressive stalactite halls. At the same time, a fascinating coastline full of historic towns and traditional salt marshes awaits you on the shores of the Adriatic.

The landscape of green Istria, characterized by endless olive groves, is just as much a part of this trip as the fertile wine regions of Brda and the Vipava Valley with its lush orchards. Here in this region, nature lovers, adventurers and culture vultures alike get their money's worth and experience a diversity that is second to none.

What makes this trip truly unique are the carefully selected campsites that serve as starting points for your explorations. Each site not only offers overnight accommodation, but also real contact with nature - whether by the sea, under climbing walls, near paragliding launch sites, above the entrance to a karst cave, among vineyards, on the edge of the forest or in charming villages with spectacular views.

This unforgettable journey begins at Camping Lucija Portorož, from where you can discover the upscale coastal town of Portorož and visit the historic salt pans of Sečovlje, which have been traditionally cultivated for centuries.

The next stop is the Adria campsite – an ideal starting point for exploring the spectacular world of the Slovenian Karst. An adventure in the Postojna Caves awaits you here, followed by a visit to Predjama Castle – an impressive fortress built into a high rock face. You also have the opportunity to explore the Škocjan Cave Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that fascinates with its gigantic underground gorges.

Continue to the cozy Dujčeva domačija campsite, where the peaceful atmosphere of the Slovenian hinterland awaits you. A highlight here is a visit to the Lipica stud farm, home to the famous white Lipizzaner horses.

Your route continues to the Pivka jama campsite, from where you can explore the green heart of the Karst and visit the historic Vilenica Cave, the oldest show cave in Europe.

At the Tura campsite, you can discover the medieval town of Štanjel, which impresses with its historical charm and Mediterranean flair. Climbing enthusiasts can also visit the climbing wall near Osp.

A special highlight on your route is the Theodosius Forest Village, near the Gorizia hills. These not only offer spectacular views, but also excellent wineries to explore and enjoy.

The next stop is the Ajdovščina campsite, ideally located for exploring the enchanting Vipava Valley. Delicious wines and breathtaking natural scenery await you here.

For an exclusive glamping experience, the Vipava Valley Panorama Glamping is the place to be. From here you can visit the fairytale Rihemberk Castle, which will enchant you with its spectacular views.

Camping David is located near the famous White Rocks of Karst, a paradise for climbers and hikers with breathtaking views.

The Saksida eco-campsite and bungalows offer a sustainable way of life in the Vipava Valley and at the same time the opportunity to visit the Gomila wine cellars, where you can enjoy regional wines.

To top it all off, the Park Lijak campsite takes you to a well-known paragliding center. Here you can take a trip to the Trnovski Gozd forest to find peace and quiet in unspoiled nature.

This is what awaits you on this route:

This unforgettable journey begins at Camping Lucija Portorož, from where you can discover the upscale coastal town of Portorož and visit the historic salt pans of Sečovlje, which have been traditionally cultivated for centuries.

The next stop is the Adria campsite - an ideal starting point for exploring the spectacular world of the Slovenian Karst. An adventure in the Postojna Caves awaits you here, followed by a visit to Predjama Castle - an impressive fortress built into a high rock face. You also have the opportunity to explore the Škocjan Cave Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site that fascinates with its gigantic underground gorges.

Continue to the cozy Dujčeva domačija campsite, where the peaceful atmosphere of the Slovenian hinterland awaits you. A highlight here is a visit to the Lipica stud farm, home to the famous white Lipizzaner horses.

Your route continues to the Pivka jama campsite, from where you can explore the green heart of the Karst and visit the historic Vilenica Cave, the oldest show cave in Europe.

At the Tura campsite, you can discover the medieval town of Štanjel, which impresses with its historical charm and Mediterranean flair. Climbing enthusiasts can also visit the climbing wall near Osp.

A special highlight on your route is the Theodosius Forest Village, near the Gorizia hills. These not only offer spectacular views, but also excellent wineries to explore and enjoy.

The next stop is the Ajdovščina campsite, ideally located for exploring the enchanting Vipava Valley. Delicious wines and breathtaking natural scenery await you here.

For an exclusive glamping experience, the Vipava Valley Panorama Glamping is the place to be. From here you can visit the fairytale Rihemberk Castle, which will enchant you with its spectacular views.

Camping David is located near the famous White Rocks of Karst, a paradise for climbers and hikers with breathtaking views.

The Saksida eco-campsite and bungalows offer a sustainable way of life in the Vipava Valley and at the same time the opportunity to visit the Gomila wine cellars, where you can enjoy regional wines.

To top it all off, the Park Lijak campsite takes you to a well-known paragliding center. Here you can take a trip to the Trnovski Gozd forest to find peace and quiet in unspoiled nature.

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White rocks of Karst

The White Rocks of Karst are a paradise for climbers and offer breathtaking views. Picture: Renate Tröße – pixelio.de
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Rihemberk Castle

Rihemberk Castle impresses with its spectacular views and medieval charm. Image: stock.adobe.com
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Štanjel

Štanjel is a medieval town with historical charm and Mediterranean flair. Image: stock.adobe.com
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Lipica Stud Farm

The Lipica stud farm is home to the world-famous Lipizzaner horses. Picture: detait – unsplash.com
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Vilenica Cave

The Vilenica Cave is the oldest show cave in Europe with fascinating stalactite formations. Image: stock.adobe.com
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Salt pans from Sečovlje

The salt pans of Sečovlje are historic salt marshes that have been traditionally cultivated for centuries. Picture: Jure Pivk – unsplash.com
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Škocjan Cave Park

The Škocjan Cave Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with gigantic underground gorges. Picture: George Bakos – unsplash.com
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Predjama Castle

Predjama Castle is a Gothic fortress built spectacularly into a rock face. Image: Edoardo Bortoli – unsplash.com
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Postojna Cave

Postojna Cave is one of the largest and most fascinating stalactite caves in Europe. Picture: Walter Frehner – unsplash.com

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Hiking trail through the Škocjan Cave Park

The hiking trail through the Škocjan Cave Park offers a unique combination of geological wonders and lush natural scenery. The circular trail starts at the visitor center and leads through dense forests and over steep rocky gorges. Highlights include the impressive underground gorges and the viewpoints above the cave, which offer breathtaking panoramas. Along the way, visitors learn a lot about the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and can enjoy the diversity of flora and fauna in the region. Picture: Dr. Klaus-Uwe Gerhardt – pixelio.de
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Vipava Valley hike

The hike through the Vipava Valley takes you through a picturesque landscape known for its fertile vineyards and lush orchards. The trail starts in the charming town of Ajdovščina and winds along the Vipava River. It leads past small villages, historic churches and wineries that invite you to taste their wines. The rolling hills and panoramic views of the valley offer wonderful photo opportunities. This hike is ideal for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts who want to experience Slovenia’s picturesque and enjoyable side. Image: Roman Dek – unsplash.com
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Hike to Predjama Castle

The hike to Predjama Castle begins in the small village of Predjama and leads through a varied landscape characterized by forests and meadows. The path climbs gradually and offers magnificent views of the surrounding karst landscape. The highlight is the arrival at the spectacular Predjama Castle, which is impressively built into a steep rock face. Visitors can explore the castle’s well-preserved medieval rooms and secret tunnels and feel transported back to the time of knights and damsels. An accompanying guided tour offers deep insights into the exciting history and legends surrounding the castle. Image: Edoardo Bortoli – unsplash.com

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Parenzana cycle path

The Parenzana cycle path offers a fascinating journey along the former railroad line that once connected the cities of Trieste in Italy and Poreč in Croatia. This 130-kilometre cycle path leads through picturesque villages, vineyards and olive groves and offers spectacular views of the Adriatic coast and the green hinterland. The Slovenian section of the Parenzana is known for its gentle climbs and descents that lead through tunnels and over viaducts. This route is ideal for families and leisure cyclists who want to experience the scenic and cultural diversity of Istria on two wheels. Image: stock.adobe.com
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Cycle path through the Vipava Valley

The cycle route through the Vipava Valley starts in the town of Ajdovščina and runs along the Vipava River through one of Slovenia’s most beautiful wine regions. The route is mostly flat, which makes it ideal for cyclists of all levels. Along the way, you can admire the rolling hills and picturesque wineries and taste local wines and delicacies in the numerous wine bars and inns. The trail also leads through historic villages and past cultural and historical sights, such as Rihemberk Castle, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. Image: Janko Ferlič – unsplash.com
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Cycle path to the Škocjan Caves

The cycle route to the Škocjan Caves starts in the town of Divača and leads through the varied karst landscape to the famous caves. The route is moderately difficult and offers a mixture of paved roads and natural paths. Along the way, you will pass through dense forests, open fields and small villages that provide an insight into rural life in Slovenia. Arriving at the Škocjan Caves is the highlight of this tour. Here you can park your bike and explore the underground gorges and stalactite formations on a guided tour. This cycle route is perfect for nature and adventure lovers who want to discover the unique karst region on two wheels. Picture: Hape Bolliger – pixelio.de

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Starting point | Destination:

Portorož → Šempas

LENGTH:

179 km

Contact details

Tourismusverband Slowenien
Dimičeva 13
1000 Ljubljana, Slowenien
Tel.: +386 (0) 1 589 85 50
E-Mail: info@slovenia.info
Webseite: www.slovenia.info

Geographical features

Slovenia

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