Two Countries, One Sky
Paragliding escape to the Vipava Valley and Gemona
The Vipava Valley is considered a true paragliding paradise. Pilots from all over Europe flock to its two takeoff sites offering different weather conditions and the possibility of flying all year round. Passionate flyers can boost their activities by combining flying in the Vipava Valley with flying in the vicinity of Gemona, in the neighbouring Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Skilled pilots can even fly non-stop between Gemona and the Vipava Valley for an extreme and unforgettable experience.
Free flying challenge across borders
Paragliding enthusiasts know that most limits are in the mind. When flying, only those set by nature remain. In the Vipava Valley, paragliders have at their disposal two popular takeoff sites, Lijak and Kovk, which complement one another nicely in terms of altitude, terrain configuration and weather conditions for flying. Both takeoff sites are registered and have designated landing areas. Experienced pilots are particularly thrilled by the fact it is possible to fly all the way to the Julian Alps from here, and even further when the weather allows. That is why free flying clubs from the Vipava Valley have joined forces with clubs from the Italian region of Gemona, which also offers excellent paragliding conditions. Famous takeoff sites at Mount Cuarnan and San Simeone are located near Gemona, whose pre-Alpine landscape along the Tagliamento River and the Cavazzo Lake is just as impressive as the picturesque Vipava Valley with its Mediterranean vegetation.
The best news is that pilots can experience both these popular destinations in a single flight. Due to their proximity, as they are only some 80 kilometres apart, the exciting thermals of both areas can be enjoyed in two days. Where to start? Let the weather decide. In ideal conditions, adept pilots can take on a special challenge: the Expert XC – a cross-border flight from the Mount Cuarnan takeoff point to Lijak and back, or perhaps in the opposite direction. Information about this demanding and rewarding flight, one of the best XC routes in the southeastern Alps, is found at both local flying clubs, which can also be contacted through the information centres in the Vipava Valley and Gemona.
Paragliding getaway: more days, more fun
From early morning takeoffs to midday thermals to leisurely evening glides ... a single day isn't enough to experience the sky in all its shades! It takes time to discover new directions and enjoy the scenery. Natural beauty and exceptional flying conditions are precisely why paragliding pilots love to return to these parts time and again. Due to the special microclimate, Vipava Valley invites them in early spring and even in winter, in short – all year round. Flying over a landscape shaped by high plateaus is pure pleasure. Would you like to try the increasingly popular hike & fly, ascending to the takeoff point? The Vipava Valley and the Gemona area offer plenty of opportunities for such adventures, so stay a little longer. You'll be delighted by the hospitality of the friendly countryside accommodations while experiencing the authentic vibe of the valley in the company of the locals.
Fly and taste
One of the greatest charms of the Vipava Valley are its flavours, and so with every landing you can look forward to what follows: socializing over local delicacies. Whether choosing an agritourism farm, a local inn or a Michelin-star restaurant, you will always find something typical of the Vipava Valley on your plate. Discover prosciutto from the Vipava Valley and our traditional stew called jota. Polenta is at home here, too. A special treat is visiting the valley's winemakers who pour wine straight from the barrel. When flying takes you to the surroundings of Gemona, be sure to try the frika dish – absolutely! – and a glass of good local wine accompanied by stories between heaven and earth. At the osmica open doors events, in the agritourism farms and typical inns, each bite tells an authentic story about the landscape, the season and tradition. Explore the wine and culinary offerings of the Vipava Valley and the Gemona area. And don't forget: after flying, the fun continues on the ground!
From a different perspective: landmarks up close
Has something caught your attention from the air? A castle surrounded by greenery, a walled settlement, a lonely bell tower? After landing or while waiting for the right weather for your next flight, explore the surroundings. In the immediate vicinity of the Lijak takeoff site, a splendid sight is the unique European conurbation of two Goricas, Nova Gorica and Gorizia in Italy, today existing without a visible border. Visit the shared Europe Square (Piazza Transalpina), and above the city, the Kostanjevica Monastery with the Tomb of the Bourbons where the last French king is buried. Venture into the wider surroundings as well, as the Vipava Valley is renowned as a land of castles, medieval walled settlements and preserved remains of ancient Roman fortifications. In the Gemona area, guests will be impressed by the historic cores revived after the 1976 earthquake: Gemona with its medieval castle and Gothic cathedral, Venzone surrounded by walls whose geometry can be seen from the air, and Artegna with its impressive castle on the San Martino hill. Both destinations showcase the culture and identity of the region up close, as you stroll among the sights and visit the museums.
For more information about free flying, experiences and accommodation in the Gemona area visit: https://visitgemona.com
The GO2FLY project is funded by the European Union from the GO! 2025 Small Projects Fund of the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia 2021-2027 program, managed by EZTS GO
