Where the Sky is Coloured with Parachutes
The wonderful uniqueness of the Vipava Valley and Gemona's surroundings
The Vipava Valley, which opens up to the Goriška Plain in the west by the border with Italy, delights visitors with its unspoiled nature and scenic landscape boasting vineyards, castles and old villages. The valley is known for its wine and cuisine, and its fantastic opportunities for outdoor activities. The paradise valley for active explorers is real! Among the splendid diversity of the Vipava Valley are also its paragliding takeoff sites, attracting many flyers. These activities also characterize the surroundings of the Italian town of Gemona. On the initiative of paragliders, the two destinations have joined forces and invite you to discover both regions. In the picturesque pre-Alpine region of Friuli, the surroundings of Gemona offer experiences among lakes and nature reserves, in historic towns and rustic villages. Be inspired by the unique!
Pristine nature and enchanting scenery
The natural beauty here is simply enchanting. Tall karst plateaus rise steeply above the green, fertile Vipava Valley, nestled in vine-covered hills. Among the beautiful views, hiking and cycling trails of varying difficulty lead in all directions. The edge of the Trnovo Forest Plateau, with its natural takeoff sites and excellent flying conditions, is particularly attractive to paragliding enthusiasts. Looking up at the sky, which is often literally coloured with numerous paragliders, you may be tempted to take flight yourself. At the newly opened Lijak Green Information Center, you can get all the info you need, book a tandem flight with an expert pilot or go for a virtual paragliding jump using VR glasses. Near the Lijak takeoff point, you can walk to the Skozno natural stone bridge, while more experienced hikers can continue on the trail along the edge of the Trnovo Forest Plateau, offering wonderful views all the way to the sea. If you enjoy cycling, don't miss the 42 km long cycling educational trail along the Vipava River, where you can learn about interesting animal and plant species. Next day, you may also find opportunities to relax in nature in the vicinity of Gemona. Take a walk through the tree-lined avenues along the shore of Lake Cavazzo in Bordano and visit the unique Butterfly House (Casa delle Farfalle), presenting the biological features of the area in a stunningly beautiful way. Explore the Lake Cornino nature reserve by bike or on foot, or choose one of the steeper hiking trails that will take you through forests, over streams and bridges into an unforgettable day.
The magic of places at the crossroads of cultures: more days, more stories
Have you ever thought about the interesting stories hidden in places you may have visited because of their beautiful nature? And how many interesting things you can experience nearby, perhaps on the other side of the border? In the Vipava Valley and the Goriška region, turbulent historical events have left many traces. Important transport links have always run through here. In the Middle Ages, the Vipava Valley was a paradise garden for Vienna, Trieste, Gorizia and other major cities, supplying them with wine, fruit and other delights. Numerous castles bear witness to this. Visit the mighty Rihemberk Castle and immerse yourself in another era with guides dressed in authentic costumes. In the walled village of Vipavski Križ, which attracts visitors with one of the most recognizable local views, stroll through the beautifully restored streets and feel the historical pulse of this medieval town. The rural architecture is also something special. Visit the villages of Tabor above Dornberk and Pedrovo, where agritourism farms offer genuine local delicacies. The Italian town of Gemona also invites you on an interesting journey through history. Visit the castles in Artegna and Gemona and stroll amid the walls of Venzone, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy where the famous Mummies of Venzone are kept. The symbolic places of reconstruction after the 1976 earthquake tell a distinct story, as the newly revitalized town cores bear witness to unwavering communities and an exceptional sense of cultural heritage preservation.
Explore and taste
The Vipava Valley is best known as a wine region, but it also attracts foodies with its culinary offering. It is home to top chefs and Michelin-star restaurants. You can sample typical local dishes such as prosciutto from the Vipava Valley, vegetable soups, and štruklji at the agritourism farms, osmica open doors events and local restaurants. A real specialty of the Vipava Valley are wine tastings in its wine cellars, which produce some of the best wines in Slovenia. Wine tastings are always accompanied by snacks made from local ingredients. When exploring the surroundings of Gemona, you simply have to try the frika dish, a symbol of Friulian cuisine. This area is also known for its cheese from the community dairy (latteria turnaria) and pan di sorc, a sweet spiced bread, both of which carry the Slow Food label. Take the time to sample the region's foods and enjoy the local flavours.
An unforgettable family holiday
Once you feel the relaxing vibe of the Vipava Valley, you'll want to stay a few days longer. Countryside accommodations bring joy with their peaceful surroundings and hospitality, while agritourism farms also offer rich culinary experiences. Just a stone's throw away from hiking and cycling trails, and only a few kilometres from adrenaline-filled adventures and the stories told by the castles, museums and other cultural landmarks, you'll find a comfortable room and environment for a restful getaway.
For more information about 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
