October 2024
Hike and Taste in the Paradise Valley
In autumn, as the vineyards don their most beautiful colours and the hills overlooking the valley glimmer with gradients of light, the Paradise Valley begins its most charming season of hiking experiences. Diverse trails and dozens of routes, perfect temperatures for enjoyment in nature, appealing peaks, vistas from tall plateaus and picturesque low hills represent a true hiking paradise. When the hiking season is already at a close elsewhere, the Vipava Valley and Goriška enchant visitors with splendid cuisine, wine tastings, traditions and legendary hospitality. Let's hike!
In the Footsteps of Matija Vertovec setting records
The Vipava Valley and Goriška boast a rich hiking tradition. Along the trails that literally criss-cross the land, many organised hikes which are not only recreational take place every year. They are themed, usually linked to the preservation of local folklore. The most popular and most widely attended is titled In the Footsteps of Matija Vertovec, traditionally taking place at the end of November, on the first Sunday after St. Martin's Sunday. The walk preserves the memory of Matija Vertovec, priest and esteemed early teacher of Vipava's winegrowers. It passes through the villages where this remarkable artist, expert writer and author of the first Slovenian book on viticulture, winegrowing and winemaking worked and lived.
Along some 18 kilometres of the route, impressing with its scenic beauty and marvellous views, hikers enjoy vineyards and encounter natural and cultural sights. The local people add a special charm to the hike, presenting their way of life at various points along the way, as well as their produce which they offer for tasting. In the village of Ustje near Ajdovščina, where the trail starts and ends, hikers are greeted by a local market filled with home delicacies. In addition to the famous wines, the most popular items at this time of year are ripe kakis and cured meats prepared according to traditional recipes. This year, the 22nd Vertovec Hike again promises an exceptional atmosphere. More than five thousand satisfied hikers, the average number attracted by the event, will once more embark on a hiking experience worth repeating.
Hiking all year round
In the Vipava Valley and Goriška, winters are mild and the climate is hiker-friendly. Here and there the Burja wind will make itself felt, and there is occasional snow on the higher plateaus which usually melts soon. In between however, there are plenty of sunny days from November to spring, inviting hikers to enjoy beautiful nature. Even in the middle of winter, it is often warm enough to take off your jacket and sit on a rock while hiking on sunny slopes, enjoying views over the valley and all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Choose your trail on our Vipava Valley Outdoor app. This friendly tool, which runs in your browser, will provide useful information to help you choose the perfect route.
Discover unique pastimes, experience more
In the Paradise Valley, you can choose from a wide range of outdoor activities to spice up your hiking holiday. You can rent an electric bike and set out to explore the local attractions. Perhaps, after a hike to the edge of the Trnovo Forest Plateau, you'll be tempted by adrenaline and choose a tandem paragliding flight for your return to the valley. Experienced climbers may ascend a ferrata or one of the many climbing routes. There is something for everyone here. Of course, don't forget the Vipava Valley is a fabulous wine country. Seize the opportunity for unique wine tastings and culinary indulgences.
