A Second Summer in Vipava Valley

Your Ultimate Active Autumn Guide

    Your Ultimate Active Autumn Guide

    Experience a second summer in Slovenia's Vipava Valley. Discover why autumn is the perfect season for cycling, hiking, paragliding, and wine tasting in this breathtaking paradise. As the summer crowds disperse and a golden light washes over the landscape, the Vipava Valley enters its most magical season: a vibrant second summer. This is the golden hour for active travellers. The air is crisp, the vineyards are bursting with fruit, and the summer's energy lingers, making it the perfect time for an adventure in Slovenia's renowned Vipava Valley.

    Active Adventures in the Autumn Vipava Valley

    Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, the Vipava Valley is a premier destination for outdoor recreation long after summer ends. This special period, stretching from the grape harvest to the first tasting of young wine, is simply ideal for exploration.

     

    • Cycling for All Levels: The Vipava Valley is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from gentle tours through the valley floor and vineyard hills, or challenge yourself with legendary climbs to the Trnovo Forest Plateau. MTB trails offer adrenaline-pumping descents, while family-friendly routes provide carefree enjoyment.

    • Hiking with Breathtaking Views: Lace up your boots and discover trails famous for their vistas. Have you walked the famous Trail along the Edge, marveled at the Skozno natural bridge, or summited Mt. Mali Golak (1,495 m), the highest peak in the Trnovo Forest?

    • Soar Above the Valley: For the ultimate perspective, experience the Vipava Valley from the sky. Paragliders take advantage of excellent thermals from take-off sites like Lijak and Kovk. A tandem flight with an experienced pilot reveals panoramic views of the Julian Alps, the Friulan Plain, and the Adriatic Sea.

    • Ultimate Thrills: For the true thrill-seeker, bungee jumping from the historic Solkan Bridge over the emerald Soča River is an unforgettable hit.

     

    Pro Tip: Use the local hop-on & hop-off bus line in Nova Gorica or the free Bicibus service from Ajdovščina to easily reach starting points.

    Savor the Authentic Flavors of the Vipava Valley

    An active day in the Vipava Valley deserves a world-class reward: its food and wine. This region is a celebrated foodie destination, drawing visitors back time and again with its unique offerings.

    The harvest season adds a layer of tradition and charm. No visit is complete without tasting the region’s famous pršut, air-dried ham perfected by the local Burja wind, a staple of any local celebration.

    The heart of the Vipava Valley is in its wine. The valley’s wealth of grape varieties, including indigenous gems like Zelen and Pinela, has earned it international fame. After your adventures, visit a local winemaker. Descend into their traditional underground cellars, hear their personal stories, and taste the fruits of the harvest. In every glass and every shared plate of local delicacies, you’ll discover the true soul of the Vipava Valley.

    Cross-Border Culinary Celebration: Flavours of the Border

    This autumn, your visit to the Vipava Valley can coincide with a major cross-border event. The traditional Flavours of the Border (Gusti di Frontiera) festival in Gorizia, Italy, is dedicating its 2024 edition to the European Capital of Culture.

    For the first time, from September 25-28, the festival will expand across the border into Nova Gorica, Slovenia. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to wander between over 400 stands featuring participants from 50 countries, all within a vibrant, open, and multicultural space that defines this unique European region.

    Plan Your Autumn Getaway to the Vipava Valley

    With perfect weather for activity, unparalleled culinary experiences, and a festive atmosphere, there has never been a better time to explore the Vipava Valley. Your second summer adventure awaits.