Vipava Valley
The Vipava Valley is a place where flying meets unspoiled nature, Mediterranean character and views that remain in your memory. Regardless of whether you are looking for a starting point for a long flight, your first independent steps in paragliding or an unforgettable tandem flight, above the valley you will quickly understand why pilots return here again and again.
Foto Matjaž Milavec
On the edge of the Gora plateau, 860 meters above sea level, lies the Kovk airfield. It offers excellent take-off conditions and is a suitable starting point for longer flights along the ridge above the Vipava Valley. Due to easy access almost to the take-off area itself, it is also particularly friendly to hang gliders. The official landing site is on a meadow in Log, along the road between Ajdovščina and Vipava. With prior notice, visitors can also fly in tandem with experienced and properly trained pilots of the Kovk Paragliding Association.
In the lower part of the Vipava Valley, near the Italian border, lies the Lijak airfield. The wide, grassy and beautifully landscaped airfield is suitable for both experienced pilots and beginners. Due to favorable weather conditions, flying is often possible even in winter and on days when the upper part of the valley is blown by the bora wind. There is a paragliding school on Lijak, which offers beginner and advanced courses in small groups, and tandem flights are also available to visitors. The official landing site is on a meadow by the road between Nova Gorica and Ajdovščina.
The southwest-oriented slopes above the valley allow for long and picturesque flights along the ridge that stretches from Nova Gorica to Nanos. With southerly and southwesterly winds, pilots most often choose the Kovk and Lijak take-off sites, and with northeasterly winds, the Čaven and Javornik take-off sites. A special feature of the area is the bora, a strong northeasterly wind that significantly shapes local flying conditions. When the bora subsides, excellent conditions can be established for level flying over the valley and towards the Karst.
Foto Matjaž Klemenčič
The Green Sustainable Entry Center Lijak awaits pilots and visitors at the landing site below Lijak. The modernly designed center is intended for training, competitions and socializing of pilots from all over Europe, and also represents an information center for visitors. In addition to tandem flights, it offers the possibility of a virtual paragliding jump using virtual reality glasses. Also available are tourist information, bicycle rental, an electric bicycle charging station, playgrounds, a multi-purpose space and a range of souvenirs.
The hang gliding season kicks off with the Aeros Winter Race – the first hang gliding competition in Europe. This international competition, which has been taking place in the Vipava Valley for several years in a row, is attracting great interest in Europe. More than 90% of the participants come from different European countries.
Flying has a rich tradition in the Vipava Valley, and is also home to the world-famous, technologically advanced Pipistrel ultralight aircraft factory. Take the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable panoramic flight and experience the beauty of Slovenia from just the right height.
The popular airport in Ajdovščina, operated by the Josip Križaj Aeroclub, is intended for sport and business flying. The airport’s runways can be used by gliders and motor aircraft, ultralight aircraft, hang gliders, balloons, helicopters, paragliders and model aircraft. The airport is open all year round, except for rare days with very strong bora winds.
...in the Vipava Valley and along the emerald Soča River can expect adventures that test their courage high among the treetops, above the river and even in the air. At the Soča Fun Park, visitors can experience a rapid descent on a zipline above the Soča River or jump with a bungee from the 55-meter-high Solkan Bridge. Those attracted by the freedom of flight can choose a tandem flight over the Vipava Valley, embark on the Hike, Fly & Wine experience or treat themselves to an unforgettable panoramic flight and experience the beauties of Slovenia from just the right height. Each experience offers a different challenge, but they all have in common unforgettable feelings, contact with nature and the right amount of adrenaline.
1/4 Zip_line_02
2/4 bungeev2web-57_large
3/4 Lijak padalci – TMihelj (62)
4/4 Padalec – Foto Matjaž Milavec
