There are mountains you see every day, but only truly understand when you're standing on them.
Nanos is one of them. From the Vipava Valley, it looms like a long ridge on the horizon: a massive karst plateau that separates the soft, green valley from the rugged interior. On a clear day, it seems almost friendly—until you decide to hike up from the valley.
We have now done several walks from different starting points and in this blog we describe a walk across the Nanos plateau, past the church of St. Hieronim, with at the end a view that will leave you speechless: the entire Vipava valley at your feet, and the Adriatic Sea in the distance.
There are several options for parking your car a bit higher up, so you can make it as challenging as you like. It's also a fantastic place for cycling or enjoying the view with a picnic.
Where is Nanos located?
Nanos is located in western Slovenia, between the Vipava Valley and the Postojna area. It's not a pointed mountain, but a high limestone (karst) plateau, about 12 kilometers long, with steep slopes on the valley side and a more undulating landscape on top.
The highest point of Nanos is Suhi vrh (1313 m), but most hikers choose the route to Pleša (approx. 1262 m), near the famous Vojkova koča mountain hut and the large transmission tower that can be seen from far away in the valley. The end of the Nanos plateau is also the point where you enter or exit the valley and turn onto the highway towards Ljubljana or the coast.
The charm of Nanos lies in the contrast
The route to the church often begins in the forest, and gradually the trees give way to open spaces, the terrain becomes rockier, and the wind has more free rein. It almost feels like a different world, thanks to the wide open spaces.
This is the part of the walk where you'll pause more often—not just to catch your breath, but mainly to observe. Below you, you'll see the Vipava Valley shrinking: vineyards transform into patterns, roads into thin lines, and birds of prey sail on the wind.
The Church of St. Hieronymus: Silent Witness on the Mountain Ridge
The Church of Sv. Hieronim (St. Jerome) is a small mountain church and due to its location has been a point of reference for travelers and residents in the valley for centuries.
The church exudes a special tranquility. No large tourist flows, no crowds – she often stands still and alone in the wind, with only the sound of nature around her. It's a beautiful place to pause for a moment, have a drink, and simply look around.
Why Nanos is a must-see during your stay in the Vipava Valley
A hike on Nanos is more than “just going up a mountain”. It is the most direct way to experience the Vipava valley as a whole:
- You feel the difference between the mild climate below and the fresh mountain air above.
- You experience how close rugged nature and soft cultural landscape exist side by side here.
- And you can see at a glance how special this corner of Slovenia actually is.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just want to spend a day at the heights, Nanos offers exactly what many people come to Slovenia for: rugged, pure nature without mass tourism, easily accessible and easily combined with culture and delicious food.
Relax with something tasty
There are several places on Nanos where you can get a simple, but often homemade, meal or drink, and even park your car to start a walk from there. Just in case, always bring some food with you, as opening hours can change and they're often only open on weekends outside of peak season. And Nanos is a fantastic spot for a picnic!
Eko koča Nanos
Nanos 10A, 5271 Vipava
Turistična kmetija Abram Nanos
Nanos 6, 5271 Vipava
Website
Good to know
- Difficulty level: moderate to challenging, depending on the route chosen. Sturdy shoes are recommended due to the uneven terrain.
- Duration: count on half to a full day, including breaks and a possible stop at Sv. Hieronim and Vojkova koča.
- Best season:
- Spring and autumn are ideal: cooler weather, clear views, less crowded. Last time we were there in early September, we didn't run into anyone during our hike!
- Summer can be warm in the valley, but on the plateau a fresh wind often blows.
- Weather: Nanos can be windy, so always take an extra layer, even if it’s warm in the valley.
- Water & snacks: Water and food are available at the mountain huts (depending on opening times), but always bring enough with you.
- Marking: Routes are usually well marked with red and white mountain markers; follow the route information on site or ask us for advice.
- You can easily park at Eko Koča and enjoy lovely walks from there. Or take on the challenge and climb Nanos from the valley, for example, from the parking lot in Razdrto.