The Vipava Valley isn’t just known for its delicious food and amazing wines, it’s also home to breathtaking nature.
We often hike in and around the Trnovo Plateau, a mountain ridge overlooking the valley. If you go high enough, you can even see the Adriatic Sea and the Triglav mountains in the distance.
A while ago, we did a hike to Skozno, a natural rock arch with a lookout point (the name “Skozi” actually means “through it”). It sits 700 meters above sea level, surrounded by untouched nature. If you’re here in the right season, you might find wild asparagus or different types of mushrooms along the way. But honestly, no matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something beautiful to see. 🙂
Getting there does require some climbing, but the views are more than worth it. Even on warmer days, the hike is quite doable, as most of the trail is shaded by trees.
The Trnovo Plateau is part of the Natura 2000 network, meaning you might spot some rare bird species along the way!
Speaking of flying—thanks to the unique thermals in this area, you’ll often see paragliders soaring above the valley, sometimes by the dozens! This spot is famous among paragliders, attracting enthusiasts from all over Europe who come here to ride the thermals. Down in the valley, you can watch them land, and in the summer, there’s often a small bar next to the landing field—a great place to relax and take it all in.
There’s a good starting point halfway up the mountain (see the link below). If all that hiking makes you hungry, you can combine the walk with a visit to Pizzeria Grad, a little further down. Or turn it into a full day trip by exploring more beautiful spots in the area!
Tips
- Best starting point : The cemetery in the village of Šmihel has plenty of parking.
- Great hiking trail.
- Want to go straight into the air? Check it out here.
- Prefer to watch first? This is where the paragliders land.
- Hungry? Check Pizzeria Grad.