The Karst surprises with Postojna Cave, which is the most visited cave in Europe, Škocjan Caves with an extraordinary underground gorge and other world famous special features. Lipica has been the original stud farm of white Lipizzaner horses since 1580. Štanjel is the architectural gem of the Karst. Delicious fare can be found along the Brkini Fruit Road and the Karst Wine Route.
This is a new world, this is paradise!
DESTINATION AWARDS
In the region of Karst there are two regional and two landscape parks, two areas are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. More
The Karst swears by the green strategy. The Škocjan Caves Park was awarded the Slovenia Green label. More
The Municipality of Komen is proud to carry the Slovenia Green label. More
The Karst has been awarded the label of the excellence finalist by the European Commission. More
Mediterranean & Karst Slovenia
Karst
Karst – a landscape giving its name to the Karst phenomena all around the world. This region represents the cradle of Karstology and therefore it is called the Karst or the Classical Karst.
TOP 5 sights
Every step you take, you will be surprised by Slovenia’s natural and cultural gems. Are you interested in what you need to see in the Karst?
TOP 5 experiences
Explore the breath-taking Karst underground and follow the miracles of nature on the surface. Discover the elegant Lipizzaners, distinctive Karst tastes and striking Karst architecture captured in stone.
The medieval village of Štanjel
Visit the medieval settlement with narrow alleys and a castle. A noted Slovenian architect by the name of Maks Fabiani left his mark during his mayoral term. In the Lojze Spacal Gallery at the castle you can admire the graphics of one of the most important Slovenian artists. Romantics can enjoy walking along the Ferrari Garden and the Fabiani Trail to Kobdilj.
MoreExploration of Karst underground wonders
Exploration of Karst underground wonders
The Karst underground hides profound beauty created by the Karst rivers through centuries. Visit the Postojna Cave by a small cave train or discover its most hidden corners with experienced cavers. Take a walk through the Škocjan Caves and experience their splendour. Take a boat on the underground lake in Križna Cave. Visit the Vilenica Cave, the oldest tourist cave in Europe.
MoreSecrets of the intermittent Lake Cerknica
Secrets of the intermittent Lake Cerknica
Discover Lake Cerknica, one of the largest disappearing lakes in Europe, under the leadership of the local tourist guides. The lake disappears during the dry period of the year so that it is possible to row a boat, ride a bike, fish, ice skate, ride a cart or just stroll along the meadows, all this in a single year. Listen to the myths and the legend about the origins of the lake and enjoy the peace of this natural wonder.
MoreHiking from green forests to the sea
Hiking from green forests to the sea
Choose your hiking trail and set out on a journey from the ancient forests to the stony cliffs of the Adriatic Sea and enjoy the views from the highest Karst peaks. International long-distance hiking trails of Via Alpina, Via Dinarica and Alpe Adria Trail run along the Karst gems.
MoreCycling in the Karst
Cycling in the Karst
Explore the most hidden corners of the Karst and discover sinkholes, Karst windows, intermittent lakes and of course underground caves. Visit the Karst Living Museum and the Glinščica Valley Nature park, the Eco-museum of the Pivka intermittent lakes and countless Karst valleys and buildings with medieval charm, such as Štanjel, Predjama, Prem and Snežnik castles.
MoreWine and Karst prosciutto tasting
The Karst cuisine expresses the wealth of one of the oldest cultural landscapes in Europe. Feel the first spring sun and the freshness of the bora wind in the dishes. Friendly locals will take you to their wine cellars to taste the Terrano ruby wine and they will share with you the secret of hand-cut Karst prosciutto. The Karst delicacies may convince you to take a vacation at the idyllic Karst tourist farms.
MoreHoliday on a tourist farm
Holiday on a tourist farm
Spend your holiday on tourist farms arranged in typical rural homesteads. Experience genuine contact with the Karst countryside and taste authentic local delicacies. Often there are also arranged and marked themed trails near the tourist farms, with points interpreting nature and cultural heritage, perfect for children to research.
MorePivka Park of Military History
Pivka Park of Military History
In the museum and experience centre which emerged in the area of an extensive complex of old Italian barracks, you will experience exciting events of the recent military history. The P-913 submarine, which you can also view from the inside, is one of the major sights of the park. After visiting the park, drive up to the Škocjan Caves and Lipica and thus round off the trio of Karst attractions.
MoreThe elegance of 300 white horses at the Lipica Stud Farm
Explore the green estate with white Lipizzaner mares and their playful dark foals. Discover the historical core of the stud with the oldest barn, which houses the noble Lipizzaner stallions, and learn everything about this unique breed of horses in the interactive museum of Lipikum.
MoreThe Brkini Fruit Road
The Brkini Fruit Road
Explore the cultural landscape of Brkini with ancient terraces of orchards, plum trees and apple trees. The local people create delicious treats from the fruits of the Brkini land. Plum gnocchi, potatoes in sauerkraut water, dried meat products and excellent cheeses as well as the Brkini plum brandy protected with a geographical designation can be tasted at the place of their origin in the pristine environment of the Brkini villages viewpoint.
MorePhotography of Karst nature
Photography of Karst nature
In Slovenia, there is the largest number of wild bears in a natural environment. Join a game-watching experience of this largest beast of the European forests. Conclude the experience by visiting the typical Karst architecture in the stony village of Štanjel with unlimited photo opportunities.
MoreGreen facts
Slovenia writes a green story. Feel it at every step.
Postojna Cave is home to the largest cave animal in the world — the proteus, which lives up to 100 years and can go without food for up to 10 years.
Almost the entire Karst destination belongs among the Natura 2000 sites.
With regard to animal and plant species, the Karst landscape is among the wealthier areas in Europe.
The Škocjan Caves are also one of the Ramsar Directory of Wetlands of International Importance and they are included in UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB).
Plum gnocchi (češpovi njoki)
Housewives always knew how to prepare delicious dishes from the ingredients grown at home. Plum gnocchi used to represent a dish for special occasions and for the time of major work, such as harvesting, sowing, etc. As a reward for a job well done, housewives indulged the family and guests with gnocchi from home-grown plums.
A treasure of natural wonders of the (Green) Karst
Set out to the breath-taking Karst caves, discover the secret of the disappearing lakes and observe the largest wild beasts in the green forests!
Experience a pleasant getaway and have some rest
Would you like to stay a little longer and see and experience as much as possible? Then select suitable accommodation that is ideal for you in the nearby area.
Nearby destinations
Follow the river of seven names to the 45 minutes distant Ljubljana, where this river is named Ljubljanica. Discover it by riding a boat and see its course through the city from Ljubljana Castle. You will need just as little time to reach Piran, one of the most beautiful coastal towns on the Adriatic Sea. Take a trip to the UNESCO city of Idrija where you can visit a former mercury mine, see the lace and taste Idrija Žlikrofi. If you ride a little further towards the north west, you will enter the picturesque Soča Valley, which is a paradise for outdoor experiences alongside the emerald river and in the Triglav National Park.
Ljubljana
A lively green city combining the charm of a small capital and the self-confidence of large European cities.
Portorož - Piran
The very centre of social events on the coast and one of the most beautiful historical Mediterranean towns, connected by the story of salt.
Idrija
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Idrija boasts the second largest mercury mine in the world.
Soča Valley
Escape on an active break in the picturesque world of the Julian Alps, the Triglav National Park and the emerald River Soča.
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