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Karst

The world of underground wonders, stunning natural phenomena and unique tastes.

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!

Luka Čeč, a native, who discovered the most beautiful parts of Postojna Cave

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?

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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.

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The medieval village of Štanjel

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.

More on: The medieval village of Štanjel

Exploration 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.

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Secrets 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.

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Hiking 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.

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Cycling 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.

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Wine 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.

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Wine and Karst prosciutto tasting

Wine 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.

More on: Wine and Karst prosciutto tasting

Holiday 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. 

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Pivka 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.      

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The 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.

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The elegance of 300 white horses at the Lipica Stud Farm

The 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.

More on: The elegance of 300 white horses at the Lipica Stud Farm

The 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.

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Photography 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.

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Green 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. This includes Lake Cerknica, the largest intermittent lake in Europe.

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.

Try our recipe

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!

Register of Tourist Guides

Local guides will help you discover local attractions and hidden treasures. Find a tourist guide that will present Slovenian cultural and natural heritage to you in more detail in your chosen language.

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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.

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Lipizzaner Lodge

118 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Hiša posebne sorte

70 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.0

Domačija Muha

204 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Špacapanova hiša Restaurant

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Turistična kmetija Brajda

9 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.0

Avtokamp Pivka jama

117 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Hiša Krasna

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Ociski Raj Hostel

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.0

Hotel Malovec

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Book your adventure in Mediterranean and Karst Slovenia.

Learn about the stories stemming from salt, carved in stone and hidden among the green vineyards. Descend into the karst caves, enjoy the beach, explore its hinterland with a diverse range of tastes and enjoy the view of the fertile landscape with a glass of top-quality vine.

Price in EUR From 474,00 €

Taking time for yourself is the most important thing. The Špacapan family will spoil you with traditional tastes of the Karst in a modern twist. We will...

Take time for yourself

Price in EUR From 147,00 €

Are you a fan of indulgence and exploring flavours? Then the Perla Gourmet package is perfect for you: in addition to relaxation in the Spa Perla wellness...

Perla Gourmet

Price in EUR From 500,00 €

Treat yourself to a dream-like getaway in Strunjan – in a private villa with a pool! Seaview Pool Villa will enchant you with its stunning view, private...

Seaview Pool Villa

Price in EUR From 780,00 €

Revitalise your body and mind in an oasis of tranquillity and relaxation – the Rose Spa wellness centre at Portorož’s Kempinski Palace hotel.

Spa Pampering in Kempinski Palace Portorož

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.

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Karst in more detail

For more information visit the Karst website.

VisitKras.info  ZeleniKras.si

 

@FeelSlovenia on Instagram

Share your photos and videos of Postojna Cave, Cerknica Lake, Škocjan Caves, Lipica, Predjama Castle and other Karst attractions with #ifeelslovenia.

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