Let's go on a journey through the lowlands!
Slovenia is criss-crossed with hiking and mountain trails. Although many people think of the high Alpine peaks, there's plenty to see and do in the lowlands, too. Lowland hiking trails take you through picturesque landscapes, past interesting places where you can get to know the hospitable locals, their daily life and rich cultural heritage, but you won't miss out on the occasional scenic hill. Here are some great hiking ideas for a lowland hike which will surely leave a lasting impression on you. Change your perspective and enjoy a hiking experience in the lowlands.
Ideas for hiking trips in one day
Thinking of where to go for the weekend? Maybe with family members who are not keen on difficult and (too) long hiking challenges? Well, we have some ideas for shorter day trips through the wonders of nature.
OTLIŠKO OKNO HIKING TRAIL, VIPAVA VALLEY
Length: 8 km
Time: 3 h
Otliško okno (Otlica Window) is certainly one of the most fascinating natural sights of the Vipava Valley. Its outstanding view of the valley makes it a popular hiking destination. The closest access to this natural wonder is from the nearby village of Otlica, but if you fancy a bit more of a challenge, you can hike to the window along the trail from the source of the Hubelj stream above Ajdovščina. You will be rewarded with views of the Vipava Valley, the Karst and the Adriatic Sea. The well-marked trail, which follows easy terrain, is also suitable for a family trip.
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RUDOLF HIKING TRAIL IN DOLENJSKA
Length: 37,4 km
Time: 8 - 9 h
You can take a day trip on foot or by bicycle to explore the borders of the Rudolfswerth area, as Novo mesto used to be called. The area was designated by the founder of Novo mesto, Rudolf IV of Habsburg, in the foundation charter in 1365. Most of the trail leads along the Krka River, through villages, along country lanes and past numerous wine-growing hills full of vineyard cottages, which are considered to be an ethnological peculiarity of the Dolenjska region. The trail is not too difficult, with only two climbs and a total difference in altitude of 800m.
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VITOVLJE CIRCULAR TRAIL, VIPAVA VALLEY
Length: 8,1 km
Time: 3,5 h
Experience the authentic Vipava cultural and natural landscape along the typical stone paths on the slopes of Čaven, with exceptional views and experiences of Vipava life then and now. During the climb to the 900m high Kopitnik you will meet a beautifully preserved church, walk along the Napoleon Trail and get to know the only natural lake in the Vipava Valley.
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NANOS, THE KARST
Length: 7,3 km
Time: 3 h
As you drive towards the sea, the mighty Nanos plateau greets you above the typical Karst landscape. There are several access trails to its summit. Experienced mountaineers can reach Nanos from the village of Razdrto, which lies along the motorway. Alternatively, you can take an easier trail. Whichever direction you take, you will be greeted at the top by a magnificent view of the Vipava Valley and across the Karst to the Adriatic Sea on one side, and the Ljubljana Basin and the Julian Alps with Triglav on the other.
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THE ISTRIA SCENIC TRAIL
Length: 16,4 km
Time: 4 - 5 h
The trail does not have such a confident-sounding name for nothing, as you will be amazed by what you see as you wander through the hinterland of Slovenian Istria. The rugged terrain, unspoilt nature, spectacular views from the long Kuk-Lačna ridge to the Karst Edge, the interior of Istria and the Bay of Koper – all these are assets that should not be overlooked. In Hrastovlje you can also visit the Church of the Holy Trinity with its famous fresco of the Dance of the Dead.
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THE HEART TRAILS OF VELENJE – THE GREAT TRAIL
Length: 3,6 km
Time: 1 h
The Velenje Heart Trails were named for a very specific reason, as they were originally designed for the rehabilitation of heart patients and for cardiovascular strengthening. The trails are relatively short and involve little climbing, but are just strenuous enough to strengthen the heart without risk. The Great Trail is one of the three trails along the Škale and Velenje Lakes, which offer hikers beautiful panoramic views of the lakes and the surrounding area.
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PLISKA TRAIL, THE KARST
Length: 7,5 km
Time: 12 h
If you are ever wandering in the Karst and come across a sheep carved in stone, follow it. This is the symbol of the village of Pliskovica and the educational trail through the Karst landscape. And where will it take you? Into the Karst commons, past endless dry stone walls built by the local people. With the help of information boards along the way, you will learn about the peculiarities of the Karst commons, the birds of the area, and will get the answer to the question of what the ponds and puddles were once used for and why they are still important today.
Obišči stran
FOUR WATERFALLS TRAIL, POSAVJE
Length: 12 km
Time: 6 h
This circular trail reveals the wonderful world of the 4 waterfalls of Posavje and offers a great idea for a day trip. First you will reach the Bojanca waterfall, which requires a little more effort, as it is accessible via rock jumps on iron staples. The trail, which is more difficult in places, also takes you to the Pekel, Ubijavnik and Bojavnik waterfalls. A walk among the waterfalls is especially pleasant in summer, when you need more freshness.
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