Activities and adventures - What to do in Nova Gorica?

It is difficult to find a town that is near both the sea and the Alpine peaks, but also near to world-known winegrowing areas and mighty forests, and to original Mediterranean villages on one hand, and big cities on the other.  Nova Gorica is surrounded by beautiful nature as well as by historical and cultural sights, and it offers countless possibilities to unwind. It is a perfect starting point for trips to Brda, the Soča valley, the Vipava Valley, the Trnovo Plateau, the Banjšice Plateau, the Karst, and the world-famous Postojna Cave.  Ljubljana and Venice are also just an hour’s drive from Nova Gorica.  

We have gathered the rich offer into four thematic units: Choose the one you prefer.

Nova Gorica ... where everything is at a touch of a hand

 
Town of Nova Gorica

Since Slovenia joined the European Union it has been reunited with neighbouring Gorizia, which after WW2 remained on the Italian side of the border.

Ljubljana

The capital of Slovenia is famous for the architectural creations of Jože Plečnik. In 2016 it was awarded the title of European Green Capital.

Palmanova Outlet

The small town made of shops offers popular trademarks at reduced prices. 

The Carst
Lipica
The Carst

Famous stud farm, which is the cradle of Lipizzaner horses, where the noble white horses are bred and trained.

Dobrovo Castle

The Renaissance castle, which preserved a relatively intact appearance, is deemed to be one of the most picturesque in its kind in the Goriška Region.

The Vipava Valley
Vipava
The Vipava Valley

In the upper part of the Vipava Valley lies along the numerous sources of the Vipava River (the only river in Europe which has a delta source) the town Vipava with its numerous bridges and a rich cultural heritage

Museum train

One of the most picturesque railway routes in Europe.

Goriška Brda
Šmartno
Goriška Brda

Šmartno is a picturesque medieval village surrounded by a wall. It hosts numerous cultural events and events linked to wine and gastronomy.

Goriška Brda
Gonjače
Goriška Brda

There is a 23-meter high outlook tower in Gonjače, which offers a magnificent view.

the Vipava Valley
Branik
the Vipava Valley

On an exceptional location, on the edge of Karst landscape, above the Vipava Valley and the settlement Branik, stands the Rihemberk Castle, one of the rarest medieval castles in this area.

The Carst
Štanjel
The Carst

Fairy-tale-like medieval town built with stones.

Idrija

Idrija was entered on the Unesco list in 2012 for its heritage of mercury mining.

Miramare

The Miramare Castle was erected just a few kilometres before Trieste on a wonderful panoramic site above the sea, surrounded by beautiful parks.

Nova Gorica
 
Railway station and Europe Square
Nova Gorica

The oldest public building in Nova Gorica is the railway station, built in 1906. It was a strategic post on the route from Vienna to Trieste.

Nova Gorica
The Edvard Rusjan monument
Nova Gorica

Edvard Rusjan in 1909 rose into the air for the first time with his plane Eda I.

Nova Gorica
Kostanjevica
Nova Gorica

Kostanjevica is best known for its crypt, where the mortal remains of some of the members of the royal French House of Bourbon lie.   

The Banjšice and Trnovo plateaus

The Banjšice and Trnovo plateaus boast ancient authenticity, beautiful nature and remote hiking trails.

The Holy Mountain

Sveta Gora is an important pilgrimage site, which was first mentioned in 1368.

The Solkan Bridge

The stone railed bridge in Solkan has the world’s longest stone arch.   

The Kromberk Castle

The Kromberk Castle, which was long owned by the Coronini family, was built in the 17th century.

Postojnska jama
The Postojna Cave
Postojnska jama

Certainly the most popular tourist cave in the world.

Venice

The culturally rich city of Venice, once the seat of the Republic of Venice, is interwoven with canals, where you can have a ride in the famous gondolas.