GIANTS OF ISTRIA
Experience a fairytale adventure with the Giants of Istria and uncover the secrets hidden in this magical landscape.
Istria is a land of giants who once loved to help people. They carved stone walls, built hills, moved rivers, and constructed castles, They were so big that they could sit on the Baredi Hill in the Šavrin Hills while cooling their feet in the spring of the Rižana River. To protect Kubed, they built the Turn, an unusual five-cornered tower unlike any other in Europe. But people were not kind to the giants, so they left. Only those who get to know them and speak their language can persuade these gentle creatures to return among humans.
ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
To enter the world of the GIANTS OF ISTRIA, children need a “GIANT NOTEBOOK”. With it, they embark on an important mission, more precisely, a “GIANT MISSION”: along the way, they search for the footprints of the giants of Istria and learn about their world. They discover the giants’ building skills, their language, and their giant values. Along the way, children collect “giant seals”, find golden eggs, speak in the Giant language, and discover the secrets of Istria. This region is particularly fairytale-like and picturesque on the slopes of Lačna, full of wonderful scents, diverse shapes, and stories.
And for successfully completing the mission, the children receive a well-deserved “GIANT GIFT” at the finish line. Discover the world of the GIANTS OF ISTRA and join these gigantic guardians of the FAIRYTALE ISTRA!
FOR WHO
GIANTS OF ISTRIA is a great family adventure. You can set off on your own, but the “GIANT NOTEBOOK” unlocks the adventure, guiding you into the mysterious world of the giants that once roamed Istria. You will traverse about 4500 meters through the rugged and picturesque Istrian landscape, explore the village of Kubed, tackle a 190-meter altitude gain, and spend around 3 hours on this adventure. The recommended age for children is 6+.
HOW TO START THE ADVENTURE
The GIANTS OF ISTRA experience begins in Kubed, starting from the parking lot at Jakomin Farm, located at Kubed 57a. You can purchase the “GIANT NOTEBOOK” at Jakomin Farm. At certain times and by arrangement, the farm also offers snacks or lunch.
Additionally, during the summer, Jakomin Farm offers a pleasant campsite! The GIANTS OF ISTRA experience follows a circular trail, most of it along the mountain trail to Lačna Hill. The trail begins by meandering through the village of Kubed before ascending a well-marked path up Lačna Hill. Light hiking shoes are recommended. Be sure to bring plenty of drinks and snacks, as you’ll need extra energy for this GIANT ADVENTURE!
You can explore on your own or join one of the guided walks, which occur at least once a month.
TRAIL
Park your car at Jakomin Farm, Kubed 57a (GPS: 45.52424325952576, 13.865877148660186), where you can also purchase a “GIANT NOTEBOOK”.
From there, walk through the village, pass the vineyards, and follow the GIANT FOOT marks to reach the GIANT. Continue through an underpass beneath the road, where a fairytale entrance adorned with GIANT GRAFFITI awaits. Passing through, you’ll enter fairytale Istria and ascend towards Lačna. The trail is well signposted—just follow the GIANT FOOT marks and the adventure elements along the way. The GIANTS OF ISTRIA experience does not lead to the top of Lačna, but turns around at the GOLDEN EGG point and circles back to the village of Kubed. For hikers seeking a longer trek, you can extend your route to the summit of Lačna, where a lookout tower offers stunning views. Be careful, though, the ladder is steep!
Upon returning to Kubed, climb up to the KUBED CASTLE and TURN at the village’s edge. From there, follow the slope with stunning views of Karst Edge back to the starting point at Jakomin Farm. Here, a well-deserved “GIANT GIFT” awaits you to celebrate the completion of your “GIANT MISSION”.
PARKING
Parking lot at Jakomin Farm, Kubed 57a, GPS 45.52424325952576, 13.865877148660186.
Parking is free.
PRICES AND OFFER
The price of the individual “GIANT NOTEBOOK” is EUR 7, the price of the picture book “2 kozi in 3 istrske” is EUR 20. Both are available at Jakomin Farm and at TIC Koper. Alternatively, you can order the notebook and the picture book as a FAIRYTALE SET.
You can embark on THE GIANTS OF ISTRIA adventure any day. In case Jakomin Farm is closed, please call 040 563 544 and they will provide you with the notebook and picture book.
Enjoy the world of the Giants of Istria!