Are you a fan of cycling, hiking, and exploring karst caves? Karst Edge offers it all. Below, read about the four must-do activities and sightseeing recommendations that are not to be missed in the area.
HIKING
In the pristine natural landscape of Karst Edge, numerous local hiking trails await, offering scenic routes through charming Istrian villages. These trails provide stunning views and cater to all levels of hikers, from families to seasoned adventurers, and are enjoyable in every season. Here are some peaks you can consider climbing in Slovenian Istria.
Lipnik (804 m): from the summit, you can take in stunning views of the Istrian interior, the Gulf of Trieste, and even the Italian Dolomites.
Kavčič (879 m):the summit provides a magnificent panorama that includes Učka, the inland Istria, the Gulf of Trieste, the Dolomites, the Julian Alps, and nearby peaks such as Lipnik, Golič, and Žbevnica.
Kojnik (802 m):a partially vegetated peak situated in the southern part of the Podgorje Karst, close to the Slovenian-Croatian border. From the top you can enjoy a beautiful view of Slavnik and Snežnik.
Slavnik (1028 m): a popular destination, offering some of the most stunning views in the region. At the summit, you’ll find a viewpoint with marked peaks visible on clear days, including Triglav, Snežnik, Učka, Tre Cime, and Marmolada. There are numerous paths leading to Slavnik from various starting points, with the shortest route beginning in Podgorje. For an easier ascent, we recommend the route along the western slope from Prešnice.
The villages of Rakitovec and Podgorje serve as excellent starting points for exploring the local hills, with convenient parking areas available. From the village of Rakitovec, you can hike to Golič, Lipnik, Kavčič, Nadglavinjak and Breg, while the village of Podgorje is a good starting point for hiking to Slavnik and Kojnik.
CYCLING
You can also explore Karst Edge by bike. Below, we share the cycling route through the Istrian villages of Karst Edge (K3).
GIANTS OF ISTRIA – FAMILY ADVENTURE IN KUBED
Giants of Istria is a great family adventure. The “giant notebook” unlocks the adventure, guiding you into the mysterious world of the giants that once roamed Istria. You will traverse about 4.500 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+.
You can buy the “giant notebook” at the Jakomin Farm and set off on your own.
EXPLORE KARST CAVES
The Sveta Jama Cave of Socerb is a 231-meter long, 44-meter deep cave with a stream at its bottom. The entrance is tucked away in a grove of trees near Socerb Castle. Its most unique feature is the underground church, the only one of its kind in Slovenia.
Cave tours are available every Sunday at 2 p.m. or by prior appointment with the Dimnice Koper Cave Association: +386 (0)41 693 014, franc.maleckar@guest.arnes.si.
