October 2018
That Special Charm of Autumn Adventures
Abundant opportunities for thrills and relaxation
Never mind daylight getting shorter and the calendar claiming it's been autumn for a while. In the Vipava Valley, sunny days are still perfectly warm enough for adventure in colourful nature. Long evenings in the expectation of young wine rekindle the local tradition of companionship in the wine cellar, while autumn afternoons present a splendid time to visit a museum or a gallery. Choose your favourite activity and taste the unique character of the land. Welcome to the autumn joys of the Vipava Valley!
Slopes and adrenaline
Lovers of extreme sports have long known the Vipava Valley as a destination where adrenaline flows throughout the seasons. The gentle climate and challenging slopes across the tall Kras plateaus surrounding the valley offer great conditions for mountain biking, cross-county running and paragliding. Add to this the fabulous culinary offer and proverbial good nature of the locals, and it's not hard to guess why the Vipava Valley has increasingly been enjoying the status of a winning combination among adrenaline addicts. Wajdušna team invites you to the unique Hike & Fly Adventure, coupling a hike to the takeoff point with a tandem paragliding flight, wrapping up with the sampling of local specialties in one of the land's renowned wine cellars. More adrenaline fun in the Vipava Valley awaits mountain bikers – a thrilling ride down the single tracks of the Vipava Valley is led by team Vipava Outdoor, providing expert guidance and shuttles to the starting point of your route of choice. Team OnNose Adventures offers the quest of cycling marked and off-road trails with rented e-bikes. Two routes of varying difficulty are available, ascending the Trstelj or the Nanos, both rewarding with unforgettable views.
Secret treasures of the houses of culture
The Vipava Valley pampers its guests with a relaxing countryside atmosphere, the beauties of pristine nature and idyllic vistas featuring charming churches, here and there even a castle ... Though the land is a paradise for idle enjoyment, you can still embark on a hunt for the secret artefacts of this unique crossroads of ancient cultures. The Vipava Valley boasts a rich religious heritage, its churches and monasteries keeping precious book collections, showcasing frescoes, phenomenal fine arts and a singular mosaic, too. Be advised, though, that most churches and monasteries can only be visited upon prior appointment or with a local guide, so do inquire about these at the nearest tourist information centre. Precious artistic gems are also found in the well-known local cultural establishments. Visit the Kromberk Castle near Nova Gorica, an architectural pearl from the 17th century and the central exhibition space of the Gorica Regional Museum, which sets on display a broad collection of fine arts in addition to intermittent historical, archaeological, ethnological, painting and sculpting exhibitions. In Ajdovščina, don't miss the Pilon Gallery, presenting the oeuvre of Veno Pilon, one of Slovenia's most celebrated expressionist artists, as well as frequently hosting exhibitions of noted regional fine artists. Delightful impressions of culture are best rounded out by a taste of exquisite Vipava Valley wine in one of the nearby wine shops.
Chestnuts, pears and autumn dishes
Did you know pears represent the second most abundant fruit in the Vipava Valley by plantation size and produce, right after the Valley's famous peaches? Local fruit growers mostly cultivate late varieties of pear, which delight the menus of the land's inns and restaurants all winter long. At any rate, the most popular autumn morsel in the valley are the superb chestnuts, peering out of their pods in October, bringing joy with their precious fruit. Nutritious, tasty and versatile, the chestnut is the proper king of the local autumn cuisine. What dishes have master chefs prepared from home chestnuts this year? Visit providers of haute cuisine or one of the restaurants offering selected local dishes – chestnut delicacies won't leave you lacking! And since you're already in the Vipava Valley, don't forget to stop by the annual Chestnut Holiday in Vitovlje, where delicious chestnuts are available for purchase and enjoyment.
Interesting events in October
- Solkan: Temporary border. Life and longing in zone A (1945–1947) – exhibition in Villa Bartolomei, September 2018 – August 2019; exhibition marking the 71st anniversary of the formation of the western Slovenian border.
- Renče: Hike along the Gregorčič Route, 13 October 2018, the hike along the memorial route of poet Simon Gregorčič starts in Renče and concludes with a cultural event in Gradišče above Prvačina.
- Opatje Selo: Hike Opatje Selo–Cerje–Opatje Selo, 14 October 2018, the traditional Kras hike leads to Cerje with its prominent Peace Memorial.
- Vitovlje: Chestnut Holiday, 20 till 21 October 2018, entertaining event in the style of ethnology invites visitors to sample exquisite home chestnuts.
- Sela na Krasu: Hike Sela na Krasu–Jamlje–Sela na Krasu, 21 October 2018, traditional annual circular hike bringing together people from both sides of the Slovenian-Italian border.
More on events in the month of October is found here.