TRIPS IN THE VICINITY

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FROM RIHEMBERK TO THE WHITE ROCKS AND RED EARTH OF THE KARST

DISTANCE: 31 km
DURATION: 4–5 h
DIFFICULTY: medium
TOTAL HEIGHT DIFFERENCE: approx. 450 m
SURFACE: macadam, tarmac

DESCRIPTION:

Together with a favourable climate and the hardworking hands of the people, the red earth of the Karst is the home of a special ruby-red wine called teran. The cycling route brings us up from the Vipava Valley to the Karst. After the initial ascent from the castle, we cycle along roads with less traffic and cart tracks between the vineyards. We can admire typical Karst homesteads and lavender fields. Some of the route is on main roads so please cycle carefully. From Štanjel to Rihemberk Castle you must follow the signs of the Slovenian mountain bike route (STKP). At the crossroads with the Komen–Branik road we turn right and descend back into the Vipava Valley and Branik. It is possible to undertake part of the itinerary by train (Branik–Štanjel).

ATTRACTIONS ON THE WAY:

• Visiting and exploring Rihemberk Castle and climbing its mighty tower

• Sveto: the old linden tree in the middle of this Karst village

• Ivanji Grad: a Provencal idyll on the Karst with fields of scented lavender and festivals dedicated to it

• Volčji Grad: a Karst village with preserved architecture and the remains of a prehistoric fort at Debela griža

• Štanjel: medieval village and castle