At Rihemberk Castle, we offer a variety of experiences for tourist, corporate, and school groups. Depending on your interests, available time, and mood, you can choose between classic guided tours, interactive theatrical tours, or team-building programs.
The program offer at Rihemberk Castle is prepared by the castle’s operator, the Svitar Institute.
Classic guided tours
Classic Guided Tours
Rihemberk Castle is one of the most stunning gems of the Vipava Valley. Discover and admire it in the company of historians and experts in its cultural and natural heritage.
Guided tours are available year-round by prior reservation, depending on guide availability.
Rihemberk Castle Through Time and Space
For centuries, Rihemberk Castle has guarded the valley below and the passage toward the Karst Plateau and the sea. Over time, it grew in size, gained defensive walls and towers, evolved into a noble residence, changed owners and inhabitants, and witnessed many important events in the broader region.
This classic tour is the perfect choice for those interested in the historical and architectural heritage of the castle.
Bats at Rihemberk Castle
Although the days of lords and ladies permanently residing at Rihemberk are long gone, that doesn’t mean the castle is lifeless. In recent years, the castle has become a summer home and nursery for fascinating and endangered nocturnal animals – bats.
Due to its ecological significance, the castle area is part of the Natura 2000 network. If you’re interested in the unique natural heritage of the castle and its surroundings, this tour is the right choice for you.
Information
- Tour duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Guide: Licensed tourist guide
- Price: From 9 € per person (price depends on the group size)
- Booking & inquiries: Please use the form below or call us at +386 (0)51 201 910
- Languages available: Slovenian, English, Italian
Inquiry Form
Live interpretation tours
Whether lighthearted or intense, collaborative or exploratory, relaxed or competitive… Rihemberk Castle can win your heart – bringing people together, inspiring awe, and sparking your imagination.
Noble Games at Rihemberk Castle are immersive programs of life interpretation tours, team-building experiences, and games designed for companies, schools, and families. Whether you’re a curious explorer, a pampered guest, or a keen learner, you can choose from six unique castle experiences, tailored to different types of visitors.
The life interpretation programs created by the Svitar Institute under the umbrella title Noble Games received the prestigious BIGSEE Tourism Design Award 2023 in the category Identity as Experience.
Experiences for companies
Unite your team in the search obles obles pirit within. How far are you ready to go? Relax and let yourself be carried away… Grab an axe, sword, or bow and defend your castle… or dress up in costume and awaken your inner knight with bold enthusiasm!
Experiences for Schools and Kindergartens
As children step through the gates of Rihemberk Castle, a world from another time unfolds before them. History and architecture come to life in colorful costume performances that recreate the atmosphere of medieval castle life.
Through group challenges and knightly skills, learning becomes a lived experience – and unforgettable memories are made.
Experiences for Families
Castle lovers seeking a joyful and festive way to experience heritage – visit Rihemberk Castle! Hunt for hidden treasures or step into a playful costume tour that will leave a lasting impression on your family celebrations.
Access to the Castle
Rihemberk Castle is perched on a hill above the village of Branik in the Vipava Valley, along the road leading from Branik to Komen on the Karst Plateau.
By car or camper van
- From Nova Gorica: Volčja Draga – Prvačina – Dornberk – Branik (21 km)
- From Ljubljana: motorway to the Selo exit, then via Zalošče and Dornberk to Branik (103 km)
- From Koper: motorway to Senožeče, then through Senadolce, Kazlje, and Štanjel to Branik (69 km)
- From Trieste: Prosek – Gabrovec – Gorjansko – Komen – Branik (32 km)
Parking: A small gravel parking area is located below the castle along the Branik–Komen road. Next to it is a larger grassy area intended for car parking.
By private bus
Buses can reach the smaller parking area below the castle via Nova Gorica, Sežana, or Komen.
Due to the possibility of multiple group arrivals, advance notice is recommended to check parking and turnaround availability: 0386 51 201 910
By public bus
You can arrive from Nova Gorica or Sežana by bus to the center of the village Branik.
Timetable information >
From the village center, you can walk to the castle via:
Rihemberk Castle Walk – circular route from Branik to Rihemberk Castle
By train
On the Nova Gorica–Sežana or Sežana–Nova Gorica line, you can get off at the Branik railway stop.
Timetable information >
From the train station, walk to the castle via:
Rihemberk Castle Walk – circular route from Branik to Rihemberk Castle
By bicycle
Rihemberk Castle is accessible by road bike from Nova Gorica, Štanjel, Komen, and Ajdovščina.
There are also narrower gravel trails leading to the castle.
Suggested cycling routes:
- Vineyards and Traditions – The Branica Valley and Vipava Hills
- From Rihemberk to the white rocks and red earth of the Karst
- From Rihemberk Castle to Nova Gorica
- Branica Valley
- STKP: Iztok’s Cabin under Golaki – Stjenko’s Cabin on Trstelj Ridge
Hiking trails
There are several hiking trails of varying difficulty in the castle’s surroundings.
Suggested hiking routes:
- Rihemberk Castle Walk – circular route from Branik to Rihemberk Castle
- The Walk between two Castles – from Rihemberk to Dornberg
- The Walk between two Castles – from Rihemberk to Štanjel
- Olive Grove memorial Roure in the Footsteps of Simon Gregorčič
- Cultural Route of Saint Martin – from Hrušica to Doberdò
- Educational Trail along the river Vipava
House Rules for Visitors of Rihemberk Castle
Rihemberk Castle is a cultural monument of national importance. It suffered severe damage during World War II and is still undergoing restoration. Visitors are kindly asked to follow safety guidelines and behave responsibly to ensure their own safety and help preserve the castle’s heritage.
- Safety and Respect for Heritage
The castle is still partially in ruins and under restoration. Visitors are asked to follow all safety instructions and recommendations and to contribute to their own safety and the protection of this cultural monument. - Movement within the Castle
Movement is only allowed along designated paths and areas marked for visitors, which are bordered by fences and other safety features. - Crossing Safety Barriers is Prohibited
It is forbidden to remove or bypass any safety fences or other protective elements. - Leaning and Reaching Over Barriers
Due to the risk of falling, leaning over walls, safety railings, or other protective structures is not allowed. - Entering Dangerous Areas
Walking, climbing, sitting, or engaging in any activity on the walls or other unsafe parts of the castle where there is a risk of falling is strictly prohibited. - Throwing Objects
Throwing any objects from the castle tower, walls, or other parts of the castle is strictly forbidden. - Waste Disposal
Littering within the castle grounds and its surroundings is not permitted. Please use the provided waste bins or take your rubbish with you to help preserve the castle’s clean and orderly environment. - Respectful Behavior
Visitors must behave responsibly and respectfully toward the cultural monument. Any damage caused intentionally or through negligence will result in liability for compensation. - Own Risk
Visiting and moving within Rihemberk Castle is at your own risk.
We kindly invite you to also follow the general guidelines for sustainable exploration of the Nova Gorica and Vipava Valley destination.
Follow the recommendations of the Green Guide to the Paradise Valley and help preserve the unique natural and cultural heritage of this area.
Thank you for helping to ensure safety and preserve this precious cultural monument by respecting the house rules and sustainability guidelines!
