TRIPS IN THE VICINITY
THE WALK BETWEEN TWO CASTLES – FROM RIHEMBERK TO ŠTANJEL
DISTANCE: 6 km (in one direction)
DURATION: 2 h
DIFFICULTY: medium
SURFACE: forest path, macadam
DESCRIPTION:
This walk of two castles connects Rihemberk Castle, the mighty defender with the highest castle tower in Slovenia, and Štanjel, the medieval Karst village and castle that are surrounded by a wall. The first part of the walk departing from Rihemberk Castle is along a steep path but it levels out and becomes more pleasant. On the ridge, views open onto the Branica Valley and beyond. We can climb to the right to the top of Mt. Golec, from where we can also reach the Tito inscription and a less well-known view of Rihemberk Castle. On the way to Štanjel the green forests give way to the typical Karst landscape. From the village of Lukovec to Štanjel follow the blue signs of the Slovenian mountain bike route. You can return by train (Štanjel–Branik) or some other form of transport.
ATTRACTIONS ON THE WAY:
• Visiting and exploring Rihemberk Castle and climbing its mighty tower
• Views from the ridge onto the hills of Branik and Vipava and the Gorica plain
• Climb Mt Golec (380 m) above Branik and see the Tito inscription and view of Rihemberk Castle
• The Karst landscape is attractive in all seasons and especially in autumnal red
• The medieval village and castle of Štanjel with Ferrari’s park