Visiting the Castle

Plan about one hour for your visit to the castle. Upon entry, you will receive a brochure with a map to guide you through the castle complex and its history. Since most of the castle grounds are outdoors, the castle is closed in case of rain, so we recommend checking the weather conditions before your visit. The last entry is allowed an hour before closing time.

OPENING HOURS FOR 2025

• Opening event: Thursday, 24 April 2025
• 19 April – end of August: every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday from 10:00 to 19:00
• Weekdays in August: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 13:00
• September: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10:00 to 18:00
• October – 9 November: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10:00 to 17:00
• Winter season (10 November 2025 – mid-April 2026): the castle is closed
• The last entry is allowed an hour before closing time.

ADMISSION FEES

• Adults: 8 €
• Seniors, students, persons with disabilities (with valid ID): 6 €
• Children (ages 3–15): 5 €
• Family ticket (two adults and up to three children under 15): 20 €
• Children under 3: free of charge
• Annual pass: 35 €
• Annual pass for residents of the Branik Local Community: 10 €

The price list is valid from 30 September 2025.

Visitors are kindly asked to follow the castle rules (see below) during their visit.

If you have the spirit of a castle explorer, pick up a secret map at the entrance and join the fun treasure hunt for the 12 hidden treasures of Rihemberk Castle. Families, individuals, or groups will discover the castle’s 800-year-old history in a playful and unique way. At the end of your adventure, you’ll have the chance to mint your own replica of the silver coin of Albert II of Gorizia.

Supplement: 12 € (includes treasure map and commemorative coin)
This experience is available only in fair weather. Please check availability before your visit: 00 386 51 201 910.

A Short Tour of Rihemberk Castle with a Sound Sculpture Experience

You are warmly invited to a unique experience that brings together cultural heritage, natural science, and contemporary art: a short guided tour of Rihemberk Castle accompanied by an exceptional sound sculpture by Boštjan Perovšek.

Visitors will take a walk through the castle’s outer courtyard to the inner courtyard or park, where they will learn about the story of Rihemberk Castle and its mysterious nocturnal residents – bats. This is followed by listening to a 33-minute sound sculpture, which blends the inaudible world of bats with artistic interpretation in a truly unique way.

The work combines sound ecology and bioacoustic music, transforming the normally ultrasonic bat calls into a human-audible range. These calls are joined by the mysterious sounds of the night – rustling leaves, distant forest echoes, the inner pulse of castle architecture… The result is a spatial (3D, 360°) sound experience, delivered through headphones in ambisonic format.

The entire setup is environmentally conscious – the use of headphones ensures an intimate experience without contributing to acoustic pollution in the natural setting of Rihemberk Castle.

Experience details:

• Dates: Every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday from 7 June to 28 September 2025
• Playback time: 6:00 PM
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Price: The sound sculpture experience is free of charge. Only the regular castle admission fee applies.
• Registration: Due to limited seating, advance registration is recommended at +386 51 201 910.

The project Inaudible – audible, among the Bats is organized by SAETA – Institute for Cultural and Promotional Activities as part of the official program of GO! 2025 – European Capital of Culture. More info: https://www.go2025.eu

The mighty medieval fortress of Rihemberk Castle offers a stunning setting for various events. Its central courtyard, surrounding park, and a smaller reception hall framed by imposing walls and towers create a unique atmosphere for special occasions.

The reception hall is suitable for cultural events, tastings, and conferences of up to 30 participants.
The castle’s outdoor areas are ideal for wedding ceremonies and small receptions in a genuine historical setting.

Rental price list (coming soon) >
For inquiries, please contact us at: info@rihemberk.com

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)

Directions via Google maps >

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 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

From May 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025, Rihemberk Castle is included in a new hop-on hop-off bus route, offering visitors an easy, accessible, and sustainable way to explore selected tourist attractions in Nova Gorica and its surroundings.

More information and full schedule:

• View the informational leaflet (PDF)
• View the brochure (PDF)

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

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Crossing Safety Barriers is Prohibited
   It is forbidden to remove or bypass any safety fences or other protective elements.
4. Leaning and Reaching Over Barriers
   Due to the risk of falling, leaning over walls, safety railings, or other protective structures is not allowed.
5. 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.
6. Throwing Objects
   Throwing any objects from the castle tower, walls, or other parts of the castle is strictly forbidden.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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!