Lipica and the Škocjan Caves

Lipica

Lipica is the cradle of the Lipizzaner horses, something Slovenians can be very proud of. It is the central landmark of Karst and one of the main cultural monuments of Slovenia. Lipica is the largest stud farm with Lipizzaners in the world. It is home to more than 300 beautiful white horses on more than 300 hectares of green space.

1. Tour of the Lipica Stud Farm

The Lipica Stud Farm is interesting for all visitors. The stud farm was founded in 1580 and is considered the oldest, continuously operating institution for systematic horse breeding in the world. On the tour, you can go to the stables, the pastures, and also watch trainings and, with a little luck, you can also be present at a race in jumping over obstacles. We also recommend visiting the Lipikum Museum, the Carriage Museum, the Avgust Černigoj Gallery, the Castle Gardens, the church, the beautiful tree-lined avenue and buying a souvenir in the shop. In Lipica, they organise several workshops where children have genuine contact with horses. They learn to clean horses, they can braid their hair, and they can ride them. There is also a children's playground, mini golf, disc golf, and the option to rent e-bikes.

2. Lipizzaner shows as the main event at the Lipica Stud Farm

Watching the performances of the Lipica Riding School is an unforgettable experience. Well-trained horses, accompanied by classical music and riders, present various elements that are the result of many years of training and, above all, good cooperation and trust between the rider and the horse. Booking in advance is recommended.

3. Carriage ride

In Lipica, kings, queens and other high-ranking guests used to ride in carriages. Today, this fun experience is available to all visitors. The carriage drivers are happy to tell you some interesting facts about Lipica and about the horse pulling the carriage. A carriage ride between mighty tree lines and pastures, where dozens of Lipizzan horses graze, is an unforgettable experience.

Škocjan Caves

Škocjan Caves are a cave system through which the Reka River flows. The beauty of the Škocjan Caves, which are renowned all over the world, is also proven by UNESCO protection. There are almost three kilometres of caves for tourists to explore and see their beauty. Several viewings are possible.

1. Cave tour

Any season is suitable for visiting the Škocjan Caves. You take a circular route through the cave, admiring the beautiful stalactites and, even more, the gorge of the Reka River and the 50-metre bridge over which you cross. The tour takes about one and a half hours. Adrenaline lovers are also well taken care of. They can enter remote parts of the Škocjan Caves and, together with a guide and good security equipment, go along narrow paths carved into the wall. At times, the steel cables and carved paths and stairs resemble being on the deeply submerged Titanic at the bottom of the ocean. After the unforgettable experience in the cave, we recommend a visit to the museum collections, which are on display in the village of Škocjan. There you can learn more about the historical discovery of the Škocjan Caves.

2. Škocjan circular nature trail

In just over an hour and a half, you walk a circular nature trail around Velika dolina and Mala dolina in the heart of the park. From there, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Reka River gorges. In between, there are also information and education boards where you can learn a lot about this karst landscape, the main features of karst phenomena, many interesting facts about flora and fauna, and its rich cultural heritage. The route is moderately demanding, but it is well protected.

A day trip to two of Slovenia's greatest attractions will certainly be an unforgettable memory.