Kras Wonders: Skocjan Caves, Lipica Stud Farm and Stanjel

Mysterious Kras and its pearls

One of the most amazing regions of Slovenia, that is definitely worth a visit, is Kras (or Karst, according to German pronunciation). This place surprises with its beauty and truly unique attractions, including Škocjan Caves, Lipica stud farm and fortified village of Štanjel.

Škocjan Caves: Meeting the Underworld

Valley of Škocjan caves

The first stop of our tour is Škocjan Caves, recognized as one of the most impressive in Europe. Certainly, Slovenia is world famous for its caves, and the number of them is literally enormous! But it is the Škocjan Caves (Škocjanske jame) that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The caves amaze with their beauty and the size of underground halls. An exciting walk through the mysterious world of the cave, with deep gorges and bridges spanning them, awaits you. The gigantic dimensions of these halls amaze and fill you with awe of the forces of nature. Don't forget: the visit includes considerable amount of walking and it's down to 12C (55F) inside.

Stud farm in Lipica: magical white horses

Lipica Stud Farm

Moving further along the route, you will plunge into the world of noble horses at the stud farm in Lipica. This historic site is home to the famous Lipizzaner, a white horse breed. At the end of the 16th century, near the village of Lipitsa (linden), a stud farm appeared, where they began to carefully cultivate a gene that, over time, whitens the coat of horses. For centuries, the Lipizzaner breed was one of the symbols of the Habsburg Monarchy! Now at the stud farm you can learn about the traditions of horse breeding, see the process of their training and feel the unique atmosphere that reigns in this unique place.

The village of Štanjel: ancient flavor and cozy streets

Štanjel

The final part of our tour is a visit to the village of Štanjel, which seems to have preserved the atmosphere of ancient Slovenia. Narrow cobbled streets, stone houses with bright windows, handicraft shops and cozy cafes create the unique flavor of this place. Štanjel has been a fortress and a settlement since antiquity. Now the place attracts with its uniqueness, the picturesque Ferrari Park (no, not because of the car brand), views, as well as the opportunity to appreciate the local Teran wine and “Kraški pršut” (prosciutto), for which these regions have been famous for centuries. A walk through the village allows you to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of local life and enjoy the beauty of this historical place.

Stanjel village and a tower

Škocjan Caves, the Lipica stud farm and the village of Štanjel offer unforgettable experiences that will remain in the memory for many years. As one of another options we can combine parts of this tour with the visits of local wineries and farms. Some of the families live here for 400-500 years and that is truly a unique experience.