TOP 6 ATTRACTIONS THAT ARE A MUST SEE IN BRDA

03.01.2025

The picturesque Brda are a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to explore Slovenia's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The region, known for its beautiful hills covered with vineyards, orchards and olive groves, is the right choice for nature lovers and those looking for an eco-friendly travel experience.

The Brda region is committed to sustainable tourism, and visitors can explore on foot or by bike, as there are numerous hiking and cycling trails. Local wineries and farms also place great emphasis on organic and biodynamic farming, making Brda an ideal destination for those looking for delicious, locally produced food and wine. With its stunning natural beauty and commitment to sustainability, Brda is the perfect destination for travellers who want to enjoy the outdoors while minimising their impact on the environment.

From charming medieval villages to stunning landscapes, Brda enchants in all seasons, and you'll return time and time again.

FIND OUT TOP 6 ATTRACTIONS THAT ARE A MUST SEE IN BRDA:

1. ŠMARTNO MEDIEVAL VILLAGE

Šmartno is a picturesque village located in the heart of Brda. It is surrounded by five towers preserved from the Venetian times, when Šmartno was an important strategic defensive point. Stroll through the charming narrow streets (“gase”), among the traditional stone houses and stop by St Martin's Church, the largest church in Brda. Its bell tower was originally a fortress tower, and the 1857 bell with the motif of the Holy Three Kings still hangs in it. In Brda House you can see the former furnishings of a simple home with a fireplace, and art has its place in the House of Culture, where many local and foreign artists exhibit their work.

The village of Šmartno is a popular destination for history and architecture lovers, offering a comprehensive insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

2. GONJAČE PANORAMIC TOWER

The Gonjače Panoramic Tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. At the top of the 23-metre-high lookout tower, you can walk up 144 steps and admire views of the entire Brda, Julian and Carnic Alps, the Dolomites, Friuli, the Gulf of Trieste, the Karst, the Vipava Valley and the Trnovski gozd Forest.

3. SABOTIN PEACE PARK

Sabotin is an exceptional viewpoint located in the heart of Brda. Its natural and historical attractions make it an important excursion point where you can enjoy a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The visitor centre, with its well-equipped museum and info point, and the many remains of the outdoor museum, is an important stop along the route. Take a walk through the Peace Park, which is lined with trenches and caverns from the First World War and aims to preserve the memory of the past while conveying a message of peace and reconciliation. You can also take a walk along the 11.5-kilometre themed trail known as the Brda Circle of Peace. As well as visiting the many themed points, you will also enjoy expansive views of the foothills and the sea, with the emerald Soča River directly below you.

4. VILA VIPOLŽE

Set in the heart of Brda, this stunning Renaissance villa is surrounded by lush gardens and offers breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside. The villa is one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture in Slovenia, and visitors can learn more about its history and cultural significance on a guided tour.

The villa boasts spacious multi-purpose halls where various events and activities take place. It is the centre of cultural tourism and exhibitions in Brda, and is therefore a welcome place to visit for anyone interested in art and history. The villa is also home to the renowned restaurant "Kruh in vino", run by the talented Michelin-starred chef Tomaž Kavčič. Its beautiful ambience also makes it an extremely popular location for weddings and other special events. From the stunning architecture to the breath-taking surroundings, you will have an unforgettable experience at Vila Vipolže.

5. KRČNIK NATURAL STONE BRIDGE AND THE VALLEY OF KOŽBANJŠEK BROOK

Krčnik is one of the most beautiful natural attractions of its kind in Slovenia. It is protected as a cultural monument and can be visited in all seasons. Under the picturesque bridge, picturesque troughs stretch for 40 metres, and you can also observe the special basins, called “draslje”, or “kotlice”, where water carries stones and sand. The water current rotates them, causing them to sink continuously, and the stream falls into it in a waterfall about 1.5 m high.

The easiest way to reach the bridge and the canyons is to turn into the valley of the Kožbanjšček stream in the village of Neblo. You can reach your destination by car or bicycle on the road leading to Kožbana, or even better, on foot.

The Kožbanjšček valley is a popular bathing spot in summer, and in all seasons, you will be delighted by the beautiful troughs, rapids and small waterfalls over which the stream spills. You can also admire three pools formed by the water and cool off in them at higher temperatures.

6. A TOUR OF THE RICH SACRAL HERITAGE

With its magnificent medieval churches and elegant Renaissance chapels, Brda is a treasure trove of spiritual history. Take a slow stroll through the picturesque villages and enjoy the pulse of history revealed by the rich frescoes, wood carvings and stunning stained-glass windows. Each church tells a unique story and offers a window into the past, allowing you to get a deeper insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Whether you are a history buff or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a visit to the sacral heritage of Brda is not to be missed.

Brda is definitely a destination worth visiting for anyone who wants to experience the natural beauty and explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. With its charming medieval villages, Renaissance villas and picturesque churches, the region offers a unique opportunity to explore Slovenia's past and present. Whether you are a lover of history, architecture, nature or just looking for a peaceful escape from city life, Brda is the right destination for you.