A cycling tour through the Lower Vipava Valley passes through Šempas, past vineyards and orchards. There is also a wine tasting with regional specialities, a winter hiking day and tangible traces of the village’s history. Šempas thus offers different ways to plan a trip: cycling routes, a seasonal hiking day, and the history of its buildings and collections.
Cycling Tours and Regional Specialities
The “Five Villages, Five Flavors” cycling experience takes you by bike through Šmihel, Ozeljan, Šempas, Vitovlje and Osek. At a wine cellar, it includes a tasting of five different wines and selected regional specialities. Check the availability of this current tourism offer before your trip.
Another cycling tour passes through the Lower Vipava Valley, including Šempas, and takes you past vineyards and orchards. Several winemakers and agritourism establishments along the route in Ozeljan, Šempas and Črniče offer homemade snacks and Vipava wine; these offerings may vary by season. The experiences differ: “Five Villages, Five Flavors” includes a tasting of five wines, while the Lower Vipava Valley tour is defined by its scenery and seasonal offerings along the route. If you plan to stop somewhere, confirm what is on offer in advance.
Winter Hiking in December
In the 2025 calendar, the winter hiking day through Šempas and the surrounding area was described as a traditional event and scheduled for the first Sunday in December. The route described for that edition passed through the village centre and vineyards and covered 10 to 12 kilometres. The route may vary from one edition to the next; check the date and route of the next edition if you plan to take part. This seasonal outing features a specific distance, while the cycling tours are characterised by a wine tasting or the scenery of the Lower Vipava Valley.
Local History in Architecture and a Museum
The Spominski muzej heroja Mihajla is housed in the old school in Šempas. It displays Mihajlo’s early artworks, photographs, military equipment and numerous objects brought by people from Azerbaijan.
The Church of St. Sylvester was built as a Baroque church in 1782 to plans by the architect D. Bona. Its bell tower features swallowtail-shaped crenellations and is the only bell tower with this type of architecture on this side of the Soča.
The Tabor in Šempas, also known as Stari grad, was originally an unfortified tower manor. It was later surrounded by a wall with five defensive towers and a defensive moat during the Turkish incursions. Unlike the Baroque church, the Tabor is notable for its transformation from an unfortified manor into a later defensive complex.
The statue of the Virgin Mary and Child associated with Kapelica na Gunu dates from the second half of the 16th century. Together with the church’s construction date of 1782, this offers a perspective spanning from the early modern period to the late 18th century.
Tradition, Crafts and a Connection with Nature
Traditional offerings at Mohorjevo include polenta with prosciutto sauce, homemade hand-sliced prosciutto, Šempas struklji and homemade pastries. Beekeeping products and lavender products are also part of the offering. Exhibitions and workshops at Mohorjevo introduce visitors to the making of tapestries, bobbin lace, woodcuts, paintings and other handicrafts. If you plan to visit for Mohorjevo, check whether and when the next edition will take place.
The Franc Krašana Park is dedicated to the significant scientific work of Franc Krašana and his love of nature. A separate, well-marked route passes through Šmihel, Ozeljan, Šempas, Vitovlje and Osek. Along it, hikers can discover natural and cultural heritage, history and local highlights; there is also a culinary offering. Check the route markings before setting out. If you plan to enjoy the culinary offering, consult the programme for the next edition.
Discover more destinations: Renče, Prvačina, Branik, Sela Na Krasu, Dobrovo, Šmartno, Kojsko, Solkan
For the broader travel overview: Nova Gorica.
