Zaloški bajer is a remnant of the old Vipava riverbed and one of the best-preserved oxbow lakes along the river. Formed by the Vipava, this oxbow lake provides a refuge for numerous animal and plant species. Vineyards, cuisine and historic sites add to the area’s natural appeal: in Zalošče, you can shape your trip around different interests rather than reducing the place to a single activity.
Nature by the oxbow lake and in the vineyards
The Pot med vinogradi trail is an easy, marked route through vineyards as well as olive and peach orchards. It starts at the Zalošče bus stop, is 5.7 kilometres long and takes about one hour and 30 minutes on foot. The time estimate is approximate; trail conditions can change, so it is advisable to check the situation before setting out.
The two nature experiences have different focuses: at Zaloški bajer, the old river formation and its habitat for animal and plant species shape the visit. Pot med vinogradi, by contrast, offers a described route through the cultivated landscape, with its length and approximate duration providing a concrete guide for planning.
Wine, cuisine and art
At Zaloščan Vina de Adami, generations of the Slejk family preserve the winemaking and cellar tradition of the Vipava Valley. The winery farms eight hectares of vineyards according to old traditions and without using herbicides. A standard wine tasting featuring five wines and a snack of homemade cheese and olive oil is available by appointment. If you would like to plan this tasting, arrange your visit in advance.
Saxida also brings wine together with other themes: the winery is part of the Krog Umetnosti-Art Circle project, which connects art and wine in the Vipava Valley and Brda. Saxida prepares authentic seasonal dishes with a distinctly local character. A six-course tasting menu is available with advance ordering. For planning purposes, the difference is practical: tastings at Zaloščan Vina de Adami are by appointment, while the menu at Saxida requires advance ordering.
Turistična Kmetija Gregorič produces homemade white cuvée wines and red varietal wines. Its wines are sold in bulk or in bottles; wine with personalised labels is also available for purchase. These products add to the area’s connection with wine, without being tied to a specific visit programme.
Memorial sites and history
The Austro-Hungarian soldiers’ cemetery Zalošče I is near the branch church of St. Lawrence. A central monument there commemorates the fallen soldiers of the 22nd Regiment, whose recruitment district was in Chernivtsi (Czernowitz), in the former Bukovina, now part of Ukraine. In the church in Zalošče, a grave plaque set into the church wall commemorates someone buried there.
To reach the Zalošče I soldiers’ cemetery, take the road from Dornberk towards Zalošče: after the Vipava bridge, turn right at the first junction in Zalošče. The Austro-Hungarian soldiers’ cemetery Zalošče II can be reached from the edge of the settlement via a gravel and cart track through the vineyards. According to Italian authorities, 120 soldiers are buried there. Check the route information locally before setting off so you can plan access to both cemeteries accordingly.
The memorial sites offer different historical perspectives: the central monument at Zalošče I commemorates a specific regiment and its recruitment district; for Zalošče II, a figure given by Italian authorities records the number of soldiers buried there. The grave plaque in the church offers another distinct connection to local remembrance.
Plan your trip and accommodation
This helps you distinguish a route with a stated timeframe from experiences that require prior arrangements. The historic sites have their own access details, which you can check before setting off. Which of these plans matters most for your trip may also influence your choice of hotel.
Discover more destinations: Lokve, Vitovlje, Miren, Bilje, Šempas, Solkan, Renče, Plave.
Back to the main travel overview: Nova Gorica.
