The Sečovlje Salt Pans lie at the mouth of the Dragonja River. Salt is still produced there by hand using a method that is several centuries old. This connects salt-making today with a long cultural heritage and makes the salt pans the clear focus of a visit to Sečovlje. Visitors who enjoy exploring nature and history together will find both the landscape of a salt-producing area and traces of the people whose lives were connected with salt-making.

Salt-Making and Traces of the Past in Fontanigge

The Museum of Salt-Making is located in the abandoned Fontanigge area along the Giassi Canal. It comprises four restored salt-pan houses. The exhibits illustrate the history of the salt pans and the way of life and work of the salt workers. Fontanigge also contains the ruins of former salt workers’ houses associated with medieval salt-making. This provides two distinct historical perspectives: the museum focuses on exhibits and restored houses, while the ruins point to former salt workers’ houses and medieval salt-making.

The plant life is also part of the character of the salt pans. Salt-loving plants known as halophytes grow here, adapted to the salty environment. So far, 296 species have been recorded in the landscape park; this figure may be updated. For nature enthusiasts, halophytes offer a practical way to learn about the special adaptations to salty conditions.

Guided Tours, Birdwatching and Getting Around

On a guided tour of the Lera salt pans, the walking route runs from the Lera entrance to the visitor centre and back. It is approximately two kilometres long. The tour introduces the flora, fauna, cultural heritage and salt-making process; the park may adapt its format and content. The visitor centre in Lera has a large model of the salt pans, as well as information about salt and the salt pans. The exhibition content may be updated.

Two separate details are useful for planning: the Lera tour involves a walk of approximately two kilometres, while the birdwatching programme lasts three hours. This lets you take the route length and programme duration into account separately. The salt pans offer the birdwatching programme; its duration may change.

The landscape park has two land entrances; there is a car park at the Lera entrance. As access arrangements may change, it is a good idea to check the latest visitor information before your visit. This is especially helpful if you plan to include the guided tour or visitor centre as a set part of your day.

A Seasonal Thalasso Experience

Thalasso Spa Lepa Vida is located in the northern part of the landscape park. It offers traditional outdoor thalassotherapy treatments using natural products from the salt pans. The treatments include salt-pan mud wraps, Aqua Madre brine baths, salt scrubs and hand massages. The offer is seasonal and weather-dependent; the selection of treatments may also change. If the spa is an important reason for your trip, check in advance whether it will be available during your stay.

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