GoAktiv Active Goriška

Transcription

1 GoAktiv Active Goriška

2 Active Goriška. Sunny hillsides, the emerald Soča River, with a touch of the Alps and the Adriatic Sea The region of Goriška: in this scenic landscape sits Nova Gorica, the youngest town in the country. With a stretch of intriguing karst on one side, this fertile lowland is on its opposite side closed off by the forest-covered margin of the Trnovo Forest Plateau. The Soča River brings from the mountains a crisp alpine influence, which is balanced out by the serenity of the Vipava Valley opening to the west of the Goriška region. Its signature highlights and quirks blend together as pieces of a distinct mosaic. The Goriška region might be small, but it sure has it all. There s something for everyone to enjoy: teeming with historical remnants and architectural gems, it s a creative cultural hub and a favourite among gamblers and foodies. The diverse offering of sports and recreational activities makes it a prime tourism destination. Winding through the region is a network of well-marked walking and cycling trails. The most spectacular cycling trail runs parallel to the strikingly green Soča River. The region s pull factor is intensified by the numerous compelling sports events and competitions. Fitness is a vital component of the sport and leisure sector, and dynamic Goriška is rife with challenges to push your physical boundaries. Umbrella sports organisation The Nova Gorica Sports Association pulls and connects the threads of the regional sports offering. The organisation is a patchwork of sports associations and clubs, in charge of their efficient operation and supporter of new ideas. It s also a link to the Sports Institute to ensure smooth management of the joint sports facilities, i.e. the stadium, tennis courts, kayak centre, pools, gyms, outdoor courts and the fitness trail. It caters to recreational athletes and professionals, athletes attending training camps and all those just looking for a fun way to relieve stress through physical activity. The Nova Gorica Sports Association is the first and most reliable source of information about sports competitions and events for anyone interested in sports either as an athlete or fan. Furthermore, the Association regularly introduces and backs new sports-related ideas. Športna zveza Nova Gorica (Nova Gorica Sports Association) Bazoviška ulica Nova Gorica t: info@sportnazveza-ng.si Javni zavod za šport Nova Gorica (Public Institute for Sport) Bazoviška ulica Nova Gorica t: info@sz-ng.si

3 Taming the rapids of the Soča River KAYAKING, RAFTING, SIT-ON-TOP KAYAKING The Soča is more than just a river and more than a body of water feeding power plants that generate electricity for our modern way of life. As a matter of fact, it can also be exploited in a reverse manner: thrilling water activities are the perfect way for people to release stress and pent up energy. Under the expert guidance of the men and women from the Solkan Kayak Centre, the challenging activities on the rapids will make for a memorable adventure. Learn the basic strokes of kayak paddling, go down the rapids in a raft and take a boat ride across the former state border between Italy and Slovenia. Take in the captivating remnants of the chequered local history and get a sense of what it was like living next to and with the river. The staff of the Kayak Centre will help you learn how to tame the rapids and enjoy the ride. Adventure-seekers of all ages can choose to rent state-of-the-art gear and equipment, with sit-on-top kayaks being a particularly attractive option. Kajak klub Soške elektrarne (Kayak Club Soške elektrarne) Pot na Breg 9, 5250 Solkan t: kkse@siol.net

4 Like an adventure movie Sheltered by a lush canopy, the Soča Fun Park sits on the right bank of the Soča River, next to the river s last rapids before it drains into the sea and on the fringes of the steep slopes of Mt Sabotin. The adventure starts off by crossing the river in a raft. The wide variety of challenges laid out throughout the obstacle course by levels of difficulty leads up to the highlight of the park a 300 metre zipline ride 40 metres above the river to the opposite bank. The adventure park is a great idea for visitors of all ages to relax and have fun. ADVENTURE PARK ProAktiv Sport d. o. o. Pot na Breg 11, 5250 Solkan t: info@socafunpark.si

5 Stomachdropping freefall The two bridges of Solkan make for the most breathtaking sights in the lower reaches of Soča River. The old stone bridge has borne witness to the turbulent history of the town, while the new bridge is an ingenious piece of engineering. The view from the road, 55 metres above the river canyon, is a sight to behold. The bungee jumping experience provides a few seconds of exhilarating freefall. The moments when you stand on the edge of the bridge counting down to an experience that tests your limits tend to stay with you forever. The organisers have a professional track record spanning 25 years. BUNGEE JUMPING TOP GO d. o. o. Ulica Borisa Kalina 39, 5250 Solkan t: topbungee@gmail.com

6 Paragliding lessons A flock of colourful nylon canopies in the air year round is an everyday sight over the Lijak launch site. The weather conditions make it possible to fly even in winter, when other launch sites are covered in snow and decked in clouds. The local paragliding association focuses particularly on providing training to pilots and has trained more than 200 tandem pilots in the 30 years of its operation. Give them a call and get to know this breathtaking sport with an experienced pilot for an hour of gravity-defying fun among the clouds. Perhaps you will even want to take a beginner s class once your tandem flight is over. Društvo Polet Nova Gorica (Paragliding Society Polet Nova Gorica) Šmihel 5, 5261 Šempas t: info@polet-ng.si TANDEM FLIGHTS

7 Under the nylon wing of a paraglider TANDEM FLIGHTS How about seeing Goriška from a bird s eye view? That sounds like fun, doesn t it? The team of Adria Tandem can make this happen and provide you an experience of a lifetime under a colourful paraglider canopy. An experienced pilot specialised in tandem flights will be with you from the beginning at the take-off site Lijak near Šmihel. After a few tips and a short pep talk to get you to take the few steps to the edge of the take-off site, your feet will leave the ground. Watch your last reservations vanish into thin air. In the safe hands of the pilot, the flight is over in what seems like minutes. Don t worry if your first flight seems too short. The guys will be glad to have you back. Adria tandem paragliding Športno društvo Zalet, Kosovelova 7/a, 5220 Tolmin adriatandem@gmail.com fb: adriatandemparagliding

8 Exhilarating experiences KAYAKING, MOUNTAIN BIKING, RAPPELLING OFF THE SOLKAN BRIDGE, TANDEM FLIGHTS There are many places in the beautiful region of Goriška that you can use as an outdoor gym. The stretch along the Soča River in particular seems to be great for this type of activity. The slopes of the Trnovo Plateau are crisscrossed with hiking routes that seem to be increasingly popular among hikers who are keen on green exercise, and as the demand grows, so does the offer. Onnose Adventures provides a wide variety of active experiences, ranging from kayak outings down the Soča and Vipava River and cycling tours all the way to rappelling (abseiling) off the Solkan Bridge and paragliding tandem flights for magnificent views of the landscape. Have fun. Be adventurous. Onnose Adventures Vodnikova 19, 5294 Dornberk t: info@onnose.si

9 Out and about with your bike GUIDED CYCLING TOURS In recent years, mountain biking has enjoyed a surge in popularity. Many people have opted for mountain biking, because the idea of riding over forest roads, trails, paths and even off-trail areas seems safer than riding on regular roads with heavier traffic. But even nature has its own rules and to keep the disruption of its natural harmony at a minimum, bikers are encouraged to hit the trails in organised expeditions and outings. Local providers will gladly help you brush up on the basic skills of how to safely handle a mountain bike. Mountain bike trip organiser MTB ture is the right choice. MTB ture t: , mtbture@gmail.com

10 A calming riverfront adventure Wedged between the alpine Soča River on one side and the lowland Vipava River on the other, the region of Goriška enjoys a peculiar mix of riparian influences. The emerald Soča River is dazzling and glamorous, while the Vipava River is down-to earth and unassuming. The latter drains a large part of the Valley and is a working river. Its lazy journey through the meanders is cut short by the lively pools and rapids, only to calm further downstream. This section is perfect for water sports, e.g. the increasingly popular SUP. Guides from Vipava Sup adventure will be happy to tell you more about the river itself, its flora and fauna and what it s like to live along this river. The company provides high-quality equipment and gear for rent. The offer is complemented by a snack bar. STAND UP PADDLING Vipava Sup adventure Trg 86, 5292 Renče t: sup@lakeness.si fb: Vipava Sup adventure

11 Hitting the trails with a guide The immediate vicinity of the Goriška region and its surroundings feature an abundance of trails and attractive sites. They range from easy trails on flat terrain up to challenging uphill treks with rewarding views. The branching trails can be hiked in any season; we have the favourable influence of the Adriatic Sea to thank for that. A taste of harsher weather is occasionally brought in by the cold winds down from the Alps. For the best hiking experience, hire a professional guide to help you plan your hiking trip and suggest the right destination in the region of Goriška or elsewhere. Gotrek, gorništvo in spletna prodaja, Dean Strosar s. p. Grčna 19, 5000 Nova Gorica t: gotrek.strosar@gmail.com GUIDED HIKING TOURS

12 War memorials as sombre reminders This region is rich in memorials from various important points in history that markedly shaped the local life. Especially striking are those evoking the events from a century ago, when the maelstrom of WWI left deep scars in the region. Silent witnesses to the follies of war, the numerous battlefields are at the same time compellingly telling. The experts from the Isonzo Front Society will take you on a guided tour of the most famous sites, which remain haunted by the gloomy events of a century ago. The tour difficulty and length can be customised. GUIDED THEME HIKES, WORLD WAR ONE Društvo soška fronta Nova Gorica (Isonzo Front Society Nova Gorica) Ulica Nikole Tesle 19, 5290 Šempeter pri Gorici t: info@drustvo-soskafronta.si

13 A view stretching from the Adriatic Sea to the Alps Rent a horse HORSE RIDING The astonishingly diverse region of Goriška touches the Trnovo Forest Plateau on its east side. The Banjšice Plateau, with an elevation of 750 metres, sits on the margins of the Trnovo Forest. The remarkable location of Banjšice offers a stunning panorama of the Gulf of Trieste to the south and the mighty summits of the Alps to the north. Maritime winds bring in the Mediterranean influence that tempers the continental climate. The mild weather is one of the perks of this region. Moreover, the Banjšice Plateau abounds with opportunities for fitness freaks, with a great offering of outdoor activities to leave you feeling re-energized and refreshed. DS Camping specialises in camping and horse-related leisure activities: riding lessons, cross-country riding, riding camps and holidays with your own horse. DS camping Banjšice 12, 5251 Grgar t: , info@dscamping.si More and more farms have put horses back in their stables. Today, these animals are no longer mere working animals, used instead of tractors and other machinery. They are bred for hobby activities and also for breeding. Primarily though, horses are used for sports and tourism. The Draga organic farm in Banjšice is a tourism-oriented horse operation. Seasoned riders can rent a horse and ride off to explore the scenic Banjšice Plateau. In addition, the farm offers year-round boarding stables for horses whose owners lack the space or time for their proper care. Ekološka kmetija Draga (Draga Organic Farm) Simon Jakopič Banjšice 54, 5251 Grgar t: simon.jakopic@gmail.com

14 H Horseback riding through vineyards N Noble steeds Agriculture, wine-growing and fruit production remain an important source of livelihood even in this day and age. Dotting the banks of the Vipava River are farms that have survived throughout generations up to the present day. Many have been furnished with contemporary touches to be more in line with the demand of the modern tourist. It s no longer about selling produce nowadays, it s all about selling the hospitality experience. Perched on a hill overlooking Prvačina is a farm called Na hribu, focused mainly on equestrian activities. Visitors can go riding through the vineyards, take riding lessons or take day trips or multiple-day riding excursions. Kmetija Na hribu ( Na hribu Farm) Ozana in Alan Leban Prvačina 94, 5297 Prvačina t: , , kmetijanahribu@yahoo.com The role of horses has changed throughout history. Today, horses are mostly kept as companion animals and for sport. The Vrtnica Equestrian Club offers activities that suit the modern role of horses. There are numerous programmes available for active leisure with these noble animals. The activities take place under the professional guidance of experienced horse trainers. There are beginner, intermediate and refresher courses available. The club provides comprehensive care and stable accommodation for your horse. Konjeniški klub Vrtnica (Vrtnica Equestrian Club) Špela Semolič Ozeljan 2b, 5261 Šempas t: spela.semolic@gmail.com fb: Konjeniški klub Vrtnica HORSE RIDING

15 Tranquillity at the waterfront Reconnect with nature in an authentic, old-fashioned way. Rivers as a source of food still have a small but important role in the food industry, even though their biggest role is in tourism. The banks, pools and rapids of the Vipava River, Soča River and Vogršček Reservoir Lake attract people who enjoy challenging nature. Close and yet far from the hustle and bustle of other tourism destinations, these water streams provide enough spaces to unwind and let the soft lapping of the water drown out worries. This is a special type of leisure activity in which the tranquillity surrounding the waters re-energizes the soul. Curiously, this oftentimes seems to be the most prized fishing trophy. FISHING Ribiška družina Soča Nova Gorica (Angling Club of Soča Nova Gorica) Soška cesta 50, p. p Solkan t: ribiskadruzinasoca@gmail.com Ribiška družina Renče (Angling Club Renče) Trg 25, 5292 Renče t: info@rdrence.si

16 Your ticket to the skating world In recent years, new sports have emerged and are quickly catching up in popularity to older, more established sports. Skate parks have become a staple feature of urban design. One skate park facility was set up in Nova Gorica. Soon, it turned into a hangout place for fans of the skating experience. On the heels of this surge of popularity, a skateboarding academy was established to provide deeper insight into the core message of skating culture. Its aim, besides teaching tricks and the basic skills of handling the skateboard, is to show skateboarding within a wider context beyond a mere sport discipline. Go sk8 Academy t: , pridi.skejtat@gmail.com fb: gosk8academy SKATEBOARDING

17 Villach Beljak A Graz Gradec H I Udine Videm Gorizia Gorica SLOVENIJA Ljubljana Nova Gorica Zagreb Trieste Trst CRO Turistična zveza TIC Nova Gorica Delpinova 18 b, 5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenija t: , f: tzticng@siol.net, Published by: Turistična zveza TIC Nova Gorica Concept and coordination: Dejana Baša Text: Sandi Škvarč Proofreading: Meta Škvarč Translation: Lingula jezikovni center d.o.o. Photographs: Shutterstock, Jure Batagelj, arhiv Adria tandem paragliding, arhiv TOP GO, arhiv Onnose Adventures, arhiv Soča Fun Park, Nea Culpa, Zvone Šeruga, Samo Trebižan Design: Rogač RMV Print: A media d.o.o Circulation: 2500