The Vipava Valley harbours many untold stories — about the people who lived here, the stories they recorded and the places that silently tell history. Cultural heritage remains alive when we connect it with the present, with people and with the way we spend our leisure time.
As part of the cross-border Interreg Italy–Slovenia project BEroots – Between rivers and lagoons: artistic routes, which is co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia programme, the Ljudska univerza Ajdovščina has developed three digital thematic trails for families, older adults and school classes. What makes these trails special is the way in which they combine physical activity, cultural heritage, art and experiential learning in a natural environment.
Three trails, three different experiences
The Vipava: Gentle Echoes of Great Minds trail is designed for older visitors and takes them through the stories of eight influential personalities who shaped the city of Vipava — from diplomat Lavrin to poet Drago Bajc. This quiet and thoughtful trail encourages personal engagement with heritage, including writing down memories, recording church bells and singing.
A family adventure through Vipava is a playful and creative trail with ten energising activities for families to explore the town together. Children and parents draw, solve quizzes, observe nature and learn through play. A key feature of this trail is its accessibility and broad appeal to all generations.
The Podnanos trail: Among stone, song and film is particularly suitable for school groups. It combines the stone architecture of the village, religious art, the history of the Slovenian national anthem and the film heritage of the region. It encourages students to recognise symbols, sing Zdravljica and see the cultural landscape with new eyes.
Where and how can you access the trails?
All three trails are freely accessible via the Actionbound mobile application. Users download the app to their smartphone and start their digitally guided walk by scanning the QR code for the selected trail. The trails can be explored individually or in groups. All three trails are available in three languages: English, Slovenian and Italian. They are suitable for all age groups and take place in public open spaces without requiring any special physical skills.
Thematic trails as a strategy for lifelong learning
Thematic trails are not only a tourism product, but also serve as a strategy for lifelong learning. Contributing to sustainable tourism, enriching the local offer and involving different target groups are the main objectives of the BEroots – Between Rivers and Lagoons: Artistic Routes project. The development of these three digital trails in Vipava and Podnanos brings these goals to life while raising important questions about the future of tourism — a future based on experience, community and heritage.
To support this approach, a bilingual handbook about thematic trails as a strategy for lifelong learning will be published in autumn. It will be freely available on the project website.
We invite you to explore the trails and experience the Vipava Valley through stories, art and movement.
