More than 300 Lipizzaner horses live and train at Lipica Stud Farm, whose property sprawls across more than 741 acres (300 hectares). It’s a popular destination for travelers, and features regular 45-minute shows by the Lipica Classical Riding School. Other activities at the estate include trail riding, disc golf, mini golf, and golfing at the Lipica Golf Club. Many tours of the farm also visit the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site Škocjan Caves (Škocjanske Jame).
Performances can sell out, so it’s a good idea to visit with a tour or book shows in advance.
Guided tours are available in English and Slovenian, as well as Italian, German, and French by advance request.
Parking is available on-site, adjacent to Lipica Road.
Lipica Stud Farm is located in Slovenia’s westerly Karst region, within day-tripping distance of several top coastal hubs. It’s 19 miles (31 kilometers) from Koper, 28 miles (45 kilometers) from Piran, and 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the Italian city and cruise port of Trieste. Rental cars, rideshares, and taxis are available in all three cities.
The Lipica Stud Farm is open to the public year-round, with performances, open training sessions, and carriage rides taking place from April through October. Public training sessions are Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from mid-July through September. In April, shows take place on Sundays; in May and October they’re held on Fridays and Sundays; and during the busiest months from June through September, shows are on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Underlying the forest and pastures of Lipica Stud Farm is limestone bedrock called karst, which forms a maze of caves and caverns that range from accessible to downright adventurous. The largest is Postojna Cave, among the most-visited caves in Europe, while the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves (Škocjanske Jame) are also beloved for their grandiose spaces. Built into the mouth of a cave is Predjama Castle (Predjamski Grad), where visitors can descend to an eerie dungeon.
