Discover the stunning region of Goriska Brda Slovenia with rolling hills, vineyards, charming old villages, the Dobrovo Castle, and scenic views all around. Sometimes called the Tuscany of Slovenia, it is a great place to relax and enjoy wine tourism.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit to Smartno and the Brda region with tips, map, and photos.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Slovenia:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Slovenia: DiscoverCars
My favorite adventure from Bovec: Kayak on the Soca River
My favorite excursion from Ljubljana: Postojna Cave and Predjama castle
My favorite places to stay:
- Lubljana, central – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Lesar Hotel Angel
- Bled, iconic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Vila Bled
- Bovec, outdoorsy – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Dobra Vila
- Piran, historic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Hotel Piran
Why visit the Brda Region in Slovenia?
Brda is a perfect mixture of rolling hills, trees, lines of vines and old villages (with the bonus of not having too many tourists).
It is often overlooked compared to other regions of Slovenia (or its top attractions), but it is absolutely charming. We had a great time there (although too short, as always…).
It is sometimes compared to Tuscany, the wine region in Italy. But I have not been there yet, so I can’t confirm.
Brda Region in Slovenia
Top things to do in the Goriska Brda Wine Region
I think the top things to do in Brda are:
- The views from the Gonjace Tower
- The Dobrovo Castle with its square shape and Vinoteka old cellar
- The fortified village of Smartno Slovenia – really charming at the top of a hill – one of the most beautiful villages in Slovenia
- The vineyards and the Goriska Hills wine road
- And generally driving smaller roads to enjoy the views
More info and photos on the things to do in Brda after the planning tips
Where is Goriska Brda in Slovenia? Map
Goriska Brda Location
Officially Brda is a municipality located in the West of Slovenia, South of the Julian Alps.
It is a little corner, limited in the North by the Soca River and in the South by the border with Italy.
Brda Map
Below is a map to help you locate the region of Brda:
All the best sites in the Brda region are situated in a detailed map in my Travel Guide eBook:
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- 100+ pre-selected locations
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Planning Tips – Region of Brda Slovenia
How to get to Dobrovo and the Brda region
- The main town is Dobrovo
- You can either come from the mountains along the Soca River and drive from the South border, crossing into Italy before driving back into Slovenia.
- Ljubljana to Dobrovo = 2h drive
- Piran to Dobrovo = 1h30
- Triestre (Italy) to Dobrovo – 1h drive
- You can only really travel by car
Need to rent a car in Slovenia?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Visiting Brda
- How long? I recommend staying at least 2 days to enjoy the region but 1 afternoon and 1 morning would already be great if your itinerary is tight. I recommend a night there to admire the sunset on the hills and vineyards.
- Where to start? The Dobrovo Castle is a great place to start; There is a visitor center where you can find information
- There are 2 touristic roads which have been created: the Vinska Cesta, to discover the vineyards, and the Grdanik trail (with locations around the life and work of Gradnik a local poet)
Where to stay in the Brda region
I have found a little gem to stay in the region. It is called Valentina Guesthouse at Pintar Wine Estate
It is a small guesthouse with a couple of apartments. The owner is absolutely adorable and the views from the shared terrace and swimming pool are fantastic!
Check out photos and availability
- otherwise, you can find interesting accommodations in the village of Smartno – check out options
- or check out more accommodation options in the Brda region.
Dobrovo Castle and town
Dobrovo Slovenia
Let’s start out journey at Dobrovo Slovenia. It is the main town in the Brda region and close to the border with Italy.
Here you can find all the main shops and a supermarket.
It is home to the Dobrovo Castle
Dobrovo Castle
Above the town is the Dobrovo Castle.
The square Renaissance style Castle was built in the 17th century on the ruins of an old castle.
It is very symmetrical with square towers at each corner. One of them was turned into a chapel.
Vinoteka old cellar
One of the main attractions at the castle is the Vinoteka, the largest cooperative cellar in Slovenia.
There you can taste and purchase wines in a nice setting.
Traditional Craft and Trade museum
Just outside the castle of Dobrovo is a covered area with nice views of the region.
Many board signs display photos and information about the traditional crafts and trades in the region. I have found it quite interesting, but it would have been better to see that in a museum with old pieces of equipment.
Interior of the Dobrovo Castle
Inside the Dobrovo castle you can visit the Hall of Knights, the Hunter’s room, and other rooms with a lot of paintings.
On the ground floor is the restaurant.
Info and opening hours here.
Vineyards and Brda Wine tourism in Slovenia
The main touristic interest of the region is of course the vineyards and wineries.
Right when you enter the region from the Alps, you are welcome into the wine world with signs like this one below:
At Klet Brda you can visit one of the largest cellars in Slovenia – book a cellar tour
Or you can just drive around and admire the mix of trees and vineyards and old villages.
The hilly landscapes are perfect to grow grapes.
You can find more than 150 producers in the region
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
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Fortified village of Smartno, Slovenia
Another great attraction is the fortified village of Smartno in the middle of the region, and a cultural monument because of its historical value.
Below you can see the whole village. Picture taken from the Gonjace tower (that I will introduce in the next section).
You can see it from many parts of the region because of its location. And the poet A. Gradnik has compared it with an eagle’s nest.
When approaching Smartno there is a carpark right by the entrance.
And you can find a map with the fortification plan. It is believed that the walls were erected on the remains of a Roman bastion during the war between the Habsburgs and the Venetians in the 16th century. It was a very strategic point on the Border between Venice and Austria.
It was actually part of a system of fortifications throughout the region, which had been used until the middle of the 18th century.
Roman ruins have been found under the current fortress.
Visiting Smartno Slovenia
At the moment, the village of Smartno Slovenia is free to enter.
It dates back to the Middle-Ages. The narrow streets are charming.
The modern and old houses inside Šmartno are grouped closely in a labyrinth around the church of St. Martin.
The Gothic house can even be visited. It has typical elements of the region to see how people used to live.
Smartno is a village that welcomes artist who enjoy the peaceful environment.
Sadly, I was not able to visit the church which was closed. Saint Martin is a baroque church with vibrant fresco and a bell tower which was once a fortification tower.
Views from Smartno
Another great thing at Smartno are the views all around with other villages and vineyards. Colors are wonderful in the end of the afternoon.
Gonjace Tower
I really love when I can get as high as possible to see a town or a region from above (without actually flying).
Luckily, in Goriska Brda, they have built the Gonjace Tower.
It stands at the top of a hill not far from Smartno. Here it is:
The Gonjace lookout tower is actually a memorial monument built in 1961, dedicated to the victims of World War II.
It is a 23m high tower with 144 steps leading to 4 viewing platforms depending on how much you suffer from vertigo (or are scared because of the wind).
The steps are well spaced and wide, so it is quite easy to climb. I personally stopped at the 3rd platform.
But if you climb to the top there is an orientation table.
From the Gonjace Tower you have 360° views of the region. It is splendid.
One of the best views is towards the village of Smartno.
Or towards higher mountains.
I recommend bringing binoculars to admire the villages even more (see my guide to help you choose binoculars)
Charming little villages
But just take the time to drive around, explore smaller roads and admire the various small villages and vineyards.
Here are a few extra photos just for the pleasure:
And other things to do in Brda
There is also another castle / Mansion (Vilpoze) and some natural features, but after research I decided not to include them in my itinerary and to move on to another region.
Want to see more of the best Slovenia has to offer?
- Best things to do in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful landscapes in Slovenia – read article
- Best castles in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia – read article
- Best off the beaten path attractions in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful towns in Slovenia – read article
Planning a trip to Slovenia?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- 16+ extra ideas
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 190+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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