About the route
Preparing for your journey
Logistical preparations
The very fact that you’re here, reading this, shows that you’ve taken a thoughtful first step in preparing for your journey. If you choose to walk for several days, preparation becomes even more crucial—what seems close by car can feel much farther when you're limited to a walking pace.
Gather as much information as you can
It’s wise to learn as much as possible about the area you’re visiting—its unique features, attractions, and landmarks—through online resources, guidebooks, or other printed materials, and to plan ahead what you’d like to see and explore during your journey.
It’s also a good idea to reach out to the listed websites or phone numbers if you have any unanswered questions—there’s no harm in asking for more information. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.
Tourist information centres are a helpful source of information but even more so are people who have already walked the route. They will give you clear and honest answers about the how, what, where, and why.
How to get to the starting point of the route and back?
Since the Iter Goritiense or Gorizian Camino is a walking route, it’s important to plan how you’ll get to Aquileia and arrange your return from Sveta Gora, as there is currently no public transport available from there. The best option is to arrange for someone to pick you up, or alternatively, you can walk down to the valley and catch a bus, train, or other transport in Solkan.
If you’ve driven to Aquileia and left your car there, you can take a bus from Gorizia back to the starting point. There is a regular bus service between Nova Gorica and Gorizia, linking the two bus stations.
Understanding the route and the terrain
Logistical preparations involve researching the route and understanding the terrain. Based on this information, you can decide how many days to walk the Gorizian Camino, taking into account the time you have, your age, and your physical fitness. The route can be walked in two, three, four, five days, or more.
A common mistake made by beginners is planning solely based on the distance, however, a 5km steep incline can be more exhausting than a 20km flat stretch. Therefore, it’s important not to overlook information on elevation gain when preparing for your journey.
On the Gorizian Camino, the challenging terrain, particularly the Karst region and the final ascent to Sveta Gora, should be carefully considered.
Services and stops along the way
It’s helpful to check for places along the way where you can stop to eat and drink, as well as locate shops, pharmacies, and the nearest emergency medical care. It’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance. Accommodation details and contacts can be found in the route stages descriptions.
Follow the weather forecast
A few days before departure, it’s a good idea to check the weather conditions and forecast for the area you’ll be walking in, and adjust your gear accordingly.
Of course, it’s important to be prepared for sudden weather changes, so make sure your backpack includes gear for all scenarios—heat, cold, wind, and heavy rain, including waterproof items. Follow the timeless advice: expect the unexpected.
Don't forget to hydrate
Especially during the warmer months, it’s crucial to carry enough water. This is particularly important for the first flat section and the second rugged Karst region stage, which include longer stretches through remote, uninhabited areas.
Bears are not a concern
It’s highly unlikely you’ll come across any large wild animals along the way. In the Gorizian Camino area, the most you might encounter are wild boars or deer. Reptiles, which are becoming rarer in the wild, will generally retreat and hide, especially if you’re walking with trekking poles, as they can detect the vibrations.
GPX tracks
Before you set off, download the GPX tracks from this website to walk with confidence and avoid any uncertainty about which route to take at junctions. The route is otherwise marked by Solomon’s Knot, which will guide you from Aquileia to Sveta Gora.
Focus on walking
Even if you are in great physical shape, it’s important to consider the specific demands of walking and focus on walking for at least a few days before you begin your journey. If you already walk regularly, try increasing your walking distances and duration.
If physical activity hasn’t been a priority for you up until now, but you’re committed to making a change by walking the Gorizian Camino, start preparing well in advance—not just a few days before your departure.
Don't forget about your backpack
On preparatory hikes, it’s helpful to carry a backpack that you can gradually load with more weight each day, allowing your body to adjust. As a general guideline, your backpack should weigh about 10% of your body weight for long-distance walks.
It should contain all the essentials , and remember—when you’re carrying everything you need on your back, EVERY GRAM COUNTS! More on must-have equipment later.
V njem morate imeti vse najnujnejše. Pri tem je treba upoštevati, da ko nosiš vse, kar potrebuješ, s seboj na hrbtu, VSAK GRAM ŠTEJE!!! Več o »obvezni« opremi nekoliko kasneje.
Preparing for your journey
Physical training
Good general fitness is essential to ensure that the 82-kilometre Gorizian Camino, from Aquileia to Sveta Gora, is an enjoyable experience rather than a challenging ordeal.
Focus on walking
Even if you are in great physical shape, it’s important to consider the specific demands of walking and focus on walking for at least a few days before you begin your journey. If you already walk regularly, try increasing your walking distances and duration.
If physical activity hasn’t been a priority for you up until now, but you’re committed to making a change by walking the Gorizian Camino, start preparing well in advance—not just a few days before your departure.
Don't forget about your backpack
On preparatory hikes, it’s helpful to carry a backpack that you can gradually load with more weight each day, allowing your body to adjust. As a general guideline, your backpack should weigh about 10% of your body weight for long-distance walks.
It should contain all the essentials , and remember—when you’re carrying everything you need on your back, EVERY GRAM COUNTS! More on must-have equipment later.
V njem morate imeti vse najnujnejše. Pri tem je treba upoštevati, da ko nosiš vse, kar potrebuješ, s seboj na hrbtu, VSAK GRAM ŠTEJE!!! Več o »obvezni« opremi nekoliko kasneje.
Preparing for your journey
Mental preparation
In pairs or groups
If you’re walking in pairs or in a group, keep in mind that you’ll need to adapt to each other’s pace—after all, we don’t all walk at the same speed, require the same amount of rest, or talk the same amount. On the positive side, walking with others offers a greater sense of security , and emergency equipment can be split between backpacks.
Walking alone
Walking alone can certainly be more challenging, but it also offers a deeper, more personal experience. However, it comes with increased risks —what if there is an emergency, if you get hurt, lost, caught in a storm, or stranded after dark?
There are countless concerns, each unique to the individual, as we all have our own fears. Yet, the allure of walking solo lies in overcoming these challenges. Solo hikers should anticipate possible scenarios beforehand so that if they arise during the journey, they are prepared to handle them.
Choosing the right backpack
Selecting the right backpack is a crucial step. Even though the Gorizian Camino can be completed in three to five days, you still need to carry all the essentials, just as you would for a longer journey. We recommend a backpack with a capacity of at least 40 litres, or 35 litres for women.
The backpack should not be too heavy on its own and should be well-padded where it contacts your body, as well as have an additional waterproof cover.
Hiking shoes
For a hiker, even more important than a good backpack are proper shoes. These must be chosen thoughtfully. Your feet should feel comfortable in them, with enough space for your toes—about a centimeter—so they don’t touch the inside edge of the shoe.
Some people prefer low hiking shoes, while others opt for high hiking shoes. The Gorizian Camino can also be walked in sturdy trekking or trail running shoes. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal choice, but one thing is certain: don’t embark on the walk in brand-new shoes, no matter what type you choose.
Your feet and shoes need time to get familiar with each other—at least a few dozen kilometres—before hitting the road. Wearing new, unworn shoes is a surefire way to get blisters—one of the most annoying issues during a multi-day hike.
In addition to your hiking shoes, make sure to pack extra footwear for after each stage. This could be a pair of gym shoes or, in the warmer months, sandals or flip-flops.
The importance of good socks
Socks are also a very important piece of equipment. Even the best-fitting shoes won’t protect you from blisters if you wear the wrong socks. Proper hiking socks are slightly reinforced in key areas and have no seams, which helps prevent skin irritation and blisters.
Trekking poles
Telescopic trekking poles come in very handy on longer hikes. They reduce the strain on your legs, especially during descents, and offer extra support on slippery terrain, helping to prevent falls.
Their sound when striking the ground also alerts wild animals, giving them time to move away. In a pinch, they can even be used for self-defense or, after your hike, to hang or dry clothes and more.
Clothing
We recommend packing three sets of underwear, socks, and quick-drying t-shirts: one set to wear, one as a backup, and one that can be dried while walking, hanging on the back of your backpack, in case it hasn’t dried overnight after washing at the end of the previous stage.
Additionally, bring a quick-drying long-sleeved shirt. In winter, opt for a warmer version. Long hiking trousers are a better choice than shorts, even in summer, as they provide protection against thorns, insect bites, ticks, nettle stings etc.
It’s also a good idea to bring leggings or tights for added warmth under your long trousers if needed. The third layer, if it really gets cold, is a pair of waterproof anorak pants, which are an essential addition to a waterproof rain poncho in heavy rain.
For top garments, it’s worth packing a thicker long-sleeved shirt, a jacket for the colder months, and a waterproof anorak. Together with your bottom garments, these layers create a versatile outfit that can keep you warm in temperatures as low as zero degrees Celsius or even slightly below.
Other equipment
In addition to a first aid kit, toiletries, laundry detergent, and a towel (all in small/travel sizes), the backpack should also include a pocket knife, headlamp, string, phone and charger, wallet and ID, sunglasses, sunscreen, two water bottles, and a few days’ supply of snacks (such as energy bars or gels, dried fruit, etc., depending on personal preference).
All the above-mentioned equipment should be packed in the backpack so that the heaviest items are placed closest to the back, while the most essential items (such as the first aid kit, rain poncho, phone, ID, food, and drinks) are easily accessible.
Preparing for your journey
Backpack preparation
The absolute must haves!
Choosing the right backpack
Selecting the right backpack is a crucial step. Even though the Gorizian Camino can be completed in three to five days, you still need to carry all the essentials, just as you would for a longer journey. We recommend a backpack with a capacity of at least 40 litres, or 35 litres for women.
The backpack should not be too heavy on its own and should be well-padded where it contacts your body, as well as have an additional waterproof cover.
Hiking shoes
For a hiker, even more important than a good backpack are proper shoes. These must be chosen thoughtfully. Your feet should feel comfortable in them, with enough space for your toes—about a centimeter—so they don’t touch the inside edge of the shoe.
Some people prefer low hiking shoes, while others opt for high hiking shoes. The Gorizian Camino can also be walked in sturdy trekking or trail running shoes. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal choice, but one thing is certain: don’t embark on the walk in brand-new shoes, no matter what type you choose.
Your feet and shoes need time to get familiar with each other—at least a few dozen kilometres—before hitting the road. Wearing new, unworn shoes is a surefire way to get blisters—one of the most annoying issues during a multi-day hike.
In addition to your hiking shoes, make sure to pack extra footwear for after each stage. This could be a pair of gym shoes or, in the warmer months, sandals or flip-flops.
The importance of good socks
Socks are also a very important piece of equipment. Even the best-fitting shoes won’t protect you from blisters if you wear the wrong socks. Proper hiking socks are slightly reinforced in key areas and have no seams, which helps prevent skin irritation and blisters.
Trekking poles
Telescopic trekking poles come in very handy on longer hikes. They reduce the strain on your legs, especially during descents, and offer extra support on slippery terrain, helping to prevent falls.
Their sound when striking the ground also alerts wild animals, giving them time to move away. In a pinch, they can even be used for self-defense or, after your hike, to hang or dry clothes and more.
Clothing
We recommend packing three sets of underwear, socks, and quick-drying t-shirts: one set to wear, one as a backup, and one that can be dried while walking, hanging on the back of your backpack, in case it hasn’t dried overnight after washing at the end of the previous stage.
Additionally, bring a quick-drying long-sleeved shirt. In winter, opt for a warmer version. Long hiking trousers are a better choice than shorts, even in summer, as they provide protection against thorns, insect bites, ticks, nettle stings etc.
It’s also a good idea to bring leggings or tights for added warmth under your long trousers if needed. The third layer, if it really gets cold, is a pair of waterproof anorak pants, which are an essential addition to a waterproof rain poncho in heavy rain.
For top garments, it’s worth packing a thicker long-sleeved shirt, a jacket for the colder months, and a waterproof anorak. Together with your bottom garments, these layers create a versatile outfit that can keep you warm in temperatures as low as zero degrees Celsius or even slightly below.
Other equipment
In addition to a first aid kit, toiletries, laundry detergent, and a towel (all in small/travel sizes), the backpack should also include a pocket knife, headlamp, string, phone and charger, wallet and ID, sunglasses, sunscreen, two water bottles, and a few days’ supply of snacks (such as energy bars or gels, dried fruit, etc., depending on personal preference).
All the above-mentioned equipment should be packed in the backpack so that the heaviest items are placed closest to the back, while the most essential items (such as the first aid kit, rain poncho, phone, ID, food, and drinks) are easily accessible.
Preparing for your journey
Equipment list
Note: Adjust the list of equipment depending on the season. In summer, you can bring your swimsuit (for a refreshing dip in the Soča river) and leave your warmer clothes at home. Mosquito and tick repellent can come in very handy (as well as tweezers for removing ticks). In winter, sunscreen and a summer hat are obviously not necessary, but a winter hat, gloves, or a scarf are definitely recommended.
- Backpack
- Hiking shoes
- Extra footwear (gym shoes or sandals/flip-flops)
- Trekking poles
- Waterproof rain poncho
- Waterproof anorak pants
- Waterproof anorak jacket
- 3x underwear
- 3x hiking socks
- 3x T-shirt
- 1x long-sleeved shirt
- Hiking pants
- Leggings/tights
- Turtleneck or sweatshirt
- Hiking jacket
- Protective hat in summer
- Ultra light towel
- Toiletries (toothbrush and toothpaste, mini soap and shampoo, paper tissues, etc.)
- Mini laundry detergent
- First aid (plasters, bandage, gauze, medical tape, aspirin or paracetamol, aluminium foil)
- Pocket knife
- Headlamp & spare batteries
- A few metres of string
- Phone and phone charger
- Wallet with personal documents, cards and money
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Two water bottles (2 x 750 ml, preferably 2 x 1000 ml in the hot summer months)
- Energy bars, gels, chocolates, dried fruit, trail mix ... - your choice
- Ultra light sleeping bag and mat (only for some overnight stays along the route!)
The camino diet requires a lot of calories
You can eat as much as your heart desires during long-distance hikes, because your body will happily burn all the calories. A substantial breakfast is essential to start your day on the right foot. After each stage, a hearty dinner is a great way to recharge your energy. While walking, the food you carry in your backpack should generally be enough to keep you fueled.
Rest is an important part of walking
It is advisable to take regular breaks during the hike, ideally after every 1.5 to 2 hours of walking. During these breaks, you can have a snack, check the remainder of the route, and inspect your feet if you feel any discomfort. If you notice a blister starting to form, protect the area with a plaster as a precaution.
Except for a lunch break, try to keep your rest periods to no more than 15 minutes, as longer pauses can disrupt your hiking rhythm, and your body may need extra energy to get back into the flow.
Stay alert!
Always stay aware! Listen, smell, observe, and take in everything around you along the way. Use the time spent walking to connect with yourself and your surroundings. Be grateful for every heartbeat and every breath, as neither can be taken for granted.
Walking the Gorizian Camino is a testament to your health, your resilience, and the joy of simply being—no matter the circumstances. Walking offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on the highs and lows of life, step by step.
After each stage
Here’s a tip for after each stage: Start with a stretch to prepare your body for the challenges of the next day without unnecessary pain, after that take a shower, wash your clothes (this isn’t necessary if you’re walking the Gorizian Camino in just three days) and have dinner.
Before or after dinner, review and plan for the next stage, ideally with insights from the accommodation provider or locals. Finally, aim for an early bedtime to ensure your body gets enough rest and strength for the next day.
Preparing for your journey
Along the route
The camino diet requires a lot of calories
You can eat as much as your heart desires during long-distance hikes, because your body will happily burn all the calories. A substantial breakfast is essential to start your day on the right foot. After each stage, a hearty dinner is a great way to recharge your energy. While walking, the food you carry in your backpack should generally be enough to keep you fueled.
Rest is an important part of walking
It is advisable to take regular breaks during the hike, ideally after every 1.5 to 2 hours of walking. During these breaks, you can have a snack, check the remainder of the route, and inspect your feet if you feel any discomfort. If you notice a blister starting to form, protect the area with a plaster as a precaution.
Except for a lunch break, try to keep your rest periods to no more than 15 minutes, as longer pauses can disrupt your hiking rhythm, and your body may need extra energy to get back into the flow.
Stay alert!
Always stay aware! Listen, smell, observe, and take in everything around you along the way. Use the time spent walking to connect with yourself and your surroundings. Be grateful for every heartbeat and every breath, as neither can be taken for granted.
Walking the Gorizian Camino is a testament to your health, your resilience, and the joy of simply being—no matter the circumstances. Walking offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on the highs and lows of life, step by step.
After each stage
Here’s a tip for after each stage: Start with a stretch to prepare your body for the challenges of the next day without unnecessary pain, after that take a shower, wash your clothes (this isn’t necessary if you’re walking the Gorizian Camino in just three days) and have dinner.
Before or after dinner, review and plan for the next stage, ideally with insights from the accommodation provider or locals. Finally, aim for an early bedtime to ensure your body gets enough rest and strength for the next day.
Preparing for your journey
Choosing the right time
The Gorizian Camino is characterized by its exceptionally mild and favorable climate, which makes the route accessible year-round, even in winter unlike many other long distance routes. In fact, walking the Gorizian Camino between December and March might be easier than in mid-August.
The flat stretch of the first stage and the second stage through the Karst can get extremely hot, so it’s advisable to start early in the morning, take a break during the hottest part of the day, and resume once the heat subsides. Summer days are long, so you'll easily finish before dark without any issues.
