Saltworks
| Region | Coastal - Karst Statistical Region |
| Starting point | parkirišče LERA : 45.492220°N+13.608980°E |
| Route length | 2 km |
| route duration | 30-45 min |
| Best time to visit | vsi letni časi |
| Appropriate for | Baby Carriers , 1-3 years of age , 3-6 years of age , 6+ years of age |
| Level of difficulty | lahka pot |
Route Description
The main objective of SSNP is nature protection, conservation of exceptional natural and cultural assets, protection of indigenous and endangered plant and animal species, natural ecosystems and characteristics of non-living nature, as well as cultural landscape conservation and tending. Instead of lounging on the Portorož beach, we took advantage of the beginning of the summer season to visit one of the most beautiful landscape parks in our country - the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park (KPSS).
SSNP has two land entrances. Lera is reached by a steep cobble paved road that branches off to the right at Seča from the highest point of the thoroughfare that links Lucija with the Sečovlje border crossing. At the end of the paved part of the road is a crossing (with Pick &Place building on the right); straight ahead from here, the main entrance to the Park can be seen at the bridge over the Jernej Channel. At the entrance with a gate, parking is provided. Visitors are kindly requested to approach the administrative building by foot or bicycle, although access is allowed by motor vehicles as well.
The Museum of Salt-making, which is not operated more by the Maritime Museum Sergej Mašera Piran, is reached by the tarmac road, which branches off a few metres after the Sečovlje checkpoint to the right just before the bridge over the Dragonja River towards the Fontanigge area. While Lera is usually crowded, the Fontanigge area is a bit more remote and intended for recreation, peaceful walks and a visit to the museum.
Here is the navigation information:
LERA : 45.492220°N + 13.608980°E
FONTANIGGE: 45.464691N + 13.613876E
For the time being, no local public transport is available from Slovenian littoral towns to SSNP
As salt pans are unique biodiversity-rich wetlands, it is no coincidence that many of them have been included in the NATURA 2000 network. They are significant as well as an exceptional natural environment inhabited by highly interesting plant and animal species that have managed to adapt to the extreme salina living conditions. Given that they are mostly encased between land and sea, a wide range of habitats can be expected in them, from those with fresh, brackish and sea water to those with water saturated with salt.
Visit the Museum of Salt-making and learn all about the interesting tradition of salt production.
The aim of visiting Sečovlje Salina Nature Park is to experience nature and be acquainted with it. In order to contribute to the preservation of favourable conditions for animal and plant species as well as to enable for yourselves and others an unforgettable experience in the Salina, do not make noise that disturbs animals and other visitors. Observe the nature-conservation regime and the conditions of visiting, which can be found on our website and in the Park's leaflet. You can visit us only at the time when the Park is open as per visiting schedule.
Park's entrance fee 1.4. - 31.10. 1.11. - 31.3.
Adults 7€ 6€
Students, seniors 5€ 4€
Children up to 6 years-Free
Family ticket 16€ 14€
Entrance Fee for Group Visit:
Adults 8,5 €
Students, Seniors 6,5€
Children up to 6 years-Free
The Entrance Fees for Group Visits are only eligible for groups, which are pre appointed and approved via an application form available at www.kpss.si.
Interesting Facts
The Sečovlje and Strunjan salt-pans are the only ones in this part of the Adriatic, where salt is still being produced and where the traditional procedure of its production has survived till this very day.
The salt pans in the northern Adriatic have had a major impact on the economies of the countries and urban states of the area for centuries. They were the subject of political disputes and wars because of salt and its usefulness. It was a valuable raw material and a strategic commodity important for food canning and gunpowder production.
Many years ago there were other large and small salt pans in the villages of Sečovlje, Lucija and Strunjan in the Gulf of Trieste and Istria (e.g. in the villages of Milje, Koper, Izola, Lucija). They were marked not only by political and economic interests, but also by the unpredictable nature.
In the past, salt deficiency has had a major impact on human health.
The salt trade was a very important activity, as this commodity was so valuable that it was used in some places as a medium of exchange. The Latin term "salarium argentum" (salt money) referred to the part of the salary received by every Roman soldier, and it has been preserved for so long in our history that it even gave rise to the English word "salary".
Supposedly, the Egyptians were the first to figure out how to use it. Salt was used to mummify the dead, solidify the colors of clothing, and for fish and olives. The first mighty Roman road Via Salaria was built in the honour of salt.
Listen to a fairy tale about an Istrian shepherd and fairies.
Map
Take me to the starting point
Show route in Google mapsRent a car
Nearby Restaurants
Stazione Parenzana
The well-known inn and pub is located in the village of Seča and has delicious grilled food and excellent pizzas on the menu that will delight even the most picky guests. With respect for the history of the environment, they create traditional dishes. The locals say the inn has the best beer on the coast and we totally agree!
This family-friendly inn has a pleasant ambience and excellent service.
Seča 81b,
6320 Portorož
0820 07252
Vita, Olja and Juna Recommend
Salt is the sea that could not return to the sky…
Tiny white or pink pyramidal crystals are the most valuable crop of the Piran salt pans. On the surface, brines are formed in windless weather only, as they are disturbed by the tiniest waves.
The flower of salt enriches all salads, carpaccios, seafood specialties and other culinary masterpieces. The Piran Salt Pans company has a cosmetic line of salt products and sells a book called Let's Meet the Birds of the Sečovlje Salt Pans (which is sold in Slovene only).
Piran Salt from the Piran salt-pan houses is produced according to a tradition that is almost 700 years old. The basic process is natural crystallization in salt fields, where salt is collected on a few millimeters thick base of bio sediment called petola, which is composed of minerals and microorganisms.
