Stjak
This climb is part of Primorska region. Stjak, above Ajdovščina in the Vipava Valley, is a short but steep cycling climb with gradients over 13%. Quiet vineyard roads, Mediterranean charm, and sweeping valley views make it unforgettable.Average gradient: 6.1%
Elevation difference: 306m
You start at 182.4m and finish at 485.0m
Athletes climbed: 1042 View on Strava
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Stjak – A Climb into the Heart of the Vipava Hills
The climb to Stjak, a hilltop village in the Vipava Valley, is a perfect example of Slovenia’s shorter but punchy ascents that combine steep gradients with Mediterranean charm. Rising above Ajdovščina, this climb challenges cyclists with its sharp ramps while rewarding them with sweeping views of vineyards, olive groves, and the Karst landscape. The ascent usually begins from Ajdovščina or one of the surrounding villages. Right from the start, the gradients make themselves felt: 8–10% is common, and certain sections bite with ramps up to 13–14%. The climb is not long, but it is relentless, requiring riders to find a steady rhythm and push through the steepest sections. Its compact size makes it a climb that can be included in longer routes linking other Vipava Valley ascents, such as Čaven or Predmeja.
Climbing Stjak – A True Vipava Challenge
What makes Stjak memorable is the Mediterranean setting. The road winds past terraced vineyards, stone houses, and sunlit meadows, with the scent of herbs and blossoms in the air. Traffic is virtually nonexistent, so cyclists can fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere. Looking back, the views over the fertile Vipava Valley and toward the Trnovo Plateau are breathtaking, especially in the golden light of early morning or late afternoon. At the summit, the village of Stjak sits quietly, crowned by its church and surrounded by vines. The climb ends not with fanfare, but with serenity—a place to pause, breathe, and take in the beauty of Slovenia’s wine country. For cyclists, Stjak is a climb that embodies the Vipava Valley: short, steep, sunlit, and unforgettable.
