Nature Reserve Duino Cliffs
Visiting the reserve via the Rilke Trail
About this place
In Friuli Venezia Giulia, in the former province of Trieste, a white cliff overlooking the sea stuns those who travel from Sistiana Bay to Duino.
The spectacular cliff is actually the Falesie di Duino Nature Reserve, a protected area that is part of the municipality of Duino Aurisina.
The reserve consists of the wide cliff and the marine area over which it drops sheer.
The ideal way to access the reserve is the Rilke Trail, a scenic nature trail that can be visited in about half an hour.
Why visit
01.
Cliff walk
The Duino Crags Reserve consists mainly of the high rocky coastline from which it takes its name, and it is possible to visit it from its very top via a path, the Rilke, that overlooks the sea, making exploration even more exciting.
02.
View of the Gulf of Trieste
This hike offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Trieste, with Sistiana Bay on one side and Duino Castle on the other.
There are as many as five scenic lookouts along the Rilke Trail, and on a clear day, the view can sweep from the mouth of the Soča River to Punta Salvore in Croatia.
03.
Activities in the area
In what city but Trieste is it possible to relax with a nice swim after an excursion?
The seaside area of Sistiana, just minutes away, is perfect.
Alternatively, a visit to Duino Castle, a seafood dinner, and many other activities are easily accessible in this rich area.
The Rilke Trail
- Length: 1700 m
- Height difference: 150 m
- Duration: about 30 minutes
- Trail type: dirt/gravel
The best way to explore the Duino cliff is via the Rilke Trail, a hiking trail that, since 1987, has allowed visitors to walk to the top of the cliff while enjoying the scenic beauty and the thrill of standing on the cliff overlooking the sea.
ROUTE CHARACTERISTICS
The trail is less than 2 kilometers long and can be walked in about half an hour. It develops over a karst area where the phenomena of surface modeling are evident and where the typical karst ecosystem can be observed. The visit is very interesting not only from a geological-naturalistic point of view, but also from a landscape point of view, thanks to the extraordinary view of the gulf, and from a historical point of view, as there are several war relics along the way.STARTING AND ENDING POINT
The trail starts from the parking lot in front of the Infopoint in Sistiana and continues for 1700 meters, crossing 5 belvederes, to Duino, where, from the last belvedere, you can admire Duino Castle and the cliff in its entirety.
The tunnels and military posts along the route
For a visit that combines nature and history, the Rilke Trail is an ideal choice.
Along the nature trail are several emplacements dating back to World War II.
At the second lookout is a lay-by that housed an antiaircraft gun, and below it is a bunker with a small window overlooking the Gulf of Trieste.
Later, other wartime evidence is found including the remains of another bunker.
In addition, six Austro-Hungarian military posts dating back to World War I can be visited in the vicinity of the trail.
Karst and landscape
The cliff is a sheer-walled cliff, distinguishable from others by its high, continuous walls.
The one in Duino is unique because it is located in karst territory and has features that can be traced back to this natural phenomenon.
The cliff is in fact formed, as in the entire karst plateau, by carbonate rocks, born from the sedimentation of animal shells on the sea floor, which present a singular and unmistakable appearance.
The resulting landscape is a typical karst one, with rock stratifications, towers, scree, gullies, and corrosion ponds.
View of the Gulf Of Trieste
The view from the Duino Cliffs Nature Reserve sweeps over the entire Gulf of Trieste and the Bay of Sistiana, even reaching Duino Castle.
The route, though short, is a succession of belvederes.
There are five main ones: from the first one the bay of Sistiana below can be admired; from the second one, at an altitude of 87, the view reaches the Karst; from the third and fourth one can admire the Duino side, with the castle; from the fifth one has a perfect view of the entire cliff.
The Castle of Duino
On the northern border of the reserve is Duino Castle, perched on a rock overlooking the sea.
Dating from the 14th century, it has always been the home of noble families, but it is open to the public and, for a fee, can be visited almost entirely.
Also part of the complex, the gardens surrounding it, the 16th-century tower and a World War II bunker can be visited.
Information and recommendations
A visit to the Duino Cliffs Nature Reserve can be made via one of several trails that run through it.
The best known is the Rilke trail, lasting about half an hour.
The trail is not strenuous, but appropriate clothing and due care are still essential as the roadbed is unpaved.
It is also essential to observe all posted signs and respect barriers and prohibitions.
Picnic benches are provided along the route.
For people with reduced and impaired mobility, a 250-meter path from Duino to a viewpoint over the sea is accessible.
Near the parking lot in Sistiana is the PromoTurismoFVG Infopoint.
Where to park
Parking for the Duino Cliffs Nature Reserve is located near the junction for Sistiana mare and is clearly marked by signs for the Rilke Trail.
There are also pitches for RVs.
Coming from the opposite side and following the path from Duino, there is a second parking lot, which is also useful for visiting the Castle and the village settlement.
The reserve can also be reached by bus with the urban line No. 43 or No. 44 or the suburban apT line No. 51.
The stop is Sistiana mare or Duino.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Not possible.
Bicycle entry is prohibited.
The trail is easy and short.
It has a slight elevation gain of 150 m.
The road surface is dirt, consequently appropriate footwear is required.
The trail is exposed in several places since it is located overlooking the sea, but it is not dangerous because it is protected by a fence.
It is essential to respect signs and prohibitions and to have appropriate footwear for a trail with a dirt surface.
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