Rilke Trail

The most picturesque part of the Trieste coast extends in the area between Devin and Sesljan. From the crossroads where the road descends towards the Gulf of Sesljan, there is a beautifully arranged walking path named after the Czech poet.

Rainer poet Maria Rilke (1875-1926) is one of the most important lyricists in German space. He spent part of his life at Devin Castle, where the famous Duineser Elegien were created. The walk along the Rilke Trail is very interesting and offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Sesljan, which is a popular destination for many sailors and swimmers. YC Cupa, the Slovenian sailing club that has the name of the oldest Slovenian vessel, also has its headquarters in the bay. Rilke's trail is about two kilometers long. It runs along the edge of the Devin Cliff, about 90 meters above sea level. A macadam parking lot is located right next to Camping Mare Pineta and next to the stone monument. About the first hundred meters of the trail leads next to the campsite. At the end of the camp there is a small restaurant offering a wide selection of refreshments and food. The trail continues through the Mediterranean forest. There is a wonderful view of the white limestone cliffs that descend steeply to the sea, the vast horizon that can be seen through the line of bunkers and the castles of the Devin. Underground bunkers and outposts are remnants of First World War , and from them soldiers had the ideal starting point for spotting attackers at sea. Rilke's route is a very dynamic path, but never too difficult for the youngest visitors. Along the way, a walker can view a range of karst phenomena such as grooves, scrapers and more.

The old Devin castle is testified only by the stone ruins, since it was demolished by the Turks in the 15th century and has not been restored ever since. The newer Devin Castle is a beautifully preserved residence of the Counts of Thurn und Taxis, which has been open to the public since 2003.