Predor Šalet

Predor Šalet is a former railway tunnel on the old Parenzana line in the hills near Korte, in Slovenian Istria. The Parenzana was a narrow-gauge railway that opened in 1902 and linked Trieste in Italy with Poreč in Croatia, winding for well over a hundred kilometres through the Istrian peninsula. It carried passengers, wine, olive oil, salt and farm produce until it closed in 1935, and the route has since been turned into a long-distance walking and cycling trail. The tunnels, viaducts and cuttings that its builders had to carve into the limestone hills are the most memorable remains.

The tunnel at Šalet is one of those engineering reminders. Its stone-lined passage is cool and a little damp, which is a welcome change on a hot summer day, and the contrast between the bright Istrian countryside outside and the dim interior makes the passage through it feel like an event. Walking through the tunnel itself takes only a few minutes. The rest of any visit is made up of the trail on either side, where the gentle gradients of the old railway bed make for easy riding and relaxed walking.

The setting is part of the appeal. Korte is a village on the green slopes above the coast, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and fields, and from the trail you often have open views towards the sea. Istria is known for olive oil and for the Malvazija white wine, and the area around Korte has farms and cellars that welcome visitors. The villages nearby also offer simple restaurants where you can try local dishes after a ride, among them Gostilna Korte, and other places to stay and eat are within reach. Other attractions in the destination, such as Hiking and Camping Tours, make it easy to extend a visit into a longer trip.

Bring a bike light or a torch on your phone, because the tunnel can be dark inside. Wear shoes with decent grip, since the ground can be damp, and watch your head on the stone. The trail is shared between walkers and cyclists, so keep to one side and give way where visibility is limited.

Predor Šalet suits families, casual cyclists and people interested in railway history. It is not a destination for a full day on its own, but it fits well as a stop on a longer ride along the Parenzana, or as a short outing from the coast.