Over the past years, I visited the famous line between Koper and Divača a few times. The line will soon be replaced by a new-built line in tunnel. Opening of the new line is currently scheduled in April 2026. Therefore I thought it interesting to show the photos I’ve made during those few visits. I hope to inspire people to make the trip to this nice piece of scenic railway.
The pictures on this page are ordered from Koper to Divača, by the location of the train.
Locations where the photos were taken are also pointed out on a Google map:

Dekani
Start of the slope from Koper to Divača. This is an early morning point for trains leaving the port of Koper.

Kortine
The lower section of the line follows the valley of the Rižana river. Near Kortine the rail line crosses the river via a rather modern bridge.

Bezovica
A location near the town of Bezovica, with the town of Podpeč in the background, this is a spot for Koper-bound trains in the afternoon.

Hrastovlje
Next location on the line is Hrastovlje. There are many possibilities here, and I have certainly not visited all of them. Coming from Bezovica, the line runs through forests. I’ve only been able to make 1 photo there so far, shor from a distance.

After passing the forest, the lines runs with a turn over an embankment before entering Hrastovlje station and the tunnel that’s part of the 180° loop.

Right on the other (uphill side) of the tunnel, you have a view on the whole upper part of the line, from Hrastovlje until Črnotiče. Many possibilities if you’re not afraid to use a tele lens. A pole can be used for the photos with a wider angle. However, you’ll have to look for an open spot in the forest if you want to use a tele lens.

This is the view from the bridge seen in the middle of above photo.

Another view from on above the tunnel in Hrastovlje. The train is driving just west of the little bridge from above photo.

From the turn in the middle of above photo you have this view. It’s perfect when the night train to Koper runs late. Beware: this is a seasonal train. In 2025 it runs until September 28. The town in the background is Hrastovlje.

If you don’t mind the tele lens, this spot lets you photograph trains on the embankment down the line, and also trains running around the corner in the direction of Divaca. This view gives a good impression of how the line runs: on the slope of the mountains, right next to the valley.

From within the town of Hrastovlje you can see the next stretch of line. To the left: Zanigrad. IN the foreground the nice little church of Cerkev sv Trojice.

One of the most well-known photo locations in Zanigrad is the one on the outside of the curve. It’s also one of the iconic views of the line. To access you follow a small road next to the tracks from where you can still watch the trains.

After some walking and searching for a spot between the bushes you’ll then be able to find the spot.

And with the telelens you can capture a good view of trains coming out of the tunnel.

On the other side of the tunnel you can see in Zanigrad, you’re already near the small town of Podpeč.

Podpeč is built between the rail line and the massive cliffs. There’s also a big iron railway bridge, but I’m unsure what it actually crosses.

A bit more west is another one of those stone embankments. The rough terrain makes them necessary here. Good thing is they’re never covered by bushes.

Between Podpeč and Črnotiče the line runs against the cliffs and through a dense forest. I did find this location in Loka to be quite interesting though, because it gives you a nice view over the valley. In the background we see Triëste, and the bridge of the highway A1.

Then comes Črnotiče, arguably the most famous town on the Koper – Divača railway. The town is located on a kin of plateau. South of the town the rail line runs against high cliffs that face south-west. This offers many possibilities for shooting trains if you’re not afraid of using a telephoto lens. The short hike to the cliffs is pleasant and you will most likely meet other people enjoying the scenic path.
First location I want to show is one that should also be possible with good sun position during a long summer evening. I like this one too, though. The train is situated around Loka.

The view in the other direction offers many possibilities. In the curves…

… and with some heavier telephoto lens work you get a view on the famous embankment, famous from the most well-known view of the line. But that’s for later, first some views from the other side.

And from the side.

And then the cream of the crop, het neusje van de zalm, la crême de la crême. Well anyway, the most famous spot of the line. It’s very pleasant to sit, wait and watch here. Best enjoyed with friends and a drink.

East of Črnotiče there are also many possibilities. For the first spot you have to find yourself a way in between the hedges. Challenging, but in my opinion worth the effort. Telephoto lens necessary.

And another one of those famous locations. Beautiful, I have to admit. Beware of the bee hives when walking here!

East of the station, on the other side of the main road, the line runs through some plains set in front of a mountain range. It’s comfortabel waiting here, both during he day as in the evening.

The most spectacular part of the line runs between Koper and Črnotiče. It’s probably the reason why I don’t have many photos between Črnotiče and Divača. This one in Rodik is worth showing though.

And finally we’re in Divača. I’ve only made photos here at night, because of the hotel being nearby. First a photo of a train to Koper.

In Divača the lines to Koper and Trieste split. Traffic to and from the port of Trieste is less intense though. Here we see a train that has just arrived from Trieste and is waiting for clearance to continue its journey.