Ajdna is one of the most prominent archaeological findings of Late Antiquity in Slovenia. In the 5th and 6th centuries, during attacks by the northern tribes, locals took refuge on the rocky slopes of Mt. Stol, from where there are expansive views of the Julian Alps and Lake Bled. The ascent to Ajdna was very difficult, and was only possible on foot.
The artefacts and objects found during archaeological excavations, stir one’s imagination. A special enigma is the tomb of a young female that was buried with her jewellery inside the early Christian church. Was this the mysterious Heathen Maiden (Ajdovska deklica)? The bronze bird, which is the main symbol of the exhibition in Čop’s birth house, does not provide the answer; instead, it invites you to ascend to the rocky peak of Ajdna to experience its mysterious atmosphere.
The joyous atmosphere, kind-hearted people, excellent homemade food and its position in the middle of unspoilt nature have placed the Valvasorjev dom at the top of the list of the most popular huts among hikers. The hut is situated below the mighty Mt. Stol, on the terrace of the southern slope of the Belščica mountain pasture.
In the embrace of green nature, with your lungs full of fresh mountain air, you can admire the villages of Upper Gorenjska and the amazing Julian Alps with the highest Slovenian peak Triglav, all from the courtyard of the mountain hut. The hut is also an excellent starting point for reaching many other peaks nearby
The popular, long distance hiking trail around Julian Alps and Triglav National Park leads also to Žirovnica. It’s stage 3 starts in the ironworks town of Jesenice, leads over Dobraško polje and over the Sava Dolinka River to the villages beneath Mt. Stol, where it mostly runs along the Žirovnica Path of Cultural Heritage. The stage ends in Begunje-the cradle of national folk music.
Mountain range: Karavanke
Height: 1,425m
The mountain hut at the spring of the Završnica stream is positioned on an idyllic meadow on the Smokuška planina mountain pasture below Mt. Begunjščica. Surrounded by forests and white peaks, it is a true mountain paradise. Near the hut there is the source of the Završnica stream – a rippling stream running through the mountains that will refresh you and provide young hikers with an outdoor playground.
In summer, herders take their cattle to graze on the pastures surrounding the spring. The trail to the hut is as pleasant as the meadows that surround it.
The Turkish cave, lying carved in the stone below the Gozdašnica peak, is also called a medieval cave castle. The path to the cave explores its hidden corners and in places you can peer through stone slits for a seemingly-real glimpse into the past. Many centuries ago, women and children retreated to the cave to seek refuge from Turkish invaders.
The trail leading to the Turkish cave starts at the reservoir in the Završnica valley. It leads along a forest path, across a stream and up a narrow, steep path. The freshness of the forest will lead you to the cave and the rocky ledge above it, where you can stop for a moment, take a deep breath and enjoy the views of the lush green hills.
Would you like to feel like the king of the world? Climb up Mt. Stol – the highest summit of the Karavanke range! On a clear day, from the summit there are views over almost the entire country – to the mysterious Gorjanci forests, the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, Mt. Snežnik, the emerald blue Lake Bled, the Jelovica and Pokljuka plateaus, Ljubljana, and many of Slovenia’s other green jewels of nature.
Though long and steep in places, the trail leading to the hut is not technically difficult, and the amazing views and delicious homemade food available at the hut makes it well worth the effort. Those who pick up firewood and bring it to the hut, will be rewarded with a smile. Don’t forget to taste the delicious homemade food.
The forest around Tito’s Village (Titova vas) is unspoilt and mighty. A secret partisan camp was set up below the peak of Smokuški vrh in a remote, hidden and relatively inaccessible location. The camp had its own newspaper, a choir, butchery and everything needed for everyday life during the Second World War.
The path to Titova vas leads through a ravine with a small stream, over small bridges and wooden footbridges and through the forest that gives a feeling that a warrior will appear from behind the trees at any time. Today, Titova vas is well arranged and the recently renovated partisan camp takes you on a walk down history lane.
Mountain range: Kamniško – Savinjske Alpe
Height: 867 m
The Sankaška Hut is situated in the nort-western part of Kamnik- Savinja Alps, just slightly higher than the church of St. Peter near Begunje, featuring stunning views of Lake Bled, Radovljica and the Julian Alps mountain range. The panoramic terrace in front of Sankaška hut is a fabulous place for a refreshing drink or a bowl of warm soup. Open all year round (Wednesday to Sunday). The hut is accessible from Begunje, and in municipality of Žirovnica from Rodine village, from where it runs along the thirs stage of the Juliana Trail. Less than one-hour walk is marked as easy, though the path is sometimes steep. The walk can be extended to Smukuški vrh or to St. Peter’s church.
From the car park at the Završnica reservoir, set off along the Završnica valley towards Zelenica. After just 200 metres, just before a small bridge, turn left onto a forest trail – the stream should always be to your right. At first the trail rises gently then soon leads up a bank to reach the Hudič babo pere waterfall in cca. 30 minutes. Depending on the season and amount of precipitation, the waterfall can range in appearance from being a modest spring to a mighty ice curtain.
The Zelenica Mountain Hut is located on the small plain of Zelenica saddle between mountain ridge Na Možeh on the border with Austria on the north, and north side of mountain ridge Begunjščica on the south. The area of Zelenica is known as a winter sports center. There is 20 hectares of skiing and snowboarding terrain serviced by 5 lifts, spread across the Karawanks. Due to its shaded location, late skiing is sometimes possible at Zelenica, and the surrounding peaks offer excellent ski touring opportunities. The hut is also a home to the Zelenica Mountaineering Education Centre.
From in front of the Mercator supermarket and post office in Žirovnica, turn left towards the birth house of Matija Čop then head upwards through the village to the pasture beneath the surge tank. Ascend the stairs of the surge tank to reach the top, which serves as a great viewpoint. From here either return back to the start or continue on the trail to the left (in a westerly direction) along the mainly flat path that leads through a tunnel and onwards to the Završnica valley. Follow the trail to the Završnica hydro electric dam, take a walk around the reservoir, then return to Žirovnica the same way.
The most direct route to reach St. Lawrence’s church above Zabreznica begins from the car park in front of the Žirovnica primary school. Follow the signs through the village to the pasture and follow the path for cca. 30 minutes to reach the church. You can return the same way or make it a circular route by beginning in Žirovnica and setting off towards the water surge tank. Before ascending the stairs take the path to the right which leads along the pastures above the villages. On reaching the pasture area above Zabreznica there is an intersection of paths which leads onto the afore-mentioned path. Go past the cross and follow the trail uphill to the church
The Karavanke Hiking Trail is a long-distance trail that runs along the slopes of the Karavanke and its valleys boasting with wonderful views of this rugged mountain range. The trail includes seven daily hiking stages ranging from 14 to 28 km in length. The total length of the route is 144 kilometres.
The long-distance Karavanke trail brings together places and people that are a part of the Karavanke mountain range in a unique hiking experience. The trail runs through easily accessible mountain areas, where we explore the surroundings and experience natural features. On a hiking tour, you get to meet locals who live with the area, learn about old customs, discover mountain plateaus and experience the valley’s everyday richness. On the sunny and grassy slopes of the mountains one comes across wonderful views of the Sava valley, the Julian Alps and the entire Gorenjska. This is a path of intertwined sensations, wonderful views, a simple hiking experience and a taste of life under the Karavanke.
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