Active Breaks

Hiking Trails In The Škofja Loka Area

There are various well-arranged hiking trails throughout the Škofja Loka area, which enable genuine experiences of natural beauty. The majority of paths are accessible throughout the whole year, provided that you are properly equipped and that the weather allows. Make sure, however, that others hikers can also enjoy the trails by ensuring that they remain clean and intact.

MAP

1. Flis' Path

The trail is named after Slavek Flis, who, as president of the 'Olepševalnega drustva Škofja Loka' (The Society for the Care and Improvement of Škofja Loka), established in 1897, strived for the promotion of tourism and encouraged his fellow citizens to take part in recreation. In doing so he planned a circular trail which, with its colourful history, linked three castles that, like fortresses, protected the town of Škofja Loka: The Upper Tower on Krancelj, Loka Castle, The Old Castle.

From the Town Square (Mestni trg) walk up to Loka Castle and continue on the marked trail past the castle gate on a steep track which leads to the ruins of the upper tower on Krancelj (Zgornji stolp na Kranclju). The defence tower, which had surrounding walls and a deep moat, had many floors and was around 30 metres high. It was completely destroyed in the 1511 earthquake and today only scant remains are visible. Continue on the path downhill past a farmstead and onwards towards the so-called 'Kobila pass' where the road turn right onto a forest path that leads to the ruins of the Old Castle (Stari grad). Old documents speak about Wildenlach, where robber barons lived, and later Loka knights. The 1511 earthquake also shook the castle so badly that it was decided not to restore it. From the Old Castle descend through the Vinčar ravine (Vinčarska grapa) to Vincarje – named after the vinedressers who grew vines for the needs of the Loka bishops. Return to the old town centre along the right bank of the Selca Sora river.

Start point: Škofja Loka

Time: 2 hours

Height difference: 153 m

Difficulty level: 1

2. Path To Planica And Križna gora

The path leads towards Stara Loka and follows the signs for Pevno and Crngrob. Just before reaching Crngrob you pass two large shrines – the first contains a Pieta with paintings by Ivan Grohar, the other is dedicated to St. Cross. At the nearby fork in the road there is the 16th century Red Shrine, which serves as a reminder of the plague, with Gothic frescoes of saintly figures. To the right the shorter path leads to the lower part of the village of Crngrob, while the left path leads to the Church of the Annunciation.

Why is the village named Crngrob? In the past it was thought that underground caves were inhabited by robbers who preyed on traders that were walking with their goods towards Kranj or Škofja Loka. The village was once known by the name 'zw Ern-grub' (to the pit), which means earth pits or natural caves that were used as refuges for robbers. The name was later merged into Cerngrob, whilst today it is named Crngrob. The Church of the Annunciation is among the most beautiful Gothic churches in Slovenia and is worth a visit. On an exterior wall there is a large frescoe of St. Christopher, and the interior of the church is painted with scenes from the Life of Mary. To the left of the church, past the former sexton's quarters, the path leads uphill towards the forest. After 45 minutes of walking through the forest you reach the saddle where the trail leads to the left towards Planica. Here there is an opportunity to seek refreshment at the Pr' Brčnk Open-door Farm (Kmetija odprtih vrat Pr' Brčnk). The village of Planica lies on the eastern area of the hill of the same name, where, in 1995 a new church - St. Gabriel's - was erected. The simplest route to the top of the hill is to turn left up the hillside in front of the first house in Planica and then follow the marked path. From the top the path leads down through the forest and then along the ridge to Križna gora. The gravel path leads to the Church of St. Cross (Sv. Križ), which contains ornate altars and late-Gothic realism frescoes. The key to the church is kept in the nearby restaurant Gostilna pri Boštjanu. To return to the village take the path past a hunter's cottage to the hamlet of Cavrn, where it turns into the forest and leads down to the foot of a hill and through the village of Trnje, then to Stara Loka, from where it returns to the start.

Start point: Škofja Loka

Time: 5 - 6 hours

Height difference: 450 m

Difficulty level: 2

3. Path To Lubnik

From Škofja Loka follow the marked path up to Loka Castle. On reaching the castle walls continue uphill until you reach the information board above the Grebenar farmstead (Grebenarjeva domačija) and a viewpoint from which the surrounding hilltops can be seen. Continue on Flis' Path, past the entrance to 'Hudičev brezen' (Devil's Abyss) and onwards towards the forest to the so-called 'Kobila pass'. From here you can choose to continue to Lubnik on the road or take the steep 'čez Luža' path or the path via Stari Grad (Old Castle). We recommend the 'čez Luža' path, past the village of Gabrovo and over Repela. After approximately one hour of walking you reach the peak of Lubnik (1025m), where you will be rewarded with wonderful views of the Julian Alps, the Karavanke, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and across Škofja Loka with the Sorško field all the way to Ljubljana. Refreshments are available at the Mountain Hut on Lubnik (Dom na Lubniku), where it is also possible to spend the night. We recommend descending from Lubnik in the same direction to the village of Gabrovo and along the road to the 'Kobila pass', from where you can either take the path over Stari Grad to Vincarje or Flis' Path to Loka Castle and back to Škofja Loka.

Start point: Škofja Loka

Time: 3 - 4 hours

Height difference: 677 m

Difficulty level: 3

4. Hrastnica And The Surrounding Hills

The path begins in Puštal from where the marked path leads past Puštal Castle (Puštalski grad) and Nace's House (Nacetova hiša). Follow the marked path which leads to a house, crosses the courtyard and turns left onto a forest path which runs along the slope of a hill. After approximately one hour's walking you reach the settlement of St. Andrej. The small church, after which the village is named, has stood here since 1501 and from the front of the church there are lovely views of the surrounding hills. Follow the cart track to the Jansca Farm for approximately one hour to St. Ožbolt's Church, where wonderful views also await you. It is just a further few minutes from the church to the top of the hill, however, keep on the path. From the church continue along the dirt road past Polanec to the frescoed Pr' Alč farmhouse. Continue on the upper path, which leads across meadows and through the forest to Selo, where refreshments are available. A further few minutes walking leads to a large intersection with a shrine, where the path continues past St. Jederti's Church, along the track which leads up the hill to the left. Another hour's walk leads to Tošč - the highest point at 1021m. The return path leads towards Osolnik, which is an approximately 2-hour undulating walk, therefore a stop at the Rožnik Tourist Farm, just beneath the Church of St. Mohor and Fortunat, makes an ideal break. To return to Škofja Loka we recommend following the marked forest trail, which begins in front of the church and leads to Puštal.

The route may be shortened by taking the path past the Vodnik farmstead (Vodnikova domačija) in the Hrastnica valley – shown on signposts by the letter 'V'. A little in front of St. Jedrti's Church there is a turn to the left where a track leading towards the valley starts. Continue to the Robidnik Farm (Robidnikova kmetija) then to the Vodnik Farm and onwards to return to Hrastnica.

Start point: Škofja Loka - Puštal

Time: 7 hours

Height difference: 670 m

Difficulty level: 3

5. Valentine's Path

The path begins in the car park at the lower station of the chairlift at the Stari vrh ski resort. Shortly after the start there is an intersection where you have a choice of paths. The recommended path is marked with signposts in both directions. If you choose the path to the right (the recommended direction), continue ahead beside the Valentine ski piste until you reach the main road at the exact boundary of the municipalities of Gorenja vas-Poljane and Škofja Loka. Continue along the main road under a bridge to the military road, then turn right at the water reservoir used to make artifical snow, onto a forest path which leads to the main road at the Kopa draglift. Should you choose the path through the village of Zapreval, continue straight ahead at the reservoir along the track and on reaching the main road turn left towards the Žgajnar tourist farm (Turizem na kmetiji Žgajnar). Continue on the tarmac road to reach the Kopa draglift, turning left at the Hribovšek farmstead, then left onto a forest road which leads to Grebljica. Continue to the right along the road, and soon after crossing the six-person chairlift, a sign points left to a path across a meadow, through the forest and slightly uphill to the meeting point of three paths – Valentine's Trail, the Hunters' Trail, the Path betwen the Mountains. Turn left at the Stari vrh Restaurant and Guest House (Gostišče in penzion Stari vrh), where you can take a short break. After a rest follow the tarmac road downhill to Grebljica, then turn left onto a forest road that leads towards the small village of Četena Ravan, which is home to the ancient St. Bricius' Church (Sv. Brikcij) with its newly-restored altars. Continue ahead to the village, then turn left at the Tavčar tourist farm. The path then leads past the Davčen and Ožbet tourist farms, then across fields and through the forest, descending to the main road above the village of Mlaka. Continue on the road through the village of Mlaka past the Jejlar homestead (Jejlarjeva domačija), the famous house where the film Cvetje v jeseni (Blossoms in Autumn) was filmed. On reaching the village of Jarčje Brdo you will catch sight of the imposing St. Valentine's parish church. Turn left at the church onto a forest road which soon reaches a crossroads where you continue to the car park at the start of the trail.

Every year on 31st October there is an organised hike on Valentine's Path beginning at 9am from the car park of the lower station of the 6-person chairlift at the Stari vrh ski resort.

Start point: Škofja Loka - Puštal

Time: 3 hours

Height difference: 500 m

Difficulty level: 1

6. Hunters' Path

The start of the path is in the Grebljica car park from where it turns left onto a forest path, which is the meeting point of Valentine's Path and the Path between Mountains. Shortly after, turn right and start ascending the southern slopes of Stari vrh to the saddle between Mladi and Stari vrh. At this point the Hunters' Path and and the Path between Mountains meet. Continue over the top of Stari vrh, past Logar's Hut (Logarjeva koča) and the Stari vrh Restaurant and Guest House (Gostišče in penzion Stari vrh) to return to the start.

Start point: Grebljica (Stari vrh ski center)

Time: 1,5 hours

Height difference: 350 m

Difficulty level: 2

7. The Javorje - Žetina – Javorje Hiking Trail

The path begins at the car park in front of the Gostilna Blegoš restaurant in Javorje. Begin by descending to the village of Dolenčice, where the path leads past the well-known Azbe's farmstead (Pri Ažbetu doma). Continue through the village and the path soon begins to lead up the slopes of Gora-Malenski vrh. The village of Gora is home to the imposing Church of the Assumption, which is also on an ancient pilgrimage route. From Gora head downhill past the Frtunc farmstead (Domačija Frtunc) to the settlement of Spodnja Žetina, where a short climb leads up to Gorenja Žetina, where refreshments are available. Continue towards the Rancka waterfall (Slap Rancka), where in winter ice-climbing takes place. A short descent leads past the Korošeč farmstead (Koroščeva domačija) and Brinje to the farmstead on Malen, then turn right and descend to the village of Murave and along the tarmac road to return to the start at Javorje.

For those looking for a longer more challenging walk, and a desire to conquer the highest peak in the area, we recommend the path past Murave, Brinje, and the Rancka waterfall to the Andrejon farm, then follow the marked hiking trail to Črni Kal and to the peak of Blegoš.

Every year on the public holiday on 25th June an organised hike takes place beginning at 9am from in front of the Gostilna Blegoš restaurant.

Start point: Javorje

Time: 3 - 4 hours

Height difference: 711 m

Difficulty level: 2

8. Path Between Mountains

The path begins at the Grebljica car park at the Stari vrh ski resort. From the car park the path descends slightly towards Četena Ravan, where it then turns right above St. Bricius' Church (Sv. Brikcij) towards the village of Podvrh. Soon wonderful panoramic views open up of the Poljane valley and towards Notranjska and Primorska. In the village of Podvrh follow the signs, then turn right across a field past a shrine. On reaching the forest continue climbing steadily up to the first fork, where you have an option to take the shorter or longer route. The shorter route leads over Mladi vrh and onwards across Stari vrh to reach your goal. For the longer route, continue towards Koprivnik to the military road, cross the road to reach an intersection of the paths between Blegoš and Koprivnik. From here you can head to Blegoš, or otherwise turn right at the intersection onto the hiking trail and back over Koprivnik (1393m), Mladi vrh (1374m) and Stari vrh (1217m). From the view point on Stari vrh there are stunning views extending all the way to Ljubljana, Snežnik and to Nanos and Primorska. You can take a break for refreshments at Logar's Hut (Logarjeva koča) on Stari vrh. To return descend on the hiking trail past the Stari vrh Restaurant and Guest House (Gostišče in penzion Stari vrh) to the start at Grebljica.

Every year on the first Sunday in August, an organised hike takes place beginning at 8am from the Grebljica car park at the Stari vrh ski resort.

Start point: Grebljica (Stari vrh ski center)

Time: 4 - 6 hours

Height difference: 975 m

Difficulty level: 3

9. Path To Bukov vrh

The path begins in Poljane, where parking is available at the Gostilna na Vidmu restaurant. Set off on foot across the bridge which leads over the Poljane Sora river to Hotovlja, past a shrine to the birth house of the fine artist Štefan Šubic. Cross the Hotoveljščica stream on a small wooden bridge and walk uphill along Koroška pot to the Ahternik farm. Continue to the Pri Kamenšku farmstead where there are beautiful views of the Škofja Loka and Cerklje hills, with the Julian Alps and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in the background. From the farmstead the path continues uphill to Bukov vrh, where the Church of the Holy Saturday (Sv. Sobote) stands, and from where there are views over a large part of the Poljane valley. From the church head downhill in the opposite direction to the Mežnar and Bukovec farmsteads. A level path leads along the foothills of Pasja ravan to the Podskalar farmstead and then down through the forest past the Podskalar, Rovrar and Boštenc farmsteads to Kremenek and onwards to the Brdar – Ljubica Tourist Farm in Vinharje. From Brdar return to the valley along the edge of the hamlet of Vinharje, past the Nacon and Pešar farmsteads to Muha, where there is another view point with a beautiful view of Poljane. Descend on the meadow to Hotovlja and onwards to return to Poljane.

Start point: Poljane

Time: 4,5 hours

Height difference: 450 m

Difficulty level: 2

10. Path To St. Urban

To reach the start, drive to the village of Gorenja vas and continue driving over the bridge and left again through Dolenja and Gorenja Dobrava. Soon after the Pr' Brodarju farmstead, which stands right next to the road, turn left over the bridge and cross the Brebovščica stream. Turn right where you can park next to the panoramic information boards. Set off on foot uphill on the forest road to Mežnar's House (Mežnarjeva hisa). On reaching the house turn right, head uphill to see St. Urban's Church – 5 minutes – and then return back to Mežnar's House and continue straight ahead towards the top of the hill. On reaching the hayrack at the top of the hill there is a beautiful view of Gorenja vas and the picturesque hills in the background. Walk along the road through the forest to the Pr' Lukc farm, where the incline in the path increases slightly, then continue on the flat until it begins to slightly descend. The descent leads to the Jesenko farm, where the path continues behind the house towards the forest and ahead along the forest road to Vinharije. In spring you can admire the beautiful lily of the valley which grow alongside the path. You soon reach the Ljubica tourist farm from where a grassy path descends towards the valley to the Pr' Polenjšk farm. Follow the tarmac road, at first downhill then through the forest to the valley. At the Pri Potokarju farm turn right towards Todraž and then right again towards Gorenja vas. Cross the bridge over the Brebovščica stream, then turn right to return to the start.

Start point: Gorenja Dobrava

Time: 1 hour

Height difference: 155 m

Difficulty level: 1

11. Beekeepers' Path Past St. Urban's Church

The Beekeepers' Path is ideal for lovers of honey and other beekeeping products. The 'Med izpod Blegoša' (Honey from under Blegoš) trademark is evidence of the close alliance among beekeepers in this area and is considered of the highest quality.

The path begins in Srednja vas at the Pri Jakuc farm, which has a tradition of beekeeping. The owners will be delighted to show you how their bees live, how the honey is harvested, what royal jelly is, and where propolis is deposited. It is also possible to see the family's collection of old tools and to sample and purchase honey goodies. The Beekeepers' Path, which is marked by yellow-green signs, leads first to the village of Žabja vas, then on a forest path uphill towards the hill 'Pešarjev grič' in Vinharje. From the ridge there are beautiful views of the green slopes and the church and hilltop of Bukov vrh. Continue along the track to the Ljubica tourist farm. Return past the linden tree and turn left onto the path which leads downhill to the Pr' Polenšku farm, where there is an attractive beehive and a chance to sample their home-produced honey and liqueur. A level path leads below a hayrack towards the next beehives at the Pr' Bačnarju farm in Bačne. Next, follow the signs for St. Urban's Church and, when the path begins to lead downhill, continue past the Pr' Lukc farmstead where, soon after, you will see the Mežnar farmstead (Mežnarjeva domačija). From here it is just a 5-minute walk uphill to St. Urban's church, thereafter return to the Mežnar farmstead and descend along the southern slopes to the Potoška grapa ravine, where you reach the beehive of Jože Hladnik. Continue on the path beside the stream, which runs along the foot of the hill. Once in Dolenja Dobrava, cross the road to see another beautifully-kept beehive, which is owned by Pavel Čadež. Continue on the road in Dolenja Dobrava until you reach a signpost at Pavel Čadež's farmstead where the path continues to the right on a track which runs under the slopes on the right bank of the Sora river. At the Pr' Čik farmstead, the owner can tell you plenty of interesting facts about bees and their breeding, and from the beams by the beehive you can take a look at the collection of honey and medicinal plants. On this path from beehive to beehive there is a chance to meet friendly locals, each of whom will be happy to be greeted with the beekeepers' greeting 'Naj medi'.

Start point: Srednja vas

Time: 3 - 4 hours

Height difference: 240 m

Difficulty level: 2

12. Path Through Zala

The path begins beneath the Pr' Bukovc farm where there is a parking area and the first information board which gives a short description of the path. Set off in the direction of Goli vrh, then after 1.5km turn left into the forest and into the centre of Zala. If you choose not to leave the forest path, after approximately 100 metres you reach the fortifications of the Rupnik Line on Goli vrh. On entering the forest path you will experience peace and tranquility and, with a bit of luck, hear the call of wood grouse. On sunny days you will also notice how the sun's rays penetrate the green undergrowth through the dense fir trees at the top of Zala (899m). The narrow track then leads slightly downhill to a wonderful forest clearing, which is ideal for taking a break. Spend some time here where there is a forest hut and numerous teaching aids. When you continue head downhill until you reach Štefka – a bear made of moss – you won't be able to resist standing next to Štefka for a photograph! To the right of the bear there is a brook where you can freshen up and drink the fresh potable water. Continue to descend slightly where, along the path, you will see animation boards describing the Medvedkova pot (Bear Cub’s Path), which runs within the Path through Zala. When the views once again become visible, you will notice a forest road on the right where, during both World Wars, a narrow-gauge railway operated for the purposes of building the Rupnik Line. Lower down you will see the roofs of the Pri Mraku farmstead (Domačija pri Mraku), where Amandus recovered from the wounds inflicted when a bear attacked him in Zala. The path then continues and leads past the Pr' Šimc, Grobež in Omejčk farmsteads, then an easy path through the Pihovc wood, past the picturesque stream bed of the Zala brook. After a slight incline, you reach Mlin, where locals can tell you old tales or show you traditional work. The path then climbs to Sivec and the Selak farmstead. The Hunter's Hut (Lovska koča) is a little to the right, above the farmstead which can be seen on the right at the top of the ridge. If you turn right at the intersection of paths, you will see the final animation board which is located directly above the Selak farmstead, as well as an orientation table showing the nearby and distant peaks. To continue, stay to the left and follow the flat trail above the Gorenjska tourist panoramic road, and, in a short time, you will be back at the Pr' Bukovcu farm. We hope the you will have felt enchantment and appreciated the beauty of the forests on this path, as described by the writer Ivan Tavčar.

Start point: Žirovski vrh 44, Pr' Bukovc Farm

Time: 3 - 4 hours

Height difference: 270 m

Difficulty level: 2

13. Urek's Path To Gora

Urek's Path (Urekova pot) begins at the Gostilna Lipan restaurant in Hotavlje and leads first behind the Matic farm to the Uresjak farm, where it turns left and over upper Hotavlje, past the Boštjanovc farm towards the crossroads at Nandet. At the crossroads continue straight ahead towards Hlavče njive, then walk along the forest path until you arrive at the Koreninovec farm. From Brdo the path then leads towards Malenski vrh and onwards on the marked path to Gora.

From the top there are several paths from which to choose, depending on your ability and enthusiasm for walking further. From Hotavlje there are also other ways to reach Gora on foot, such as through Čabrače and Volaka, or from the paths beginning in Suša or Malenski vrh.

Start point: Hotavlje

Time: 4 - 5 hours

Height difference: 540 m

Difficulty level: 3

14. Path To Blegoš From Hotavlje

The start of the path begins at the premises of the company Marmor in Hotavlje, where it first follows the marked Loka Mountain Trail, which, immediately above the branch road Volaka-Suša leads onto an old cart track, to the right of the house on a slope. Continue on the path to Čabrače, where you will first pass an old shrine and then through the village, past the Church of St. Jetri to the Izgorc farm, which is where the actual mountain trail begins. Some prefer to drive to this point and start the walk from here, returning by the same path. Should you choose this option, we advise you to leave your car in the parking area next to the road beneath the farm. Follow the signs straight uphill to the ridge. If your footsteps are quiet enough, you might even spot chamois. It is a further easy half-hour's walk from the road to the top of Blegoš, or you can opt to visit the mountain hut for refreshments. From the hut the path continues on the road down to the saddle left towards the Mountain Guards' Shelter on Jelencih (Planinski zavetišče na Jelencih), which is open at weekends in winter. From here, the well-marked path leads largely through the forest, however, keep your eyes pealed since in the Ograde car park the path splits. The shorter path, which is the one suggested, leads to Volaka (the reason for the name Volaka dates back to its settlement before the Slavs, when our ancestors called all aboriginees Vlahe or Lahe), on ahead back to the start of the path, whilst the longer path leads to Leskovica. The road from Leskovica over Studor and Debeni to Hotavlje, which is mostly tarmac and offers fantastic views, is not marked.

Start point: Hotavlje

Time: 5 - 6 hours

Height difference: 1142 m

Difficulty level: 3

15. Path To Slajka And Ermanovec

The path begins in Hotavlje, where there are signs for the Loka Mountain Trail past St. Lawrence's church (Sv. Lovrenc), followed by a short distance along a tarmac road which leads ahead to a signpost at the top, and then left onto a well-marked walking trail. Considerate locals have placed two benches along the path, ideal for a short break after the climb and from where, on the lower bench, you can also enjoy the view. The Hut on Slajka (Dom na Slajki) is reached after approximately one hour of walking, where you can recover, have a breather and at weekends also enjoy refreshments. You can return on the same path or instead continue along the gently sloping Loka Mountain Trail beneath the Špik hilltop above the Homovc farm, from where there is a view of the ridge of Žirovski vrh. On reaching a smaller saddle and gravel road, you can opt to continue on the path to Ermanovec or return to the start. The path back towards Hotavlje leads past the Homovc farm, then a little further ahead down to a tarmac road and a three-way crossroads. The road to the left leads to the top of Slajka, the road straight ahead and downhill leads to Hotavlje, we, however, recommend taking the road to the right. After a 15 minute walk you reach a clearing and a farm. Continue on the path beside the forest, crossing the clearing on the left, then continue through the forest where the path slowly begins to descend back to Hotavlje (keep to the left branches).

The last Sunday in May attracts the largest number of visitors to Slajka for the traditional 'Day of Lillies' (Dan šmarnic) event. From the hut the path continues along the Loka Mountain Trail across the top of Špik or around and above the Homovc farm – both paths soon meet and views open up towards the ridge of Zirovski vrh. A dirt road leads back down to the starting point past the Homovc farm; a little lower, at the crossroads with the road which connects Hotavlje with Slajka, the Loka Mountain Trail runs to the right and leads back to the church at Hotavlje.

Should you wish to continue to Ermanovec, do not take the path down towards Homovc but instead continue along the dirt road to Sleme and then follow the tarmac road past the Jezerca farm. Behind the farm a sign points to the left, from the it is still a good half hour's walk to the top of Ermanovec. From the top descend across the meadow on the marked path to the tarmac road on the ridge, where you will see the shrine 'Škrbinova kapelica' and a large old bell, from where it is only a few minutes walk to reach the hut. To return towards Hotavlje there are a number of paths – the suggested one leads over Vrhovac hill (Vrhovcov grič) to Trebija: return to the chapel and then along the track across the slopes. Continue to follow the signposts through the forest and over meadows, just a short part of the path is along the Trebija-Stara Oselica road. From Trebija you can return by bus or try your luck by hitch-hiking, or continue on foot along the upper path to Podgora from where it is not far to Hotavlje.

Start point: Hotavlje

Time: 2 hours to Slajka, a further 2-3 hours including an ascent to Ermanovec

Height difference: 369 m to Slajka, 606 m to Ermanovec

Difficulty level: 2 - 3

16. The Gorenja vas – Poljane Municipal Circular Walk

Due to the fresh air, wonderful views, well-maintained and marked paths, and genuine home-cooked food, the Land beneath Blegoš is a paradise for hikers. The Gorenja vas – Poljane Municipal Circular Walk runs approximately along the borders of the municipality of Gorenja vas – Poljane and seeks out the most scenic and attractive places and spots with the best views where you can stop, look around and soak up the views, rest and refresh. The entire path is 89km and is strenuous in places, therefore when choosing your tour be sure to take into consideration your physical capabilities and weather conditions. A large part of the route runs along existing marked paths. In places where the path has been newly-arranged, follow the signs for the Municipal Walking Path (Občinska pohodna pot), otherwise follow the aforementioned routes. Individual stages and tourist facilities along the route are described in more details on the map 'Pohodni krog občine Gorenja vas – Poljane', which can be obtained from tourist information centres in the Škofja Loka area and at the Gostilna Jager restaurant in Gorenja vas, where you can also get any additional information and a control card for collecting stamps.

Start point: Poljane

Time: 30 hours

Height difference: 5000 m

Difficulty level: 3

17. Along The Traces Of The Rupnik Line

You can discover the traces of the fortifications of the Rupnik Line on a short circular, or longer, hiking path. The shorter theme path, which is suitable for all members of the family, begins at the cemetery in Gorenja vas, where there is an information board, flanked by two anti-tank barriers. The path leads ahead past the former barracks, numerous bunkers and remains - where those who were building the fortifications resided – to the prominent Bishop's bunker (Škofov bunker) and then back to the start. There are highly informative and interesting boards placed along the path, which, using caricatures, illustrate the building of the fortifications.

The start and first part of the longer path follows the same route as the shorter theme path. After approximately 2km the two paths split; a signpost points to the left for the longer path, whilst the shorter path continues to the right. Follow the signposts past a large gravel pit and onwards by the Ferjanec farmstead (Ferjančeva domačija), to reach the largest underground fortress defence system of the Rupnik Line, which is located on Hrastov grič. Entrance into the fortress is only possible when accompanied by a guide. You can return by the same path, or on the marked path past the Zaleše farmstead (Domacija Zaleše).

Start point: Gorenja vas

Time: 2 hours (shorter route), 5 hours (longer route)

Height difference: 180 - 476 m

Difficulty level: 1 - 2

18. Path Along The Rapallo Border

The Path along the Rapallo Border can be walked in its entirety, from Žiri to 'Pr’Vrhovec' in Podlanišče (46km, 9-10 hours), or choose a circular route from Žiri to Mrzli vrh and back to Žiri (13km, 4 hours). If you decide to begin in Sovodenj, you can hike to Mrzli vrh to boundary stone no. 38 (14km, 4 hours return), or in the opposite direction to boundary stone no. 36 in Nova Oselica (6km, 2 hours – circular), or extend the route by continuing to boundary stone no. 35 which stands at 'Pr'Vrhovec' in Podlanišče (14.5km, 4.5 hours including returning to the main Cerkno – Sovodenj road, in Podlanišče).

The path begins at Žiri Museum, which is located in Old Žiri (Stari Žiri). A marked path climbs through Tabor towards Breznica. On the right you will see the Žirk hill, where, according to folk tales, the wicked Lintvern dragon resides. Approximately 150 metres above the last farmstead, a view opens up over the valley behind the Žirk hill. The Path along the Rapallo Border then deviates from the marked mountain trail and continues left along a track past a smaller intermediary boundary stone. Continue upwards through the forest to ?košenina? and ahead on the track uphill. When you reach the forest tractor track, turn right to boundary stone no. 39, which stands in the forest beneath the village of Breznica. After seeing the boundary stone, retrace your steps by a few metres and continue on the path towards the village of Breznica, where St. Cantianus' church (Sv. Kancijan) stands in the centre. From here you can continue on the marked trail towards Mrzli vrh, or, if you would like to see more boundary stones, continue following the signs for the theme path. When you exit the forest at the foot of Mrzli vrh, there are beautiful views of the surrounding hills and mountains. Continue on the marked path to boundary stone no. 38, where, in close proximity, a new mountain hut stands in the place of a former Yugoslav border-crossing guardhouse. From here you can return to Žiri through the Jarčja valley and past Ledinica, which is home to St. Anne's church (Sv. Ana), or instead continue ahead towards Sovodenj.

The path begins at the start of the village of Zgornje Danje, from where you set off on foot along the tarmac road above houses. After just a few metres continue steeply left into the forest and follow the path to the Spodnji Jirn highland and onwards to the Zgornji Jirn highland. At the sign 'žig' (stamp) turn left and follow the marked path to Kačji rob. From here return a little way back to the Zgornji Jirn highland, which you cross then climb on a fairly steep ridge to Kremant. Now descend a little again and continue along the edge of the ridge to the highest peak of Ratitovec – Alternaver. From here you can continue to walk towards the peak of Gladki vrh and the Krekova koča mountain hut, which can already be seen from the extended route. After refreshments at the mountain hut, descend to the village of Torka and then along the dirt road back to the start.

Start point: Zgornje Danje

Time: 4,5 hours

Height difference: 567 m

Difficulty level: 3

29. Highland And Peaks On Ratitovcu

From the car park in front of the Church of Our Lady of Mercy in Prtovč head to the split in the path and the route boards, from where you continue left towards Ratitovec over Povden. From here the path leads to the Krekova koča mountain hut and the peak of Gladki vrh. Then descend a little to the saddle just beneath a small hut, where a signpost directs you to the right towards the Pečana planina highland. From the shepherds' hut continue uphill to the partly demolished bunkers of the Rupnik Line (the Vratca saddle). From the planina Klom highland head back up to the forest road and then turn left along the ridge on an unmarked path to reach the peak of Kosmati vrh. Another option is to return to the Vratca saddle and from there continue to Kosmati vrh on the marked path. From Kosmati vrh once again return to Vratca and from there descend to the Razor basin and on the marked path back to the start at Prtovč.

Start point: Prtovč (Železniki)

Time: 4,5 hours

Height difference: 654 m

Difficulty level: 3

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