16798

Slovenia: Geocaching

Today, while driving from Velenje to Ljubljana, I decided not to take the fastest route. Instead, I made a few small detours to explore interesting places along the way and collect a few more geocaches. 

My first stop was Letonja Waterfall, hidden beneath the Letonja farm in Penk Gorge. Here, the right tributary of the Paka River has carved a narrow and picturesque gorge into the landscape, creating a beautiful waterfall system. The main waterfall drops around 8 metres over a rocky ledge, with a vertical lower section and an additional smaller cascade above it. Surrounded by forest and the quiet atmosphere of the gorge, it is a perfect example of one of Slovenia's many hidden natural treasures. Another stop on my journey was Braslovče Lake, a small artificial lake surrounded by the peaceful landscape of the Savinja Valley.  The lake was created in 1961 by damming the Trebnik Stream. It covers an area of around 4.5 hectares and reaches a depth of approximately 3.5 metres. Originally, the lake was built mainly as a place for tourism, leisure and social events, with various activities taking place around the lake throughout the year, both in summer and winter. Today, Braslovče Lake has a much quieter character. It is a pleasant place for walking, relaxing and enjoying nature away from the busy everyday life. With a few more geocaches found and two new places explored, a simple drive between two cities turned into a small adventure. Sometimes the best discoveries are found in the detours.

 

Waterfall Letonjev slap.

Braslovče Lake.

Geocaches found (all received a visit by trackable items "Second Angel of peace", TBA8B55 and "Twin Star", TB33TN8):

- Letonjev slap, GC6BGA1

- 15. poldnevnik, GC6BGA7

- Kužno znamenje - Preseka, GC6NJK8

- Lake Braslovce, GC2A4MC

- Čeplje, GCAZMGM

- Magični mostič, GC919A4

#geocaching

16796

Slovenia / Austria: MTB - Rjavca

Today I took some time to explore new trails on the northern side of the Karawanks, more specifically the area north of Loibl Pass (Prelaz Ljubelj). This time my companion was my Black Mamba, ready for another mountain adventure. We crossed the Loibl tunnel to the Austrian side and continued along forest gravel roads. I rode as far as the terrain allowed. One of today's goals was to reach the summit of Rjavca (1789 m). Since there is no rideable trail all the way to the top, I left Black Mamba lower down and continued on foot. After reaching the summit and enjoying the views, I decided to make a circular hiking route through the surrounding terrain. The loop was beautiful and remote, but the final section was not the easiest. The trail disappeared several times, requiring some navigation, route finding and a bit of adventure spirit. Once the loop was completed, I returned to the bike and continued with the best part of the day - the ride back home. Another day spent exploring hidden corners of the Karawanks, combining mountain biking with a bit of hiking and adventure. These are exactly the kind of trips I enjoy the most: gravel roads, unknown trails, a little uncertainty, and the satisfaction of discovering something new - Garmin Connect.

Alone on the gravel road.

View towards Košuta ridge.

One of the hunter huts on the way.

Near the end of the road, I spotted another hut.

 

End of the road and time to continue on foot.

 

Approaching a peak called Bela peč (Weiße Wand), 1684 m.

An old larch tree on the summit of Bela Peč.

Auriculas blooming above the Poden Valley.

Trees on Bela peč.

View to the North, towards Celovec (Klagenfurt) basin. Sinacher Gupf / Psinski vrh and the ridge of Singerberg / Žingarica are obstructing the view.

Rjavca, 1789 m with Palec, Zelenjak and Vrtača behind it.

You are being watched.

View towards the Western part of the Karawanks with Kozjak.

 

Admiring the view.

Once the snow is deep enough, we'll be back to ski this couloir again.

Even Storžič could be seen in the far distance.

Descending to the South side of Rjavca.

Avrikelj - Primula auricula is often known as auricula, mountain cowslip or bear's ear (from the shape of its leaves).

Primula auricula grows on basic rocks in the mountain ranges of central Europe, including the western Alps, Jura Mountains, the Vosges, the Black Forest and the Tatra Mountains.

Tiny alpine treasures hidden among the rocks.

Alpine auriculas, perfectly adapted to their rocky home.

#MTB #Karawanks

16795

Slovenia: MTB - Dovška Rožca

Today, Janez, Anže, Nada, Mateja, Aleš and I met up for a mountain biking adventure to Dovška Rožca, 1650 m. We started in the village of Dovje and followed a steady climb all the way to Planina Dovška Rožca, where we took a longer break to rest, enjoy the views, and discuss our strategy for the descent. At that point, our group split up. Mateja, Nada, and Anže decided to return along the ascent route, taking the opportunity to admire, pick up and photograph the beautiful alpine flowers along the way. Meanwhile, Aleš, Janez, and I continued towards Sedlo Mlinca, determined to make the most of the ride. From the saddle, we descended via Brvog and Erjavčev Rovt, following a challenging mountain trail back into the valley. The route offered everything we enjoy about alpine mountain biking - technical sections, scenic surroundings, and plenty of fun on the descent - Garmin Connect. Although we finished the day on different routes, everyone returned with smiles, having enjoyed another fantastic day in the mountains and a well deserved beer afterwards.

Above Mojstrana and Dovje.

 

Mateja and Anže.

 

Nada and Tuši.

Janez.

The long climb offered plenty of opportunities for those riding e-bikes to stop, catch their breath, and take photographs along the way.

 

Summary: 4x e-bike, 2x normal bike.

Mateja just below the mountain pasture.

 

Aleš and Anže in the final section.

The pasture and our Dovška Rožca is just around the corner.

 

And the first ascenders arrived.

Finally me.

We parked below Dovška Baba, 2891 m.

View towards Mežakla and Vrata valley with Julian Alps in the clouds.

Janez, Aleš, Tuši, Mateja, Anže and Nada.

Aleš, Janez and me continued towards the Mlinca saddle.

Beer for the end of the great day.

#MTB #Karawanks

16789

Slovenia / Austria: Cycling around Osojsko jezero

This year, we took part in the Ossiacher See Autofrei 2025 event, an annual celebration where the roads around Lake Ossiach (osojsko jezero, Ossiacher See) are closed to motorized traffic and opened exclusively to cyclists, skaters, runners, and other human-powered means of transport. Some of us turned the event into an even bigger adventure by cycling from home, while others joined along the way. Once everyone had gathered, we set off together to complete the scenic loop around the lake. With traffic-free roads, beautiful alpine scenery, and thousands of people enjoying the outdoors, the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming throughout the day.

Crossing the border at Korensko sedlo.

Riding around the Osojsko jezero, state's third largest lake.

Some members of our group.

Time for first drink.

The longer route took us to Feldkirchen.

 

Just following the other cyclists.

 

Greeting the cows.

Back on the shore, this time on the Eastern side.

Through Osoje (Ossiach).

 The Lake Ossiach empties via Seebach Creek into the Drava River.

Our big group successfully finished the loop around the lake - Garmin Connect.

#RoadCycling