16765

Slovenia: MTB - Prelaz Ljubelj

This year I finally organized the first MTB tour in our town, and six riders decided to join me for a day of cycling, adventure, and a little bit of history. Most cyclists reach Prelaz Ljubelj (Loibl Pass) from the Slovenian side, but we wanted to do something different. Our plan was to cross through the Ljubelj tunnel into Austria and then climb to the pass from the Austrian side. It may not be the most common approach, but it certainly adds a unique perspective to one of the most historic crossings in the Karavanke Mountains. The weather was perfect, and the atmosphere in the group was relaxed from the very beginning. After rolling through the tunnel, we found ourselves on the Austrian side, surrounded by beautiful alpine scenery and quiet mountain roads. Along the way, we stopped at one of the darkest places in our history, a sobering reminder of the events that unfolded here during World War II. After taking a moment to reflect, we continued our climb toward Ljubelj pass. Thankfully, the ascent was steady rather than brutal, allowing us to enjoy the views, share stories, and chat all the way to the top. Once at the summit, we celebrated with a few group photos and took some time to admire the surrounding mountains before descending and returning to our starting point - Garmin Connect.

One of the most important stops of the day was the site of the former Loibl Pass concentration camp, located near the northern entrance of the tunnel. Many people pass through Ljubelj without realizing the tragic history hidden beneath these mountains. During the Second World War, the Nazis established two subcamps of the Mauthausen concentration camp system at Ljubelj/Loibl Pass, one on each side of the mountain. Between 1943 and 1945, around 1800 prisoners were forced to work on the construction of the tunnel that connects Slovenia and Austria today.

The road on the Austrian side is less crowded.

When you are on electric bike, you have plenty of time for selfies.

 

Tina and Mateja.

Our destination is pass in the middle.

Almost whole group on the photos.

 

Time for a few wishes.

Tina, Sabina, Mateja, Tuši, Robi, Nada and Elvis.

#MTB #Guide #Karawanks

16761

Slovenia: Spring Chera Hiking Camp - Krim

The weather on the Primorska worsened, and strong winds began to blow, so we cyclists decided to continue our Spring Chera Hiking Camp inland. We chose Krim, starting from Podpeč, as our destination - and we did not regret it. In the end, the three of us - Teja, Sabina, and I - enjoyed the well-earned reward at the summit - Garmin Connect.

Previous days of our Spring Chera Hiking Camp: Day 2 - 16760, Day 1 - 16759.

 

We took a few shortcuts on the climb, pushing the bikes where it was easier than riding around. At the summit, a delicious selection of sweets awaited us as a well-earned reward.

#MTB

16760

Slovenia: Spring Chera Hiking Camp - Riding on Karst Rim (Kraški rob)

Spring Chera Hiking Camp kicked off properly today. While most of the group headed out on a hike, six of us decided to explore the Karst Rim by mountain bike. Mateja, Teja, Tina, Petra, Jure, and myself set off on a ride from Ocizla, following the scenic edge of the Karst all the way toward the Croatian border. On the way back, Petra had an unfortunate little crash and dislocated her little finger, so we handed her over to more capable hands for treatment. The rest of us carried on to the church in Hrastovlje. Still not quite done for the day, we added a spontaneous detour up to Socerb before finally rolling back into camp - Garmin Connect.

Previous day of our Spring Chera Hiking Camp: Day 1 - 16759.

 

The Karst Edge is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience unspoilt nature. It offers opportunities for climbing, cycling, and hiking, and invites you to explore the villages of Slovenian Istria, which preserve a rich cultural heritage.

After a few kilometers, the ride settled into rhythm - jackets off, legs warm, and the day properly underway.

 

Fritillaria orientalis (Gorska logarica) blooming quietly along the Karst Rim - rare, delicate, and perfectly unexpected.

Standing on the edge of the Karst, where the land falls away into light.

My Black Mamba.

 

Karst Ridge may look deceptively flat at first glance, but the constant rough surface and subtle gradients quickly remind you that every kilometer here has to be earned.

 

We found another interesting wildflower along the trail – Orchis morio (Green-winged Orchid, Navadna kukavica), a protected species and one of the most widespread wild orchids in Slovenia. Its vibrant purple flowers are a beautiful reminder of the rich biodiversity found on the dry grasslands of the Karst Edge.

 

Nothing big, just cleaning the brakes.

Finally some nicer roads.

 

This is our direction.

Tina.

  

Towards Golič, 889 m and Nadglavinjak, 888 m.

 

Riding just a few hundred meters next to border with Croatia.

We conquered Golič.

We decided to stay on Slovenian soil.

 

While some of us enjoyed in a break...

... the others were making photos of rare flowers (on photo above Pulsatilla montana / gorski kosmatinec).

 

After a while we finally had a small descent.

Erythronium dens-canis or dog's-tooth-violet, in Slovene navadni pasji zob is also protected in our country.

 

Towards our next peak in the Karst Rim.

 

On top of Lipnik, 804 m.

 

Riding on more difficult section.

Jure forgot Tina. No, sorry, he just run back to take photos of her.

 

Through the forest with no shade.

Lookout point above Zazid.

 

Our MTB group of Chera Hiking.

We signed the logbook near the Red Star.

Girls on tour: Tina, Teja, Petra and Mateja.

 

Loose rocks.

 

Tina and Jure in front of  Saint Martin church in Zazid and Holy Trinity Church in Hrastovlje.

The Dance of Death (Danse Macabre) fresco in the Church of the Holy Trinity in Hrastovlje is one of Slovenia's most remarkable medieval masterpieces. Painted in the late 15th century, it symbolically portrays the universal truth that death comes for everyone, regardless of wealth, power, or social status. The procession of figures - from the Pope and king to the humble peasant - serves as a timeless reminder of life's fragility and the equality of all people in the face of mortality. Today, this extraordinary fresco remains one of the most significant treasures of Slovenia's cultural and artistic heritage.

 

Interior of the church.

The church stands behind a wall that the local population built to protect itself from Turkish attacks in the 16th century. Such defensive architectures are found throughout the territory settled by Slovenians and are called tabor.

 

Back on gravel roads.

 

To end the day, we picked a few more wild asparagus before heading back to our base camp, bringing another memorable day to a perfect close.

Geocache:

- Balkon nad Primorsko, GC8YE1N, that received a visit by trackable items "Second Angel of peace", TBA8B55 and "Twin Star", TB33TN8

#MTB #geocaching