16921

Slovenia: Vrtaška Planina, Votlo Sleme and Vrtaško Sleme

Today, Nada, Bronco and I decided to spend the day in the Julian Alps and explore some new trails. We drove to Mojstrana, parked the car, and set off on the rather steep path leading to Vrtaška Planina.

After a short break at the mountain pasture, Nada started making her way back down to the valley, while Bronco and I continued towards Vrtaško Sleme. As we were approaching the summit, we noticed another nearby peak on the map called Votlo Sleme. Since we were already close, we decided to make a detour and visit that peak first before continuing to our original destination.

After reaching Votlo Sleme, we finally stood on the summit of Vrtaško Sleme, enjoying the views of the surrounding Julian Alps. We did not stay long at the top and soon began our descent back towards Vrtaška Planina.

For the return to the valley, Bronco and I chose a different route that took us past one of Slovenia's most beautiful waterfalls, Peričnik Waterfall. The impressive cascade made for a perfect final highlight of the hike.

When we eventually reached the road in the Vrata Valley (Garmin Connect), Nada was already waiting for us with a surprise. Earlier in the day, she had run into her cousin Nastja. The three of us then headed down the valley, where Nastja's husband Tomi was waiting for us. A cold beer that followed was the perfect reward after a long day in the mountains.

 

Steep ascent.

Dovje and Mojstrana.

 

The sky opened on our way up.

Arriving to Vrtaška planina, 1462 m.

Nada, Tuši and Bronco.

Meadow called Njivice.

Mountains above Gozd Martuljek.

 

Bronco on Votlo Sleme, 2049 m.

And finally, we reached our destination.

Vrtaško Sleme, 2077 m.

View back to Votlo Sleme and our return path.

Bronco and one of Slovenia's most beautiful waterfalls.

Peričnik Waterfall can be admired from both sides, including from behind the cascading water.

Bronco, waterfall, Tuši and an intruder.

Standing behind the waterfall, surrounded by mist and roaring water.

Time to move on and avoid the crowds.

Well deserved beer with Tomi, Nastja and Nada.

#hiking #mountains #JulianAlps #CatahoulaLeopardDog

16917

Slovenia: Prelaz Ljubelj & Povna peč

Today I completed the 40x to Koča na Ljubelju hiking challenge, and once again Bronco joined me on the trail. Since we had plenty of time, we decided not to stop at the hut and continued all the way to Povna peč, enjoying the beautiful views and the peaceful surroundings along the way.

The additional detour turned the outing into a pleasant circular hike and provided a perfect ending to another day in the mountains. As the challenge runs until the end of November, I'm sure Bronco and I will be back a few more times before it is over.

Koča na Ljubelju stands beside the former Ljubelj border crossing, at one of Europe's oldest mountain passes.

The iconic obelisks are among the most recognizable landmarks of Ljubelj Pass.

Forty times in 2025.

Austria stretching out below, seen from the summit of Povna peč (1,503 m).

 

Following an unmarked trail, we returned to the valley and completed the circular hike - Garmin Connect.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #CatahoulaLeopardDog

16915

Slovenia: Geocaching and Cobblers Sunday in Tržič

Cobblers Sunday is one of the most important traditional events in Tržič. Dating back to the town's historic fair privileges, the streets beneath the Karawanks once again filled with visitors, market stalls, music, and various attractions.

My day started a little differently. My father had some business to take care of in Ljubljana, so I drove him there early in the morning and dropped him off. Since his errands were expected to take some time, I used the opportunity to head to the southeastern outskirts of the city and search for two geocaches near the abandoned Klen-Orle coal mine.

The abandoned Klen-Orle coal mine lies in the wooded hills southeast of Ljubljana, near the villages of Orle and Selo. It was one of Slovenia's rare anthracite mines, producing the highest-grade form of coal. Mining activity intensified after the discovery of a rich anthracite seam in 1924 and continued, with several interruptions, until the late 1940s. Today, only a few traces of this forgotten industrial heritage remain hidden in the forest, attracting curious hikers, history enthusiasts, and geocachers in search of unusual places.

After successfully finding both caches, I returned to Ljubljana to pick up my father. With his errands completed, we headed back home together.

Later in the afternoon, I made my way to Šuštarska nedelja in Tržič, where members of ŠD Podljubelj were once again presenting the sport of sledding. For the second consecutive year, we organized our popular Sankstart attraction, which allows visitors to experience the excitement of sledding even without snow. Participants launch themselves from a specially built start ramp on roller sleds and try to achieve the fastest possible start.

Just like last year, the response was fantastic. A constant stream of visitors, especially children, eagerly lined up to give it a try. Smiles, laughter, and friendly competition filled the venue throughout the day, making the event a great success for everyone involved.

When our presentation finally came to an end, the day was not over yet. To round off a busy and enjoyable Sunday, we joined the crowd and headed to the evening concert by Fehtarji, who provided the perfect soundtrack for the conclusion of another memorable Šuštarska nedelja.

As always, the best days are those that combine a little adventure, good company, local traditions, and plenty of fun.

While searching for geocaches near the abandoned Klen-Orle mine, I came across a hidden World War II memorial deep in the forest. The star-shaped monument marks the place where, in March 1943, resistance activists Zora and Lado Majcen, together with partisan Janez Jager, were murdered by local collaborators posing as partisans. Their story is one of many tragic reminders of the heavy toll the war took on the Slovenian countryside.

Pond below Golovec.

No snow? No problem.

 

The roller sleds were a huge hit with the younger visitors.

We wrapped up the day with a concert by Fehtarji.

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

- Zvezda, GC7N48B

- Opuščen rudnik premoga Klen-Orle, GC4K682

#geocaching #sustarskanedelja #sledding #ŠDPodljubelj

16914

Slovenia: Breakfast in Zaklanec

For several years now, we have made it a tradition to cycle from Tržič to Zaklanec, where Klemen prepares breakfast for the tired cyclists. Dejan, Matej, Grega and I met in Kovor, and along the way we picked up Primož. After less than three hours in the saddle, we were already gathered around the table.

This time Klemen treated us to a hearty breakfast of eggs and bacon, exactly what hungry cyclists needed after the morning ride. Good food, plenty of laughter, and a relaxed atmosphere gave us all the energy we needed for the journey home.

For the return trip, we made an additional stop in Podbrezje at Primož's place, where we enjoyed another pleasant break before continuing towards home. Eventually, we finished the ride in Brezje pri Tržiču, where we rounded off another successful edition of this annual tradition.

As always, it was not just about the kilometres or the destination, but about good friends, good food, and spending a great day together on our bikes - Garmin Connect.

Previous breakfasts: 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018.

Nada's Merida, called Black Beast, runs like a rocket.

Hydration came before everything else.

Three eggs and crispy bacon: the breakfast of champions.

Saving a little room for dessert was definitely worth it.

Enjoying the last moments before the return journey.

A short stop in Podbrezje for another delicious dessert.

#cycling #tradition

16908

Austria: MTB - From Peca's Slopes to the Pliberk Fair

Today marked the final day of the CHERA Hiking Koroška Weekend. While some participants opted for hiking and other activities, the mountain biking group headed across the border to the Austrian side of Mount Peca for one last adventure on two wheels.

After a short transfer into Austrian Carinthia, we began climbing the gravel road leading towards the upper gondola station beneath the mountain. The steady ascent gave us plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and admire the beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

Once at the top, it was time for a well-earned break. We rehydrated, relaxed in the sunshine, and enjoyed an unexpected concert by a group of button accordion players, which added a perfect Alpine atmosphere to the day.

The highlight of the ride was still ahead of us. From the upper station, we joined the famous Peca Flow Trail and began our descent towards the valley. The trail offered exactly what its name promises: flowing turns, smooth berms, and endless opportunities to simply enjoy the ride. It was a fitting finale to three days of mountain biking in the beautiful landscapes of Koroška - Garmin Connect.

After descending into the valley, we made our way to Bleiburg (Pliberk), where the traditional Bleiburg Wiesenmarkt was taking place. What started centuries ago as a livestock market has grown into one of the largest traditional fairs in southern Carinthia, attracting visitors from Austria, Slovenia, and beyond. The fair combines local food, market stalls, exhibitions, entertainment, and a lively social atmosphere that makes it a highlight of the region's cultural calendar.

With good food, great company, and plenty of memories from the trails, the underground mine, and the mountains surrounding Mežica, the CHERA Hiking Koroška Weekend came to a perfect conclusion. As always, the best part was not just the destinations we visited, but the people who shared the journey.

Break before the descent.

Enjoying the endless turns of one of Europe's longest flow trails.

Rokly on The Flow Country Trail.

Mountain biking at its finest.

#MTB #Guide #CheraHiking

16907

Slovenia: MTB - From Mine Tunnels to Mountain Trails

Today we continued with the CHERA Hiking Koroška Weekend. After a long and rather lively night, we met again for breakfast before the mountain bikers headed to the Information Centre in Mežica. There, we handed ourselves over to a local guide and exchanged our own bikes for those specially prepared for one of Koroška's most unique experiences: cycling through the underground world beneath Mount Peca.

The old lead and zinc mine beneath is one of the most remarkable attractions in the region. Mining in the area dates back centuries, and over time miners created more than 1000 kilometres of tunnels inside the mountain. Today, a small part of this vast underground labyrinth has been transformed into a tourist attraction, allowing visitors to experience the mine in a completely different way.

After a short transfer to the mine entrance near Mežica, we equipped ourselves with helmets and headlamps and rode into the darkness. The route follows more than five kilometres of abandoned mining tunnels, passing old railway tracks, chambers, and countless reminders of the mine's industrial past. Throughout the ride, our guide shared fascinating stories about the history of mining, geology, and the lives of the men who spent their working days deep beneath the surface. Riding through the cool, silent tunnels, hundreds of metres inside the mountain, was a truly unforgettable experience.

Once back in daylight, we continued our ride towards the village of Jamnica, another well-known destination for mountain bikers. The local bike park offers a nice network of trails and has become a popular stop for riders exploring the hills above the Meža Valley.

After a well-deserved refreshment break on the hilltop, we began our descent into the valley. From there, we followed the cycling path along the Meža River back to Mežica. The ride was relaxed, the weather remained pleasant, and everyone was able to enjoy the beautiful Koroška landscape at a gentler pace - Garmin Connect.

Back at the hostel, a picnic with a variety of culinary specialties was waiting for us. It was the perfect way to end another great day filled with excellent company, unique experiences, and plenty of kilometres on the bike.

The breakfast table revealed that the night before had been a long one.

 

At the Igrčevo mine entrance, ready to disappear into the mountain.

 

Ore deposits between Peca and Uršlja gora have been known since the Romans discovered them. The first mining permit for the mining of lead ore dates to 1665. We mark this year as the beginning of mining in our regions. The long years of mining and the development of the mine have uniquely marked the life of the people and the landscape at the foothills of the Karavanke mountains.

In 1988, a law was passed on the gradual closure of the mine, and a project was drawn up for the closure of the Mežica Lead and Zinc Mine in 1994.

The underground cycling route is normally more than five kilometres long, connecting two valleys on opposite sides of Mount Peca. Due to maintenance work in part of the mine, however, we could not follow the usual route all the way through. Instead, our guide led us along a circular route through several different tunnels, allowing us to explore an even larger section of the underground labyrinth before eventually returning to the starting point.

 

No matter whether it is a hot summer day or the middle of winter, the temperature inside the mine stays at a constant 10°C.

 

Towards Jamnica single trail park.

On the uphill trail.

Jamnica, a scattered settlement high above the Meža Valley, is a favourite destination for mountain bikers thanks to its beautiful views and growing trail network.

After the climb, it was time to let gravity do the work.

 

Sabina navigating one of the bike park's trails.

 

Afternoon activities, planning and cutting.

After a day on the bikes, the smell of barbecue was impossible to resist.

A long day takes its toll on everyone, not just the cyclists.

Balkan cuisine with a taste of the sea.

#MTB #Guide #CheraHiking