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Austria: Waterfall Sopotniški Šum and Lake Jezerce

This Sunday, Nada, Bronco, and I set off on a beautiful hike just across the border into Austria. We parked near the Ljubeljska Borovnica stream (Loiblbach), below the well-known Dajčpeter (Deutscher Peter) restaurant, and began our journey into the picturesque Poden valley. Our first destination was the impressive Sopotniški šum waterfall (Tschaukofall), where the water tumbles dramatically through the forest. From there, we followed the fascinating Žabnica creek (Bodenbach), whose crystal-clear waters have carved a scenic path through the valley over countless years. The trail gradually led us into the upper part of the Poden valley (Bodental), a place of peaceful meadows and mountain views. Here we took a break at the small lake known as Jezerce, or Meerauge ("Sea Eye"), famous for its striking turquoise color and the legends surrounding its mysterious depth. For our return, we chose a more direct route over the nearby pass, which brought us back to our parking place and completed a wonderful loop through this beautiful corner of the Karawanks - Garmin Connect.

 

Hidden in the wild Čepa gorge (Tscheppaschlucht), Sopotniški šum is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Karawanks. The waterfall drops about 26 meters over steep rock walls carved by the waters of the Žabnica creek.

Water finds its way.

Photographer Nada.

 

Hiking path along the Žabnica creek.

Stream runs through the tunnel.

Rest place along the way.

The Bodentaler Felsentor appears almost too perfect to be natural, but the rock gate is believed to be a genuine geological formation shaped over thousands of years by water, frost, and erosion.

On the other side.

 

Another waterfall along our path.

View to Poden valley.

There was still winter in the mountains.

The Meerauge, also known as Jezerce, is a small alpine spring lake hidden in the upper Bodental valley. Its name "Sea Eye" comes from its striking turquoise-blue color and perfectly still surface, which gives it an almost surreal appearance. Fed by underground karst springs, the water is exceptionally clear and cold throughout the year.

 

In the village.

Time for a short break.

 

Over the pass back to our starting point.

 

The modern way of life is no longer very supportive of high alpine farms. Many traditional mountain homesteads, once carefully maintained and used for seasonal farming, are now slowly being abandoned. What remains are quiet reminders of a lifestyle that was closely connected to the land, but has gradually faded with time and changing economic realities.

Last descent.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #CatahoulaLeopardDog #waterfall