16845

Slovenia: Over Kramarica to Korošica

Today, my neighbors Klemen, Borut, Rajko, and I decided to hike to Kramarica and then descend directly to Korošica. We had been talking about this idea for several years, and today the right opportunity finally arrived.

We met at Pr Cvirn', where Klemen prepared breakfast for us before we set off. The ascent began on forest tracks, after which we followed a faint and rarely used path all the way to the Košuta ridge. After a short break and some beautiful views, we started descending through the dense dwarf pine towards Korošica.

Finding the correct exit route proved a bit challenging, but thanks to Klemen's navigation skills, we managed it successfully. We reached the base of the cliffs, crossed a scree slope, and continued along forest paths to the Korošica pasture, where our girls and children were waiting for us.

After a longer break, we came up with the idea of extending the hike all the way to Koča na Ljubelju. So we did, bringing another wonderful day in the mountains to a perfect end - Garmin Connect.

Breakfast.

On our way up on the southern slope of Kramarica.

We were equipped.

View from the ridge to mountain pasture Korošica and Košutica (Baba) mountain.

Before the descent.

Selfie and we were ready.

 

No, that wasn't the correct exit.

But this one was.

The hut was close.

Extending the trip to Koča na Ljubelju.

 

On border path with nice views.

 

Happy people.

We met up with Nada again at Koča na Ljubelju, as she had reached the destination by bicycle while we were hiking.

Not a bad way to spend the day.

Returning back into the valley.

  

The day was far from over. We finished it with a barbecue, making an already great day even better.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks

16843

Croatia: Weekend House

This Friday, I decided to visit our weekend house to see how everything was and to mow the grass. After a long drive and a bit of work around the property, the job was done. Since it was getting late, I decided to stay the night and head home the next day. It turned out to be a great decision, as I enjoyed a peaceful evening and a good night's sleep in this quiet and relaxing place.

The grass needs some trimming.

The day was coming to an end.

#HrvatskoZagorje

16841

Austria / Slovenia: Spodnji Plot and Zelenica

For quite some time, I had been studying the map and looking at a trail that starts on the Austrian side of the Ljubelj Pass tunnel and climbs up to the border ridge beneath Vrh Ljubeljščice. Today was finally the day to explore it. My neighbor Žiga joined me, and together we set off on what turned out to be a beautiful mountain adventure.

The trail led us through peaceful forests and steadily higher into the Karawanks. Apart from one slightly steeper and more demanding section, the route was pleasant and enjoyable. Before long, we reached the Slovenian-Austrian border ridge. Since we were already up there, we decided to extend our hike and visit a couple more peaks along the ridge, including unknown peak in the ridge of Ljubeljščica (Irenin vrh plate is on top of it) and Spodnji Plot, both offering wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.

Our final destination was Dom na Zelenici, where everything was ready for the festive "Laško Gremo v hribe" event. The gathering on Zelenica celebrated Slovenia's Statehood Day and also marked the impressive 200th anniversary of Pivovarna Laško. Hundreds of hikers made their way to the mountain hut at 1536 meters above sea level, creating one of the largest gatherings Zelenica has seen in recent years. Visitors were treated to live music, a festive atmosphere, refreshments, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the mountains, friendship, and Slovenian heritage.

Soon, more neighbors joined us, and together we enjoyed a few well-earned beers while taking in the lively atmosphere beneath the mountains. With the celebrations slowly winding down and the afternoon sun beginning to soften, it was finally time to head back to the valley - Garmin Connect.

Our hike started on the Austrian side of the Ljubelj Pass tunnel. This area also has a significant historical background. During World War II, a branch of the Mauthausen concentration camp was established here, where prisoners were forced to work on the construction of the Ljubelj tunnel through the Karavanke Mountains.

Plate on an unknown peak in the Ljubeljščica ridge.

View to our valley.

 

Exploring new paths.

Tuši and Žiga on Spodnji Plot, 1682 m.

Zelenica was warming up.

Tjaša Božič was the first to "stretch the bellows" of her accordion, filling Zelenica with lively tunes.

Beer, music and mountains.

We finished the day at our "Sledding house" back in the valley.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #GremoVHribe

16837

Slovenia: Diagonala 335

For years, Diagonala 335 has been one of Slovenia's best-known endurance cycling challenges. The route follows the country's longest diagonal, stretching from Trdkova in Goričko, near the borders with Austria and Hungary, all the way to Portorož on the Adriatic coast. The event traditionally takes place around the longest day of the year and began as a charitable project promoting physical activity and supporting young athletes. This year on the 9th edition of the event, Dejan and I decided it was finally our turn to take on the challenge. The day before the start, Katja, Dejan and I arrived near the satrt in Trdkova, giving ourselves a chance to rest before the long night ahead. Just after midnight, together with tens of other cyclists, we rolled away from the start line and began the more than 300-kilometre journey across Slovenia. From the very beginning, the pace was fast. Riders naturally split into groups according to their fitness and ambitions, and everyone quickly found their place in their group. We spent the first hours riding through the darkness, watching the sunrise somewhere in the heart of Slovenia before continuing our way south. With a few well-earned breaks for food, drinks and a short recovery, the kilometres slowly disappeared beneath our wheels. After about 15 hours in the saddle, I finally reached Portorož - Garmin Connect, completing the challenge from one end of Slovenia to the other. Tired but satisfied, I rolled across the finish line knowing that the mission had been finally accomplished.

Gathering before midnight.

 

Picture with my group (Tuši, Leon and Boštjan) and with Dejan, who was way faster than us.

 

On our way back home I joined the neighbors celebrating Tanja's birthday. Cheers.

#roadcycling #birthday

16834

Slovenia: Happy Birthday Tanja

Neighbor Tanja was celebrating her birthday today, so there was only one thing to do: gather together and raise a glass in her honor. Happy Birthday, Tanja!

The quickest fridge.

My ride.

Cheers!

#birthday

16831

Slovenia: Ride to 26th Hrast memorial

Today, after the morning hike to Kršiše (Garmin Connect), I rode my Pony bicycle to the 26th Hrast Memorial, a unique event celebrating the rich motorsport history of the Ljubelj Pass. The memorial brings together vintage motorcycles, sidecar combinations, and classic cars, which compete on the famous gravel road leading over Ljubelj. With gradients reaching 33%, the climb remains just as demanding today as it was nearly a century ago. The first mountain speed races on Ljubelj were held in 1926, at a time when motor vehicles were still a rarity. Between 1926 and 1939, eleven international races were organized here, attracting competitors from across Europe and establishing Ljubelj as one of the continent's most challenging hill-climb venues. While the participants tackled the climb with historic racing machines, I was more than happy to take on the mountain with my trusty Pony - Garmin Connect.

 

Everything is easier when someone gives you a helping hand on a steep climb.

  

After some pushing I reached the Ljubelj Pass, where I parked near Nada's big bike.

 

The group heading back down to the valley.

Stopping to say hello to the neighbors.

 

Some bikes and riders were still very fast after all those years.

 

The course was exceptionally well prepared.

 

The sidecar motorcycles were undoubtedly the biggest crowd-pleasers.

#MTB #Karawanks #oldtimer