16859

Slovenia / Austria: Villach Alpine Road

After a morning walk to Ljubelj Pass with Bronco (Garmin Connect), Nada and I hopped on our motorcycles and headed towards Austria via the Korensko sedlo (Wurzen Pass), with Beljak (Villach) as our first destination. From there, we continued onto the Villach Alpine Road, one of Austria's most scenic mountain roads. The winding route climbs high into the Dobratsch Nature Park, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and lakes, before reaching an altitude of around 1730 metres.

We took our time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, the fresh mountain air, and the impressive panoramic views from above Beljak. After a relaxing stop, we began our journey home, crossing the Ljubelj Pass and returning to Slovenia after another enjoyable day on two wheels.

Short pause on our way up to Villach Alpine Road.

 

At Rosstratte we explored the "Sun Trails" installation, a fascinating combination of art, astronomy and education.

 

The "Sun Trails" stone sundial at Rosstratte, designed to mark the changing position of the Sun throughout the year and Dobrač (Dobratsch ).

Nada and Tuši.

At Skywalk Rote Wand, overlooking the 400‑metre rock face below.

The landscape around Dobratsch bears the marks of the devastating 1348 Villach earthquake, which triggered one of the largest historic rockslides in the Eastern Alps.

Thunder and Blue Horse.

View to Beljak (Villach).

 

Four of us.

Lunch back at home.

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #CatahoulaLeopardDog #motorbike

16858

Slovenia: Hike & Fly - Potoška gora

After quite a long break, I finally went paragliding again. Potoška Gora is one of the easiest places to get back into the air, thanks to its spacious takeoff and landing areas. Miha joined me for the flight, and together we enjoyed a perfect start to a Saturday morning - Garmin Connect.

At the take-off site.

We were not alone.

Sternbergov klinček (Dianthus sternbergii).

Miha landed.

#hiking #paragliding #mountains #KamnikSavinjaAlps

16856

Slovenia: MTB - Dolga Njiva

Thursday came around again, which meant it was time for another guided MTB tour. This week's destination was the Dolga Njiva mountain pasture, and a group of eleven riders gathered for the ride.

We met in Jelendol and followed the Tržiška Bistrica stream towards Medvodje. There, the signposts for Dolga Njiva directed us left along the Košutnik creek. The climb went smoothly, and everyone successfully reached the mountain pasture. The only minor setback was a broken chain on Andreja's bike, but we quickly fixed it and continued on our way.

At Dolga Njiva, we were greeted by a small animal park and some excellent food, making for a well-deserved break after the climb. We didn't stay too long, though, and soon mounted our bikes again for the descent back into the valley - Garmin Connect.

Another enjoyable Thursday ride was behind us, with good company, great weather, and yet another beautiful corner of the Košuta mountains explored.

 

Some of us started from home, enjoying an early ride through the beautiful Dovžan Gorge.

We just followed the signs.

Kristina and Nada.

 

We fixed the chain and successfully continued to the mountain pasture.

 

Maybe those two will join us on our way back.

Mountain Pasture Planina Spodnja Dolga njiva, 1400 m.

 

A few curious piglets enjoying life on the mountain pasture.

Rabbits.

 

Our dinner.

Freedom below Košuta ridge.

That's us.

 

Returning back to the valley.

#MTB #Guide #Karawanks

16852

Slovenia: Prelaz ljubelj & Geoaching & Barbecue

Today was a fairly easy-going day. After a morning walk to Ljubelj Pass (Garmin Connect), I drove to Kranj in the afternoon and found two geocaches in the surrounding area. Afterwards, I joined Nada, her sister, and the rest of the family for a barbecue. With good food, great company, and plenty of conversation, the afternoon passed quickly. Before we knew it, it was already evening, and Nada and I headed home, bringing another relaxed and enjoyable day to a close.

Searching for a cache above Naklo.

 

First, a view towards Naklo, followed by St. Thomas Church in the village of Britof.

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

- Burned Inside, Mystery, GC494PZ

- Britof - Cerkev Sv. Tomaža, Virtual, GCAJKAX

#geocaching

16851

Slovenia: Happy Birthday Rade

Nada's uncle Rade celebrated his birthday today at a gathering hosted by a friend on Vrhe. I decided to ride there by bicycle, and after nearly 90 kilometers in the saddle, I finally arrived - Garmin Connect. The day was filled with good food, drinks, and great company. In between the celebrations, some of us even climbed a nearby peak called Krvavica (Garmin Connect) to enjoy the views and stretch our legs. It was a wonderful day spent with family and friends, and a great excuse for a long bike ride. Happy Birthday, Rade!

Quick stop along the way.

Shortcut.

 

Arrived.

View on the way to Krvavica, 909 m.

Summit.

Although only 909 m high, it stands prominently above the surrounding hills because its slopes are very steep, especially on the western side.

According to local legend, Veronika of Desenice was imprisoned in the tower of Ojstrica Castle above the Church of St. George in Tabor. Above Ojstrica lies Krvavica, whose summit is surrounded by cliffs ranging from 50 to 150 metres in height. According to legend, Veronika was pushed to her death from these cliffs. To this day, it is said that on moonlit nights she returns to sit on these rocks. It is after her tragic fate that the hill is said to have been named Krvavica.

 

Happy birthday.

#birthday #roadcycling #hiking

16849

Slovenia: MTB - Prevala

Today's MTB ride took us to the mountain pasture Prevala, located beneath Begunjščica. After a short stretch of asphalt, we began a long gravel climb that never seemed to let up until we reached the mountain hut. We took the opportunity to stop for a break, enjoy the views, and recharge with some refreshments.

For the descent, we split into two groups. The first group followed the same route back down, while we chose a steeper parallel forest track for a bit more excitement. In the end, both groups successfully reached the valley, finishing another great day on the trails - Garmin Connect.

 

Dusted.

 

We were a big group today, Grega, Mateja, Nina, Tuši, Sabina, Samo, Kristina, Nada and  Aleš.

 

On the more difficult version of our trip.

 

Every challenge brings also some excitement.

#MTB #Guide #Karawanks