Route description

Wondering what would attract you to this forest? Definitely beautiful nature, views, animation points where you can play carefree and at the same time get to know the forest, excellent cuisine and humorous locals that take you hundreds of years into the past through re-enacted stories.

The thematic trail mostly runs through the forest called Zala, written about by our writer Dr. Ivan Tavčar in the book In Zala (V Zali). The latter tells the story of Canon Amandus, who was attacked and badly wounded by a bear while hunting. Katarina, a girl from the nearby Mrak Farmstead then took care of him. Despite the forbidden love, a spark was ignited between them. You will learn how the plot thickens during a pleasant walk through Žirovski Vrh.

Starting point:	Pr' Bukovcu Farm (Kmetija Pr' Bukovcu)
Length of the trail:	12 km
Time:	3.5 hours, up to 5 hours with stops
Type of trail:	Circular trail
Info point along the trail:	Žirovski Vrh Tourist Association (Turistično društvo Žirovski Vrh)
Contact:	+386 31 693 731 lucija@tdzirovskivrh.si
Refreshments:	Pr' Bukovcu Farm (Kmetija Pr' Bukovcu)

You will be guided by yellow-green markings.

From the Pr 'Bukovcu Farm, Žirovski Vrh 44, 4226 Žiri, take the asphalt panoramic road in the direction of Goli vrh. At the signpost, turn left into the forest and head into the heart of Zala. The trail continues past the highest point of Zala – 899 m above sea level – giant anthills, to a beautiful forest clearing, intended for play and rest. The descent down the forest road takes you to Štefka – a bear made from moss. She will be glad if you take a photo with her. To her right, there is a stream where you can pour fresh drinking water and refresh yourself.

Continue your way to Mary’s Shrine in Zala, which was erected precisely in memory of Amandus. Follow the macadam road over Mrakov grič to the Pri Marku Farmstead, where Amandus was healing his wounds after he had been attacked by a bear in Zala. On this farm, it is possible to see even more attractions, but by prior arrangement. This is followed by a descent to the Pr ’Šimc Farmstead and from there to the Grobež Farmstead, past the Omejčk Farmstead through Pihovc – a small forest – to Mlin, where you will be entertained by the stories of two funny locals. From there, you climb to Sivec, below the Javorč Farmstead. There is also a hunting lodge nearby. Along the ridge of Žirovski Vrh, where the trail is marked along the top of the hill, only a flat trail with a beautiful view awaits you. It is also possible to walk on the asphalt road, right next to the marked one, in the immediate vicinity of the bunkers of the Rupnik Line. In the blink of an eye, you will circle the trail at Bukovec.