Discover a paradise for active enjoyment of nature

28.4.2022

Everyday stress and pressure awakes in a person the desire to disconnect and relax. Surely you often want to escape  the city and go to pristine nature for a hike or a cycling trip. Poljanska Valley is perfect for taking a day, two or a whole week to wear hiking shoes or ride a bicycle. Admiring the beautiful landscape and enjoying the charming nature combined with cultural attractions and tradition is more than a great reason to visit.  

1 If you get itchy feet  ...

Hiking and thematic trails are suitable for all generations and for everyone, even for the most demanding hikers. You can combine them into a day trip or divide them into individual parts. They lead from the bottom of the Poljanska Valley to the popular excursion peaks, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.  

 

1.1 Picturesque views of the Poljanska Valley

One of the most beautiful sections of The Gorenja vas – Poljane Municipal Walking Circle is certainly along the peaks of the Škofja Loka hills. From Poljane nad Škofjo Loko, head past Ivan Tavčar's birth house »Pr' Kosmu« in the direction of Gabrška Gora (830 m). Along the way a view of Blegoš, Koprivnik, and Mladi vrh peaks will open up. On Gabrška Gora you can stop in the pilgrimage church of St. Primož and Felicijan from the 13th century. The path takes you further over Plešavnikov vrh (945 m) towards Četena Ravan, where you can refresh yourself or spend the night on tourist farms. Those that are in better shape can continue their way past the church of St. Brikcij to Grebljica and the Adventure Park Stari vrh, where a view of Sora field and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps opens up.   

 

Adventure park Stari vrh, author: Lucija Kavčič

 

Continue towards the hut on Stari vrh, where the path soon branches off to the left towards a vantage point of the Poljanska Valley. After a slight descent, the path begins to climb to Mladi vrh (1374 m), where the view of the Selška Valley occasionally opens up. From Mladi vrh you continue your way through a dense spruce forest towards Koprivnik (1393 m), where there is a view of Upper Carniola and part of the Poljanska Valley, and on the west side we can see mighty Blegoš. From Koprivnik, you descend to the Črni kal pass. From Črni kal you can descend back to Poljane or hike on to Blegoš (1562 m) and spend the night in a hut below the peak.

 

View from Blegoš, uthor: Katja Jemec

 

1.2 Following the path of Tavčar's inspiration for Blossoms in Autumn (Cvetje v jeseni)

If you want to combine outdoor activities with culture, we recommend that you take part in a hike along the thematic trail Blossoms in Autumn. The trail was created for the 100th anniversary of the publication of the book Blossoms in Autumn (Cvetje v jeseni). Along the way the most beautiful excerpts from the story of the main protagonists, Meta and Janez are played. The path is marked by directional signposts in the form of Parnassia palustris, a flower that Tavčar described in his story. The path from Poljane nad Škofjo Loko leads in the direction of Volča, where it branches off towards Malenski vrh.  

 

Along the way, a view opens towards Blegoš and the surrounding villages. Just below Malenski vrh, the path takes you to Poklon, from where you can see five churches at the same time. In the story, Meta accompanied Janez to this place when he left for Ljubljana. You cross the village and continue towards Gorenja Ravan and through Dolenja Žetina to Gorenja Žetina. On the farm Pr' Andrejon, you can enjoy a traditional snack made from homemade cheese and bread. In the meantime, you also cross the Karlovščica stream, where Meta and Janez were fishing and see the forest, where they were gathering hazelnuts. The path leads on to the meadows below Koprivnik, from where the view in good weather reaches all the way to Snežnik, then you continue on the path towards Črni kal, from where several paths lead to Blegoš.  

 

Excerpt from Cvetje v jeseni (Blossoms in Autumn), author: Vito Debelak

 

The themed trail leads on the right side of Blegoš, where in the novel Meta and Janez also walked to the peak. The road is slowly ascending and is pleasant to walk, later on branches off to the left steeply into the bank. Follow the ridge to the mountain hut on Blegoš, where you can relax and refresh yourself before hiking to the peak. From the top you can enjoy the view in all directions. From the top you can return along the same path or along other marked paths. In the novel Meta and Janez returned to Črni kal along a steep ridge.  

 

1.3 Combine a trip with learning and fun

You can also discover the beauties of the Poljanska Valley on the rest of the hiking and themed trails. You can go on a hike along Žirovski vrh or on the slopes of the Idrija-Cerkno Hills. Even after visiting the themed trails, you will not remain indifferent. More than 10 themed trails suitable for all generations will surely impress you. The Beekeeper's path, Teddy Bear's path, Valentine's trail are just some of them.  

 

Teddy Bear's path, author: archive of Assossiation for tourism Žirovski vrh

 

2 … or if you like to cycle

The bike trails also offer unforgettable impressions and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The Gorenja vas – Poljane Municipality Cycling Circle can be driven in one part or in three stages. Although all three stages are extremely attractive, it is worth mentioning the route from Gorenja vas over Žirovski vrh, Pasja ravan and Bukov vrh to Poljane nad Škofjo Loko.  

 

2.1 You will be rewarded with magnificent views on the panoramic ride

The beginning of the trail is on Ivan Regen square in the center of Gorenja vas, which is decorated with the Fountain of Love in the Time of Crickets, the work of academic sculptor Metod Frlic. Continue along the Neško's footbridge and slowly start to ascend to Žirovski vrh. On the top there is a beautiful view of the Škofja Loka hills, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the Karawanks and the Julian Alps. While cycling over the back of Žirovski vrh, you are accompanied by the fortifications of the Rupnik line. 

 

Panoramic view from Žirovski vrh, author: Vito Debelak

 

Then follows descent towards Suhi dol, where by prior arrangement you can stop in a Granary with the museum collection and later continue towards Lučine. At this point, you can shorten the route towards Brebovnica and Todraž past the former Žirovski vrh Uranium Mine, where you can stop at the open-air museum, to the starting point of the stage, or you can continue the stage towards Pasja ravan. During the ascent to Pasja ravan the path will guide you through the villages of Prelesje and Zadobje with a beautiful view of the Poljanska Valley and its idyllic villages. The path then descends towards Črni vrh, where you turn sharp left for Bukov vrh nad Visokim, past Kovski vrh to the Visoko Manor, the former homestead of dr. Ivan Tavčar, famous Slovenian writer. At the manor you can see a permanent exhibition and refresh yourself in a café with a summer garden. Following the well-maintained path, you return to Poljane nad Škofjo Loko and Gorenja vas with the tinkling of Poljanska Sora river. 

 

Črni vrh, author: Vito Debelak

 

Poljanska Valley is full of surprises and experiences, where everyone can find something for themselves. And best of all, with rich and varied offer of hiking and cycling trails, it is a great destination in the warmer parts of the year. The diversity of the landscape will surely impress you to such extent that discovering the hidden corners of the Poljanska Valley will be a real pleasure.  

 

View of the Poljanska Valley, author: archive Institution of Poljanska Valley