Autumn, with its mild temperatures, offers ideal conditions for mountain hiking, provided the skies are clear and the trails dry. However, one must always bear in mind the unique conditions in high-altitude areas. Looking for a new place to hike? Then consider exploring one of the trails restored by trail markers with the support of Zavarovalnica Triglav as part of the Best Hiking Trail 2023 and 2024 campaigns. Last year’s winner, the trail from the Kamnik Saddle to Mounts Brana and Planjava, along with this year’s top two trails as chosen by hikers, the Koželj Trail along the Kamniška Bistrica river and the Topla Cave–Mala Peca Trail in the Koroška region, have all been beautifully restored.
Each year, mountain enthusiasts vote for trails in need of renovation as part of the Best Hiking Trail campaign. This year, in cooperation with Zavarovalnica Triglav and the Alpine Association of Slovenia (PZS), the selection was held for the seventh time under the traditional Let's Clean Up Our Mountains campaign, which is a key part of Triglav’s ongoing efforts to keep Slovenia's mountain trails safe and clean.
Restored trail from Kamnik Saddle to Brana and Planjava
Due to adverse weather conditions, the trail from the Kamnik Saddle to Brana and Planjava, winner of the Best Hiking Trail 2023 campaign, was only restored by trail markers this summer. Last year, the restoration was delayed by the natural disasters that impacted much of Slovenia, including its mountain trails.
Planjava and Brana are two stunning rocky peaks in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, connected by a mountain trail via the Kamnik Saddle, where the Kamnik Hut draws many hikers. The hut remains open full-time until the end of September, and then on weekends when weather permits. Hikers should check the opening hours on the website of the Alpine Association of Slovenia or the Kamnik Alpine Club (PD Kamnik) before heading out. While the route from Kamniška Bistrica to the Kamnik Saddle is considered an easy hiking trail, it demands good physical fitness, taking about three hours to ascend. From the Saddle, it’s an additional hour to Brana and two hours to Planjava. So with the shorter autumn days, it’s important to plan ahead. And as the trail is now covered with fallen leaves, proper gear is essential: sturdy hiking boots, walking poles, warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and a head torch in your rucksack.
What you need to know
The trail from the Kamnik Saddle to Brana and Planjava is a challenging hiking route, best suited for experienced hikers. The most difficult section of the ascent to Planjava is navigating its western wall, while the most scenic part is crossing Sukalnik, which offers a stunning view towards the Kamnik Saddle. On the way to Brana, there is an exposed segment before reaching the summit, but the ridge just below the peak also presents a breathtaking panorama of the central Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Kamnik Saddle. This section is both visually spectacular and demanding in terms of orientation.
In this year’s Best Hiking Trail campaign, Zavarovalnica Triglav and the Alpine Association of Slovenia focused on restoring mountain trails that were severely damaged by last year’s storms. The results of the public vote were symbolically announced on Slovenian Mountaineers’ Day, organised by the Alpine Association of Slovenia in Črna na Koroškem.
Best Hiking Trail 2024 – a gateway to the high mountains
The scenic and popular Koželj Trail, which runs along the Kamniška Bistrica river, is an easy hiking path suitable for all ages. It begins on the right bank of the Kamniška Bistrica and leads into the valley towards the river’s source. Originally known as Kamniški Vintgar, the trail was named after Maks Koželj, a painter from Kamnik. Highlights along the way include the picturesque Predaselj gorge, Mali Izvirk spring, the lake, the source of the Kamniška Bistrica, and the Kraljevi Studenci springs located between the Pri Jurju hunting lodge and the Predaselj gorge. The trail winds through the Memorial Park, offering a gateway into the heart of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, making it a perfect introduction to the high mountains.
The Koželj Trail was closed for reconstruction after the devastating floods in August last year, which caused significant damage, including rockslides and collapsed bridges. Most of the path had to be rebuilt, with fallen trees cleared, layers of debris removed, and steps and side barriers installed for safety. Though an easy trail, it should not be underestimated due to the many roots covering the area. Proper hiking footwear is essential, and walking sticks may prove especially useful for older hikers.
Topla Cave–Mala Peca
As we were faced with extraordinary circumstances last year due to the storms and floods, Zavarovalnica Triglav decided to make another exceptional gesture. By supporting the local Mežica Alpine Club, the insurance company contributed to the restoration of the hiking trail from Topla Cave to Mala Peca, which took second place in the Best Hiking Trail 2024 competition. This initiative demonstrated Triglav’s care for Koroška, the region hardest hit by last year's floods.
The route begins at the Topla Regional Park and passes several natural and cultural landmarks, including restored mills and habitats for rare species like butterflies, the golden eagle, and various birds and plants. Initially, the trail from Topla Cave follows an old mining road, before crossing a meadow and the Zajčja Peč torrent beneath steep cliffs. Higher up, hikers can detour to the Cave of King Matjaž, continue along the hiking trail to the Dom na Peci mountain hut, or ascend to Mala Peca.
While the trail is well-maintained, recent strong winds knocked out the cable car and blocked the supply road, leading to the closure of the Dom na Peci mountain hut. Hikers are advised to check the current status of the hut before planning a visit.
Useful links:
•Press release following the announcement of the Best Hiking Trail 2024 on this link.
•Useful tips on how to prepare for hiking can be found here.
