From our first springtime steps across the Menišija plateau to the September hike along Lake Cerknica, this year’s Hiking Festival brought together six different trails and around 600 hikers.
The spring and autumn editions of the festival took us through forests and karst landscapes, to scenic viewpoints and into the stories of our region. Above all, they once again showed us just how much there is to discover when we set out in the company of locals who know these places best.
Following the trails of spring
We opened the Hiking Festival on 23 May with the Following the Bear’s Footsteps Hike. Together with Robert Kužnik from the Tourist Association Menišija, we explored the forests and meadows of Menišija and climbed to the summit of Špičasto Stražišče. After the hike, we continued our gathering at Notranjska house in Selšček, where a homemade meal awaited the hikers.
The very next day, we exchanged the forests of Menišija for the landscape of Lake Cerknica. The 21st Following Janko’s Footsteps Hike was led by Katarina K. Urbiha and members of Tourist Association Križna jama, who introduced hikers to the natural features of the area as well as the stories, traditions and customs of life by the lake. T'dolenj Farm provided a warm welcome and a delicious local meal to round off the day.
The spring edition concluded with the 16th Kunaver Hike, which, with 150 participants, was also one of the most popular hikes of the year. Members of the Tourist Association Rakek led hikers in the footsteps of naturalist Pavel Kunaver, from Rakek across Stražnik and into Rakov Škocjan. Once again, the trail combined hiking with the discovery of the area’s karst and natural heritage, while members of Klasje Cerknica Association also helped provide local refreshments for the hikers.
In the colourful rhythm of autumn
After the summer break, the Hiking Festival returned to the trails at the beginning of September. We opened the autumn edition with the Lake Cerknica Views from Križna Gora Hike. Our guide, Štefanija Šebalj Mikše from the Cerknica Mountaineering Association, led us from Gorenje Jezero past the remains of the Rupnik Line, through the village of Sv. Ana and all the way to the summit of Križna Gora. From there, hikers enjoyed views of Lake Cerknica, the Lož Valley, the Bloke plateau and Mount Snežnik. Upon our return, T'dolenj Farm prepared a well-deserved warm meal.
The following day, we exchanged panoramic views for the vast forests of the Javorniki hills. Stanislav Gnezda from the Tourist Association Rakek led us on the Javorniška Baba Hike, following lesser-known trails, forest tracks and paths to the 1,085-metre summit. Along the way, we discovered karst phenomena and the natural features of the Javorniki forests, while the summit rewarded us with sweeping views towards the Pivka Basin, Mount Snežnik, Nanos and other surrounding peaks.
To conclude this year’s Hiking Days, we returned to Lake Cerknica on 13 September. The 13th Šteberk castle to Karlovca castle Hike followed the legend of the Prince of Šteberk and the Princess of Karlovca while revealing the karst features of the eastern and western parts of the lake. Members of the Tourist Association Lake Cerknica guided the hikers and shared numerous stories along the way. The hike ended at Lovrenc in Dolenja Vas with a warm meal, a short cultural programme and time to socialise.
Trails brought to life by people
The six hikes were very different from one another. We walked through the forests of Menišija and the Javorniki hills, explored the springs and surroundings of Lake Cerknica, discovered Rakov Škocjan, climbed to scenic viewpoints and learned about the stories of the people who have lived in these places through the centuries.
This is precisely what makes the Hiking Days special. They are not only about the kilometres walked, but also about the opportunity to discover these places through the eyes of local guides, associations, farms and other local people who know them and help shape them. Without their knowledge, time, hospitality and willingness to take part, this year’s six hikes would not have been the same.
A big thank you therefore goes to all the guides and everyone involved from the Tourist Association Menišija, Notranjska house, T'dolenj Farm, Tourist Association Rakek, Klasje Cerknica Association, Cerknica Mountaineering Association and Tourist Association Lake Cerknica, as well as everyone else who helped make the hikes possible.
And above all, thank you to the approximately 600 hikers who joined us on the trails this year. Some took part in one hike, others in several, but together you truly brought the trails to life from spring to autumn.
This year’s Hiking Days have come to an end, but new trails and stories await us next year. See you on the trail!
