Jama Pekel (parkirišče) - Source of Ponikvica (krajša pot)

Access to starting point:
Leave the Styrian motorway at the Šempeter exit in the Savinja Valley and follow the signs for Šempeter. When we arrive in Šempeter, at the signalized intersection follow the signpost for Jama Pekel and turn left. Immediately after crossing the railway track, turn right towards Podlog. In the Podlog settlement in the Savinja Valley, at the roundabout follow the signs for Jama Pekel and Zalog pri Podlogu. Continue through the underpass under the motorway and through the village Zalog pri Podlogu. Along the asphalt road follow the signpost which directs us left and soon reach the well-maintained and spacious asphalt parking lot in front of the entrance to Jama Pekel, where we park.

Route description:
From the parking lot continue on foot along the arranged, wide and compacted path leading north towards the cave entrance and to the right of the road. The path runs along the picturesque Peklenščica stream, which accompanies us on our left side. After a few minutes of walking we arrive at the information point (hut), where there is a cash desk where we can buy a ticket for Jama Pekel before guided tours.
At the hut go sharply left onto the path along which the markings continue and which also leads the Forest and geological educational trail Pekel. Follows some transverse ascent to the left, then the path turns right and climbs over a wooden footbridge, behind it turns left again and a bit further joins a cart track which we follow left (right continues the marked path leading over the burnt area and is somewhat longer).
Follows a short descent and we reach the asphalt road and follow it right to the nearby intersection, where we go right again. Follows some easy walking to the Izvir Ločanke a few minutes away, which we notice on the right side of the road.
From the spring continue a short time along the asphalt road, then on the right side notice the Požiralnik Ponikvice, which we see right off the road. In the immediate vicinity of the sinkhole there is a slip hazard, otherwise the path is easy.
From the sinkhole return to the road and follow it right towards northeast. When the road approaches the forest it climbs more visibly and a little further brings us to the right serpentine, where we leave the road and continue left on the cart track which subsequently crosses the slopes to the left. The cart track ends after a few minutes, we descend transversely along the trail over a shorter steep slope, where especially when wet more caution is needed. After a short descent we arrive directly at the stream, where we cross the cart track, we continue uphill along the gentle trail along the stream. Higher we cross a few side springs, when approaching the houses we step onto the road. Here go left and walk along the wide and arranged path to the arranged Izvir Ponikvice.

Starting point - Jama Pekel 0:05, Jama Pekel - Izvir Ločanke 0:12, Izvir Ločanke - Požiralnik Ponikvice 0:02, Požiralnik Ponikvice - Izvir Ponikvice 0:30.

Description and photos refer to the state in February 2026.

Along the route: Jama Pekel (300m), Izvir Ločanke (356m), Požiralnik Ponikvice (350m)

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