Jama Pekel (parkirišče) - Požiralnik Ponikvice (shorter path)

Access to starting point:
We 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 we follow the signpost for Pekel Cave and turn left. Immediately after crossing the railway line we turn right towards Podlog. In the settlement of Podlog in the Savinja Valley, at the roundabout we follow the signs for Pekel Cave and Zalog pri Podlogu. We continue through the underpass under the motorway and through the village Zalog pri Podlogu. Along the asphalt road we follow the signpost which directs us left and soon reach the well-maintained and spacious asphalt parking lot in front of the entrance to Pekel Cave, where we park.

Route description:
From the parking lot we continue on foot along the well-maintained, 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 (log cabin), where there is a ticket office where we can purchase a ticket for Pekel Cave before guided tours.
At the log cabin we turn sharply left onto the path where the markings continue and which also leads to the Forest and Geological Educational Trail Pekel. There follows some lateral ascent to the left, then the path turns right and climbs over a wooden footbridge, behind it turns left again and shortly afterwards joins a cart track which we follow to the left (to the right the marked path continues over the burnt area and is somewhat longer).
A short descent follows and we reach the asphalt road which we follow right to the nearby intersection, where we turn right again. Some easy walking follows to the Ločanka Spring a few minutes away, which we notice on the right side of the road.
From the spring we continue briefly along the asphalt road, then on the right side we notice the Ponikvice Sinkhole, visible to the right of the road. There is a risk of slipping in the immediate vicinity of the sinkhole, otherwise the path is easy.

Starting point - Pekel Cave 0:05, Pekel Cave - Ločanka Spring 0:12, Ločanka Spring - Ponikvice Sinkhole 0:02.

Description and photos refer to the condition in February 2026.

Along the route: Jama Pekel (300m), Source of Ločanka (356m)

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