The westernmost part of the Karavanke doesn't even reach over 2000 meters
, but in certain sections it's so beautifully panoramic that it outshines even some more prominent peaks
. This part of the Karavanke is better known for Tromeja and Kepa and its neighbors, not so much for the much lower peaks that lie on average at 1750m
.
Last week some acquaintances hiked a good part of the trail all the way to Trupejevo poldne or in the opposite direction, but we wanted to upgrade it all the way to Jepca or to Visoki Kurji vrh
.
So last Saturday around 8am we set off from Podkorn to Korensko sedlo (yes, we pounded the asphalt
...if nothing else it was good for warming up
) and first along the excellently maintained forest path on the Austrian side of the saddle towards Jerebikovec, then towards Kamnati vrh, Bavhe, Grpišče, Vošca, Zajčnik and further along the border ridge to both poldne, Trupejevo and Maloško
. Later we realized we started too late to reach at least half the trail on the first day
. Well, actually we could have made it despite everything, but increasingly dense and darker clouds gathering right over Trupejevo poldne deterred us from continuing
. As said, about 500m from the border crossing we branched right towards Kamnati vrh. Following marker 603, which runs along a wide and nicely maintained forest path (occasionally offering nice views of Dobrač
), which later branches off and turns into a nice trail surrounded by numerous fully blooming larches and well-laden blueberries
...Heh, I'm already licking my lips and imagining feasting on excellent forest fruits here
. Since Bačo hiked here last year, he convinced me not to climb Jerebikovec as the summit is quite overgrown and thus not panoramic (I'll go up there sometime anyway, no big deal
). From the junction for Jerebikovec to the nearby Rekaršica high pasture it's just a few steps
, both of us were really craving the first break
, so we walked a bit more and earned the first pause. The high pasture isn't very big, but still nicely arranged. We continued towards Kamnati vrh-Stainberg, which serves as the highest point of some high pasture
. Following the border stones that lead us across grassy meadows and forest to both Bavhe, first Visoka, then across Bavhica saddle to Nizka Bavha
. On Bavhica saddle, 1531m, there's a neat log cabin
, next to it a bivouac supposedly only for owners
. Too bad. From here on the other side of the valley opens a nice view of Jalovec and its lower neighbors
, and also Martuljek group
. We had another break here....To Nizka Bavha we had to climb 100m, to the very nice grassy summit of Grpišče we went up and down briefly
. The elongated summit of Grpišče lies almost opposite Špik and Martuljek giants, which we can observe wide open
.... We're also observing more and more clouds gathering over the Karavanke
....due to increasing cloudiness we decide to end the first day and settle on the 1500m Grpiška planina
, which is already on the Austrian side. They haven't driven the livestock up here yet
, but probably soon, as we could hear and see cattle on the lower Radenšca planina
. It was interesting to observe crocuses on a section of the path
, meaning there was snow here not long ago
. Globeflowers on one side and pogačice on the other form a nice contrast with the blue-flowering gentians
. In the evening, when it stopped raining and the weather finally calmed
, we watched strongly lit Beljak at dusk
... Despite being much higher up, the noise still carries quite well
...it's annoying at first, then not anymore....you just get used to it
... On Sunday we start at 4:10
wanting to catch the sunrise on Vošca
... It took us 3/4 hour to get there, crossing Tamarča summit
, the closest western neighbors of 1737m Vošca. Watching the sunrise in silence
...peace
....and with someone who means something to you
....PRICELESS....and INDESCRIBABLE
...it's emotional... Unfortunately the clouds over Ponca, Jalovec and Mojstrovke wouldn't disperse, so we couldn't observe that prominent peak.... and snap photos through the karavina window. Next time.... But we had the chance to watch Martuljek peaks illuminated by morning sun with Špik in front
....they're striking, really.... After an hour of enjoying mostly photographing
, we headed across Vratca saddle to the overgrown Zajčnik summit, below it to Blekova planina
. The planina lies exactly on the border between countries, but still I think the owners are Slovenian blood. In the upper part of the hut there's also space for sleeping-bivouac maybe? The planina is well preserved and maintained, really worth a visit. On its western part opens a nice view of Martuljek rocks, on the east to the ridge towards Trupejevo and Maloško poldne
. The ridge leading to those two summits is very panoramic, as we have the Martuljek group on one side and Austrian Carinthia on the other all the time
. Around here countless flowers in full bloom
, dominated by gentian, striking with its blue color
. The summit of Trupejevo poldne reminds me of Dovška baba, as its northern walls are quite steep
...Due to landslide and crumbly terrain, the cross that once stood mightily on top, now only a dangling rope reminds of it
, has fallen into the valley under weight
. So instead of a cross, a bell greets us, which of course must ring
... On the summit we enjoy the company of three hikers continuing in the same direction as us. We don't linger long, so we continue towards the saddle below Belimi pečmi towards Grajšca planina below Murnovec to Maloško poldne and Ojstra peč. On the saddle between Kresišče and Maloško poldne we take another much-needed break
, and descend about 100m to Mitzi hutte. The hut stands empty, but probably renovated recently, at least judging by the roof. In the torrent gorge above the hut edelweiss also grow
, but already bloomed out
. Due to fatigue from short nights and carrying heavy backpack
, we decided to descend, so Murnovec, Ojstri vrh, Kresišče, Črni vrh, Tišlerica, Mojstrovica and Visoki Kurji vrh still await us
. Planina Za lepim vrhom is idyllic, full of patches of gentians, gentians and other flowers
...hehe, again blue-yellow-pink-green combination dominates
. Listening to the murmuring of Hladnik stream, we slowly approach the hunting hut along the trail, then steep forest path, which was sadly empty upon our arrival
. A quite long and tiring
path on gravel road to Srednji vrh and further to Gozd Martuljek awaited us
. Along the way we had chance to see Turk's cap lily
-yes, the first this year, and also Jermanov slap
, which now with lots of water is wonderful.
The ridge winding from Korensko sedlo to Kresišče is very beautiful
... and above all panoramic
.... and interestingly unmarked, but full of followable hunting paths
. If you have someone by your side you trust
....whom you love
....and you know won't leave you hanging, that's it
... then it's time for enjoying... surrendering.... and observing what's usually hidden from eyes
. So on this trail we had chance to observe marmots too
... who love peace, silence and tranquility just like us
.... And that's why let these areas remain as they are...peaceful, full of beauty and peace
.... so we too, like marmots, can enjoy listening...to sounds of nature
....
I discovered another piece of our mountains again....well just hills, but so beautiful that it would be a sin not to know them
.... And thanks to you for giving me the chance to hike and feel them
and to understand why you're so drawn to Karavanke
... Yeah, there are more than enough reasons.... In autumn we'll continue our hike.... under golden-yellow larches... and under clear autumn blue sky....