Stages 4-5 of the Slovenian Mountain Trail: Storžič and the Karavanke
OVERVIEW OF STAGES 4 AND 5
Storžič mountain is technically part of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, but it flows naturally into the Karavanke range from the town of Tržič. The coolest aspect about these two sections is being able to see where you’ve come from (stages 1-3) and where you are headed next (Julian Alps in stages 6-8). There are also expansive views of the major cities in Slovenia, situated in the plains area to the south, and the Austrian Alps to the north. The gallery walks through fragrant, buzzing alpine meadows are something to savor, as well. This stage is rated a level 2 for difficulty. There are some long steep climbs up exposed ridges and rocky scree slopes. You will want your climbing poles for stages 4 and 5, especially when climbing to Storžič and Stol peaks.
LODGING
This stage features a range of huts, from the most primitive to relatively luxurious (determined, of course, by the availability of wifi, running water, and hot showers - never guaranteed at any hut!). We stayed at: Planinski dom na Kališču, Dom pod Storžičem, Koča na Dobrči, Roblekov dom na Begunjščici, Prešernova koča na Stol, Koča na Golica.
PHOTO INSPIRATION
Stage 4: Storzic and Trzic
Storžič Mountain is a stand alone mountain, but considered part of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the gateway to the Karavanke. From this mountain, you can see almost every major city of Slovenia in the plains below. Stage 4 terminates in the small town of Tržič, historically known for its exceptional shoemakers.
Stage 5: Stol and the Karavanke
TOTAL WALKING MILES/KM: 52 Miles
Stage 4: 20.5 miles / 33 kilometers
Stage 5: 31.5 miles / 50 kilometers
COST PER DAY PER PERSON: $40
Average cost per day during stages 4 and 5 was USD $40.00 a person, which included private rooms in mountain huts, meals and drinks (including wine and beer). We paid primarily in cash, as the huts did not accept credit cards.
EQUIPMENT
Walking poles highly recommended. No via ferrata kit, climbing shoes, or helmet needed, although there are some steep supported sections on the backside of Storzic and on the way to Stol. Be cautious; use your poles.
FOOD
Sauerkraut and bean soup (jota), barley porridge (ričet), and sausage (klobasa) start becoming really repetitive during these stages. Koča na Dobrici stands apart for its outstanding mushroom soup (gobova juha) with dollops of sour cream and its extensive breakfast of cold cuts, cheese and spreads. The typical hut breakfast is eggs (jajca) and bread (kruh), sometimes with the option of ham (meso/meat). Another option is a simple continental breakfast of just bread, jam and butter (no meso “meat”). Vegan-friendly options for lunch or dinner are ričet and jota; just specify that you want it without meat.
