Karavanke Long-Distance Hiking Trail - 1st Stage: Upper Jezersko-Preddvor

The route begins at the TIC Jezersko, where we turn left onto the asphalt road leading to the farm pr Krničar, near the church of St. Oswald. We continue past the church along a forest gravel road, following signs and markings to the Lehnjak-Forming Spring. At the crossroads with a small hayrack, we turn left and continue mostly on asphalt to the village, then turn right onto the main road and continue to the Kanonir Inn. Before the inn, we turn right over a bridge and continue along a cart track by the stream (markings 1). Then for a few kilometers, we follow signs for KališÄe or Storžič, which greets us several times from afar. The path is steep, through the forest; on a smaller clearing in the middle of the forest we pass the Praprotnik hut (closed), with some skid trails and narrower paths, about 1.5 hours to the summit (the climb to Storžič itself takes about an additional hour if you still have enough strength in your legs). We then slightly descend to the KališÄe Lodge, where there is a wonderful view of Lake Črnava. We continue past the lodge on the path towards Jakob (about 2.5 hours on foot from there), first descending slightly and then ascending a bit, but there are no significant climbs left. We follow markings for St. Jacob, which we see in the distance on the right side, but still have quite a bit of walking to reach. We also pass a shelter in Hudičev Boršt and two drinking water springs. At the Jakob Hut, take some time for rest and refreshment. We descend through the forest and along a gravel road past the Senior Home, and then along an asphalt road towards Lake Črnava, over a footbridge, past a playground and a small bar to the village and TIC in Preddvor, where our route ends.

Well-broken-in hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, a backpack with a snack, refreshments, and sufficient water and other drinks, hiking poles (if you use them). A portable power bank is also recommended if your phone’s battery might be weak. The route sometimes lacks phone signal (area from 10–13 km), so it is advised to preload a GPX track on a hiking app.

The first stage of the long-distance hiking trail is a demanding hilly path recommended for those with a bit more physical condition. Part of the trail to Bašeljsko Saddle ascends through a valley and has no exposed sections. On the path from KališÄe to St. Jacob, we walk partly on forest paths and partly on scenic, exposed grassy slopes. The descent from St. Jacob to Preddvor takes place in pleasant beech forest shade.

Before departure:

During the trip:

Motorway:

Ljubljana–Jesenice – exit Kranj East - direction Upper Jezersko

Bus:

Ljubljana-Kranj-Upper Jezersko (Kazina)

Train:

Ljubljana-Kranj, then bus connection to Upper Jezersko

Jože Pučnik Airport:

bus to Kranj then to Upper Jezersko

The path is very diverse and traverses varied terrain, alternating between asphalt and gravel, forest and hilly isolated areas. We cover a lot of kilometers and elevation difference, and the route delights us with beautiful views of Storžič, the Jezersko hills, St. Jacob above Preddvor, Kranj, and the surroundings. There are no major orientation problems, but it is still recommended to preload the GPX track on a hiking app for offline use.

Suggested stops:

Before setting off, check the opening status of mountain huts. During nice weekends (spring-autumn) most are open; weekday hours are adjusted.