3. stage Trans Karavanke MTB

The stage begins with a short climb from the Mountain Lodge at Zelenica (Planinski dom na Zelenici) towards the hut at the spring of Završnica (Koča pri izviru Završnice). The trail soon begins to descend, and at the spring of Završnica there is a short technically very demanding section where we hike along the bike. There is a checkpoint at the hut at the spring of Završnica, and we can also refresh ourselves before continuing. In the shelter of the mighty BegunjšÄica and Vrtača mountains, we continue for two kilometers on a steep forest road with a rather rough gravel through Smokuška Planina towards Tinčkova koča. This is where the road improves significantly and the slope becomes less steep. The descent continues for a little under 6 km past the mountain pasture Pri žagi and straight at the fork for KališÄa. All too soon as we get to Završniško Lake, where the descent ends.

After the relaxing pause at the lake it is time to climb. At the crossroads behind the lake, we turn right towards Stol. We will climb for about 600 vertical meters, and to our destination – Valvasor’s Lodge – we will take a slightly longer route through the beautiful panoramic mountain meadows on the slope of the Stol mountain.

During the ascent, we can visit the Turkish Cave, where in the 15th and 16th centuries the inhabitants hid from the Turks. Access by bike is not possible, the cave is 5 minute hike away from the road.

At the Jamov’c intersection we turn right, continue for 1.4 km, then we turn left towards Zabreška planina. The road is steep, fortunately the dense forest protects us from the sun. After 1.5 km we are rewarded with one of the most beautiful views from the Gorenjska mountains: the Zabreška planina meadow offers a view of the many villages and towns below us, while the Julian Alps boast in the distance above Bled lake. The cabin also offers a great opportunity for refreshment after a long climb.

We continue cycling past Žirovniška planina. When we reach the gravel road after 1.5 km, we will turn right uphill, and only after a short 200 meters we will reach today’s destination, the Valvasor Lodge under Stol (Valvasorjev dom pod Stolom).

Sights along the route:

 The source of Završnica river (izvir Završnice)

Završniško lake

Turška cave

Zabreška planina