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    Golica: slowly ascending into Slovenia’s alpine symphony

    By Zdravko R. · October 17, 2023

    Situated in the very heart of the Karawanks mountain range, and framed by a breathtaking combination of grassy and forested slopes, offering stunning views over the Gorenjska region on the Slovenian side and the Drava River on the other, Golica is incredibly green and profoundly moving in its natural beauty.

    Golica (Kahlkogel in German), located in the Karawanks mountain range above Jesenice, often appears to be covered in snow even in summer. However, this is not due to snow (although some Alpine peaks do retain snow), but to the scarce species of white daffodils that bloom in full and give the mountain its white appearance. Even if you miss this charming horticultural season, there is no reason for sorrow, as Golica remains exciting all year round. With its open grassy slopes and views over the entire Gorenjska area, this is a peak where you truly feel elevated.

    This circular route starts from the village of Planina pri Golici, leading to the mountain lodge Koča pri Golici. After the hut, a relatively steep grassy ascent leads to the ridge, opening views towards the Drava River and Austria. The descent continues via Krvavka, Mala Golica Peak, the Suha ridge, and pastoral houses back to the starting point.

    Access to the starting point

    The starting point is Planina pod Golico (950 m). From the Ljubljana–Jesenice motorway, head towards the Lipce exit (Hrušica can also be used). In the centre of Jesenice, follow the signs for “Planina pod Golico”. The turn-off is marked and located near the Jesenice health centre.
    A relatively steep paved mountain road leads up to the village. In May, the surrounding meadows are adorned with blooming daffodils. At the end of the village, turn left onto an even steeper road leading towards the “Pri Fencu” inn.

    A narrow asphalt road, 5.5 kilometres long, leads from Jesenice to Planina pod Golico. From Planina pod Golico, continue to the next crossroads where several mountain signposts are visible. Turn right and drive approximately 50 metres to the parking area beneath the Sava Caves. There is also a parking area at the end of the village.

    The mountain village of Planina pod Golico, part of the Municipality of Jesenice, is located in the Upper Carniola region of Slovenia. Situated on the southern slopes of Mount Golica at an elevation of 954 metres, the village features picturesque houses and offers accommodation in scenic surroundings. See the Sights section below for details.

    Route ascent

    This ascent follows one of the most popular and scenic paths starting from the charming alpine village of Planina pod Golico. The trail winds through historic mining areas, a short atmospheric tunnel, enchanting forests with a lovely waterfall, and open ridges, culminating at the welcoming Koča na Golici (Golica Hut) before the final steep push to the summit.

    Along the way, you’ll pass remnants of old mining heritage, immerse yourself in dense pine and fir woods, pause at scenic viewpoints, and discover fairy-tale-like alpine huts perched on ridges. The route offers a rewarding mix of moderate effort (with some steeper sections), rich natural beauty, and ever-expanding vistas toward the Julian Alps, the Drava River valley, and even into neighboring Austria.

    Whether you’re chasing the iconic daffodil blooms in spring, enjoying lush green meadows in summer, or seeking crisp autumn colors and winter solitude, this ascent delivers year-round charm and unforgettable mountain magic. Perfect for a rewarding half-day adventure or as part of a longer Karavanke traverse!

    1. Planina pod Golico – Korlinov Rov Tunnel

    At the end of the village, a waymarked path points towards “Koča na Golici” (Golica Hut). The paved road leads through the Savske Jame mining area and passes through the Korlinov Rov tunnel.

    2. Korlinov Rov Tunnel

    This historic mining tunnel (part of the old Sava Cave mining heritage) offers a short, atmospheric passage. Walk through its cool, dimly lit interior before emerging back into the daylight on the other side. The trail continues upward immediately after the tunnel.

    3. Bašar Waterfall – Golica Hut

    From the tunnel, the trail ascends above it and enters the forest, leading to Bašar Waterfall. The forest becomes denser after the waterfall, enhancing the sense of immersion in the natural surroundings. Lush pine and fir trees create an enchanted Alpine atmosphere. Follow the trail to a bench viewpoint, where the first magnificent views of the surrounding peaks open up.

    Continue uphill to reach a gravel road at the base of the supply cableway. Just before the cableway base stands a small hut known as Bakotova Bajta. Perched on the ridge, this place feels straight out of a fairy tale.

    4. Golica Hut

    The grazing area, rich in open grasslands and breathtaking panoramic views, is dominated by the hut perched above the cliff. A steep meadow climb from the hut leads towards Golica. From the hut, a marked trail heads right towards the summit. It is also possible to go left from the hut or continue straight up to the ridge, but in all cases, a steep ascent followed by a ridge walk is required.

    This area is not only fascinating in May. The surrounding meadows bloom throughout the seasons, dominated by lush greenery and—in spring—by countless wild daffodils. This trail, abundant in verdant landscapes, remains charming year-round. Once the ridge is reached, magnificent views open up towards the Drava River valley. Continue left along an occasionally narrow ledge to reach the very top of the mountain.

    5. Velika Golica Peak (1,835 m)

    The summit of Golica lies along the ridge of the state border and overlooks the Sava Dolinka and Drava river valleys. On a broader grassy plateau, the foundations of Kadilnik’s Hut can still be seen. The summit is marked by a geodetic concrete pillar engraved with a directional rose of mountain routes. A mountaineering stamp and a metal box with a registration book are located about twenty metres to the south.

    The views extend in all directions, as no nearby peak obstructs the panorama. Hikers enjoy magnificent vistas of the Julian Alps above Mojstrana and Jesenice on the Slovenian side.Eastward, the long ridge of the Karawanks rises over Struška, Belščica, and Stol. In the west, the ridge unfolds views of Klek, Hruški Vrh, Dovška Baba, and Kepa. Southward, the grassy ridge of Golica stretches toward the settlement of Planina pod Golico.

    On the Austrian side, the valley surrounding Klagenfurt and the striking Lake Wörthersee draw the eye. Further views extend northwest over Carinthia towards the Drava Valley, Villach, and the lakes Ossiacher See and Faaker See, continuing towards the distant Austrian Alps. Towards the northwest on the Slovenian side, the central Julian Alps with Triglav, Stenar, and Škrlatica are clearly visible.

    Route descent

    From Velika Golica Peak, continue towards Krvavka (1,785 m) and Mala Golica (1,646 m), followed by a descent to the Suha saddle (1,430 m). From there, complete the circular route below the ridge back towards Golica Hut.

    Krvavka and Mala Golica ridge

    The ridge path initially follows the ascent route before reaching a junction after about 10 minutes from the summit. From here, continue towards Mala Golica. Alternatively, continue straight along the unmarked ridge path towards Krvavka Peak via the so-called “border road”. This unmarked path leads to the saddle between Golica and Krvavka, followed by a steep ascent to Krvavka (1,785 m). From this peak and along the ridge, panoramic views open in all directions.

    Suha Saddle

    The trail descends steeply to Mala Golica (1,646 m), then continues more gently to the Suha saddle (1,430 m), where the hiking trail joins a forest road. A World War II memorial stands on the ridge in honour of a crashed aircraft.

    Suha Saddle – Black Creek

    At the crossroads, continue towards the starting point through a dense beech forest. Alternatively, one can turn right along the forest road leading back towards Golica Hut. After approximately 150 metres, the hiking trail turns left and enters a marked forest path.

    Descending further, the route leads into a beech forest and follows the path towards rural houses along the Črni Potok stream (Black Creek).

    The Miners’ Route – Planina pod Golico

    From the pasture houses, the trail known as Stara Rudna Pot (Old Miners’ Way) leads past former mining tunnels dating from the 14th to the 19th century. This historic path brings you back to the starting point in Planina pod Golico.

    Sights

    There are many sights to enjoy along the way.

    Planina pod Golico

    Once known as a mining area, the village is dominated by the Holy Cross Church (Cerkev Povišanja Sv. Križa). This parish church, dating back to the late 17th century (1683), was built by the Bucelleni family, Italian owners of the surrounding mines. The village developed around the church and was once known as Sveti Križ.

    Golica is also a starting point for hikes to nearby scenic peaks such as Rožca. The area is especially recognised by natural scientists for its wild white daffodils, which bloom in mountain pastures from late April to early May. These flowers have been protected by law since 1949, and picking them is strictly forbidden. Each May, locals celebrate a narcissus festival in their honour.

    Other village amenities

    A chairlift serving the Španov Vrh ski slope starts in Planina pod Golico. Nearby, in the Sava Caves area, there is also a natural luge track. Luge competitions are organised there every winter by the Jesenice Luge Club.

    The Old Miners’ Way (Stara Rudna Pot)

    The Old Miners’ Way (Stara Rudna Pot) is a historic and scenic hiking trail in the Jesenice area of northwestern Slovenia, tracing the path once used to transport iron ore from the rich Savske Jame (Sava Caves) mining sites in the foothills of the Karawanks.

    This educational themed route connects the old industrial heart of Jesenice—passing landmarks like the historic Murova settlement, Kosova graščina manor, and remnants of Slovenia’s mining and ironworking heritage—with the alpine village of Planina pod Golico at the base of Mount Golica.

    The trail features a mix of forest paths and gentle ascents — with around 600 m of elevation gain over roughly 8.3 km from lower starting points such as Stara Sava. Along the way, interpretive signs reveal the area’s rich mining history, while the surrounding nature enchants at every step. Eventually, these paths lead directly into the popular Golica ascent routes, passing through the Korlinov Rov tunnel and continuing onward to the hut and, ultimately, the summit.

    It’s an ideal way to combine cultural exploration with mountain scenery—perfect as a standalone half-day walk from Jesenice or as the lower approach to the Golica meadows famous for their daffodils in spring.

    Trek Goat Tips for Hiking Golica