Set into the “Trnovski Gozd”mountain area in Slovenia overlookingAjdovščina, Vipava Valley, Julian and Kamnik Alps; Mali Golak Peak (1495 m) peak is simple but wonderful hiking trip.
Set in Slovenia’s Trnovski Gozd plateau above Ajdovščina, Golaki is a modest yet rewarding hiking destination. It offers wide views of the Vipava Valley and, on clear days, distant glimpses of the Julian and Kamnik Alps. Hikers know the crest best for its highest point: Mali Golak (1,495 m). The route winds mostly through dense forest, and the Iztokova koča pod Golaki (Iztok Lodge) adds to the experience with its inviting atmosphere.
Slovenia boasts many alpine peaks over 2,000 m — all beautiful —, but you don’t need extreme altitude to enjoy the mountains. There are countless incredible lower summits that offer pure hiking pleasure without joining the “2,000+ club.” One of them is Golaki, located in the large Trnovski Gozd plateau in southwestern Slovenia. Its position is unique: to the south lies the Vipava Valley, to the west the Soča Valley (both named after their rivers — Soča and Vipava), to the north the Trebuša Valley with the Trebuščica River, and to the east the plateau connects to the Javornik ridge.
Why you should climb Mali Golak
Mali Golak (“Small Bare” or “Little Golak”) is the tallest peak in the Golaki range. Its name doesn’t mean it’s the smallest — it actually refers to the most “bare” or open summit (there was a historical mix-up on old maps labelling it Veliki Golak instead). From the top, you get a breathtaking 360° view across much of Slovenia: Triglav and large parts of the Julian Alps, the Karawanks, Kamnik Alps, and below — the Primorska region stretching to the sea. The summit features a registration book and stamp.
The Golaki peaks — Veliki Golak (1,480 m), Srednji Golak (1,479 m), and Mali Golak (1,495 m) — form the highest massif of the Western High Karst. Unusually for Slovenia’s Dinaric Mountains, they rise above the timberline. During the Pleistocene, both Mali and Veliki Golak were likely covered by thick ice. Today, they are overgrown with dwarf pine (Pinus mugo), with small stony grass patches and alpine flora. The high-mountain and subalpine beech forests on the northern slopes retain virgin forest structure in places. The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including endangered species such as the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus).
Things to know
- The area is protected as a natural and cultural heritage site (Decree of the Municipality of Ajdovščina, Official Gazette no. 4/87).
- The central part has been a forest reserve since 1981.
- Visitors are kindly asked to stay on marked paths.
Hiking directions
Although not high, Mali Golak offers several approaches:
- Predmeja → Mali Golak: ~2 h (simply marked hiking path)
- Mala Lazna → Mali Golak: ~1 h 25 min (simply marked)
- Preval Strgarija → Mali Golak: ~45 min (simply marked)
- Kozarnice → Mali Golak: ~1 h 5 min (simply marked)
- Škrbina → Mali Golak: ~2 h (simply marked)
We describe our route from the most popular starting point: Predmeja.
Predmeja – Mali Golak
This scenic hike begins in Predmeja (933 m) and leads through dense beech and pine forests to the summit of Mali Golak. Descent via Iztokova koča pod Golaki (Iztok Lodge. The hike begins in the Predmeja hamlet (933 m).
Access to Predmeja
- From central Slovenia: Drive to Logatec, continue toward Idrija. At Kalce near Logatec, turn left toward Col, then follow the winding road to Col. At Col, turn right, then 100 m left toward Predmeja. Continue on the occasionally narrower, winding road to Predmeja. In Predmeja, follow signs for Tiha Dolina sports park — turn right onto a narrow asphalt road that ascends past a few houses to the parking lot next to the sports park.
- b) From the Razdrto–Nova Gorica highway: Take the Ajdovščina exit and head toward Lokavec (turn right at Cesta if coming from Ajdovščina or the old road). From Lokavec, ascend toward Predmeja, then at the crossroads continue right toward Predmeja and Col. After a few hundred metres, follow signs for Tiha Dolina sports park and turn left onto a narrow asphalt road leading to the parking area.
1.Ascent: Predmeja → Golaki
From the parking lot next to the sports park, follow the. road toward Korenina. After a short ascent, reach a small crossroads — continue sharply left (direction Korenina). The road quickly leaves the forest. Follow it, enjoying views of the landscape and the last houses in the hamlet. Continue ascending on the marked cart track toward Golaki, winding through the forest with occasional steeper sections. Higher up, the path levels briefly before resuming a moderate climb. Cross a forest road, but when you meet it again, follow it left for a short distance. After ~10 m, markings lead right onto a marked footpath that climbs steeply to moderately through forest. Soon, you reach a larger clearing with an information board at the edge. Continue left along the marked path toward Golaki (left road leads to Iztokova koča; right over the clearing to Srednji Golak via unmarked path).
The path climbs moderately through woods, then reaches an indistinct ridge before descending transversely. After a short descent, it levels and brings you to the edge of a large sinkhole. Walk around it, left, and continue up into the forest. Climb steeply for a few minutes to an unmarked crossroads near a larger cairn. Take the left marked (less-trodden) path (right also leads to Golaki). The path traverses left across slopes — mostly moderate ascents with a few short descents. Higher up it turns slightly right and joins the trail from Iztok Lodge. Continue right on a moderately steep path to a small pass west of the prominent peak. From there, turn right — the path quickly leaves the forest into a strip of dwarf pine, then climbs to the summit of Mali Golak in a few minutes.
2. Mali Golak peak (1,495 m)
Mali Golak may not be as famous as Triglav, Grintovec, Prisojnik, Jalovec, or Špik, but its location delivers a breathtaking 360° panorama. Views open across the vast, forested Trnovo Plateau, the Idrija and Čerkljanske hills, and the Julian Alps, with Lower Bohinj Lake in the foreground and Triglav standing prominently. Beyond, the panorama stretches to V. Hrušica, Javorniki, Krim, and the distant Kamnik Alps and Posavje hills. Southeast: Snežnik and peaks in Gorski Kotar (Croatia). South: Vremščica and Slavnik across the Slovenian Karst to Friuli lowlands (on clear days even to the Trieste Gulf). West: Behind Banjšice and Kambreško mountains — distant Dolomites.
3.Descent: Mali Golak → Predmeja (via Iztok Lodge)
From the summit, follow the signs to Iztokova koča pod Golaki. The marked, gentle path reaches the lodge in about 20 minutes (faster for experienced hikers). Iztokova koča pod Golaki Hut stands in the heart of the forest above the road over Strgarija Pass, on the southwest side of Mali Golak — the highest peak of Trnovski Gozd. Built by PD Ajdovščina and opened on 10 September 1950, it is named after Ivan Turšič – Iztok (1922–1944), commander of the 30th Division in the National Liberation War, who was killed near Lokev during a German offensive.
In 2017, it was enlarged for the second time, with the addition of a sanitary unit including a shower. The hut serves food, hot drinks, and beverages, with 25 seats in the restaurant and 11 beds in the dormitory. Visitors would bring their own bed linen and sleeping bag. The restaurant is heated by a stove in a separate room with its own entrance, and toilets and shower facilities are available.
Technical gain
- Highest point / summit Mali Golak – 1,495 m
- Duration Predmeja → Mali Golak: ~2 h Mali Golak → Predmeja (via Iztok Lodge): ~1 h 30 min – 2 h Total: ~3.5–4 h (depending on breaks)
- Conclusion. Mali Golak (1,495 m) may not be as famous or high as other Slovenian peaks, but it is easy to access, family-friendly (suitable for children), and offers an outstanding, unique view across Slovenia and neighbouring countries (Croatia and Italy). Set atop the stunning forests of Trnovski Gozd, it’s an excellent choice for a relaxed yet rewarding hike. The most popular starting point — Predmeja — is about an hour from Koper or Ljubljana, easily reachable by highway. Combine the hike with a visit to Ajdovščina or the beautiful Vipava Valley.
Bonus: Ledenica Cave
On the road from Vojsko to Lokve lies the fascinating Ledenica (Ice Cave). Not long ago, locals transported ice from here to fish markets in Trieste, Gorizia, and Venice. At the cave’s end, you can see a vegetation reversal — plants usually found at higher altitudes growing on the cave floor. Trnovski Gozd was a strategic WWII area — you’ll find monuments, graves, and even a former Partisan hospital. The region remains peaceful and off the main roads.