Rising above Tržič and the Podljubelj (Loibl) Pass, right on the border between Slovenia and Austria, the slopes of Košuta unfold in wide, magnificent bands of green.
If you’ve ever driven through the Karawanks Tunnel between Slovenia and Austria, you’ve likely noticed the mighty mountain ridge stretching along the border, impossible to ignore.
Košuta (pronounced Koshuta) is a 12-kilometre-long ridge of the Karawanks, rising east of the Ljubelj (Loibl) Pass. It forms a natural boundary between Slovenia and Austria, hovering around 2,000 metres in height. While its northern face drops more abruptly toward Austria, its southern side unfolds gently into Slovenia in long, grassy slopes—wide, open, and inviting.
Why you should hike Veliki Vrh on Košuta
The Slovenian side of Košuta unfolds in steep grassy slopes, broken here and there by rocky sections that invite a steady, mindful ascent. On the Austrian side, the mountain drops away dramatically into sheer rock faces — a true playground for alpinists and adrenaline seekers. This abrupt northern wall gives Košuta its striking sense of power and scale. Like many peaks of the Karawanks, it is shaped by the distinctive “palm-leaf” geological structure, clearly visible in the wide, flattened ridge tops that stretch along the border like a natural spine.
Thanks to the popular Dom na Kofcah lodge (1,488 m), often chosen for overnight stays, this area is relatively family-friendly and easily accessible. From the parking area at Matizovec, the hike to the hut takes just over an hour. Spending the night here is unforgettable — not only for the sweeping views of the Košuta ridge, but also for the quiet sense of achievement that comes with the climb. Storžič, Begunjščica, Stol, Vrtača, the Kamnik Alps, and even the distant Julian Alps with Triglav on the horizon all come together to complete the experience.
One of Slovenia’s longest mountain ridges, Košuta has everything that defines the most beautiful alpine landscapes: lush green meadows from late spring to autumn, snow-covered slopes in winter, and wide-open spaces that seem to stretch endlessly. The ridge is especially captivating in winter, when it transforms into a true mountaineering playground. Dom na Kofcah is an ideal base for winter ascents to nearby peaks such as Veliki Vrh (2,088 m), Kofce Gora (1,967 m), and Kladivo (2,094 m). The highest and most demanding summit of the ridge is Košutnikov turn / Koschutnikturm (2,133 m). We haven’t climbed it yet — a good reason to return, and a story we’ll save for a future post.
Matizovec (915 m) – Veliki Vrh (2,088 m) route description
We describe a circular route from Matizovec to Veliki Vrh (2,088 m) with descent via Kofce Gora (1,967 m). Most hikers also continue to Veliko Kladivo, but we skipped it due to time constraints.
Access to the starting point (Matizovec)
From the Ljubljana–Jesenice motorway, take the Ljubelj exit and follow the signs toward the border crossing. Shortly after leaving the motorway, turn right toward Camp and Podljubelj. At the next crossroads, continue left following signs for Kofce.
Drive through the village on a gently ascending road, then turn right toward Matizovec and Kofce. The road is paved in its lower section and becomes narrower higher up, but remains passable. It leads to a large, clearly marked parking lot about 150 metres below the Matizovec farm.
Ascent Matizovec → Dom na Kofcah
From the large free parking lot, follow the marked path left from the macadam road. It leads to the Matizovec farm in about 20 minutes. Continue along the worsening road toward Dom na Kofcah, following markings carefully at several crossroads. After a few minutes on a low road or cart track, the markings lead to a steep footpath. It first ascends transversely left, then crosses onto a wooded ridge, turning slightly right. Climb steeply along the mountain path, crossing the cart track higher up. The forest gradually thins, the marked trail turns right into the woods and rejoins the cart track higher, climbing transversely right. From the crossroads onward, the forest opens up. A scenic path leads to Dom na Kofcah in another 5 minutes. We had perfect weather — around 15 °C, a real autumn atmosphere.
Dom na Kofcah lodge
This wonderful mountain destination is surrounded by vast meadows, open vistas, woods, and surrounding peaks — perfect for exciting, healthy activities. From here (like many Slovenian spots), you can see Triglav. Sit on the terrace, sip herbal mountain tea, and enjoy the view of Slovenia’s sacred mountain. Located on the southern slope of Košuta just above the timberline, the lodge has a long tradition. It serves classic Slovenian stews: jota, barley soup, “little borrowed” bean stew, beef or chicken stew, mushroom soup with buckwheat porridge, Tržiška bržola (lamb/mutton stew from Tržič), and other hearty pot meals. The lodge is especially family-friendly: behind the hut is a playground with climbing walls, swings, a sandpit, and a trampoline. Kids love watching animals grazing on nearby pastures — they can explore, play, and still have energy for the shaded playhouse.
Dom na Kofcah → Veliki Vrh
From the hut, continue toward Veliki Vrh and Kladivo along an initially faint path that climbs over a lookout meadow. Breathtaking views back to the hut await. After 15 minutes, you reach a beautiful viewpoint with a cross and a bench. From there, the path steepens over dwarf pine strips toward a crossroads. Continue straight (right: Kladivo and Kofce Gora) along a picturesque path traversing increasingly steep slopes. The Veliki Vrh trail is well marked — no navigation issues.
With every step, the mountain opens wider. The path across bare slopes soon reaches the ridge, then turns gently left and climbs steeply through grassy terrain. Fast trail runners pass us—many are drawn here by the ridge’s elegant line and long, flowing elevation. The trail grows ever more scenic as it slips into a small valley. You climb almost to the border ridge, where the main ridge path joins from the right. From here, the route leaves the valley, crosses onto the southern slopes, and bypasses Toplar (2,000 m) on its sunlit side.
Beneath the final rise of Veliki Vrh, the ridge path pulls away, traversing across warm, open slopes. The trail meanders upward until a sharp right turn leaves the ridge altogether. A few final minutes, and you step onto the airy, panoramic summit.Veliki Vrh on Košuta slopes This is the perfect spot for a long rest on sunny days. Many hikers play with the friendly jackdaws that greet every mountaineer. But the best part is simply soaking in the surrounding mountains — pure alpine bliss.
Descent: Veliki Vrh → Kofce Gora → Dom na Kofcah → Matizovec
We returned along the same ridge path at first — a narrow line like a cardiogram along the Košuta slopes. At the end of the ridge, a signpost points to “Kofce Gora” — a great option to vary the descent (or continue to Veliko Kladivo). After grassy Kofce Gora comes a short, steep section with a steel cable (undemanding), then back to grassy slopes. The final descent to Dom na Kofcah and Matizovec follows the same path as the ascent.
Trek Goat Tips for Košuta (Veliki Vrh)
- Route: Matizovec – Kofce – Veliki Vrh – Kofce Gora – Kofce – Matizovec (circular)
- Time: 4.5 to 6 hours (with generous breaks)
- Altitude Gain: ~1,170 m
- Highest Point: Veliki Vrh – 2,088 m
- Best Season: Late spring to autumn; early autumn is especially beautiful
- Recommended Gear: Standard hiking shoes, layers, water, sun protection; in winter, crampons
- Ideal For: Families (up to the hut), beginners seeking a summit, anyone craving open-space ridge walking
- Conclusion. This ridge walk will reward you with wide, open views across both Austria and Slovenia — scenery in its purest form. The approach to Dom na Kofcah is suitable for most hikers, including families with children. Higher up, the ridge becomes steeper and demands more attention, but in good weather, Veliki Vrh on Košuta requires no technical skills — only steady fitness and reliable footwear.
It captures exactly why we love hiking: horizons opening in every direction, Austria on one side, Slovenia on the other, and valleys below often filled with soft morning or afternoon mist. It’s no surprise that many consider Košuta one of Slovenia’s most beautiful walking ridges — and in autumn, it becomes truly unforgettable.