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    Crossing the borderline: a gentle hike to Stol (Hochstuhl), the Karawanks’ grassy king

    By Zdravko R. · October 22, 2023

    Hike to Stol (Hochstuhl), 2,236 m, the peak set in the Karawanks Alpine mountain range between Slovenia and Austria, abundant in grasslands, offering beautiful views of Lake Bled

    Tucked along the Slovenian–Austrian border, Stol (Hochstuhl), the highest peak of the Karawanks, feels unexpectedly welcoming. Its broad grassy slopes open into generous, sunlit spaces and reward every step with magnificent views. One could say this vast mountain carries everything that defines the most beautiful Alpine peaks.

    With its striking appearance and commanding position, Stol has long drawn the attention of mountaineers. Set between the Alps and the Mediterranean, the Slovenian Karawanks hide a world of mystery beneath their surface — a karst landscape shaped by time, home to some of Europe’s most impressive underground galleries. Exploring this range feels less like a hike and more like an essential journey into the heart of the mountains.

    Located near Triglav National Park, Lake Bled, and right on the border with Austria, Stol is a magical peak, beloved by anyone drawn to breathtaking alpine views. Locals from Žirovnica, Jesenice, Vrba, and Begunje in Gorenjska often head here, bringing with them the charm of Alpine culture, cuisine, and traditions. Yet what truly defines Stol’s surroundings is glacial Lake Bled. Its beauty is ever-changing: in spring, the lake’s bluish surface mirrors the still snow-capped summit of Stol; in summer, the same view transforms, warm and luminous, offering an equally captivating spectacle of nature’s moods.

    Why Hike Stol / Hochstuhl peak

    Stol / Hochstuhl (2,236 m) is the tallest peak in the Karawanks Range, approximately 120 km long, along which the Slovenia–Austria border extends. The King of the Karawanks is also known as Hochstuhl (meaning high chair in German). One side or the other is visible from almost every place in the central Gorenjska region.

    The Karawanks already demonstrate a high-Alpine character in their highest parts (while elsewhere they are generally milder). Stol / Hochstuhl is characteristic of this range. On its southern side lies Mali Stol Peak (2,198 m). Between these two peaks is the Med Stoli saddle.

    Name etymology

    The name of the peak can be translated as “table.” Veliki Stol, meaning great chair, is derived from the mountain’s visual appearance, especially when seen from the east. The German name Hochstuhl (high chair) was not introduced until the late 19th century. Previously, the German designation was Stou, a phonetic derivation of the Slovene name.

    Overview

    The peak carries raised grassy and rocky slopes southwards. These slopes flatten for a while on a gentle terrace with stunning panoramic meadows about 1,000 metres below the summit. The forested and partly rocky slopes then descend another 600 metres into the Sava River Valley. Several shepherd huts can be found on the southern slopes. Slight but steep ravines lead towards the summit, separated by picturesque rock formations. Below them lie sunny Alpine meadows with wide-open views.

    Numerous hills in the lower parts preserve their ancient stories and quiet mysteries. Towards the west, the peak forms a high ridge towards Vajnež. This is the main ridge of the Karawanks, continuing northeast towards the Vrtača saddle on the opposite side. The mountain’s northern side is rugged and steep. Stol / Hochstuhl is not primarily known for rock climbing—this can be found on neighbouring walls—but the northern side offers a stunning and playful via ferrata. Very steep ravines allow spring snow climbing, while less demanding yet still steep passages on the main ridge enable ski touring of various difficulties.

    Several mountain huts in the surrounding area make the climb more enjoyable. The most spectacular experiences are traverse tours, characteristic of the Karawanks range. If you have a few days, you can stroll at a relatively high altitude, enjoying open panoramas to both the south and the north.

    Route description: Valvasor Hut, 1,181 m – Stol / Hochstuhl, 2,236 m

    Stol can be reached from several directions, including routes from neighbouring Austria. However, the most commonly used route starts at Valvasor Hut and is known as Žirovniška pot. From Valvasor Hut, the trail begins with a gentle ascent leading first to the pastoral houses of Žirovniška Planina. From there, a relatively steep climb starts, leading directly to the summit. Although the trail becomes steeper and requires moderate effort, the stunning views extending towards Lake Bled will carry you almost imperceptibly to the top of the mountain.

    The descent from the summit usually leads via Prešeren’s Lodge beneath the peak, passing over the pastoral houses. One can also choose to reach the lodge first and then continue to the summit.

    Access to the starting point

    From the Ljubljana–Jesenice motorway, take the Lesce exit and follow the road towards Žirovnica and Jesenice. After a few kilometres, you reach a crossroads where the road branches right towards Žirovnica and Moste, and left towards Jesenice. At the next crossroads, a few metres further on, turn left towards Moste (right towards Žirovnica).

    Continue past the monument to the fallen fighters, where the road begins to climb beneath the railway line. At the top of the hill, turn right at the Vila Karin sign. Continue towards Završniško Lake and Valvasorjev dom. The road then leads to a crossroads, where the road branches left towards Valvasor Hut. Continue straight (the hut lies at the source of the Završnica). The road first climbs steeply and then becomes even steeper, occasionally quiet and paved (the steepest sections are paved). Higher up, the road leads to a larger crossroads. Continue left towards Potoška Planina (right towards Doslovška Planina).

    The road then levels out and leads to another intersection. This time, continue slightly right towards Valvasorjev dom hut (slightly left towards Ajdna and Potoška Planina) and drive along the steeper road all the way to the hut. From Poljana (the crossroads in front of Završniško Lake) to Valvasorjev dom is 5 km. Park at the designated parking areas along the road leading to the mountain lodge; parking directly in front of the lodge is reserved for overnight guests only.

    Route Ascent to Stol peak

    Hereby, I described a hike along the marked Žirovniška pot trail, gradually ascending the mountain slopes. The climb is steady and gentle, accompanied by natural features such as the restored stone spring, Stedene. As the forest begins to thin, wide alpine meadows open up, offering ever-expanding views of the surrounding peaks, including the sharp silhouette of Triglav and the Sava Dolinka valley in the distance. The final stretch to the summit is portrayed as pleasant and joyful, where hikers encounter jackdaws circling above, accompanying them along the ascent.

    1. Valvasor Hut – Žirovniška Planina

    The first 20 minutes of walking towards Žirovniška Planina mountain pasture feel like a very gentle hike. The marked trail crosses the forest above the hut before opening onto the pastoral houses. Already here, one can admire beautiful views of Lake Bled. Upon reaching the rustic homes, hikers must decide whether to head towards Prešeren’s Lodge first or continue directly to the summit. For the purpose of this article, we chose the direct ascent to the peak.

    2. Žirovniška Planina – Stol (via Stedene Water Source)

    At the end of the pastoral settlement, a sign marks the trail leading directly to Stol. A moderately steep pine forest ascent takes about one hour and leads to a plateau offering magnificent views towards Lake Bled. On this table-like terrace, benches invite a short rest before continuing upwards.

    As the ascent continues, ever wider vistas open up. Soon, the mighty Triglav appears on the horizon, while magical Lake Bled sinks deeper into the valley below. Finally, the turquoise line of the Sava Dolinka River becomes visible. After more than an hour of hiking along the marked trail bordered by pine trees, we reach the Stedena water source. This potable water source is marked by stonework and was restored in 2011.

    After another 20 minutes of hiking, a sign indicates that Stol Peak is only 10 minutes away. Following the trail, we soon reach the summit. In addition to its magnificent views, the peak is often animated by jackdaws, common inhabitants of Alpine summits in this area.

    From the top, there is a fantastic view over Slovenia and the Julian Alps. Stol /Hochstuhl also offers impressive views to the Austrian side, stretching towards the Drava River basin. However, caution is advised when approaching the northern edge from the Slovenian side: excitement over photography should not draw you too close to the steep Austrian slopes. Returning from that side would be more demanding, require more time, and could involve an unintended border crossing.

    Route Descent

    Hereby follows the description how to get the safe descent but with a bit different way.

    3. Stol – Prešeren Hut

    A pleasant 15-minute walk across grassy terrain leads to Prešeren Hut (Prešernova koča na Stolu), 2,174 m. Located just below the highest peak of the Karawanks range, beneath Mali Stol (2,198 m), Prešeren Hut is named in honour of the renowned Slovene poet France Prešeren, born in the picturesque village of Vrba.

    The first hut at this location dates back to 1909. Like many huts in the Karawanks, it was burned during World War II. Later, at the initiative of surviving fighters from the Battle of Stol, the mountaineering association PD Javornik–Koroška Bela built a new hut on the old foundations and opened it on 21 August 1966.

    The hut was significantly extended and renovated between 1981 and 1984, with a grand reopening on 4 August 1984. In 1992, a telephone line was installed, followed by solar panels in 1993. In 2001, the framework was further extended, and electricity was also generated via a wind turbine. A dry toilet was established outside the hut in 1996.

    The hut offers two dining rooms with 80 seats and a bar counter; 32 beds in eight rooms; and 12 dormitory beds. There are toilets and washbasins with cold water. Heating is provided by a stove. Facilities include running water, solar panels, a wind turbine, a dry toilet, and a mobile phone signal.

    More information:

    4. Prešeren Hut – Valvasor Hut

    After a short rest at Prešeren Hut, reached just minutes below the summit, we continue the descent along a well-trodden trail towards Valvasor Hut. The path leads across picturesque pastures and gradually merges back with the pastoral houses above Valvasor Hut.

    Trek Goat Tips for Stol hiking