Hiking Via Dinarica from Albania to Slovenia : the way, the daily stages, advices, accommodation, GPS tracks from Vermosh (Albania) to Postojna (Slovenia)… I followed it sometimes more directly or other times with detours to resupply.
Via Dinarica
Via Dinarica is a demanding route. It is more like our mountain GR than a path to Compostela: mountain trails, sometimes not marked, snow late in the season, changing mountain weather (violent wind with the bura, frequent storms, cold even in summer), autonomy required over several days (few localities crossed), lack of water over long sections.
Once you have integrated these elements, you can discover these Dinaric Alps, mainly limestone massif with beautiful peaks (especially in Montenegro), beautiful views to the Adriatic coast (in Croatia), karst landforms … All this in a plural region with a tormented recent history.
My way :
After the unknown trails in Central Greece and Albania, my hike through Montenegro, Bosnia and Croatia was easier to organize. Via Dinarica is well documented and generally it follows marked trails.
This trail goes up the Dinaric Alps in their central part. It is therefore a mountainous route, with very few localities on nearly 1000 kilometers in the former Yugoslavia.
I followed it with a lot of variants : more direct trails sometimes; I did not climb up summits; I tried to avoid some parts of apshalted roads. From Vermosh in Albania to Postojna in Slovenia, my 920-kilometer hike is 250km shorter than the GPS track on the Via Dinarica website.
Useful informations :
Water – Resupply
Water : it is a tricky point. The Dinaric Alps are mostly limestone and there are hardly any springs or streams. The water comes mostly from wells or cisterns collecting rainwater. Croatia and partly Bosnia and Herzegovina are the areas where particular attention needs to be paid to its water reserves. On a hot day, some stages with little shade can be very hard.
See the detail in each step.
Food : Via Dinarica goes through few localities especially in Croatia with more than 7 days of walk after Gračac (and I went through Fužine, which is not on the official route). It will therefore sometimes be necessary to carry several days of autonomy. In the localities crossed, there is always a small supermarket with the essentials (fruits and vegetables, …).
Gas canisters : I did not need to stock up gas canisters. I saw that in some refuges, hikers had left some. Camping Gaz canisters are quite common. For those starting with Postojna, all types of gas canisters are on sale at Intersport shop.
Accomodation : Via Dinarica goes through wild spaces. Fortunately, there is a good network of shelters, well maintained. They are often unguarded and therefore accessible without reservation. In guarded shelters, it is not always possible to eat.
In small towns, it is easy to find accomodation for around 20 € per night.
Equipment : see the list at the introduction page of Balkans. For a more recent list, see my most recent long distance hike.
Communication : the younger generation speaks English very often and generally very well. This is not the case for the rest of the population. Some words of Serbo-Croatian will be very useful. More than English, German is common in Croatia.
Cash -credit card : it is easy to pay by credit card in supermarkets and hotels. The Euro is the official currency of Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia. It’s also widely accepted in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hotels often indicate their prices in euros.
Network : in Croatia and Slovenia, you can use your European SIM card at no extra cost. In Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, prepaid SIM cards are not expensive. The network coverage was not very good in Bosnia and Herzegovina (maybe because my operator was Serbian-Bosnian …). In other countries, I usually had network.
Trail marks : most of the time, the trails are marked, not specifically Via Dinarica, but with a white circle circled in red or red and white lines. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are badly or unmarked parties. This is also the case in Croatia, particularly in the former Serbian Krajina. In Montenegro, the trails are rather well marked.
The GPS track of Via Dinarica is sometimes wrong. See the comments in each step.
Weather : in June in Montenegro, there were in places very tricky to hike with snow. I had unstable weather with often rain and thunderstorms and quite cold. The bura, cold, violent wind coming from the north can be terrible in Croatia. It will be necessary to give up to hike on the ridges.
Borders crossing : from Albania to Montenegro see Albania page.
No formality seems to be required between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
From Bosnia and Herzegovina to Croatia, you have to go through an official border crossing.
From Croatia to Slovenia, it shouldn’t be a problem since Croatia joined Shengen area in 2023.
Mines : Sad reality and consequence of the war, Bosnia is the European country where the most mines are. See the website on mines in Bosnia and for the mines in Croatia. On this latter, it’s possible to zoom in on the areas concerned.
Internet websites:
It is easy to find information on this path. The site dedicated to Via Dinarica is very complete: GPS tracks, information on accommodation, shops, possibility to download in pdf a complete guide on the stages that you want to follow.
The webpages for each stages are very useful. By zooming on the map, we have water points, accommodation, shops, points of interest … It is possible to export it on the Outdooractive application or to make a PDF copy.
Linked to this former website, Eva Via Dinarica by Eva, a Dutch girl is also very useful with lot of informations.
On SuperHip Hikes, you can load waypoints (springs, accomodation, restaurants…) of Via Dinarica.
Maps – GPS track:
For track preparation, I’m using track sharing sites like Wikiloc . On Waymarked Trails you have the main official trails such as the Via Dinarica, the major European trails E4, E6 …
Then for the realization of the trace, with the website Brouter.de I can trace along existing roads and trails.
Hiking, I use the application Iphigenie . It allows in particular to have openTopoMap maps accessible without connection. These are good maps with the trails, shelters and cabins. It also sends tags for my position (if there is a network); this can be safe in some occasions.
The application Mapy.cz is great and free too. The marked trails are represented with the color of the markings on the ground. There is also information on sources, points of interest, shelters, huts… It is possible to download the maps to have access offline.
GPS track:
For each stage, see below the informations (border crossings, difficulties …). For more specific information, refer to the websites above.
Link to download the GPS track :
The GPS track has been partly retraced and corrected to remove errors. It can therefore be slightly out with the reality of the field. Using it, it is advisable to take account of the reality of the way and in particular to take into account the difficulties of certain parts. Take note of the remarks below on each step. In case of way through private land, ensure the authorization of the owner.
My way :
| 1 | |
| 22km | Comments : A beautiful stage with, once again, great views of the mountains. Compared to the Via Dinarica GPS track, I did not go up along the stream (where the border is crossed) but instead kept to the left bank, staying about 20 metres east of the stream on higher ground. This worked out quite well. I crossed the stream at 1,520 m and climbed through woodland to Katun Dedića. The deciduous forest is sparse and the ascent goes smoothly. From Katun Kurlaj Vujadinovića, good waymarking (white circle outlined in red). I generally followed the waymarks, which cut across and bypass the track, rather than the Via Dinarica GPS trace. After the pass and below Kom Vasojevićki, there was still a tricky snowfield to cross. Elevation gain: 1,440 m. |
| 8h | Logistics :For practical information (water, accommodation, shops, points of interest), see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 2 | |
| 44km | Comments : Easy walking on tracks across gentle, dome-shaped terrain with meadows and forests. Fine views at the start over the peaks of Kom Kučki and Kom Vasojevićki, then over Zelova Glava. I followed the white-circle-outlined-in-red waymarks as far as Vranjak (the start is more direct than the Via Dinarica GPS track). After Vranjak, I took the track to the west and below Zelova Glava, continuing to Dolovi. After Dolovi, once I reached the track descending towards Lake Biogradsko Jezero, I headed more or less straight for Mojkovac, via Katun Krnjače, Laništa and Bjeloviće. The section between Katun Krnjače and Laništa follows an old path through sometimes lush vegetation — very pleasant in hot weather, probably trickier in the rain. Elevation gain: 1,260 m. |
| 11h | Logistics :No water issues on this stage. It is possible to sleep at Trešnjevik, Vranjak (shelter, hotel), Dolovi (Damjanovica, Camp Janketica) or Laništa. For practical information (water, accommodation, shops, points of interest), see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 3 | |
| 32km | Comments : Some sections (around Ružica, for instance) are beautiful. Others, on the limestone plateau, are more monotonous (ascents and descents with little shade and quite dry). Follow the waymarks rather than the Via Dinarica GPS track. The direct GPS line from Mojkovac bridge does not go through. The clearest waymarking runs 700 m along the Podgorica road before continuing right towards Hotel Gacka (4.5 km after the bridge). It is more direct to turn right at the bridge towards Babića Polje and climb via Bojkovače. On the limestone plateau, the waymarks are not always easy to follow. From Planinica to Lake Zabojsko, follow the waymarks, which are more direct than the track. Elevation gain: 1,580 m. |
| 10h | Logistics : Not much water on this limestone plateau: fill up at water points beforehand or at Ružica. Water also available at the Lake Zabojsko guesthouse and the houses just beyond. For practical information (water, accommodation, shops, points of interest), see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 4 | |
| 33km | Comments : No difficulties, gentle terrain, meadows and alpine pastures with chalets. Good waymarking. Elevation gain: 670 m. |
| 9h | Logistics :At Njegovuđa: café and grocery. I did not spot any springs. For practical information (water, accommodation, shops, points of interest), see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 5 | |
| 25km | Comments : A mountain stage passing through Planinica at 2,300 m. Good waymarking. Fine views over the peaks, lakes and the Sušica canyon. The descent to Lake Šrčko is steep. It is possible to cut the last bend on the road to Nedajno. Elevation gain: 1,440 m. |
| 9h | Logistics :The best water source is at the cascades (springs and resurgences) below Lake Šrčko. Water also available at Lake Sušičko and before arriving at Nedajno via the shortcut. For practical information (water, accommodation, shops, points of interest), see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 6 | |
| 39km | Comments : A very beautiful stage with poljes, canyons and mountains. The route is shorter than the Via Dinarica GPS track. From Nedajno it is waymarked (trail 192) via Lijepi Pod — more direct and avoids the asphalt road. I then took a track passing through Javorak and Badžovine. Following marked path 195, I rejoined the Via Dinarica route at Babići. Elevation gain: 2,410 m. |
| 12h | Logistics : Water at several points in Mratinje and just before the pass. Shelter (no meals, drinks available, €5/night) and water at Lake Trnovačko. For practical information (water, accommodation, shops, points of interest), see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 7 | |
| 35km | Comments : Fine views over Maglić at the start, then gentler landscapes from Lake Donje Bar onwards. The path is good and well-waymarked as far as Suha. The ascent to Lake Donje Bar is well marked but in places overgrown with vegetation. Beyond that, up to the summit Bregoč, waymarking is sparse and vegetation obscures the path in places. On the descent from Bregoč, waymarks head off in two directions with no explanatory sign — I took the wrong one. Elevation gain: 2,320 m. |
| 13h | Logistics : A roadside fountain at Suha before the bridge. At Lake Donje Bar, the spring is about fifty metres away, following the lake shore behind the shelter. These are the only reliable water points on the stage. For practical information (water, accommodation, shops, points of interest), see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 8 | |
| 28km | Comments : Due to the weather, from the Lake Orlovačko shelter I stayed on the track all the way to Kalinovik. The walk was very fast to avoid the approaching storm. Elevation gain: 300 m (800 m on the normal route). |
| 5h | Logistics : A fountain by the track before crossing the shoulder, where it turns back towards Kalinovik. For practical information (water, accommodation, shops, points of interest), see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 9 | |
| 62km | Comments : From Kalinovik, I took the track climbing the southern slopes of Orlov Kuk and Lukavac to rejoin the Via Dinarica GPS route — more direct and avoiding the asphalt road. I followed the Via Dinarica as far as Puzim via Ljuta. Caution regarding mined areas: do not take shortcuts through the woods. At Puzim, I left the Via Dinarica and turned left towards Džamija (2 km of road then a waymarked path). The section across the polje is easy: almost flat, open meadows with no obstacles. I continued on a track and shortcuts are possible. I missed the turn towards Kažići and made the detour via Ribari. Elevation gain: 2,300 m. |
| 15h | Logistics : From Kalinovik to the last houses above Ljuta, several springs and fountains. A fountain 500 m after Puzim. On the upper part of the polje below Džamija, springs and a stream. Beyond that, water by asking at shepherds’ farms. Water at the old school in Grušća, then several springs in that valley. After that, you must reach Ribari. For practical information (water, accommodation, shops, points of interest), see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 10 | |
| 23km | Comments : Road from the Neretva suspension bridge to Lake Boračko, then a path that was not easy to find as far as Borci. I then left the Via Dinarica to head directly to the Jezerce shelter. Track (shortcuts possible on the bends) and a well-waymarked path on the limestone plateau. In principle fine views but I was in fog. Elevation gain: 1,700 m. |
| 6h | Logistics : A fountain on the climb to Lake Boračko. No water between the lake and the shelter. At the shelter, water about 100 m in the direction of Jablanica. For practical information (water, accommodation, shops, points of interest), see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 11 | |
| 25km | Comments : Stage walked in mist — a pity for the Prenj landscapes. Be alert at path junctions: signs are not always present and it is easy to go astray following wrong waymarks. Some potentially mined sectors. On the descent from Međuprenje shelter, do not follow the GPS track (which bypasses the shelter) but stick to the waymarks starting from the shelter itself. Waymarking not easy to follow between Ravna and Jablanica. Elevation gain: 1,100 m. |
| 10h | Logistics :Several shelters along the route. For practical information (water, accommodation, shops, points of interest), see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 12 | |
| 28km | Comments : A long, steady climb from Jablanica on tracks, then a good waymarked path. Each time I took the most direct trail rather than the Via Dinarica GPS track. No real difficulties but significant elevation gain. Elevation gain: 2,240 m. |
| 10h | Logistics :Not much water along the stage — look near the shelters. The mountain lodge close to Masna Luka monastery was closed when I passed through. For practical information (water, accommodation, shops, points of interest), see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 13 | |
| 29km | Comments : From Masna Luka monastery, a well-waymarked path leads to Lake Blidinje. I left the Via Dinarica, which detours over the Vran summit, and took the track skirting the lake to the south. Via Barzonja, I rejoined the Via Dinarica before the climb towards Svinjar. On the descent, I again left the waymarked path to cut across meadows directly to Seonica, then crossed the plain on a track to reach Bukovica. Elevation gain: 640 m. |
| 7h | Logistics :No water along the stage except just before arriving at Seonica — plan ahead. There are houses along the way but they are often only occupied in summer. The Bukovica grocery is well stocked with long opening hours. For practical information (water, accommodation, shops, points of interest), see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 14 | |
| 33km | Comments : I broadly followed the Via Dinarica, with a few shortcuts (I did not pass through Gornji Brišnik), as far as the Prisoje road. Monotonous and very wide track — almost a motorway on the heights. I then continued straight ahead to climb towards Kolino and Vitrenik. The path is waymarked, but I did not go up to the Vitrenik summit (wind, cold, mist). I traversed the hillside across meadows without difficulty and picked up the waymarks again at around 1,350 m. Elevation gain: 850 m. |
| 8h | Logistics :Above Bukovica, a good spring with picnic tables — a fine camping spot. Otherwise no water source before the descent from Vitrenik. At Podhum: bars and grocery. It is possible to sleep at SRC Kamešnica between Podhum and Podgradina (€10/night). For practical information (water, accommodation, shops, points of interest), see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 15 | |
| 45km | Comments : The route I used is tricky and increasingly controlled. To enter Croatia, you must cross at an official border post — this was not the case with the path I took at the time. I had followed the Put Oluje trail, which traces the route of the Croatian army encircling Knin, capital of the Republic of Serbian Krajina, during “Operation Storm” in 1995. Along this route, several shelters in very good condition and not much water. Difficult stage, little water, poorly waymarked in places. Not recommended in high heat. I would tend to advise descending to Glavaš and Glejv to avoid the hardest section. The ascent to Konj (initially through beautiful forest) then the path along the summits of Kamešnica, Garjata and Burnjača is well marked, but with lots of elevation change. Beyond the road, the terrain becomes harder, poorly waymarked on a rocky limestone plateau that has partly burned. This section is really unpleasant. Once across the border, no waymarks but tracks. Elevation gain: 2,100 m. |
| 14h | Logistique :See the Evadinarica website. Good spring at the exit of Podgradina, then at Pešino Vrilo shelter on the climb towards Konj (the spring is 100 m opposite the shelter). There is said to be a spring under a trapdoor about twenty metres before Bunarić shelter coming from Kamešnica, and a well at the bottom of the descent where the track resumes, before the road (I did not find them). A water tank at Kurtegica Dolac shelter. Deliciously cold water at the back of Mračna Pečina cave. Cistern at Sveti Jakob shelter. Shelters all along the route: Pešino Vrilo (before Konj), Bunarić (after Kamešnica), Kurtegica Dolac (after Burnjača) — all three open. Sveti Jakob is only open by reservation. |
| 16 | |
| 33km | Comments : I took the easy option by descending to Ježević from the Kuća Puma shelter. The path is well waymarked at the start from Sveti Jakob shelter. There is then a section that is harder to follow. Potentially mined area between the shelter and Troglav (well signed — stay on the track). The descent to Ježević is well waymarked. Then a track between Ježević and Cetina. Elevation gain: 950 m. |
| 8h | Logistics :See the Evadinarica website. Kuća Puma shelter was open when I passed through. It is very well equipped (electricity, etc.). The cistern is on the veranda. I am not sure what happens when the shelter is closed. Water at the Ježević cemetery. In Cetina, I stayed at Villa Cetina a holiday rental that also takes individual bookings when not rented out. Very comfortable (€30/night). |
| 17 | |
| 34km | Comments : The path is well waymarked. No difficulties; a gradual ascent and descent on Dinara. I took a few more direct trails than the Via Dinarica. Elevation gain: 1,550 m. |
| 10h | Logistics :See the Evadinarica website. Good spring on the ascent at around 1,000 m. Cistern at Martinova Košara shelter. At Brezovac shelter, no water access when it is closed. Knin: all services. Hotel at €20/night with breakfast at Tri Lovca. |
| 17 | |
| 57km | Comments : A linking stage between the Dinara and Velebit massifs. No waymarking. Given the information I had (no waymarks and no path between Oton and the Zrmanja river), I took the safe option via Radljevac (avoiding the road), Vještice and Pribudić to cross the river at Zrmanja Velo — 27 km from Knin, roughly half on paths and half on tracks. The route crosses a near-deserted area abandoned by the Serbs. I then more or less followed the Via Dinarica GPS track, except for heading directly from Zrmanja Velo to the track joining the main road, and took the track skirting the north side of the Oklinak summit. To reach Gračac, I followed an agricultural track (OpenStreetMap) running through fields between the road and the railway. The meadows had not yet been cut and the path was overgrown with grass. Elevation gain: 1,500 m. |
| 13h | Logistics :Water at Bender (between Radljevac and Vještice). A superb fountain at Zrmanja Velo by the road. No water and no houses beyond that. Gračac: all services, Villa Dijana guesthouse. I slept at Apartment Ana (€30, very comfortable). For practical information, see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 18 | |
| 42km | Comments : The path is only waymarked from the level of Tulove Grede. From Gračac, I did not make the loop to the Crnopac summit but headed directly towards Velebit. Once off the main road, the ascent is sometimes a little overgrown through the forest. Then a trouble-free track bypassing potentially mined sectors. I saw no signs warning of hazardous areas near the road tunnel — there is quite a lot of logging activity. I followed one of these tracks rather than the Via Dinarica GPS trace; risk areas are only signalled further along. Good path after that. Superb view from Srveto Brdo summit. After the summit, I left the Via Dinarica to descend to Parići. Elevation gain: 1,930 m. |
| 12h | Logistics :Cistern 15 km after Gračac, then 3 km further on, roughly above the road tunnel, the Crveni potoci spring. Spring 500 m before the Dusiče shelter (unguarded), cistern at Vlaški Grad shelter (currently closed for reconstruction) and at Ivine Vodice shelter (unguarded). Guesthouses at Parići. For practical information, see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 19 | |
| 28km | Comments : The path is generally well waymarked. Fine views over the Adriatic Sea; beautiful rocky terrain around Stapina. I rejoined the Via Dinarica at Stražbenica. After the Tatakova Koliba shelter, I followed the path towards Panos. The Via Dinarica makes a detour further north around Debeli Kuk. Elevation gain: 1,820 m. |
| 10h | Logistics :Cisterns at the houses in Veliko Ruino. Two wells further on, south of Bobički Kuk, before reaching Tatakova Koliba shelter (dirty water — best treated; I recommend waiting for the shelter). At the shelter, a spring in a small cavity (the pump was not working; a long stick with a saucepan tied to the end was used to reach the water). A well with clean water 200 m before Šugarska Doliba shelter. Both shelters are unguarded; Šugarska Doliba is brand new and superb (collected rainwater, electricity, etc.). For practical information, see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 20 | |
| 28km | Comments : I followed the waymarks towards Baške Oštarije. The path passes north of the Krug summit while the Via Dinarica GPS track goes south. The first part is a mountain trail with ascents, descents, rocks and fallen trees; after Baške Oštarije it is almost flat and smoothly surfaced — a proper highway. This path, the Premužiceva staza (57 km), was built in the early 1930s. Elevation gain: 1,040 m. |
| 9h | Logistique :Nothing until Baške Oštarije (the Ždrilo shelter is slightly off the route). Baške Oštarije: hostel and restaurant. Scorpovac: staffed shelter, water. For practical information, see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 21 | |
| 34km | Comments : Continuing along the Premužiceva staza, equally well maintained and waymarked. Fine views over the Adriatic coast. Sections through beautiful beech forests, and after Alan, karst terrain. The Zavižan shelter stands in a fine mountain setting overlooking the sea. Elevation gain: 1,480 m. |
| 9h | Logistics :A proper spring 6 km after Scorpovac. At Alan, a staffed shelter (electricity, water) with meals available. At Zavižan, a shelter (electricity, water, no meals or breakfast). There are also unguarded shelters along the path or slightly off it. For practical information, see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 22 | |
| 23km | Comments : Little elevation change; mostly on paths with a few short stretches of road or track. Waymarked throughout. Elevation gain: 520 m. |
| 5h | Logistics :Shelter at Oltari. Putnik rooms at Travnik (€20/night — breakfast possible and meals if requested). For practical information, see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 23 | |
| 37km | Comments : From Vratnik to Krivi Put, a stretch of track then road. Apparently the waymarked route goes further west and rejoins the road just before Krivi Put (on arrival through meadows, there were no path markings on the ground). Given comments about the absence of waymarks and a usable path, I preferred to take a track along the western slopes of Alino Bilo. I left the Via Dinarica and continued on tracks as far as Breze — no difficulties, little elevation change, forest sections and views over the Adriatic coast, the island of Krk and all the way to Istria. After Breze, a waymarked path climbs to Veliki Rujnik then descends the other side to a track and a short road section before reaching the shelter. Elevation gain: 1,240 m. |
| 9h | Logistics : Krivi Put shelter appears abandoned. Café at Breze opposite the sawmill. Vagabundina Koliba shelter is very welcoming with good food (restaurant; there is also another restaurant a short distance before the shelter). For practical information, see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 24 | |
| 20km | Comments : Mostly off the Via Dinarica, which takes detours and does not pass through Fužine. I chose to head fairly directly there to resupply — the last resupply point had been Gračac, 7 days and over 200 km earlier. From the shelter, a waymarked path climbs towards Viševica then descends to a forestry track (I cut through the woods for a short section). This track runs all the way to Fužine. I took the waymarked path up to Vrh Bitoraja and descended to Vrata. Elevation gain: 850 m. |
| 5h | Logistics : Bitorajka shelter and a water cistern below Vrh Bitoraja. Vrata: hotel. Fužine: all services. |
| 25 | |
| 24km | Comments : From Fužine, I walked along the lake promenade, then followed waymarks towards Mount Tuhobić and on towards Mount Risnjak. Mostly forestry tracks, a few stretches of road, then a path at the end. The section between the two roads after Dom Isviđača is overgrown. Elevation gain: 1,150 m. |
| 6h | Logistics :Dom Isviđača scout house: café and water (12 km from Fužine). Schlosserov Dom: staffed shelter with meals available (closed Tuesdays). For practical information, see the Via Dinarica website. |
| 26 | |
| 42km | Comments : With Croatia’s entry into the Schengen area on 1 January 2023, this route should no longer present any problems. From Schlosserov Dom shelter, a well-waymarked path heads towards Snježnik. A fine waymarked ridge section follows towards Guslica. The summit is bypassed as you reach the track leading up to it; descent continues on waymarked paths towards Medvejci then Šverda, mostly on forestry tracks through beautiful beech forests. The border zone runs through forest open enough to walk through. The same on the Slovenian side, where I followed forestry tracks and logging paths somewhat at random, trying to maintain my heading. The ascent to the Slovenian Snežnik is steep by the route I took — but waymarked. This section can be tricky in rain or on the descent. The descent from the summit is well waymarked and maintained. At the end, I stayed on the forestry track down to Mašun. Elevation gain: 1,890 m. |
| 11h | Logistics :Caution: I found almost no water sources on this entire stage. The Croatian shelter below Mount Snježnik is in ruins and has no water — it could only serve as emergency shelter in bad weather. There is a water tap on the ascent to the Slovenian Snežnik at around 1,280 m: there is a small chalet where the main track forks right; to the left, a track waymarked Snežnik — the tap is just a few metres along here. The shelter at the Slovenian Snežnik summit was closed when I passed (open weekends) and water was not accessible. Mašun: Gostišče Mašun Erika Bolčina Antončič hotel-restaurant (€32/night with breakfast). |
| 27 | |
| 27km | Comments : An almost flat stage entirely on forestry tracks. After Mašun, I left the main track and took a left fork towards Blatna Dolina, rejoining the main track roughly halfway after the small Osredki summit. Elevation gain: 450 m. |
| 5h | Logistics :Blatna Dolina: a tap on a water cistern. Postojna: all services. |