Košutnikov Turn

Košutnikov Turn is the highest summit of the 10 kilometers long Košuta ridge that goes along the border between Slovenia and Austria. West from the summit extremely steep grassy slopes descent to the south and on the eastern side the slope is quite furrowed and scattered with small stone towers. It boasts with marvelous views on Kamnik-Savinja Alps. You can conclude the trip at a charming pasture hut at Dolga Njiva alpine meadow where you can get good home-made food. The route is extremely interesting but only when dry and for hikers without vertigo.

Gallery

Where to sleep

Basic information

Location

Tržič

Difficulty

Duration

4.5 h

Trail type

označena

Start point elevation

1270 m

Highest point

2133 m

Total vertical climb

860 m

Stating point:
Leave the motorway 'Ljubljana – Jesenice' on exit Tržič. In Tržič turn right at the gas station towards the town, drive through Tržič and continue straight. The road takes you through 'Dovžanova Soteska' gorge to a hamlet of Jelendol. Turn right on a marked crossroad (direction Medvodje) and then left on the next crossroad (direction Dolga Njiva meadow). A dirt road rises to a marked parking lot below Dolga Njiva meadow.

Description:
The first hiking signpost is already by the parking lot and it guides you up on a forest road. Although there are many forest roads which turn left and right, you walk in the same direction throughout. Soon you will reach the lower part of Dolga Njiva alpine meadow a bit before a pasture hut you will see a hiking signpost (Košutnikov Turn or Tegoška Planina). It guides you sharply to the left on a footpath, which takes you into the forest again. A gently sloping path takes you to the next crossroad in 10 minutes and you turn uphill to the right. The path ascends across a steep slope in hairpin turns - at first through a forest then across a grassy slope. The view gets better with every step. Once you reach the ridge (on Slovene-Austrian border), continue to the right and the most difficult section is ahead of you. You will have to climb a bit and then cross a slightly exposed ridge to the summit of Košutnikov Turn itself. The view ranges from Mt. Peca in the east to Mt. Triglav and Austrian summits in the west. Amazing!

Go down from the summit towards south-east on a marked path. The footpath descends steeply across grassy slopes. Be careful no to provoke stone-falling and put the hikers below you in danger. The terrain is very dangerous for slipping, especially when wet. After going down for about 200 altitude meters the path starts to cross towards left and descends towards Dolga Njiva meadow amidst interesting rocky towers. The footpath is narrow and runs above precipices in some places, so you must be very careful! In the lower part you come amidst dwarf pines and reach the upper part of Dolga Njiva meadow. Go to the right here and come to a charming pasture hut where you can try some local culinary delicacies. Descend to the parking lot along the path of your ascent.

Highest point/summit:
Košutnikov turn: 2133 m

Duration:
Parking - 'Dolga njiva' alpine meadow: 20 min
'Dolga njiva' alpine meadow - Košutnikov turn (direct path): 2 h
Košutnikov turn - 'Dolga njiva' alpine meadow (slightly longer path): 1.45 h
'Dolga njiva' alpine meadow - Parking: 15 min
Total: 4.30 h

Difficulty:
3 - The route runs across steep grassy slopes which I strongly advise against when wet. There is just a short section of the ascent with some light climbing; the last few meters below the summit are quite exposed. The upper part of the descent is even more troublesome (as far as slippery grass is concerned); then the path crosses a steep slope on a narrow footpath which is certainly not suitable for people with vertigo. Be very careful not to provoke stone-falling on the way (especially on the grassy slopes)!

Type of path: Marked path