Country: Slovenia
Area name: Alps, Julijan
Activity: MTB
Date of the ride: 13-Oct-2007
Length (km): 49.4
Elevation gain (m): 1680
Technical difficulty: ●●●●
GPS tracklog: download
Overview of mountain biking route:
During WW I, there was the front line in SW Julian Alps. Many people died in this area near the summit Krn. The army built many carriageways to deliver arms and ammunition on the highest peaks of Julian Alps. Nowadays, some of these carriageways can be used for mountain biking. Most of them are ruined and they can be used for hiking only.
Getting there: Europe, Slovenia, Ljubljana, Idrija, Tolmin.
Map of mountain biking route:
Description of MTB route:
Slovenian city Tolmin is situated near the border line with Italy. It was the starting point of mountain bike route on Krn mountain. The route leads in direction Tolminske Ravne, Razor hut, Kal saddle, Dobrenjščica hut. I started the route in the morning. The narrow paved road with no extended climbs leads to Tolminske Ravne pastures where I took a short brake. From this point the carriageway started to the Razor hut. Partly, the climbs are exposed and due to deep layer of autumnal foliage I was not able to ride all the time. I came to Razor hut where the smell of good meal was in the air. I lunched local traditional meal named Jota, the mixture of cabbage, beans and smoked meet. During the lunch I discussed with pleasant housekeeper about history. He showed me on the map where the most important battles have taken the place. He was very surprised that my grandfather was fighting as a soldier in this area during WW I. I told him where I would like to go. After good bye, I moved on to Kal saddle. But few meters after Razor hut I stopped and saw near the trail the access barring sign for bikers in my route direction. What is going on? Before the trip I have checked all references, even housekeeper didn’t mention any note about that. No way! I have followed the rules, but this time, regarding my grandfather I decided to violate the access barring and I moved on. An allmountain trail is in the direction to Kal saddle. I was surprised with the beautiful view on summit Krn. From Kal saddle, started the singletrack in direction to Dobrenjščica hut. If you want to ride the true all mountain track with the most beautiful Alps’s landscape around you, than this place is for you. Near the trail there is the chapel. The chapel was built in 1924 in memory of Italian Alps forces. This is the nice vantage point and good place for rest. After few hundred meters, started the downhill track in the direction to the valley. The next vantage point is near Dobrenjščica hut. I took the break looking at Krn and Tolminka valley. Soon the snow will come and all colors are going to change. I moved on downhill track in direction to the valley and Tolminka river’s spring and reached the carriageway. On the way back to the Tolmin, on the left and right side there are many monuments from WW I. While visiting the monuments memories were on my mind. My grandfather died in 1925. I was sure that my grandfather would be very happy knowing his grandson rode Julian Alps tracks. Despite I have violated the access barring sign I hope it will be forgiven.For more details of the route check above interactive Map and below Gallery of the route.
Elevation profile of MTB route:
Notes & references:
The route is recommended during summer, spring and fall. During spring time check the snow conditions on Krn mountain (Julian Alps).
Gallery of mountain biking route: