Quick facts
- Location: Ravenska Kočna valley → Goli Vrh (1,787 m), Jezersko region, Kamnik–Savinja Alps
- Type: Alpine ridge hike and viewpoint
- Length / effort: Approx. 14–15 km return, 5–6 hours total
- Elevation gain: Around 840 m ascent
- Difficulty: Demanding – steep forest and alpine terrain
- Best time: Late spring to autumn; in winter only with proper equipment and experience
Introduction – ridge above Jezersko with a wide horizon
Goli Vrh stands as a grassy peak above the valley of Jezersko. The trail starts in the forested Ravenska Kočna and climbs steadily through woods and mountain pastures until it reaches an open ridge at 1,787 m. The summit is a broad meadow plateau with no harsh rock, just grass and a long, clean horizon over multiple alpine ranges.
On clear days you can see the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, the Karawanks and, in the distance, even the Julian Alps. The hike is a full half-day outing – physically demanding, but technically straightforward in dry conditions.
Take it easy: The ascent is steady and long. Keep a comfortable pace from the start, especially in the steeper forest section before the pastures.
Why visit Goli Vrh
- Panoramic alpine views: wide horizons across multiple mountain groups, from the valley floor to high ridges and peaks.
- Clear ridge experience: after the forest, open meadows and bare ridge give a true “above-the-treeline” feeling.
- Seasonal versatility: lush in summer, wildflowers in late spring and early summer, crisp colours in autumn, atmospheric in winter for experienced hikers.
- Less crowded: compared to many popular peaks, the Goli Vrh route stays off the main tourist radar.
Local note: The meadow on top is used as summer pasture for local Jezersko–Solčava sheep. Fences and pasture signs can double as informal orientation markers when visibility is low.
What to expect
- Terrain: forest track, narrow footpath, rocky and rooty forest slopes, alpine pasture and open ridge.
- Hazards: steep forest sections that become slippery when wet, exposure to wind on the ridge and rapid weather changes in the high mountains.
- Seasonality: snow may remain on upper sections in late spring and return early in autumn; in full winter the route is only suitable with winter gear and mountain experience.
- Navigation: marked trail from the Ravenska Kočna valley; after the Jenkova planina pasture follow markings carefully, especially in fog.
- Footwear and gear: solid hiking boots recommended; trekking poles help on the long descent.
- Fitness: good stamina required – around 840 m of ascent and a sustained climb.
Safety tip: Always check the forecast before starting. Avoid the ridge in thunderstorms or strong winds. In winter do not attempt the route without proper equipment and knowledge of winter mountain conditions.
Route outline
- Starting point: Parking area in the Ravenska Kočna valley near Jezersko.
- Phase 1: Follow the marked path from the valley through forest, gradually gaining height on the southern slope.
- Phase 2: Reach the Jenkova planina pasture, where the forest opens and first wider views begin.
- Phase 3: From the pasture, continue on a steeper path towards the upper ridge and the Goli Vrh summit meadow.
- Summit: Enjoy the panoramic views and take time to explore the ridge in both directions.
- Descent: Return along the same marked route back to Ravenska Kočna.
- Total time: Approximately 5–6 hours for the full round trip, depending on pace and breaks.
Local tip: Start early to hike the forest section in cooler air and reach the ridge before midday clouds build up. Bring enough water – there is no reliable source on the upper part of the route.
Exact location
Approximate summit position of Goli Vrh:
46.3979, 14.5470 – Goli Vrh summit coordinates
Map tip: Set “Ravenska Kočna parking” or “Planšarsko jezero” as your driving destination. From the valley parking, follow local hiking signs for Goli Vrh; the route is well known among Jezersko hikers.
