Quick facts
- Location: Above the settlement of Koroška Bela, near Jesenice
- Type: Semi-abandoned hillside trail
- Length / effort: ~4–6 km depending on chosen section, 2–3 hours
- Elevation gain: 250–400 m
- Difficulty: Demanding – unstable ground and landslide-affected sections
- Best time: Late spring to autumn; avoid during rain or after storms
Introduction – the forgotten path above Jesenice
Above the settlement of Koroška Bela lies a semi-abandoned hillside trail that once connected small pastures and forest routes along the lower slopes of the Karawanks. Decades of erosion and several landslides have damaged parts of the path, leaving it partly overgrown and largely unknown to visitors.
Today it attracts only local hikers, photographers and people who enjoy raw landscapes and quiet, atmospheric corners close to town. It is not a “pretty” or polished route — it is a fragment of old mountain life slowly being reclaimed by nature.
Take it easy: Treat this route as an exploration, not a performance hike. Move slowly, read the terrain and turn back if conditions feel unsafe.
Why visit the abandoned trail
- Atmospheric terrain: quiet, mossy forest with traces of old stonework and forgotten footpaths.
- Views over Jesenice: occasional openings give clean views towards the valley and Karawank peaks.
- Local history: the route once linked hillside farms and forest terraces; some stone retaining walls remain.
- Genuine hidden gem: rarely visited, raw and far from marked tourist routes.
Local note: Landslides above Koroška Bela in the last decades disrupted several old paths. Locals still explore them, but they treat them with caution — do the same.
What to expect
- Terrain: narrow hillside path, overgrown sections, loose soil, roots, occasional old stone supports.
- Hazards: landslide scars, unstable edges, fallen branches and short exposed sections.
- Seasonality: avoid during or after rain — clay soil becomes extremely slippery.
- Navigation: partly visible trail; no tourist waymarks. GPS track recommended.
- Footwear: proper hiking boots with aggressive grip.
- For whom: experienced hikers only — not suitable for beginners or families.
Critical safety warning:
This is not a maintained hiking trail.
Safety tip: If you reach a section where the trail is broken by a fresh landslide, do not attempt to cross it. Turn back or reroute using forest roads below.
Route outline
- Starting point: Upper part of Koroška Bela village (near the end of the paved road).
- Phase 1: Follow local forest tracks uphill until you reach the old hillside path.
- Phase 2: Traverse the slope; expect overgrown sections and uneven ground.
- Phase 3: Explore as far as terrain feels safe — the route has no fixed turnaround point.
- Return: Use the same track back down.
- Total time: 2–3 hours depending on exploration.
Local tip: Carry GPS or offline maps. Old paths above Koroška Bela split into multiple forest traces; a digital map helps avoid unnecessary detours.
Exact location
Main reference point:
Koroška Bela – Jesenice (Google Maps)
Map tip: Drive to the upper part of Koroška Bela settlement, park where the asphalt ends, then continue on foot. From there several forest tracks lead to the old hillside path — choose the most stable one and avoid damaged sections.
