High above the valley town of Jesenice, nestled within the lush ridgelines of the Karawanks, lies Golica—a mountain where meadows bloom like snowfall and time slows to the rhythm of the wind. At 1,835 meters, Golica is not the highest peak, but it may be one of the most soulful.
The trail to Velika Golica is one of those rare hikes where each step seems to reveal a new horizon—a bend in the path that offers a deeper view of Slovenia, Austria, and your own place between them.
And if you come in May, the landscape erupts in a dream: millions of white daffodils—narcise—blanketing the slopes like snow under sun. But even outside the flower season, Golica is a hymn to grassy slopes, panoramic ridges, and slow Alpine beauty.
Beginning in Planina pod Golico: The Village of Flowers and Stories
The journey begins in the village of Planina pod Golico. It’s a place that breathes mountain air—steep-roofed homes, grazing fields, and a church from the 17th century that still watches over the valley like a shepherd. This small settlement, once part of Slovenia’s mining history, is now best known for its daffodils and its warmth.
We arrived early, greeted by soft morning light and a breeze that smelled of spring. The trailhead is easy to find at the village edge. A wooden sign marked “Koča na Golici” (Golica Hut) pointed the way. Ahead of us: a loop through forest, meadow, and sky.
The Forest Path and a Hidden Waterfall
The trail first leads through thick beech forest, climbing gently but steadily. Birdsong follows you—blackbirds, thrushes, woodpeckers—while soft pine needles cushion your steps.
Soon, you pass Korlinov rov, a historic mining tunnel, and later a waterfall called Bašar. It appears suddenly, crashing white against mossy rocks, a brief rush before returning to silence. The forest here is deep and quiet—a place for breathing slowly.
Emerging into Meadows: The Path to the Golica Hut
As the trees thin, views begin to open. After around 90 minutes of hiking, you reach Koča na Golici (1582 m), a mountain hut perched high above the valley, surrounded by green slopes and the sound of cowbells. From here, the views stretch toward Austria, and the final ascent to the summit begins.
Many hikers pause here for a warm drink, a bowl of jota or goulash, and the kind of silence that only comes at elevation. It’s tempting to linger. But the summit still waits above—a steep but manageable climb through meadows glowing with wildflowers.
Climbing to the Sky: The Summit of Velika Golica
The final stretch is steep but rewarding. With every step, the view expands: the Sava valley far below, the Drava river to the north, the Julian Alps and Triglav rising in the west.
At the top, a grassy dome unfolds, soft underfoot, crowned by a concrete trig point and summit register. There are no trees, no rocks—just wind, sky, and views in all directions. It’s the kind of summit you sit on, not just to rest, but to absorb. To feel small in the best possible way.
From here, you can see:
- The Julian Alps to the southwest, including Triglav, Stenar, and Škrlatica.
- The long Karawanks ridge, with Kepa, Dovška Baba, Stol and beyond.
- The Austrian lakes—Wörthersee, Faaker See—glimmering in the northeast.
- And, beneath you, the village of Planina pod Golico, now just a sprinkle of roofs.
Along the Ridge: Krvavka, Mala Golica, and Suha Saddle
The descent follows a graceful ridge that meanders eastward, connecting Velika Golica to her smaller siblings: Krvavka (1785 m) and Mala Golica (1646 m). These are not difficult climbs, just a quiet stroll with a view—alpine walking at its purest.
Below the ridge lies the Suha saddle—a crossroads of trails, where grassy slopes meet beech forest. Here, you’ll pass a WWII memorial, honouring an Allied plane that crashed nearby. History lives softly in these hills.
Down Through the Forest and the Old Miners’ Path
From Suha saddle, the trail slips back into forest. The descent is gentle, winding past mountain huts and along the Stara Rudna Pot, or Old Miner’s Way—a tribute to the generations who once sought iron in these hills.
The forest is darker now, cooler. Water trickles nearby, and the trees seem older. You walk through time as much as space.
At last, the trail deposits you back at Planina pod Golico, where the air smells of hay, and the church bell might be ringing for evening mass. You’re back, but not the same.
Trek Goat Tips for Hiking Golica
- Trail type: Circular, moderately steep, well marked
- Length: ~12 km | Elevation gain: ~900 m | Duration: 4–6 hours
- Start/End: Planina pod Golico (950 m)
- Peak: Velika Golica (1,835 m)
- Best season: Late April to early June for daffodils, late summer for wildflowers
- Families: Suitable for children used to walking longer trails
- Gear: Sturdy hiking shoes, wind jacket, sun protection
Golica Is More Than a Peak
To hike Golica is not just to reach a summit—it is to walk through seasons, stories, and scents. Through meadows once filled with miners, and now filled with wild daffodils. To sit in a hut with hot soup and a view, or on a ridge with the sun on your face.
In Slovenia, some mountains are fierce—rocky, jagged, remote. Golica is not that. It is a mountain for the soul. A mountain where you go not to prove something, but to remember something—that slowness is beauty, that the best views come with patience, and that every trail can be a story.