- Location: Shmarna-Gora region, north of Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Height above sea level: 676 m;
- Website: http://www.smarnagora.com/index_en.php;
- Sightseeing: St. Mary's Church.
Trekking, or hiking, has long been considered one of the most popular Slovenian entertainment and a favorite pastime of many guests of the Republic . This kind of active rest allows not only to improve your own physical form and check your body for strength, but also to enjoy the picturesque landscapes, breathe in fresh air and have a great time in nature. One of the best places for trekking in Ljubljana and in combination an important natural attraction is the Smarna Gora (Smarna gora).
General information
Shmarna mountain is a low, isolated mountain (inselberg) in the northern part of the plain Ljubljana field. It has 2 peaks: the lower Smarna gora (669 m) and the higher Grmado (676 m), which is considered to be the highest point of the Slovenian capital.
Due to its location and the beautiful view from the top, the mountain of Schmarna is by far the most popular destination for excursions outside Ljubljana. On a clear day from here you can see Triglav , Table and Koshka Obir, in the south you can easily see Krim, Snezhnik and Trdinov vrh in Gordyani, as well as the nearby hills Golo Brdo, Toshko Chelo, Rozhnik, Rashitsa and Polhograiski Dolomiti.
Flora and fauna
One of the main advantages of recreation on the Shmarnaya mountain is the opportunity to get to know more closely with the Slovenian plant and animal world. So, in this area there are more than 830 species of plants, which is almost one third of all known in the Republic. Most of them grow on steep limestone southern elephants, in thermophilic forests, while on the northern side of the hill beech trees are more often found, and on the west - basophilic pine forests.
Local fauna, though not as diverse, is also of great interest to wildlife lovers. Most often, deer, fox, martens, squirrels, skunks, brown hares and many species of birds - pheasants, partridges, passerine hawks, etc., are found on the slopes and in the ravines.
Mountain climbing
Shmarna Mountain is intertwined with numerous paths and footpaths, through which tourists, athletes and just lovers of wildlife can climb to the peaks of the peaks. To date, there are more than 50 climbing routes, however we will only consider in detail the only 3 most popular:
- Vikrce . From Ljubljana, the road runs through Shentvid, Vizhmarje and Takna. Parking is possible in a well-maintained parking lot near the Lipa Club, but some visitors leave cars right along the road. Access is also possible from Copno by public transport (train station, city bus number 25), on foot (20 min walk) or by bike over a suspension bridge.
- Sand . The path got its name from limestone gravel (pesky), which was dug in this area by local women a century ago and sold on the market as an original detergent for burnt products in aluminum cookware. The road starts from Vikrce and slowly rises along the mixed forests and shrubs to the top. Today this way is most popular, because the road is not blurred, and the lift is easy enough. In addition, thanks to the unique location of the route, the evening sun creates unusual light effects on the earth in the late afternoon hours, and beautiful photographs can be taken.
- Scarachno . The trail begins on the ramp of the Shmartno-Skaruchna highway. First it passes through the marshy meadows, then past the chapel, crosses a small glade and joins the general path from Tazen. This is one of the most interesting routes for climbing the Shmarnu mountain, suitable for summer walks along the northern slopes.
Useful information for tourists
Regardless of which route you choose for your ascent, they all lead you to one point - to a small church on the very top of the Shmarna Mountain. Around it are comfortable benches for the rest of visitors, and nearby is a cozy restaurant, which prepares delicious national dishes of Slovenia . One of the most popular delicacies in the establishment is home-made Kran sausage, which is often served with potatoes and pickles.