Embarking on a trial run on the Slovenian Mountain Trail (SPP) through the Pohorje mountains was a crucial first step in my long-distance hiking plan, a perfect opportunity to test my pace against the suggested trail timings. The gentle, forested paths of the Pohorje provided an ideal warm-up, allowing me to confirm my fitness level, check my gear for comfort and performance, and gain a sense of the trail's rhythm before committing to more challenging sections. I was pleased to find my pace aligned with the official website's estimates, a result that not only boosts my confidence but also helps me to more accurately plan and prepare for the full, multi-day journey that lies ahead. This experience underscored the importance of preparation and served as a powerful motivator, transforming my dream of hiking the SPP into a tangible and achievable goal.
🟢 Trailhead (Start Point): Spodnje Radvanje
🚌 Access: P11, G2, G6 buses from Maribor City arrives near to the trailhead
🔴 Trail End (Finish Point): Sl.Gradec
🚌 Access: Bus stand #3 back to Maribor City
Base: Maribor
Date: 21 August 2025
Duration: 5 hrs
Start: 11:15 / End: 16:25
Hut: Ruška koča (1251 m) EUR 42.00
Google map: Ruška koča
And so it begins! Day 1 of the Slovenian Mountain Trail, from Maribor to Ruška koča. I'm completely in love with the serene and magical forests of Pohorje. Feeling refreshed and ready for the journey ahead. What a beautiful start to this Edventure.
Date: 22 August 2025
Duration: 5.5 hrs
Start: 10:35 / End: 16:12
Hut: Koča na Pesku (1387 m) EUR 53.65
Google map: Koča na Pesku
Day 2 of the SPP (the Slovenian Mountain Trail) from Ruška koča to Koča na Pesku is more than just a hike; it's an experience. It combines the serene beauty of the Pohorje forests with a journey through history, all leading to the simple yet immense pleasure of a good meal at a welcoming mountain hut. It's a day that nourishes both the body and the soul.
Date: 23 August 2025
Duration: 7.5 hrs
Start: 09:30 / End: 17:42
Hut: Koča pod Kremžarjevim vrhom (1102 m) EUR 39.50
Google map: Koča pod Kremžarjevim vrhom
Pushing through day 3 from Koča na Pesku to Koča pod Kremžarjevim vrhom! This was a long 7.5 hours hike and a real test of navigation skills. The deep Pohorje forests were serene, but the trail wasn't always well-marked, and I took a few wrong turns which added to the challenge. The real highlight, however, was the powerful history; the trail is lined with countless WWII memorials, each a humbling reminder of the region’s past. It was a challenging hike that was as mentally rewarding as it was physically demanding.
Date: 24 August 2025
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Start: 09:48 / End: 11:20
Bus PR A18 0317 4 (60600) from Sl.Gradec to Maribor City Centre (2 hrs)
A perfect end to this leg of the SPP! Day 4 was a short and steep descent from Koča pod Kremžarjevim vrhom to Slovenj Gradec, a plan so I could get back to Maribor without spending a night in Slovenj Gradec. It was a fast-paced hike that was a total contrast to the long forest walks. With time to kill before the bus, I got to wander through the beautiful, historic streets of Slovenj Gradec and rewarded myself with an ice-cream. A great way to mix hiking with some cultural exploration!