Twenty stages and 187 kilometers across Pohorje and Kozjak

Northeastern Slovenia has unveiled the Pohorje-Kozjak Trail, a new 187-kilometer long-distance hiking route connecting the Pohorje and Kozjak mountain ranges. Recognized by the British BBC as one of the year's most anticipated trails, it offers a journey through one of Slovenia's greenest regions.

The trail is meticulously divided into 20 stages, estimated to take hikers between 11 and 15 days to complete. It winds through forests, past natural and cultural landmarks, and over the highest peaks of both ranges, including Črni Vrh (1543m) and Košenjak (1521m). Hikers will ascend approximately 8,000 meters in total, with about 3,400 meters on Pohorje and the remainder on Kozjak.

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Northeastern Slovenia is joining the trend of great popularity of long-distance trails throughout Europe with a new long-distance trail, which is a great asset for mountaineers and locals as well as for tourism.

Developed over seven years by the Partnership for Pohorje, the trail builds on previous efforts to promote cycling and transform ski resorts into year-round recreational areas. "Then hiking came next, and so we came up with the idea of a long-distance hiking trail, with which we would connect the two massifs, which are similar in their own way, while each has its own identity," explained Karmen Razlag from the agency.

The Pohorje-Kozjak Trail links over 100 points of interest, including natural sites like the Šumik Primeval Forest with its waterfalls and the Črno and Ribniško Lakes, as well as numerous mountain huts and viewpoints offering vistas of the surrounding landscape and even the Alps. Extensive marking, with over 1,200 trail markers and 150 directional signs, ensures hikers can navigate the route, which utilizes existing paths enhanced by local hiking clubs.

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Then hiking came next, and so we came up with the idea of a long-distance hiking trail, with which we would connect the two massifs, which are similar in their own way, while each has its own identity.