Konj (1813 m)

Nestled between Velika planina and the highest summits of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps lies an exceptional viewpoint known as Konj. Many consider it to offer one of the finest panoramas in this part of the Slovenian Alps. Unlike the nearby Velika planina, Konj is much less visited and thus quieter, providing a more peaceful experience. It’s also one of the few peaks above the picturesque Kamniška Bistrica Valley accessible by a relatively short, easy, and well-marked mountain trail.

For the ascent, we recommend starting at the lower cable car station for Velika planina and trekking across the Dol alpine pasture (planina Dol). An alternative route begins in the Kamniška Bistrica Valley, just beyond the road leading to the river’s source. However, this path is steeper and more exposed, so it’s best suited for experienced mountaineers and climbers.

Begin your hike from the well-organised car park opposite the lower cable car station. From here, follow the trail markers to the Dol alpine pasture. You’ll initially walk along a narrow path through dense forest undergrowth before briefly joining a gravel road. Soon after, you’ll leave the road to return to a woodland path. The route to the Dol alpine pasture is mostly sheltered under forest canopy and ascends a fairly steep trail with switchbacks composed partly of soil and partly of scree and stones. Though not technically difficult, parts of the trail run close to the edge of a torrent bed, so be careful to avoid slipping. There are several gentler sections where you can catch your breath before reaching the Dol alpine pasture.

Just before reaching the pasture, the path levels out and the forest opens up, placing you in the heart of grazing meadows dotted with a few wooden huts. In the warmer months, cows graze here peacefully.

From the pasture, a marked trail branches off to the left towards Konj (the right branch leads up to Velika planina). Crossing the meadow, you re-enter the forest and begin a steeper ascent once again. At first, the trail markings are quite sparse, so follow them carefully so as not to stray from the path.

As you gain altitude, the ground becomes rockier and more scree-covered, while the trees thin out. Upon reaching the planina Rzenik alpine pasture with a shepherd’s hut, the forest gives way almost entirely to dwarf pines.

You continue your climb through this terrain towards Konj. At the summit, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the central ridge of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps and its peaks – stretching from Ojstrica and Planjava to Grintovec, the highest mountain in the range. Equally breathtaking is the nearly vertical northern face of neighbouring Rzenik.

Descent: via the ascent path.

Tip: if you’re fit and keen to bag two peaks in one outing, you can also summit the nearby Rzenik (1,833 m). A small signpost on the trail between the planina Rzenik mountain pasture and Konj points the way. The path there is narrow and winds above a sheer rock face.