Koreno (719 m)

Koreno, a village in the Polhov Gradec Dolomites, forms a natural barrier between the towns of Horjul and Polhov Gradec on the edge of Ljubljana. There are splendid views from the ridge on which the village sits, looking out over the Ljubljana Marshes and the Krim mountain range, which stretches towards the Notranjska region, as well as the rest of the Polhov Gradec Dolomites and the Slovenian high mountains. The summit of Koren is marked by a 14th-century church, and just below it lies the popular Pr’Janš tourist farm, renowned for its excellent homemade food.

The first mountain trail signpost for your hiking destination can be seen along the main road passing through Horjul, at the junction with a traffic sign for Koreno.

Initially, you walk through the settlement, passing its most significant cultural and historical landmark, the Church of St Margaret, to reach a crossroads with the picturesque Chapel of St Joseph. Here, two mountain trails diverge towards Koreno; you take the left path for the ascent, while the right path is used for the descent to complete a loop route.

After crossing the courtyard of a large farm, the path ascends along a forest edge track, then turns into the woods onto an undulating, well-made trail that climbs relatively steeply. You remain in the forest the entire time, only emerging shortly before the summit onto a large meadow, from where you’ll already be able to see your destination. Crossing the meadow along a forest track, you reach the asphalt road that leads to Koreno and the Church of St Hermagoras and St Fortunatus, where you’ll be greeted with the finest views.

Along the route, slightly below the summit, is the Pr’Janš tourist farm. If it’s open and you need some refreshment – although note that dishes are only prepared if ordered in advance – we recommend stopping here first, as you’ll descend to the valley via a different path.

Descent: return to Horjul via the waymarked mountain trail, which mostly follows a wide forest cart track and ends on a quiet asphalt road taking you to the crossroads near the Chapel of St Joseph, from where you return to the trailhead.