Trail nr. 14: Vrsnik – Sunny Panoramic Trail
HIKING AND CYCLING TRAILS
Starting point
The crossroads at Gorenji Vrsnik
The Vrsnik plateau is like a sun-drenched island, connected to the rest of the Ledine region only by a narrow ridge. All along its edges, it precipitates into the ravines of the Osojnica, Poljanska Sora, and Žirovnica rivers. Today, this island marks the border between the Idrija and Cerkno Hills. In the past, it was under the jurisdiction of the Parish of Žiri.
Take an unforgettable tour of the Church of St Thomas from the 17th century on a hill between Spodnji Vrsnik and Gorenji Vrsnik. The image of the church nestled between two linden trees atop the hill is an image worthy of a postcard, as is the view from the hill itself. From the hill, you can see the villages of Spodnji Vrsnik and Gorenji Vrsnik as well as the surrounding hills, such as Blegoš and Vrh Svetih Treh Kraljev, all the way to Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia.
You can explore the sunny Vrsnik very well by taking a round tour of the plateau. The relaxing journey will make you think: “How come we haven’t discovered this place before?”
Attractions
Local services
Trail map
Trail description
Reaching the starting point: To reach the starting point: You can reach the starting point either by car or by bike from Idrija or Žiri by taking the Idrija-Žiri main road. In the middle, at Govejk, take a right turn (if you are arriving from the direction of Idrija) or a left turn (from the direction of Žiri) to Vrsnik. After about 1 km, you will reach a crossing and take a right turn between the houses and continue onward to the next crossing, where you can find the starting point. It is easily recognizable: the crossing forks three ways, with a tree growing in the middle of it.
* We recommend you take a bike to the starting point. Parking spaces at Vrsnik are very limited.
Trail description: From the starting point, take a right turn to the village road in the direction of Spodnji Vrsnik. After cca. 300 m, keep to the road turning to the left, uphill toward Spodnji Vrsnik. After approximately 900 m, you will reach the center of the village. At the crossing near the shrine, take a left turn. Keep to the village road that turns right (with the fire station on the left) and leads to a clearing in the woods, then takes a left turn uphill. At the end of the left turn, near a group of houses, take a left turn uphill toward the Church of St Thomas. There should be a signpost on the utility pole in front of you showing the way to the church. Continue along the road until you reach the final houses of the village, where the road becomes a gravel road. Take a right turn at these houses. If you want, you can take a left turn uphill after twenty meters or so and follow the path to the Church of St Thomas, where you can get a wonderful view of the surrounding hills. You can also get to the church from the other side, so you can continue straight ahead along the road. Keep to the gravel road that runs to the right of the hill with the church. The distance between the houses where the gravel road begins and the next crossing, is approximately 500 m. At the crossing, take a left turn toward Gorenji Vrsnik. After 500 m, you will reach the houses of Gorenji Vrsnik. Continue along the road through the village and keep to the left. After about 200 m, you will reach a courtyard with a chapel to the left and a signpost showing the way to the Church of St Thomas. If at this point you haven’t seen the church yet, we recommend you take the gravel road to it and then return to the chapel. Continue along the road and take a right turn at the next fork, immediately followed by left turn between the houses. After 400 m, you will reach the crossing at the starting point.
Vrsnik is also full of interesting side trails, roads, and paths that are suitable for cycling or hiking. The picturesque villages with winding paths nestled among the hills welcome you to explore their wonders.
VISIT IDRIJA
