Jelenk
1107 m
PANORAMIC SUMMITS
Hiking time
2 h 15 min
The authentic natural environment of Idrijske Krnice and Jelenk, where the Dinaric Karst intertwines with the pre-Alpine world, while certain areas also enjoy the influence of the Mediterranean climate coming through the Soča and Idrijca valleys, is home to a rich flora. The endemic Idrija primrose (Primula x venusta) has found ideal conditions for its growth here.
From various vantage points, the view opens northwards towards the Julian Alps, westwards towards the villages of Jagršče and Šebrelje, and to the south-west the Krniška plateau is bordered by the torrential valley of the Kanomljica River.
The view from the top of Jelenk is not particularly generous, but there is an open horizon at the nearby lookout point in the hillside above Idrijca. From there, you can see the opposite ridge above the Idrijca, the Škofja Loka and Polhov Gradec hills, all the way to Mount Triglav.
In addition to a variety of flowers along the way, you will also see the fortifications of the Alpine Wall, built by the Italian army in the Krnice area between the wars.
Attractions
- Fortifications of the Alpine Wall
- Jelenk – natural monument and royal botanical mountain
The Krnice mountain of Jelenk is an area where the Idrija primrose grows along various species of medicinal and protected plants. Its peak is protected as a natural monument. - The Charcoal Burning Festival
With the establishment of the Idrija mercury mine at the end of the 15th century, the demand for charcoal skyrocketed. Charcoal burning thus became an important source of income, particularly for the less wealthy inhabitants of Idrijske Krnice who did not own enough land to survive through farming. The almost forgotten art of charcoal burning is revived every year in Idrijske Krnice with the Charcoal Burning Festival. - Activities
Hiking to Jelenk for Pentecost
Local services
Trail map
Trail description
Reaching the starting point: From Logatec, drive towards Tolmin, or vice versa. When you reach Spodnja Idrija, turn left (or right, if you are driving from Tolmin) towards Kanomlja. After 300 m, you will notice a large Hidria parking lot to your right, where you can park on weekends and holidays as it is reserved for employees.
Trail description: Traverse the bridge leading across the Kanomljica River across the parking lot, then continue straight ahead on the asphalt road to a crossroads and turn right onto a road that goes past several houses. After a short ascent, markings for Jelenk will lead you across a meadow and uphill. In the middle of the meadow, step off the gravel road and continue left on a marked footpath. The trail leads into a forest and goes quite steeply uphill. It leads you to a viewpoint and then continues to a road where you turn left. A good hundred meters later, blazes will direct you to the right and uphill. When you reach a crossroads, continue left on the easier road that ascends gradually (to your right, the very demanding road leads across Kendovi robi). Under a homestead, the ruad turn right onto a steep footpath that will rise past the house and across a meadow on top of which it will turn left into a forest. Soon you will reach a pleasant creek with a small crossroads. Continue on the marked road in the direction of Jelenk. The path will rise steeply through the forest, traverse a forest road, and lead you to the next homestead. Here, you continue left on the road (not marked well) until you reach the next house. Behind it, continue on the road to your right and go uphill. You will ascend on a gravel road that will lead you across a slope that is becoming less covered in vegetation. Just below the peak, you will notice markings for Jelenk that will direct you to your right and lead you to the top.
Shorter option (hunting cabin–Jelenk): To reach the starting point, drive towards Tolmin from Logatec, or vice versa. When you reach Spodnja Idrija, turn left (or right, if you are driving from Tolmin) towards Kanomlja. Soon after the industrial zone in Spodnja Kanomlja, a road branches right towards the village of Idrijske Krnice. Where the ascending roads flattens out, you will notice markings for a hunting cabin (lovska koča) and Jelenk. At the wooden board, you can park your car (small parking lot on the main road).
From the board, contine walking toward the hunting cabin and Jelenk. After a minute, you will reach the hunting cabin. Continue straight agead on the gravel road that will ascend gradually throught the forest above the cabin. After a few minutes, a marked footpath will branch off the gravel road; as it is abandoned, you can continue on the gravel road (a short distance is unmarked) and the marked path will soon join it. When the two roads join, the gravel road descends and turns into a footpath. Continue ascending through the forest and the trail will lead you to a larger clearing just under the peak. A few steps into the clearing you will reach a wide gravel road and notice markings for Jelenk. Go in the direction of Jelenk and you are steps away from the peak. You can return to your starting point on the main gravel road that leads from Jelenk to Cesar and back to the parking at the hunting cabin.
Viewpoint option: You can reach the Masorski robi viewpoint by turning into the forest opposite the homestead at Jelenk and follow the marking for the viewpoint (razgledna točka). Blazes will lead you to a smaller meadow and then a few steps through a fir forest. The viewpint is 10 minutes away froom Jelenk.
Source: hribi.net
VISIT IDRIJA
