FROM HORJUL TO KORENO

Climb one of the nicest scenic ridges in the Polhov Gradec Dolomites! Koreno, the village and the peak that separate the valley of the Horjulščica stream from the valley of the Gradaščica stream, rises high enough (729 m) to offer a magnificent view. The view spans the Ljubljana basin, the rest of the Polhov Gradec Dolomites, the Krim Hills, and hills towards Notranjska, and stretches all the way to the Alps. Koreno is home to the oldest church in the municipality of Horjul, which is dedicated to St. Hermagoras and Fortunatus from the early 14th century. At the Turistična kmetija Pr'Janš tourist farm, you can refresh yourself with homemade food at the end of your ascent – or, as they say in these parts: God greets you in these parts!

Start your tour in Horjul, which is one of the largest settlements in the Polhov Gradec hills, and is set in a picturesque natural environment. You can park in the local sports park, from where the route leads you to the main road link to Dobrova. Cycle along it for a short distance towards Zaklanc until the signpost for Polhov Gradec leads you left onto a narrower, low-traffic road. From here, you have a fine view of the Church of St. Urh on Dolomite Hill, famous for its well-preserved medieval walls with the towers of the former anti-Turkish defence camp.

The road gently climbs, leaving behind the Horjulščica valley, flanked on both sides by vast forests. You ascend through forests, meadows, and pastures to the village of Prosec where you leave the road to Polhov Gradec and ride towards the houses and outbuildings to the end of the asphalt. From here, the route proceeds on a gravel road, mostly in the shelter of the forest, but in places the world opens up and you look out across grassy hayfields and up Alpine slopes again. This is the most challenging part of the ride, as the gradient does not let up until you emerge from the forest into the open countryside just before Koreno. Soon, you can rest under the linden tree by the Church of St. Hermagoras and Fortunatus and enjoy in the magnificent view.

From here, all that is left is a descent back down the asphalt, low-traffic serpentine road to the starting point, with a worthwhile break at the Pr'Janš Tourist Farm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). What better way to end the day than with authentic local delicacies!

The trail is not signposted, so we recommend using a map or a GPX track.