Gontarska Planina Hike

Gontarska Planina is a quiet and underrated hiking destination in the Polhov Gradec Hills, offering a peaceful escape into nature not far from Ljubljana. The trail leads through beautiful forest paths where the sounds of everyday life quickly disappear, leaving you surrounded by fresh air, trees, and the calm atmosphere of the countryside.

The hike includes a very steep uphill section, making it a good workout for hikers who enjoy a more demanding climb. After reaching the plateau, the route becomes much more relaxed and continues through the landscape towards the viewpoint at Gontarska Planina.

With peaceful forest surroundings, open landscape, and rewarding views at the top, Gontarska Planina is a great choice for anyone looking for a quieter hiking destination away from busier mountain routes.

Starting the Hike in Trnovec

The hike begins in the village of Trnovec, where parking is available near the starting area. This is also the same starting point used for the hike to Osolnik, which can be useful if you are familiar with that route.

From the starting point, the trail quickly enters the forest and begins climbing uphill. The first part of the route is peaceful, with trees and quiet surroundings accompanying you as you gradually gain elevation.

The forest section provides a pleasant start to the hike before the route eventually reaches the small saddle, where you continue towards Gontarska Planina and the steeper part of the ascent.

Walking Route to Gontarska Planina

The route continues through the forest until you reach a small saddle, where you turn towards Gontarska Planina. From here, the trail becomes very steep, and most of the elevation gain is made during this section.

This is the hardest part of the hike, but I also like it because it provides a good uphill workout. Once you reach the plateau, the trail becomes much more level and the hike changes into a more relaxed walk through the landscape.

You continue walking across the plateau until you reach the viewpoint at Gontarska Planina, where you can stop, take a break, and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Summit and Views

Reaching Gontarska Planina feels especially rewarding after the steep climb. Once you reach the top, the trail becomes more relaxed and you can enjoy a peaceful walk across the plateau.

At the summit area, there is a bench and a summit register where you can take a break. The viewpoint offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and towards the Ljubljana Basin.

I especially like stopping here after the steep ascent, sitting down for a while, and enjoying the quiet landscape before heading back down.

My Experience

I really like Gontarska Planina and often come here because the steep ascent is a good hill workout for me. The trail is quite steep until you reach the plateau, so the climb gives you a good amount of exercise and makes the hike feel more like proper mountain training.

Once you reach the plateau, the character of the hike changes. The steep climb is behind you and the route becomes more of a pleasant walk through the landscape. You continue walking for some time before finally reaching the viewpoint at Gontarska Planina.

I enjoy this change during the hike. You first have to work your way up the steep section, and then you can slow down and enjoy a much more relaxed walk across the plateau. When I reach the viewpoint, I like to take a break and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the views.

I have been to Gontarska Planina several times and it is a place I like returning to. For me, it is not only a nice place to enjoy nature, but also a good hill for training and keeping up my hiking fitness. The combination of the steep ascent, quieter landscape, and rewarding viewpoint is what keeps me coming back.

👉 Recommended hiking shoes 


Hike Details

• Starting point: Trnovec, Slovenia
• GPS Coordinates: 46.114080, 14.337570
• Elevation: Gontarska Planina – 894 m
• Hiking time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes one way
• Difficulty: Moderate, mainly because of the very steep ascent towards the plateau
• Parking: Available near the starting area in Trnovec
• Trail type: Forest trail with a very steep uphill section followed by a more level walk across the plateau
• How to get there: Reach Trnovec and follow the forest path until you reach a small saddle. From there, continue towards Gontarska Planina and climb the steep section towards the plateau.
• Scenery: Peaceful forest, open landscape, surrounding hills, and views towards the Ljubljana Basin
• Recommendation: Suitable hiking footwear is recommended because of the steep ascent, especially in wet, snowy, or icy conditions.

Best Time to Visit Gontarska Planina

Gontarska Planina can be visited throughout the year, and each season gives the hike a different atmosphere.

Spring brings fresh greenery and pleasant forest scenery, while summer provides shade during the forest section. Autumn is especially beautiful when the surrounding hills are covered in colourful foliage.

Winter can be more demanding because snow and ice can make the steep ascent slippery. Because of the very steep section, suitable hiking footwear is recommended, and during winter, proper mountaineering equipment may be necessary depending on snow and ice conditions.

Trail Conditions

The trail is mostly a forest route, but the conditions change significantly on the steep ascent towards the plateau. This section is the most demanding part of the hike, with a sharp uphill climb where you gain most of the elevation.

After reaching the plateau, the trail becomes much more level and easier to walk. Wet weather can make the steep section slippery, while snow and ice can make it considerably more challenging during winter.

Good hiking footwear with proper grip is recommended throughout the year. In winter, suitable mountaineering equipment may be necessary, depending on the amount of snow and ice on the trail.

What to Bring

Because the route includes a very steep uphill section, I recommend good hiking footwear with proper grip. This is especially important in wet conditions, when the trail can become slippery.

Bring enough water, weather-appropriate clothing, and a small backpack for personal items. The steep ascent can be physically demanding, so having enough water is important.

During winter, proper mountaineering equipment may be necessary, and I also recommend carrying crampons because of the very steep section, especially when the trail is covered with snow or ice. A camera is also worth bringing for the views from Gontarska Planina.

Why Visit Gontarska Planina?

Gontarska Planina is a great choice if you enjoy quieter hiking routes and want a good uphill workout without spending the whole day in the mountains.

The steep ascent provides a proper challenge, while the more level section across the plateau gives you time to relax and enjoy the landscape. The peaceful surroundings and views from the top make the effort worthwhile.

I also like that this is a place I can return to regularly. For me, Gontarska Planina is not just a nice hike, but also a great hill for uphill training.

Photography

Gontarska Planina offers nice opportunities for photography, especially towards the end of the hike when the forest opens up and you reach the viewpoint.

I like photographing the landscape around the plateau and the views from Gontarska Planina. After the steep climb, it is also a good place to stop for a while, take some photographs, and enjoy the surroundings.

The forest along the route provides a different type of scenery, with quiet woodland and natural surroundings. On a clear day, the open views from the top make the final part of the hike especially rewarding for photography.

Final Thoughts

Gontarska Planina is a hike I really enjoy and one that I often return to. The steep ascent makes it a good uphill workout, while the more relaxed walk across the plateau gives the hike a completely different feel.

I like that the route offers both a physical challenge and peaceful surroundings. Once the steep section is behind you, you can take your time walking towards the viewpoint and enjoy the landscape.

For me, Gontarska Planina is one of those hills that is worth returning to, especially when I want a good uphill workout combined with a peaceful walk and beautiful views.

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