Mali Grintovec Hike, Slovenia
Mali Grintovec, at 1,813 metres, was my next goal on the ridge above Kališče. Although it is less well known than nearby Storžič, its wild character and peaceful surroundings completely impressed me.
I continued towards Mali Grintovec from Bašeljski Vrh, following a varied ridge with sections that became narrow and steep. The route between dwarf pine and rocks required a steady step and a little more attention, but it also made this part of the hike feel much more adventurous.
The reward at the summit was impressive. Because Mali Grintovec is slightly set back from the more prominent peaks, it offers a close-up view of the steep walls of Storžič and neighbouring Srednji Vrh, while the Kokra Valley and much of Gorenjska spread out below.
Starting the Hike in Mače
The hike to Mali Grintovec begins in Mače, but my route to the summit was part of a longer mountain adventure. After reaching Bašeljski Vrh, I continued along the ridge above Kališče towards Mali Grintovec.
This section of the route was more rugged than the earlier part of the hike. The ridge became narrow and steep in places, with the trail winding between dwarf pine and rocks.
I found this part particularly enjoyable because of its wild and secluded character. It felt like a natural continuation of the hike, with Mali Grintovec ahead and the surrounding mountain landscape opening up around me
Walking Route to Mali Grintovec
From Bašeljski Vrh, I continued along the ridge towards Mali Grintovec. The route was quite varied, with a narrow and steep trail winding through dwarf pine and rocky terrain.
Some sections required more careful walking, especially where the ridge became narrower and steeper. I had to pay attention to my footing, but this also made the route feel more adventurous and added to the wild character of the hike.
The further I continued along the ridge, the more I enjoyed the feeling of being away from the busier mountain trails. The combination of rocks, dwarf pine, and the rugged ridge made this a particularly memorable part of my route to Mali Grintovec.
Summit and Views
Reaching Mali Grintovec at 1,813 metres was a great moment for me. The summit felt particularly special because of its wild and secluded character, with far fewer people around than on some of the better-known peaks nearby.
The views were the real highlight. From the summit, I had an impressive close-up view of the steep walls of Storžič and the neighbouring Srednji Vrh. Below me, the entire Kokra Valley and much of Gorenjska opened up across the landscape.
Because Mali Grintovec is slightly set back from the more prominent peaks, the views have a different character. The close mountain walls and the wide valley below created an impressive combination that made stopping at the summit well worth it.
My Experience
Mali Grintovec completely impressed me. I really enjoyed the wild character of the mountain and the feeling of being away from the more crowded trails.
The ridge from Bašeljski Vrh made the experience even more interesting. The trail was quite easy overall, but there were a few exposed sections where I had to pay more attention. At some points, the trail became very steep, so a sure step and extra caution were important, especially on the narrower parts between the rocks and dwarf pine.
Because of the terrain, I recommend appropriate mountain hiking equipment, particularly proper hiking boots with good grip.
What I liked most was the sense of solitude. There was something special about standing on Mali Grintovec with the rugged walls of Storžič so close and the Kokra Valley far below. For me, this was one of the most memorable parts of the whole mountain adventure.
Hike Details
- Starting point: Mače, Slovenia – 164 m
- GPS Coordinates: 46.347239, 14.428035
- Destination: Mali Grintovec – 1,813 m
- Route: From Mače via Bašeljski Vrh and the ridge towards Mali Grintovec
- Elevation gain: Approximately 1,650 m from Mače
- Hiking time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes one way from Mače, depending on pace and trail conditions
- Difficulty: Moderate. The route is generally manageable, but some sections are very steep and a few parts are exposed.
- Parking: Available near the starting area in Mače
- Trail type: Marked mountain trail through forest and alpine terrain, continuing along a rugged ridge towards Mali Grintovec
- Terrain: Forest paths, rocky sections, dwarf pine, steep slopes, and exposed parts of the ridge
- Safety: Extra caution is needed on steep and exposed sections, especially in wet conditions
- Recommendation: Wear appropriate mountain hiking equipment, including sturdy hiking boots with good grip, and take extra care on the steeper sections.
- Scenery: Views of Storžič, Srednji Vrh, the Kokra Valley, Gorenjska, and the surrounding Kamnik–Savinja Alps
Best Time to Visit Mali Grintovec
I would recommend visiting Mali Grintovec from late spring through early autumn, when the higher sections of the ridge are generally more suitable for hiking. Clear and dry weather is particularly important because some parts of the route are steep and exposed.
I would avoid the route in poor weather, especially when the rocks are wet or visibility is reduced. The combination of steep terrain and exposed sections requires more attention in such conditions.
During winter, snow and ice can make the ridge considerably more difficult. Proper winter mountain equipment and experience are recommended if you decide to hike Mali Grintovec during the colder months.
Trail Conditions
The trail towards Mali Grintovec is generally manageable, but some sections become very steep and require extra attention. I found the route quite easy overall, although the steeper parts made me slow down and focus on my footing.
There are also a few exposed sections along the ridge, particularly where the trail passes through rocky terrain and dwarf pine. These parts are not necessarily difficult, but they should be approached carefully, especially if the ground is wet.
I recommend appropriate mountain hiking equipment and sturdy footwear with good grip. In changing mountain conditions, it is important to take your time and not underestimate the steeper sections.
What to Bring
For the hike to Mali Grintovec, I recommend bringing suitable mountain equipment and being prepared for changing conditions along the ridge.
Bring:
- Sturdy mountain hiking boots with good grip
- At least 3 litres of drinking water
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Snacks for the hike
- A small hiking backpack
- Trekking poles, if you are comfortable using them on steep terrain
- A phone or camera for photographs
Because some parts of the route are very steep and a few sections are exposed, proper mountain footwear is particularly important. During winter, I recommend crampons, as snow and ice can make the steeper sections much more difficult and slippery.
Why Visit Mali Grintovec?
I would recommend Mali Grintovec to hikers who enjoy quieter and more rugged mountain routes. What makes this hike special for me is the feeling of solitude and the wild character of the ridge above Kališče.
The route is not extremely difficult overall, but the steep and exposed sections add a little more adventure and require a steady step. I liked this combination because the trail never felt too crowded or overly developed.
The summit is another major reason to visit. The close views of the steep walls of Storžič, Srednji Vrh, and the Kokra Valley below create an impressive mountain setting that is difficult to forget.
Mali Grintovec can also be reached by crossing Bašeljski Vrh on the way. You do not need to make a separate ascent to Bašeljski Vrh, as the route can simply continue across the summit towards Mali Grintovec.
For anyone looking for a quieter alpine experience with a more rugged character, Mali Grintovec is definitely worth exploring.
Photography
Mali Grintovec offers excellent opportunities for mountain photography, especially along the ridge and around the summit. The combination of rocky terrain, dwarf pine, and the rugged mountain landscape creates a very natural and wild setting.
The views towards Storžič are particularly impressive. From Mali Grintovec, its steep walls appear remarkably close, while Srednji Vrh adds another interesting feature to the mountain landscape.
Looking down towards the Kokra Valley and across Gorenjska also provides excellent opportunities for wider landscape photographs. I found the summit especially rewarding for photography because the surrounding scenery felt so open and untouched.
Final Thoughts
Mali Grintovec was one of those mountains that really surprised me in a good way. I enjoyed the wild character of the route and the feeling of being away from the more crowded mountain trails.
The ridge towards the summit was varied, with sections between dwarf pine and rocks, as well as some steep and exposed parts where I had to be more careful. Although the route is generally manageable, these sections gave the hike a more adventurous character.
What impressed me most was the summit. The steep walls of Storžič looked incredibly close, while Srednji Vrh, the Kokra Valley, and the wider landscape of Gorenjska opened up around me. It was a great place to stop and take in the surroundings.
I would definitely recommend Mali Grintovec to hikers looking for something quieter and more rugged. It can also be reached by crossing Bašeljski Vrh on the way, making it a great addition to a longer ridge hike.
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