Hiking on the surface. Wonders beneath the surface.

From a geographical perspective, the border area that we are traversing is exceptionally diverse.

Along the trail, there are numerous cave systems – both natural and artificial – on the slopes of Obir as well as on Ojstra and Topica on the opposite side. In close proximity to the Eisenkappler Hütte (SLO: Kapelška koča) there are excavated mines, where miners mainly dug for lead ore.

Let's plunge into the unbelievable world of water. To do this, we will venture somewhat outside of the boundaries of this stage of the trail into the Obir stalactive caves – undoubtedly one of the biggest and most spectacular natural wonders on the Karawanken-Karavanke Trail!

Whether its uphill or long-distance, hiking is the theme that takes first place for us, and a theme that has long marked Eisenkappel (Železna kapla): this dual-language municipality lies on the route from the north to the south, along which iron and salt was transported in the past. Digging for iron ore formed the basis of local prosperity. Following the end of the iron industry, forestry took over the leading role in the economy. It wasn't until towards the end of the 19th century that Eisenkappel acquired the role of a thermal and climatic health spa for lovers of summer refreshment.

And we, too, can sense this freshness: in the forests and on meadows where we are greeted by gentian, linaria, and marvellous Turk's cap lilies, in ditches and on mountain peaks and, last but not least, beside a really special spring, which will revive our tired limbs – the Agnes spring. The low mineralisation and temperature provides one with a huge measure of energy. It's time to fill our water bottles before we once again succumb to the beauty of the forest!

…stories go round the forest […].

With its hidden hunting fields, feeding grounds and areas where wild berries and mushrooms grow, these are places that people prefer to keep to themselves. The most secret places, to where no paths or wood bridges lead, are even more mystical – these are places that you have to search for by following hunting trails, stream beds, hideouts and survivals dens and the bunkers, where, it is said, our people used to hide.

(M. Haderlap, Angel of Oblivion)

A bunker? At first sight it seems that we are simply surrounded by spruce, beech, pine and larch trees. However, so much more is hidden within.

The author and a recipient of the Bachmann prize, Maja Haderlap, captured the atmosphere of the landscape surrounding Eisenkappel, which we experience for ourselves on this stage. The entire area has a turbulent past – mining and a tough life. War and horror. Defining boundaries and linguistic rivalry. A tiny part of this can still be heard and sensed to this today. Among others, the Peršman Museum in Eisenkappel is a reminder of what this place has been through.