Where continents meet.

The name of the town of Črna na Koroškem is no coincidence – the narrow, upper part of the Mezica valley is actually something of a mysterious place. It's a bit like being at the end of a ravine with hidden treasure. Kordeževa glava – the highest point of Mt. Peca – rises up prominently above the town, while down below the Meža river winds its way through the valley towards the Drava.

Here, history opens up in front of our eyes – both more recent and ancient: the Ice Age and its impact on the landscape surrounding us, the mountain world and the treasures that it hides within, and the water alongside which people settled. Traces of the past of the mining era.

And on the mountain they call it 'a lost place' – an abandoned mining village 1,000 metres above sea-level. Helena. When mining was at its peak at the start of the previous century, over 1,000 people lived and worked here. All the houses were interconnected by underground tunnels. The tunnels were the main transport and life-important connection: all purchases went through them, and for some, it was also a last resting place. During our hike, we can also make use of it as a short-cut.

On this stage, the trail takes us up and down, and as we sense life in the past, we can imagine how hard it must have been. Lead and zinc were treasures, while in this area mining was the main source of income and the existential meaning of life. But that phase of history has been and gone. We will walk in its footsteps. Today it is just nature that renews this place.

 Other treasures don't want to be unearthed on this trail, but just admired.

For example, Bufa bufa. Or Bonasa bonasia.

Do they sound alien? One is a species of toad and the other a hazel grouse, which together with the exceptionally colourful palette of the animal garden, represent part of the local fauna. With a bit of luck and wide open eyes, we will certainly encounter many among them.

 It's not about searching for treasure, rather that we've found treasure!

But what's that noise in the air?

Above the trail and our heads is the longest zipwire in Slovenia. When we reach its start in Črna na Koroškem, we can also set off on a 'flight' towards Africa – seen from the perspective of the geological history of the earth.

Do you have a need for speed? Magnificent birds' eye views await!

That's probably how peregrine falcons feel as they soar through the air – the fastest creatures on earth. Their dive-bombing flight can reach speeds of over 300km/h, which no other creature can match.

Their abodes are the Obist rocks above Črna na Koroškem.

From the air to the underworld – who's coming along?

On foot, by bike or by kayak? You!

This awaits in Mežica at the end of this exciting stage of the trail.

This mine that is no longer in use offers so much it's simply amazing: cycling through the underground, tours of the flooded tunnels by kayak, a demonstration of mining, through which one can experience history for oneself. It is alleged that this is the home of the goblin Bergmandelc, who has a liking for good people. Is he, too, watching over the treasure in the mountain? These treasures are wulfenite, sphalerite and galena – minerals that not only have a magical appearance but also brought prosperity to Mežica.

And last but not least, the Romans were aware of this, as well as the fact the Mežica is an idyllic place.