Stage 1 | Route description

The Karawanken–Karavanke Trail begins at the car park in front of the Alpine Centre and school in the village of Zell–Pfarre/Sele–Cerkev. It initially runs along well trodden paths (macadam paths, forest paths) towards the Koschutahaus/Koča pod Košuto mountain hut. From the hut a steep path leads directly beneath rocks past Koschutnikturm/Košutnikov turn and Dicke Koschuta/Tolsta Košuta, where it crosses an area of scree. A beautiful view awaits as you reach the Potok saddle, where you can turn towards Mela Koschuta/Mela Košuta to see its unique geological features. The path leads through a beech forest, and through the wild and furrowed countryside past Kalischnikturm/Kališnikov turn on winding paths that in places open up towards the Reschounikturm/Ržovnikovo poldne and Meleschniksattel/ Sedlce saddles, where there is a wooden church, then steeply uphill past the chapel of saint Pamenutius to Schaidasattel/Šajda. From Schaidasattel/ Šajda the Karawanken–Karavanke Trail continues along the 'Simon–Rieger– Steig' path no. 623, which leads in and out of a beautiful pine forest uphill to Kuhberg/Kravji vrh. Continue past pleasant meadows, the ruins of the former Rainer Schutzhaus shelter towards the summit of Hochobir/Ojstrc, where you can stop and enjoy the far–reaching views. Hochobir/Ojstrc is justifiably famous for its exceptional views. To the south there are views of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, while to the north one can see the Klagenfurt basin, the lakes of Austrian Carinthia and the Tauern main ridge. On a clear day there are views of the highest Austrian and Slovenian mountain tops. The descent from the top leads past the ruins of the former Rainer Schutzhaus shelter, continuing downhill at all times following the trail markers. There's not far to go after you pass a sign for 'Kalte Quelle/Mrzla voda' (Cold water) spring, where a small bench beckons for a short rest and another chance to soak up the views. From here the path leads through the forest back to the Eisenkappler Hütte/Kapelška koča mountain hut.