The old railway connecting Ljubljana and Tarvisio (Trbiž) was built in 1879. It was 102 km long and enabled the turism in the Upper Sava Valley to begin evolving. Additionally, it contributed to the popularization of Alpine ski jumping. The railway was constructed by over 12,000 workers. The last train ran on March 31, 1966 and enabled a visit from Marshal Tito, who came to watch ski jumping in Planica.
Today, a new cycling path runs along the Jesenice-Rateče-Planica route. It is 28 km long, and part of the old railway route has been converted into a walking path. The most scenic section, built in 2000, stretches from Mojstrana to Rateče. In 2014, a connection between Jesenice and Mojstrana was added, and in 2018, another connection was built between Rateče and Planica.
The starting point is in front of the Slovenian Alpine Museum in Mojstrana, which is the pride of the Slovenian mountaineering community and a must-visit. The museum boasts a vast collection of exhibits suitable for both young and older visitors. In addition to its permanent ("Way to the Mountain") and occasional exhibitions, the museum hosts numerous events and houses major attractions like visual presentations, a helicopter used in mountain rescue operations, a virtual zip line from the top of Mount Triglav, and the original old Bivak II, which is designed as an escape room experience.
The local community of Dovje-Mojstrana is made up of four villages: Mojstrana, Dovje, Zgornja Radovna, and Belca. It serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the mountains, with its rich cultural and natural heritage. It is also known as the village with the most Olympians (21 athletes) in Slovenia, and it even has its own Olympic Square.
The most significant cultural treasure is the Pocar Homestead in Zgornja Radovna, which is over 600 years old. Peričnik Waterfall is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the glacial valley of Vrata.
The trail starts in Mojstrana and goes to Kranjska Gora and even further to the Nordic Centre Planica. The village of Kranjska Gora is a world-famous tourist and ski center. With its hosting of three major events—Pokal Vitranc (Alpine skiing), ski jumping in Planica, and cross-country skiing in Planica—Kranjska Gora stands out as a top competitor among other tourist destinations. The village was originally called Borovška vas, named after an old tree that stood where the church now stands. For younger visitors, the village is especially known for the beloved character Kekec, from the tales of the Upper Sava Valley written by Josip Vandot, which inspired three films. A statue of Kekec can be found on the road leading to the Vršič Pass.
Continue your journey along the Alpine skiing World Cup track, Vitranc, and the Zelenci Nature Reserve, where the Sava Dolinka River (later known simply as the Sava) originates. You will then arrive at Rateče, the last village in the Upper Sava Valley and the final station on the old railway. From here, people traveled to the large ski jumping events in Planica.
Today, the Nordic Centre Planica is located here, opened in 2015. It is known for its eight ski jumping hills, one of which is the second-largest in the world. The centre hosts ski jumping and cross-country skiing World Cup competitions. Planica has played a crucial role in the history of ski jumping, as the first jump over 100 meters was made here in 1936, and the first jump over 200 meters in 1994. The last of 41 world records was set in 2005, with a jump of 239 meters, and the current world record stands at 252 meters.
The Nordic Centre is also famous for hosting cross-country skiing World Cup events and was the venue for the 2023 World Championships.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the information center, ride to the top of the ski jumping hill, and descend on the steepest zip line. The final attraction is Lake Jasna, located on the road leading to the Vršič Pass, with stunning views of Prisank and Razor. The lake was a popular swimming resort between the world wars. The two man-made lakes will not disappoint, and the refreshingly cold water is perfect for hot summer days.
Slovenian Alpine Museum (650 m) - Kranjska Gora (810 m) - Planica Nordic Centre (945 m) - lake Jasna (830 m) - Slovenian Alpine Museum (650 m)
Start your trip in front of the Slovenian Alpine Museum. Continue towards the village of Dovje and turn left at the main crossroads, 600 meters from the starting point. Ride past the park and over the blue bridge, under which the Sava Dolinka flows. Shortly after, ascend the hill and turn left onto the paved cycling path.
Continue past the cycling station (Wi-Fi point, stop point Sonček) in the direction of Kranjska Gora. Follow the cycling path all the way, crossing three bridges over the Sava Dolinka river and passing a few smaller stop points. Once you arrive in Kranjska Gora, the path connects to the main road, which leads past the cemetery and over the Pišnica river. Cycle straight ahead and ascend towards the village center. The church will be on your left.
Continue your trip in the direction of Rateče and rejoin the cycling path, which is wider than in the first section. Cycle past the venue for the Alpine Ski World Cup and the last skiing areas. On your right, you will see the walking path to Zelenci, which you can visit during your tour.
In Rateče, cross the main road behind the old train station (a large house on the right) and return to the cycling path. Turn left and ascend until you reach the Nordic Centre Planica. To return, follow the same route back. At the crossroads, you may choose to explore the village of Rateče or turn right in the direction of Kranjska Gora.
Pass the skiing areas and before the turn to the village center, turn right and connect to the road that leads to Vršič. There is a pavement on your right, so you can continue straight ahead, ascend slightly, and cross the bridge over the Pišnica river, where a view of Lake Jasna opens up. Cycle around the lake and return to the main road above the Pišnica river.
Turn right after 1.5 km, cross the bridge over the river, and continue straight through the village to the crossroads with the main road. Before the crossroads, turn right onto the cycling path and continue your trip back to the starting point—the Slovenian Alpine Museum.
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