A Stroll Across the Mežakla Plateau

The starting point of the “Stroll across the Mežakla Plateu” is located at the bus station in Kočna village and is marked with an information board. Climb the slopes of Mežakla above the village. During the ascent, leave the marked path briefly to see the “Poljanska baba” solitary rock formation. After returning to the marked path, continue uphill to the Obranica mountain pasture, where you can find the memorial marking the first battles against the German occupier and a monument honouring the partisans fallen during WWII. There is also a small shepherd’s hut on the upper part of the mountain pasture. Walk past the hut westward and cross Mežakla, partly on the trail and partly along forest roads. The trail passes Snežna jama, a 70 m long karst cave with an entrance through a collapse doline, where snow does not melt for a very long time. Eventually, the trail starts to ascend towards Planski vrh (1299 m), where a meteorite landed on 9 April 2009. Upon reaching the top, you will arrive at the northernmost point of the Mežakla plateau. Follow the marked trail westward to Zakop. On your right, you will first see the stone arch of the natural bridge on Mežakla. At the transmitter, you can enjoy the most beautiful view of Jesenice and the Karavanke mountains. The signposts before Zakop will direct you towards the partisan hospital, which is hidden under an overhang and provided shelter for wounded partisans. At Zakop, where the monument honouring the fallen partisans stands, the marked trail heads towards the south slope of the plateau. Follow the trail to descend to Jesenice.

You can also hike the trail in the opposite direction. Attention should be paid to orientation despite the marked trail, especially on the Mežakla plateau.