Trip Date: May 15, 2024
2024 SLOVENIA ADVENTURE VACATION
Mala Osojnica Viewpoint Loop
Osojnica Saddle
Mala Osojnica Viewpoint
Trip Report Summary
Region: Julian Alps (Slovenia)
Area: Lake Bled basin
Starting & Ending Point: Velika Zaka parking lot on Kidriceva Road (Elev. 1600 feet / 490 meters)
Way Points: BRT Trailhead & Osojnica Saddle & Mala Osojnica Viewpoint & BRT Trailhead & Velika Zaka parking lot (trail hike)
Approximate Stats: 1.5 miles / 2.4 kilometers traveled; 650 feet / 200 meters gained & lost; 1.9 hours elapsed.
…
Full Trip Report
The Blejski Razgledni Trail, or Bled Round Trail (BRT), probably represents the “signature hike” near the town of Bled in northwestern Slovenia. It’s not the shortest hike or the longest hike, and it’s not the easiest hike or the hardest hike. However, nothing else showcases the striking beauty of Lake Bled like this 1.5-mile / 2.4-kilometer trail that loops over a forested hill called Velika Osojnica.
The BRT starts at the western end of Lake Bled, where a large parking lot provides convenient trailhead access for a nominal fee. The trail itself is a loop that can be hiked in either direction. Without having any knowledge of trail conditions, Eileen and I arbitrarily chose to do it in a counterclockwise direction. Our route took us steeply uphill on an old road that was well-graveled in some sections and very muddy in others. We were happy to not be going down the slippery mud.
.
Going in our counterclockwise direction, we passed a junction with a short spur trail leading to a low viewpoint called Ojstrica. Farther uphill, the BRT comes to another junction in a broad saddle. Here, a right-trending trail leads to the wooded summit of Velika Osojnica (velika means large in the Slovenian language). We went left on the BRT, which curves around a lower summit called Mala Osojnica (mala means small).
The dense forest along the BRT prevents any views until you arrive at a rocky ledge closely below the summit of Mala Osojnica. This rocky ledge offers a breathtaking vantage point for Lake Bled and tiny Bled Island, with its 17th Century pilgrimage church. Just beyond, you can see the famous Bled Castle perched on a high cliff, and the town of Bled at the far end of the lake.
.
.
From Mala Osojnica Viewpoint, the BRT begins descending the eastern side of the hill. But don’t think that the fun is over; very soon you will arrive at the top of a long, steep, wooden stairway leading down a cliff. This is followed by tight switchbacks that have been cut into the rock walls. Cables have been installed in key locations to mitigate the exposure.
.
.
The BRT eventually reaches mellower terrain and follows an old road back to the starting point. Eileen and I completed the loop in slightly less than 2 hours while moving at a fairly relaxed pace. For someone wanting a short but moderately strenuous hike near Lake Bled, this loop would be hard to beat!
Route Map & Profile
…
…
Photo Gallery
Click to enlarge…
