Theme trails in Udin boršt
Along the majority of sites of natural and cultural heritage in the wider area of Udin boršt, three thematic hiking trails are routed that offer the visitors healthy and diverse recreational experiences: Through the Conglomerate Karst Land hiking trail, Curved Fir Tree rural and natural science trail and Water nature trail Strahinj.
Near the first two, there are occasionally rest places beside the road with benches and tables where visitors can refresh themselves and enjoy the nature.
Through the Conglomerate Karst Land hiking trail
Theme of the hiking trail
Udin boršt is a conglomerate terrace between Kranj, Naklo and Tržič, where the process of karstification had been happening since the Ice Age (200–300,000 years ago). Today, it is considered a textbook case of the conglomerate, as well as shallow and isolated Karst, not only in the region, but also wider. As a result of the terrain, it is also one of the last closed areas of the lowland forest in the Upper Carniola.
In Udin boršt, all the main Karst phenomena are present; the most common are sinkholes, Karst caves, potholes and sinks. At the contact between the conglomerate and impermeable grey marl soil, numerous springs originate. Among them, the most famous springs are in water caves: Large and Small Lebinica, the Arneš Hole, Dopulnik and the Dacar Abyss. Currently, there are 14 caves explored in Udin boršt, among which the two longest are over 800 metres long (the Arneš Hole with two halls and stalactites). With the Karst terrain, flora and fauna, microclimate, the manner of management, water supply and history with many myths and stories (e.g., hiding in caves from the Turks, brigands) are associated. The vast majority of caves and the greatest frequency of sinkholes are in the western part; therefore, a thematic hiking trail was arranged in that part.
Contents and course of the hiking trail
The thematic hiking trail runs along the western, mostly peripheral part of Udin boršt and interconnects eleven of the most interesting, instructive and typical phenomena for the shallow or young conglomerate Karst: the Arneš Hole, Snake Cave, Dopulnik, the Arneš Zijalka Cave, the area of sinkholes, the gabled valley, the Kadunec Spring and Dam above Strahinj, the Large Lebinca, mud – the breading hole and blind valley. At all points, there are informative plates with the name and basic information about the phenomenon, and near the point of the mud – breathing hole, there are also the entrance panel with a map and a table with an introductory description of the conglomerate Karst of Udin boršt. Along the way, there are also a major rest place and numerous separate benches. The course of the hiking trail is marked with the guiding plates with a Curved Fir Tree motif and coloured bands on trees.
Approximate duration of the tour: 3 hours.
Length of the trail: 9 km.
Starting point: Centre of the Strahinj village or centre of the Lower Duplje at the Vogvar House.
Manner of tour: On foot or combination bike – on foot.
Seasonal availability of the trail
The trail is accessible in all months except between December and February or the first half of March when the area is mainly snowed-in. Due to the melting of snow or the soakiness of terrain from the autumn / spring snow, November and March are less suitable for visits. In general, it can be said that the best time for your visit is between April and October.
Guided tours and contact
By prior arrangement for smaller or larger groups, also school groups, a guided visit of the hiking trail can be organised, as well as extra offers (snack on the go, lunch in local restaurants, learning and experiential workshops on the trail, etc.).
For guided tours and extra offers, please contact:
CTRP Kranj
Strahinj 99A
4202 Naklo, Slovenia
Tel.: +386 4 257 88 28, Mobile: +386 40 733 344, E-mail: info@ctrp-kranj.si
The nearest info point: For the information on the visit of the thematic trail, extra offers along the way and the Udin boršt–Naklo Experience of Nature and the Countryside that had fascinated the brigands pamphlet, you may contact the following informal info point for Udin boršt:
CTRP Kranj
Strahinj 99A
4202 Naklo, Slovenia
Tel.: +386 4 257 88 28, Mobile: +386 40 733 344, E-mail: info@ctrp-kranj.si
Curved Fir Tree rural and nature trail
Theme of the hiking trail
The wider range of Udin boršt includes the protected forest core (ca. 1,700 ha) and the rural periphery. Thus, the visitors at the doorstep of the city (Kranj) can learn about the three groups of interests. First, the nature with the most characteristic phenomena of the conglomerate Karst (caves, potholes, springs) in Upper Carniola, and one of the most extensive and tranquil lowland forests, which are interwoven with streams, lakes and wetlands. On the outskirts of the village towards the inside, we find very diverse forms of human management and closeness to nature, for example forestry, wildlife and tall orchard care. The latter was planted by a man, but the nature took care that the hollow trunks were populated by various species of birds. Since some of them feed on insects that destroy crops, birds were useful and desirable.
Due to ideal hiding places in the woods and rich countryside and nearby towns, the brigands operated here in the 19th century. These very special bandits mainly came from military deserters, and through years of secret operation they had formed a special style of life and mutual language. There were many stories about their actions and (miraculous) abilities, but today they can be awaken by visiting their Under the Curved Fir Tree points or by participating at the "finfranje", the brigands' party at the end of winter.
Contents and course of the hiking trail
The Curved Fir Tree rural and nature trail connects 25 points of rural management, natural heritage and ethno-historical heritage (including the brigands) in the north-western part of the wider area of Udin boršt. It was named after the point at the heart of their forests, where the brigands were gathering in the past, and today, it is a very popular hiking spot. The nature trail goes entirely along the village, forest and field paths, while the visitors are guided by the wooden plates with a stylised figure of a curved fir tree and guiding arrow. The trail is not physically strenuous, but it is long since it measures 15 km in its entirety. There is also a possibility of a shorter circle and the visit of only the rural and historic attractions, which comprises about a half of the total length. At some points of interest, the landmark is only described on a small plate, while somewhere landmarks are recreated (displayed beehive, hotel for insects, the brigands' camp). At point 17, there is a rest place for visitors, and some individual benches are placed elsewhere along the trail. The trail is connected with the Upper and Lower Duplje and Strahinj by three sides.
Approximate duration of the tour: 5 hours (or ca. 2.5 hours without the tour of the Karst phenomena).
Length of the trail: 15 km (or ca. 8 km without the part that goes to the Karst phenomena).
Starting point: At the entrance in the Trnovec Camp (Upper Duplje, near Tržiška Bistrica), where an informational board of the trail with a map is situated, or in the centre of Lower Duplje at the Vogvar House.
Manner of tour: On foot or combination bike – on foot.
Seasonal availability of the trail: The trail is accessible in all months except between December and February or the first half of March when the area is mainly snowed-in. Due to the melting of snow or the soakiness of terrain from the autumn / spring snow, November and March are less suitable for visits. Most often, the visitors visit the trail between April and October.
Guided tours and contact
By prior arrangement for smaller or larger groups, also school groups, a guided visit of the hiking trail can be organised, as well as extra offers (snack on the go, lunch in local restaurants, learning and experiential workshops on the trail, etc.).
For guided tours and extra offers, please contact:
CTRP Kranj
Strahinj 99A
4202 Naklo, Slovenia
Tel.: +386 4 257 88 28, Mobile: +386 40 733 344, E-mail: info@ctrp-kranj.si
The nearest info point
For the information on the visit of the thematic trail, extra offers along the way and the Udin boršt–Naklo Experience of Nature and the Countryside that had fascinated the brigands pamphlet, you may contact the following informal info point for Udin boršt:
CTRP Kranj
Strahinj 99A
4202 Naklo, Slovenia
Tel.: +386 4 257 88 28, Mobile: +386 40 733 344, E-mail: info@ctrp-kranj.si
Water Nature Trail Strahinj
Theme of the hiking trail
Wherever we are, we are surrounded by water, and that is ultimately what a huge part of our body consists of. Marine or freshwater, river, brook, in pond, puddle or rain water is fresh water in nature.
On this basis, the pupils and professors of the Biotechnical Centre Naklo designed the Water Nature Trail Strahinj* (with the extension to Udin boršt), which is equipped with five educational boards.
The Water Nature Trail Strahinj with the extension to Udin boršt covers eleven points of interplay of various forms of water and human existence in the countryside. Of these, six are water points and the rest have the content of the rural management and cultural heritage.
Approximate duration of the tour: 2–3 hours.
Length of the trail: 5 km.
Starting point: The pond in front of the Biotechnical Centre Naklo near Strahinj.
Manner of tour: On foot or combination bike – on foot.
Seasonal availability of the trail: The trail is accessible in all months. Due to the melting of snow or the soakiness of terrain from the autumn / spring snow, November and March are less suitable for visits.
*The Water Nature Trail Strahinj was prepared and arranged in the framework of the Environmental Technician Programme (Biotechnical Centre Naklo) within the V.O.D.A. Project (Eng., W.A.T.E.R. Project).
