The charcoal trail

The charcoal trail invites you every day of the year, and in May you can join the traditional hike. The entire trail passes by the diggings in different stages, over 12 km of undulating grass, forest and asphalt terrain.

The hike does not require any special physical fitness, but equipment for walking in the mid-mountains is recommended. Along the way, you’ll encounter a rich cultural heritage, make genuine contacts with charcoal burners and carpenters, and be won over by the friendly hostesses with homemade delicacies. The trail starts at the hunting lodge at Kal pri Dole, from where you follow signs to the points of interest along the way. In the charcoal villages of Suhadole and Slavina, as well as elsewhere along the way, you will be welcomed by charcoal burners. They will be happy to show you what they have learned from their grandfathers. From Suhadole, the trail leads to the village of Gradišče. The hill slopes quite steeply on the south and east sides, while the approach from the north-west is steeper. Along the way you can see an abandoned lime kiln where lime was once burnt. Then continue through the forest to the charcoal village of Slavina and from there to the picturesque waterfall of Bena. It consists of several small waterfalls before the central waterfall, where the water falls 8 m into the ground.

In winter, the waterfall turns to ice, which is particularly attractive. From here, we head towards the Church of St Katarine of Aleksandrijske, dating from the first half of the 18th century, which is part of the pilgrimage route. The thirsty and hungry will enjoy the agritourism of Pr’Krjan in Dobovica, where they know how to cater for hikers’ souls. In addition to excellent food, homemade juices and liqueurs are their speciality. From here, we continue to the old forge at Mandl, where they have a feather hammer, the so-called fool, which, along with the blacksmith’s hearth, was the basic work preparation in the forge. We continue to a breathtaking viewpoint over the Sopot and Bistrica valleys. In clear weather, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Alps, Snežnik, Trdinov vrh and many other peaks. Nearby Kum seems within easy reach.

The last point before the end of the trail is Zavrh Castle, called Neudorf. The manor was considered the second seat of the Valvasors, a famous family who also owned a mill in the Sopota valley. Continue to the hunting lodge at Kalu pri Dole, where the trail ends.

Information: ŠD Dole, info@dole.si.