Gornje Poljane is the highest setttlement in the Lož valley and at the same time the highest in southern Slovenia. It is located on the steep terrain of Racna gora hillside that closes out a large eastern part of Lož valley with its ridges and separates it from Loški potok. A lookout hill Petiček (1163 m) and the highest hilltop of Racna gora slope - Petelinjek (1212 m).
Gornje Poljane (Upper Poljane) is officially a part of Dolenje Poljane (Lower Poljane) and has no permanent inhabitants since the year 1992. Its exceptional natural characteristics, maintained ethnographic and cultural heritage, along with the hospitality you will come across at the tourist farm -https://www.loskadolina.info/en/tourism-jure.html-, have made it into a popular hiking destination. In order for it to attract even more hikers, Members of the Snežnik - Lož valley Mountain Association marked a circular mountain hiking trail from the Viševek village to the Gornje Poljane village. Circular mountain hiking trail takes us through the kingdomof Notranjska forest, while endowingthe place with cultural attractions.In Gornje Poljane, on a tourist farmTurizem Jure, you will find a registrationbook and a stamp.
Viševek - Gornje Poljane
Starting point: Viševek (583 m)
Finish: Gornje Poljane (1065 m)
Predicted time: 2 h 30 min
Level of difficulty: easy marked path
Difference in altitude: 483 m
Map: Notranjska s Snežnikom 1:50 000
Acces:
Drive to the Lož valley down the regional road that takes a turn towards Babno polje at Bloška polica, first drive through Lož and in the next town - Stari trg - turn left for Viševek at the crossroads. Car can be left on a parking by the St. Mary Assumption Church (adjoined cemetary).
You will notice blazes from the parking place already and they will lead your way towards east down a back road until reaching the first crossing. The route being circular, it is possible to set out through the Vrhnika village or to the right by the Bajer settlement and both ways will lead you to Gornje Poljane.
Route description:
Circular mountain path to Gornje Poljane will take you through the kingdom of Inner Carniola forests. It is here that Kočevje and Snežnik forests meet to uncover the riches of flora and fauna.
Beside the starting point, you will only get a chance to step out of the forest at the occasional woodlands and clearings passing by the fields and pastures of the Lož (karst) field.
The climb over the slopes is gradual, only occasionally it turns more uphill and makes it a bit tougher.
The hiking trail to Gornje Poljane offers you a hiking pleasure in all seasons, although it will take a little bit more out of you in winter.
PHOTO: Edvard Šega
