Prevala (1311m) and Begunjščica (2060m)
Date: July 22, 2018
Start: 8am from Ljubljana, 9am from the starting point (the Ljubelj/Loibl Pass)
Duration: 1.5 hours to Prevala, 3.5 hours to Begunjščica (optional)
Difficulty: Easy walk to Prevala, steep but safe climb to Begunjščica
Registration: Google form
Hike info: sdjt@ijs.si
Description >
Equipment >
Adam Kilgarrif at Grintavec (2347 m) in July 2013
The view from Begunjščica.
Organization: Darja Fišer and Damjan Popič
The Euralex Conference in Ljubljana coincides with the 5th anniversary of our last hike with our dear friend and inspiring colleague Adam Kilgarriff which we did just before driving together to the Euralex conference in Bolzano (15-19 July 2014). We hiked to the summit of Grintovec (2558 m), a strenuous hike even for experienced mountaineers, which Adam climbed in his sandals. Not only did he reach the summit first, he also offered to carry our backpack! I don’t remember ever seeing him happier than on that mountain.
The Slovene Language Technologies Society has been organizing a hike in Adam’s memory since then. On this occasion, we wish to invite the Euralex participants to join us on a beautiful hike to the Slovenian Alps we are certain Adam would have loved. The first part of the hike is easy, with lots of beautiful vistas, a tunnel and a mountain hut with great food. If you want a more challenging hike, you can also choose to continue all the way to the top of Begunjšica, a summit over 2000 meters above sea level.
The transportation from Ljubljana to the Ljubelj Pass and back is kindly sponsored by Lexical Computing. Please bring your own drinks and food (can also be purchased at the hut). In order to be able to organize the hike safely, registration is required by 10th July 2018. The hike is family friendly and everyone is welcome but please register each hiker separately.
Description of the hike
We will drive to the Austrian-Slovenian border and begin our ascent from the Ljubelj Pass (1058 meters above sea level) following a stunning route through the Born Tunnel (a spectacular century-old 250-meter tunnel dug directly through the mountain) and along the slopes offering a scenic view of the valley and prominent peaks.
Entering the Born Tunnel (nastja.com).
We will reach the Prevala alpine pasture after 1.5 hours of walk (and 250 meters worth of ascent) and split into two groups. One will enjoy the good eats and splendid views of the Prevala alpine cottage, whereas the second will attempt a steep climb to Begunjščica via the aptly-named Calvary. It will take us additional two hours to reach the summit, at which point we will be able to choose to return to Prevala or go via a different path that will bring us to another cottage (Zelenica) and back to the starting point. The descent takes about two hours, regardless of which path we choose.
The path towards Zelenica.
In terms of technique, the hike is by no means difficult, but you will require good hiking shoes, sunscreen, stamina and plenty of water. The initial part of the path goes around the slopes of the mountain, so it may prove difficult for those who don’t have a good head for heights. However, you will be accompanied by experienced mountaineers every step of the way.
Walking along the initial part of the Born Trail (Slotrips.si).
Equipment
- sturdy hiking boots
- comfortable clothes (in layers, this side of the mountain can get quite hot in July but can be quite chilly and windy on the summit)
- rain gear (anorak, no umbrellas please)
- headlamp (we will be walking through a 250 m long unlit tunnel)
- water bottle
- snacks/fruit
