Uskovnica Hike
The high-alpine village of Uskovnica (1140m) occupies the plateau north of Studor, and is easily reachable as an extension to that walk, with most of the climbing done. As you head higher up, you enter a different world, far away from the bustle of the lakeside.
Uskovnica benefits from an excellent Mountain Hut, Planinska Koča na Uskovnici, selling meals and drinks – perfect for lunch or an afternoon snack. You can stay the night there too, and use it as a base to explore higher up.
Wildflowers abound, especially after the snow melts in April/May, and life seems to shift down a gear. The walk can be extended yet further by following the path to the head of the Voje valley via a steep descent through the forest, allowing a return via the Mostnica Gorge (18km, 6-7hrs). This extended walk is described as the Uskovnica and Voje Hike.
Uskovnica Hike - Details & Map
Difficulty – intermediate
Start point – Escape to Bohinj, Stara Fužina
End point – Escape to Bohinj, Stara Fužina
Highest point – 1150m
Total climb – 640m
Total distance – 11km round trip
Walking time – 4-5 hours from Stara Fužina
Path type – forest paths
Refreshments – available in Stara Fužina and Uskovnica
This interactive map allows you to view the route, and should show your location if you have GPS enabled. Click here to download a .gpx file for use with GPS-enabled devices.
Directions to Uskovnica
The first part of this hike is described in the ascent of Studor – follow this description as far as Planina Blatce. At the end of the day, you will return via the path to the west of this little alp. But for now, you need to find the small path heading north; as you enter the planina from the summit of Studor, turn left (west) and after 20-30m the path heads off on the right. There is a signpost to Uskovnica, but it can be tricky to find. The GPS map above should help.
The path quickly joins a forest road which you follow uphill for the next ~2km. There is little traffic, and sometimes none at all. Occasionally, the path cuts off some of the longer road switchbacks, but if you miss one it won’t matter – the road only goes to one place.
After a fairly straight, flatter section of the road, it turns sharply right. Instead of following it, head straight on along the path. After another 1km or so, a signpost points right to the koča – follow this, and the hut will be on your left in a few minutes.
On a fine day, it is a lovely place to sit outside with a cold drink and some hearty mountain food.
To return, head back down the road to Planina Blatce, turn right and pick up the path down to Hudičev Most (Devil’s Bridge). Before crossing the bridge, turn left and the road will take you back to Stara Fužina.
