The Gorjanci, hills of Trdina's legends

The Gorjanci, beech woods on the border

The Gorjanci are the largest range in Dolenjska and stretch along Slovenia’s southern border. The high point is Trdinov vrh, at 1,178 m. Don’t expect rock walls. This is beech country, with remnants of primeval forest and steep slopes full of springs.

The tourist board says 23 hectares of primeval forest surround the summit, with trees more than a metre in diameter and up to 40 m tall. OpenStreetMap marks the area as a nature reserve, Pragozd Gorjanci, on the Šentjernej side.

The hills of legends

Because of Janez Trdina, a Slovenian writer who wrote about the tales and legends of these woods. Hence the name of the summit and of the Trdina Trail, which at 150 km is the longest of the routes suggested by the Novo mesto tourist office. The most famous spring of all is Gospodična, which the tourist board names as the first protected natural site in Dolenjska.

The Gospodična and Minutnik springs

The springs on these slopes, including Minutnik and Gospodična, are a major source of drinking water for the Novo mesto basin. I like keeping that in mind on the walk, because it explains why the forest is looked after so carefully.

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Hiking to Gospodična and Trdinov vrh

One of the most popular routes climbs to Gospodična, just below Trdinov vrh. There’s a mountain hut here serving a traditional walkers’ meal, and Visit Novo mesto says that on clear days the view stretches to the town, across Dolenjska and as far as Ljubljana. From the hut you can carry on through the forest to the summit.

You don’t need mountaineering experience, but bring good footwear, water and an extra layer, as it’s cooler under the trees. If you prefer the quieter Slovenian mountains, this is one of them.

What to see below the Gorjanci

Below the Gorjanci, near Kostanjevica na Krki, lies Kostanjevica Cave, normally open for guided tours from April to October, though closed for renovation until 15 April 2027. The River Krka and its tufa barriers are close by in the valley. I’d combine the walk with an afternoon in Novo mesto or a night at Otočec Castle.

The Gorjanci also work on two wheels. The tourist board for neighbouring Bela krajina points out that the Gorjanci and Kočevski Rog give the area routes for every level, from gentle family rides to tougher climbs, and its network includes 15 signposted cycling trails.

So you do not lose the morning at the ticket office, browse tickets and tours in Gorjanci on GetYourGuide.

If you are staying the night, see the best hotel deals in Novo mesto for your dates: the well-placed rooms go fast.