Šija Mountain Hut – 1,523 m

The scout hut is located in the Košuta mountain range, more specifically on the Šija mountain pasture. Inside the buildings of the former guardhouse, the scouts have set up a cozy mountain lodge that serves as a starting point for hikes to the surrounding peaks (Veliki vrh, Kofce gora, Malo Kladivo, Kladivo, or the traverse across Košuta to Košutnikov turn) or a pleasant spot to rest and refuel during a hike through the mountain pastures on the slopes of Košuta.

The mountain hut offers 31 beds and a separate apartment with 8 beds. They serve homemade cuisine and can assist you in organizing various camps, celebrations, gatherings, and excursions in the surrounding area. The hut offers traditional Slovenian dishes, as well as refreshing and hot beverages.

The lodge is an excellent starting point for easier and more challenging hikes to Veliki vrh, Kofca gora, Kladivo, Škrbina, … or simply for walks across the mountain pasture, where local farmers’ cattle graze in the summer. Thanks to the well-maintained road, the Šija mountain pasture is also a popular destination for mountain bikers.

Upon request, organized groups can enjoy various activities, such as a climbing wall, archery, and wilderness survival…

Culinary offerings

Homestyle dishes – stews (jota, goulash – made with various meats, bržole – made with various meats, obare), farm-style dishes (sausage, sauerkraut, buckwheat mush, various strudels), desserts (rolls – “štrudli,” buckwheat omelet with forest fruits, potica…), seasonal dishes (sour milk, masovnek…), and they can also prepare a delicious snack according to your wishes.

Notes

The lodge is accessible on foot from various directions, and during the summer months, the road across the Pungrat mountain pasture is also passable.

Dogs are also welcome to stay overnight at the lodge by prior arrangement.

Open: from June 15 to September 15; the rest of the year from Friday afternoon through Sunday and on holidays. For private groups, the lodge is also open outside these hours.

How to get here:

• TRŽIČ – PODLJUBELJ – MATIZOVEC – KOFCE – ŠIJA
• TRŽIČ – DOLINA – JELENDOL – KRIŽIŠČE – FRATA – ŠIJA
• TRŽIČ – DOLINA – JELENDOL – PUNGRAT – ŠIJA

Access options:

The first and second routes take you through the beautiful Tržič Valley into the heart of the Karawanks. You can drive part of the route, while the other part is a hiking trail. You decide the length of the hike yourself, as you can leave your vehicle by the road at suitable parking spots.

The third route can also take you all the way to the Šija mountain pasture. This route can be a cycling challenge, as you’ll cycle through the entire picturesque Dolžan Gorge, the Dolina Valley, and Jelendol, and then cross Dolžanka and the Pungrat mountain pasture to reach Šija. The route is 21 kilometers long.

Photos: Facebook page of the Šija Mountain Hut