The trail around Slivna via Pivkelj Pass

Where does the name Slivna come from?

A legend from the time of the Turkish occupation tells the story. During one of their night raids, the Turks came to the village that is now Slivna. At a farmstead with a family of ten, they killed nine of them, burned down the farmstead, and captured a young boy, Marko, taking him with them to train him as a Janissary. They dragged him away tied to a horse’s tail. In the Turkish Empire, Marko served a large landowner while also being trained as a Janissary. However, by observing the sun’s movement, the boy carefully memorized the direction in which they had taken him and never forgot his hometown. One day, while the Turks were at a feast, he seized the opportunity and fled with Marjetica, who had also been abducted. They took three horses with them, as they needed one to carry the tree saplings they had cultivated in Turkey. Despite their long years in exile, they found their way back to their homeland and planted the saplings they had brought with them. These were plum trees, and since then, this place has been called Slivna.

The village of Slivna marks the start and end of a circular trail that encircles the Slivna massif, with its highest peak, Pivkelj Turn, reaching 880 m. From the village center, the trail leads westward through the GEOSS Adventure Park, which offers exciting adrenaline-pumping experiences and forest adventures. The program is designed for all ages.

Before the end of the forest, we turn left and reach a cart track leading toward Gora. Here we continue through Gora and arrive at the small church of St. Florian, first mentioned as early as 1526. Following the cart track, we continue to the hamlet of Štance Laze. Here we turn south, passing the shooting range—where the first rest stop is located—and through the forest and meadow we reach the edge of the Ušenišče-Dešen quarry.

Along the entire route, in good weather, we can enjoy the panorama: Nanos, Krim, the Sava River basin, Snežnik, Učka, the Kamnik-Savinja and Julian Alps, the little churches at Janče and Miklavž, etc. Along the way, during the blooming season, we are accompanied by: the Carniolan lily, the mountain avens, and other mountain beauties. We turn left toward the east and reach the highest peak, Pivkelj Turn, where more than 2,000 people sign the guestbook every year. The diligent Sead Ćurak takes care of the summit itself, which features a bell for good luck, a stamp, a statue, and a bench for resting.

From the summit, we continue toward Zg. Slivni to the Church of St. Neža, 833 m. From here, we turn southwest. At a solitary house (Golezen-Dešen 22), where there is an old telephone repeater, we turn left toward Vrtače. At Vrtače, you can continue walking along the road to the GEOSS–Zapodje junction. From there, we continue left, past GEOSS, and arrive back in the village of Slivna. The circular route is approximately 10 km long and takes about four hours to complete. The trail is marked with the sign “POT SLIVNA.” (Total elevation gain is 370 m.)

GEOSS: This is the precisely calculated center of gravity of our country. Numerous cultural events take place here, preserving our cultural heritage, strengthening our shared national roots, and fostering a sense of national identity. GEOSS is a ceremonial site of the Republic of Slovenia, often serving as the destination and starting point for various athletes carrying the message or flag to European championships, the Olympic Games, etc. The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has also adopted a special GEOSS Act.