The battlefield of Mount Krn

Route Description for The battlefield of Mount Krn

Your hike starts from Klement Jug Lodge (Dom dr. Klementa Juga). Take the wide cart-track in the direction of the Krn lakes. Soon the path splits into two parts. The left one is slightly steeper, but the right one is longer and more suitable for children and elderly (who are pretty remarkable if they are tackling such a big day out!) . Both paths climb through the forest above Lepena valley and cross each other several times.

The paths meet again, and from that point in a few minutes you’ll reach a small saddle. From here on the track descends. It walks past the turnoff to Velika Baba. A few metres ahead, you’ll get to a crossroad. You’re going to leave the road and turn left for the Krn lakes lodge (Planinski dom pri Krnskih jezerih). Note that if we continue on the original track we will miss the lodge. The path descends, passes a short clearing, and reaches the lodge. It’s time for a cup of tea or a snack!

From the lodge, continue in the direction of Krn. In a few minutes you’ll pass the Duplje pasture and reach the next crossroad. Continue straight (going to the left takes you to Dom na Komni lodge).

Soon you will get to the pearl of the Krn mountain, Krn lake. Step down to the shore and look at the mirroring image of Mount Krn on the glistening surface of the lake.

Return to the path and continue on the left side of the lake. On the other side of the lake, the path turns slightly to the left and starts to climb up the rocky slope. Check out the karst phenomena happening to the rocks while you climb up. They are the ones that look like they’re dissolving.

Higher up, the path turns slightly to the right and brings you to the extensive sand deposits near the Na Polju pasture. The peak of Mount Krn is visible when you look out across the large meadow.

With wonderful views of the surrounding peaks, you’ll cross the grassy plateau. You’ll notice a small hunter´s cabin off to the side, away from the path. On the other side of the meadow the path starts to climb again. Soon you’ll reach a crossroad. Turn right in the direction of the Krn notch.

The path climbs up the steep slopes. You’ll switchback you’re way up until you reach the Krnska Škrbina saddle (you may see patches of snow in the early summer). On the saddle, you’ll spot the remains of a military post and some rusty howitzer parts.

Continue to the right on the grassy slope (the route to the left heads to Batognica, and going straight takes you to the Kuhinja pasture). Soon you will reach a fork in that path. The right path leads straight to the top of Mount Krn. The left path crosses the grassy slope in the direction of Gomišček lodge. You’ll make it to both, but head right first.

Continue on the ridge path to the summit (do not walk too close to the edge of the ridge). In approximately fifteen minutes, you will find yourself on the top of Mount Krn.

From the summit descend for about five minutes and have a rest and a bite to eat in the Gomišček lodge. There is a spectacular panorama of the Soča valley. The view even reaches the Adriatic Sea on a clear day.

From the lodge cross the slope back to the Krnska Škrbina saddle. Return the same way you came up.

Insider Hints for The battlefield of Mount Krn

• You can extend this hike to two days by sleeping over at Gomišček hut. You will be kindly welcomed. Ask for some home-made bread. Be sure to turn on your alarm clock and get up early the next morning. The sunrise from the top is just spectacular.
• It is easy to reach Bogatin saddle (Vratca) from the Krn lakes lodge. You can combine this hike with Komna and Lanževica for a multiday trip.
• If you are interested in WW1 history, you should climb to Mount Batognica. The path starts at Krnska Škrbina saddle and leads past the remains of bunkers and underground tunnels, where the Italian and Austro-Hungarian lines were the closest together. Watch your step on the stairs above the open wall.
• During summer you can buy dairy products from the huts on all mountain pastures.