Our Toughest Hike Yet

Grintovec (2,558 m) is the highest peak of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps in Slovenia, attracting hikers with its breathtaking panoramas and authentic mountain atmosphere. For those seeking an unforgettable climb, here's a complete guide to the route — packed with practical tips and our personal impressions. 

Routes to the Summit

We started our hike from Kamniška Bistrica, specifically from the parking area near Dom v Kamniški Bistrici. From there, the trail to Grintovec follows a well-marked red hiking route that safely guides you all the way to the summit.

Along the way, you'll come across Cojzova Koča, a mountain hut located roughly halfway up the trail. It's the perfect spot for a short rest, a snack, or to recharge before the final climb. As we'll describe later, this hut can truly become a lifesaver in case of sudden bad weather or other unexpected mountain situations — offering shelter when you need it most.

Continuing along the red trail, you'll eventually reach the summit of Grintovec, where a breathtaking panorama of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps unfolds before you.

Time and Difficulty

The ascent to Grintovec takes around 4–6 hours, depending on your pace and chosen route, while the descent usually takes 3–4 hours. The trail is of moderate difficulty, with some steep sections that require extra caution — especially in wet or snowy conditions.

That said, these estimates apply if no complications arise!

Practical Tips

• Start your hike early in the morning to avoid potential afternoon storms.

• Take advantage of mountain huts along the way for rest and refreshments.

• Don't forget your camera — the panoramic views from the summit of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps are absolutely breathtaking and a must to capture.

Our Grueling Ascent

When our four-person group was planning a road trip through Slovenia, the original plan was to climb the country's highest peak — Triglav. Unfortunately, the weather forecast offered only one sunny day in the mountains. Since attempting Triglav in a single day would have been too challenging for our group, we decided on Plan B: tackling Grintovec instead.

The Ascent

The first two hours took us through the forest, where the climb was still gentle. But then things started to pick up. The slope steepened, forcing us to lift our feet high and carefully navigate slippery tree roots. After another hour, the forest began to thin, and the trail turned rocky. By the four-hour mark, the trees had disappeared entirely.

At that point, the weather started closing in again, with light drizzle turning heavier by the minute. Clouds dropped, and suddenly we were engulfed in an impenetrable fog — visibility was no more than three meters.

Mirka and I were slightly ahead of the group. We knew there was a hut roughly halfway along the route, and we needed to reach it as quickly as possible. We wanted to push forward, but we couldn't leave our friends behind. Since we couldn't see each other, all we could do was shout to make sure everyone was still following.

Then the first rumbles of thunder echoed around us. We were right inside the clouds — every lightning strike lit up the entire sky in a blinding flash. The drizzle had turned into full rain, and we continued climbing through the storm for about 30 more minutes until we finally reached the long-awaited hut.