Mount Saint Mary (Smarna Gora)
Šmartno, Ljubljana - Šmartno, Slovenia, 1211
Dominating Ljubljana’s skyline to the north, the twin peaks of Grmada and Mount Saint Mary (Smarna Gora are popular outdoor recreation spots for locals and visitors. Mount Saint Mary is the eastern of the two peaks and panoramic views of the Julian Alps and the Ljubljana basin can be enjoyed at the summit where you’ll also find a popular restaurant and an 18th-century baroque church.
The basics
Depending on your fitness ability and the difficulty of the trail you choose, it can take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes to hike to the top of Mount Saint Mary. Opt for a guided hiking tour enjoy the views without having to worry about navigating your way to the summit. You can also enjoy rock climbing on the craggy limestone cliffs, mountain biking, or cross-country skiing in the winter. Don’t miss enjoying some traditional Slovenian sweets at the summit restaurant like the puffy sugar-covered donuts called miške and ringing the church bell for good luck.
Things to know before you go
- The short-hike to Mount Saint Mary is suitable for families and hikers of all abilities.
- Don’t forget your camera, Mount Saint Mary is a favorite spot for photographers.
- The trails to the summit are unpaved and not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
- Grmada is less-visited, so choose this trail if you’re looking for solitude.
How to get there
The top of Mount Saint Mary can only be reached by foot. Fifteen different trails lead to the summit, with the most easily accessible trail starting in Tacen. Tacen is about 5.5 miles (nine kilometers) north of Ljubljana and is easily reached by bus from central Ljubljana.
When to get there
Mount Saint Mary is a popular year-round destination for both locals and visitors alike. The peak can be hiked year-round and is frequented by cross-country skiers and sledders during the winter months. Mount Saint Mary is one of the best spots to catch the sunrise in Ljubljana.
Other Hiking Trails in Ljubljana
Ljubljana is crisscrossed with numerous hiking and cycling trails. Right in the center of town, several hiking paths lead to the top of Castle Hill from Old Town. Another locals’ favorite, Rožnik Hill is reached via several paths leading from Ljubljana's Tivoli Park. From Roznik Hill, you’ll also find the 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) Jesenko Trail interpretive trail.
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