Pohorje–Kozjak Trail: a hiking adventure between Pohorje and Kozjak

Discover the beauty of nature and culture as you hike through the forests of Pohorje and Kozjak on this circular long-distance trail. Follow the route to see where it leads you – and where it is worth stopping along the way.

Explore Pohorje and Kozjak in your hiking boots

Step into one of Slovenia’s greenest regions and experience an authentic connection with nature and the people who live there. The 180-kilometre Pohorje–Kozjak Circular Trail reveals a wealth of hidden natural and cultural treasures well worth taking the time to explore. Along the way, you can take a break, sample some local delicacies and chat with the hospitable locals.

The trail connects existing marked routes in both mountain ranges, with individual stages starting and ending at accessible points, mostly reachable by public transport or by car or bike.

However, there is no need to hike the entire trail in one go. You can choose a shorter hiking trip or a multi-day adventure. But remember – once you set foot on this trail, you will surely keep coming back.

The Pohorje–Kozjak Trail is not just a hiking trail, it is a journey through the forests of Pohorje, the views of Kozjak and the stories of the people living along the Drava River.

The renowned British media outlet BBC has listed the Pohorje–Kozjak Trail among the world’s five most anticipated hiking trails of 2026.

While many hikers in Slovenia beeline to the Julian Alps in the country's north-west, the Pohorje–Kozjak Trail encourages adventurers to discover the country's less-crowded eastern corner.

Alex Crevar, BBC

Tri osebe sedijo na lesenem pomolu ob mirnem jezeru, med visokim trstičjem, medtem ko sončni žarki osvetljujejo vodno gladino in odsev gozda v ozadju. — Foto: Matic Ritonja

Pohorje–Kozjak Trail in numbers

Let’s start with the trail’s key statistics and technical details. This will help you plan your hiking adventures in this hilly corner of north-eastern Slovenia.

Ruler icon indicating the total length of the trail.

Total route length

187,5 km

A stopwatch icon indicating the average walking time.

Duration

63.6 hours

An icon of a path with three flags indicating stages of the route.

Total number of stages

20 (10 Pohorje + 10 Kozjak)

Ruler icon showing the measurement of individual stage lengths.

Length of individual stages

4 to 15 km

Icon with a green spruce tree and a wooden cabin.

Length of the Pohorje section

85,3 km

The icon shows a group of spruce trees, with the central spruce tree in green.

Length of the Kozjak section

102,2 km

Icon of the outline of Slovenia with the lower part in green.

Number of municipalities connected by the trail

Highest point

Black Peak (1,543 m)

Map showing the route of the Pohorje–Kozjak Trail with the path marked. — Interaktivni zemljevid poti, je dostopen na strani Pohorje - Kozjak Trail

It’s time to hit the trail

Although you can choose where to start and how far to walk, the main starting point of the Pohorje-Kozjak Trail is Maribor. The city, home to the oldest grapevine in the world, lies between winegrowing hills, the green Pohorje Mountains and the Drava River. Maribor is also the starting point of the Slovenian Mountain Trail, the oldest long-distance mountain trail in Slovenia.

From here, hikers first head west across Pohorje along the southern part of the route, cross the Drava River near Dravograd, and then return to Maribor via Kozjak. While Pohorje is dotted with mountain huts and ski slopes, Kozjak offers a calmer, more boutique-like hiking experience.

Due to its length and elevation differences, the trail is classified as a more demanding multi-day mountain route, yet it is not technically difficult. Individual stages are also suitable for families with small children, while hikers looking for greater challenges will likewise find plenty to enjoy.

Discover the world between Pohorje and Kozjak

Watch videoPohorje - Kozjak Trail

The 10 stages of Pohorje

The green Pohorje embraces you with the freshness of vast spruce forests, clear streams and waterfalls. Stretching nearly 85 kilometres, the trail leads past marshes, mountain meadows and scenic viewpoints. Along the way, hikers also cross the Pohorje ski slopes and can pause for a rest at one of the many mountain huts.

The Pohorje section of the trail is defined by a relaxed walking rhythm, close contact with untamed nature and a distinctive forest backdrop, which is why Pohorje is considered one of the greenest outdoor areas in Slovenia.

Most stages are not technically demanding and are well suited for longer hikes. The most family-friendly stages run from Spodnje Radvanje to the Maribor Hut, from Klopni Peak to Rogla and from Rogla to the Ribnica Hut.

Explore the Pohorje stages

Stage 1: Sp. Radvanje–Maribor Hut

Stage 2: Maribor Hut–Ruše Hut

Stage 3: Ruše Hut–Bajgot

Stage 4: Bajgot–Trije kralji

Stage 5: Trije kralji–Klopni Peak

Stage 6: Klopni Peak–Rogla

Stage 7: Rogla–Ribnica Hut

Stage 8: Ribnica Hut–Kope

Stage 9: Kope–Hut below Kremžar Peak

Stage 10: Hut below Kremžar Peak–Dravograd (Meža)

Photo: Matic Ritonja

The 10 stages of Kozjak

Unlike Pohorje, Kozjak reveals a wilder, more primeval landscape. There are fewer mountain huts, but for those seeking a retreat from the crowds and an authentic connection with nature, it is a true paradise. The terrain is slightly steeper and more rugged than in the Pohorje region, yet still not overly demanding. The trail leads along scenic ridges on the border with Austria, past isolated farms and through forests, and provides beautiful views of the Drava River.

Kozjak gives hikers an authentic rural experience, contact with local stories, and a sense of escape from the rhythm of everyday life.

The most suitable stages of the Kozjak section are from Kapla na Kozjaku to Sv. Duh na Ostrem vrhu, from Pernice to Sv. Jernej nad Muto, and from there onwards to Sv. Primož.

Explore the Kozjak stages

Stage 11: Dravograd–Košenjak Mountain Hut

Stage 12: Košenjak Mountain Hut–Pernice

Stage 13: Pernice–Sveti Jernej nad Muto

Stage 14: Sveti Jernej nad Muto–Sveti Primož

Stage 15: Sv. Primož nad Muto–Radlje ob Dravi

Stage 16: Radlje ob Dravi–Remšnik

Stage 17: Remšnik–Kapla na Kozjaku

Stage 18: Kapla na Kozjaku–Sveti Duh na Ostrem vrhu

Stage 19: Sveti Duh na Ostrem vrhu–Hut on Žavcar Peak

Stage 20: Hut on Žavcar Peak–Maribor

Two mountain ranges, three destinations, 13 municipalities

The Pohorje–Kozjak Trail takes hikers through three major destinations and connects 13 municipalities. Along the way, it encourages the cooperation among local providers – from mountain huts and farm stays to accommodation and food service providers – as well as the development of multi-day hiking experiences. Discover the destinations you will encounter along the trail.

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Maribor – Pohorje

The Styrian capital at the base of the green Pohorje Mountains

Rogla - Pohorje

A world in the heart of the Pohorje Hills with beneficial Alpine climate and green forests

Koroška

A hidden gem and a treasure trove at the eastern edge of the Alps

More than 100 natural and cultural landmarks along the way

The Pohorje–Kozjak Trail is more than just a route. It is an experience of nature, cultural heritage and views. Along its individual stages, hikers encounter over 100 natural and cultural landmarks that reveal the remarkable diversity of the landscape – from the unspoilt Pohorje forests, crystal-clear streams and stunning views to ski slopes and treasures of cultural heritage.

Here are just some of the best-known spots on the route.

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In Slovenia, much more can be discovered beyond the well-trodden tourist routes. This trail makes that possible and reminds us that wonderful surprises can be found in every corner of the country.

Jan Klavora, representative of Good Trail, creator of the trail

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Pohorje–Kozjak Trail: a hiking adventure between Pohorje and Kozjak