Raduha - Pot čez severno steno

Raduha is a mountain in the easternmost section of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in Slovenia, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,062 meters at its highest peak, Velika Raduha. It is geographically separated from the central massif of the mountain range by the deep valley of the Savinja River. The mountain's subterranean karst system contains Snežna jama (Snow Cave), the highest-elevation show cave in Slovenia.

The via ferrata Pot čez severno steno (Path over the North Face) is a relatively new addition to Raduha mountain, offering an enjoyable and easy climb to the summit. It is well-equipped and suitable for via ferrata beginners (including children). Normally, the approach to the via ferrata begins at the parking lot in Bukovnik and runs past Grohat lodge. Then, we climb the via ferrata, and from the top of Velika Raduha, we head back to Durce col, from which we return to Grohat lodge. Here, however, we set off from the Solčava valley from the Robanov Kot site and reach Grohat lodge after 900 meters of elevation gain. On the return path from Velika Raduha, we visit the peak of Lanež (1,925 m), and then we head down to Loka Lodge at Raduha and back to the Robanov Kot site.

Via ferrata Pot čez severno steno (A/B) - access:

From Grohat Lodge, we take the marked path in the direction of Raduha (south). After a 200-meter climb in easy terrain, we approach a rocky face with a hiking signpost where we turn left, cross the small col, and climb up an increasingly narrow path. At some point, we turn left to enter a rocky gully, which we climb using our hands. Above it, the protected part of the via ferrata begins.

Via ferrata Pot čez severno steno (A/B) - description:

The via ferrata Pot čez severno steno runs along the north face of the Raduha massif. In the lower part, it runs under a few trees that manage to grow here; higher up, the terrain gets more rocky and alpine. The overall direction is north-western. The first challenges begin under a memorial plaque for a fallen climber on the Zadja Pot route and continue with a short wall secured with pegs. After this section, the path gets more vertical, and the key difficulties await us with a steep, slightly exposed rocky face (A/B). Above it, we enter a wide gully where the via ferrata protection runs along its right side. Depending on snow conditions, it can be full of snow even in June; however, we managed to bypass it with dry feet. We leave the gully by climbing its right wall using pegs and wires as protection. Protection is also present above the gully where the path runs close to the gully edge (similar to the ridge between Little Triglav and Triglav). The higher we get, the path becomes crumblier, but not excessively so. The difficulty never exceeds a grade of A. The via ferrata ends below a grassy slope, which takes us to a small col, and then we continue to the summit of Velika Raduha (2,062 m).

Via ferrata Pot čez severno steno (A/B) - descent:

After visiting the peak of Raduha, we descend to Durce col (1,900 m). Normally, for the shortest variant, you would descend back to Grohat lodge using a demanding path running through the scree under the Raduha massif's north wall. From Durce col, it is a 45-minute descent. We, however, continue to the peak of Lanež (1,925 m). From Lanež, we descend to Loka lodge at Raduha (1,534 m) and then continue to the starting point in Robanov kot. The descent is long and a bit monotonous; also, in the lower parts, the path gets very narrow and exposed. Another factor is vegetation - the path is overgrown and abundant in ticks, and we also cross one livestock pasture. On the way down, we can visit Snežna jama (Snow Cave), which is the highest-elevation show cave in Slovenia.

Links:Snežna jama - Snow CaveSnežna jama - Snow Cave - opening hours and prices

Weather:

Sunny in the morning with full cloud cover later in the day; short-sleeve and shorts weather.

Trail:

The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. The via ferrata protection is in good condition and placed wherever needed. The lower, less popular parts of the trail are a bit overgrown. The path is also quite steep and rocky in places.

Tips and author's comments:

This trip proposal in its full length, as shown in the GPX track, is recommended for avid mountaineers. If you aim for the via ferrata only, then it is better to start from the Bukovnik parking lot and return to the same place. This will shorten the trip by 5 hours and 1,000 meters of elevation gain, skipping the whole eastern part of the Raduha massif and the tiring descent back to Robanov kot.

I have completed this via ferrata with an 11-year-old child; it is easy enough for that age category. I used additional rope for protection.

You want to climb the highest peak of Kamnik-Savinja Alps? Check out this interesting scramble to the top of Grintovec !

Links:Bukovnik - parking lotHow to climb Grintovec

Dangers:

The via ferrata itself is relatively safe, with short sections that have a higher risk of rockfall. The ascent and descent paths cross private areas, and one needs to watch out for dogs and livestock on the pasture. Grassy passages are abundant in ticks.

Gear used:

ascent shoes

helmet

harness

20l rucksack

ferrata set

Transportation:

Starting point reached by car.

Links:Robanov kot - parking lot

Accommodation:

Grohat Lodge or Loka Lodge