Ratitovec Hike - March 2025

Ratitovec is a mountain ridge in the Slovenian Julian Alps. This hike from Prtovč to the Gladki Vrh peak, one of the highest peaks on Ratitovec at 1667 meters, passed Krek's lodge in beautiful snowy surroundings.

Parking

The parking lot at Parkirišče Prtovč is nearly empty on this early Saturday morning. Paying the fee is quick and easy via text message, though availability may depend on your mobile network provider. See the second picture for details and alternative payment options.

Into the woods

From the parking lot, I walk through the small village of Prtovč, to the start of the "na Poden" path up Ratitovec. Here a rocky path leads up the mountain side. This part of the path is crossed by a couple of small streams.

Ice and electricity

The woods make way for a power line. The path becomes a bit icy here but is manageable with just hiking poles.

Into the woods again

The path after the clearing is narrower and the forest denser.

Above the forest

The forest starts to thin out and gives way to some beautiful views.

Krekova koča na Ratitovcu

Then the cabin high on Ratitovec comes into view.

Gladki Vrh

Close to the cabin is the Gladki Vrh peak, the path there is more snowy then icy, making it again manageable with just hiking poles.

The icy way back

There is a path on the other side of the mountain ridge that leads back down to the parking lot. The path is less exposed, but has a lot more snow and ice. Crampons definitely recommended.

The last bit

The snow clears leaving an at first very muddy path, but soon it is the same type of rocky path as on the way up.

Back at the parking lot

The church and parking lot come into view during the last bit of the path down the mountain side.