Viševnik (2050 m) is a mountain peak in the Julian Alps, accessible from the Pokljuka plateau in Slovenia. Relatively easy to get to, Viševnik is a popular hiking destination in both summer and winter. It’s also a favorite sunrise location among locals.
We hiked here early in the morning (5 am), squeezing this hike in before an afternoon thunderstorm, and it was one of the best decisions we’ve made. From the summit of Viševnik, the views of Mount Triglav, Bohinj Valley, the Southern Julian Alps, Mali Draški vrh, and the Rjavina ridge are spectacular, especially when bathed in the early morning light.
Keep reading to find out how to find the trailhead and how to get to Viševnik.
Learn more about the Slovenian Alps: Slovenian Alps Hiking Guide
Slovenia Hiking-Themed Itinerary: Slovenia Road Trip
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Viševnik Hiking Trail Overview
- Trailhead: Rudno Polje (1347 m)
- Parking Lot at Rudno Polje: 46°20′45.45″N 13°55′25.53″E (46.345958, 13.923758)
- Destination: Pokljuka, Julian Alps
- Type of Hike: Out-and-back
- Distance: 3.2 km one-way (6.4 km return)
- Elevation Gain / Loss: 703 meters ascending / descending
- Difficulty: Easy marked trail
- Time Needed: 1:30 – 2:00 hours ascending / 1:10 – 1:30 hours descending (3 – 4 hours total)
Finding the Viševnik Trailhead at Rudno Polje
The day hike to Viševnik starts at Rudno Polje on Pokljuka, where there’s a large parking lot (5 EUR / day). From Lake Bled, it’s a 30-minute drive to Rudno Polje. From Ribčev Laz and Stara Fužina, it’s a 35-minute drive.
Starting at the Rudno Polje parking lot, locate the macadam road, which leads into the forest. This road is located between Hotel Center Pokljuka / Biathlon Stadium Pokljuka (Left) and the Pokljuka Barracks (Right).
On the left side of the forest road, there’s a large info board titled “Policija Svetuje” (Police Advice), listing some instructions for heading into the mountains, and three red trail signs (“Triglav,” “Viševnik” and “Blejska koča Lipanca”), pointing you in the right direction. Simply follow the road.
Rudno Polje to Viševnik Day Hike
Follow the flat forest road for about 700 meters (10 minutes) to a trail junction (there’s a wooden hut here) at the base of a ski lift. Straight ahead, you’ll see a red trail sign on a tree, steering you right to Viševnik (signed 2 hours).
For the next 30 minutes, you’ll be hiking parallel to, or directly on the grassy ski slope. The trail weaves in and out of the forest. In Summer, cattle are grazing on the slope.
When you get to the top of the second chairlift, a narrow trail climbs up a broad gully, blooming with wildflowers. It’s incredibly verdant and lush in early summer. Looking behind you, you’ll see layers of mountain ridges in the distance.
Soon you’ll reach an intersection, where you’ll continue left to Viševnik (signed 1 hour). In another 10 minutes, you’ll arrive at a small col. Turn right and hike through larch and then thick dwarf pine to the grassy slopes of Viševnik (35-40 minutes). The trail continues left to the summit.
At the top, the views extend in every direction. Mount Triglav is definitely the focal point. However, the Rjavina ridge was the highlight for me.
Rjavina ridge
Viševnik Summit
Return by following the same route.
Descending back to Rudno Polje
Where to Stay
Stay on Pokljuka Plateau
If you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking on Pokljuka, it makes sense to stay on the plateau. Check out Šport Hotel Pokljuka.
Look for accommodation in Pokljuka.
Stay in Stara Fužina, Lake Bohinj
If you want to combine this hike with lakeside goodness and afternoon dips in Lake Bohinj, consider staying in Stara Fužina. It takes 35 minutes to drive from Stara Fužina to Rudno Polje via Bohinjska Bistrica. There’s a slightly shorter route through Srednja Vas v Bohinju, but this route was closed for construction during our stay. Use the Promet website to check for current road conditions.
We stayed at Majerca Hotel and Restaurant, a lovely and new boutique hotel in Stara Fužina. This is a real gem. The restaurant extends into a grassy lawn, with views of farmland and the Julian Alps. It’s wonderful to start and end your day here. Breakfast is phenomenal.
Look for accommodation in Stara Fužina.
More Hikes in the Julian Alps:
More Hiking Trails in Slovenia:
Slovenia Travel Guides:
