Trail nr. 23: Feldban
HIKING AND CYCLING TRAILS
Starting point
Wild Lake parking spot
The story of feldban begins in WWI. In the 6th Battle of Isonzo, in August 1916, Italian army pushed the Austro-Hungarian one to the left bank of Isonzo River cutting its supply via the Bohinj railway. As the remaining railways failed to provide sufficient supplies, additional paths needed to be constructed.
To supply its units on the Isonzo Front and the Banjšice Plateau, the Austro-Hungarian army promoted the construction of new narrow-gauge railways – feldbans. They connected the battlefield with the south railway station Dolnji Logatec, where there was a large military depot.
The main, 17-km part of the railway, followed the road from Dolnji Logatec to Godovič. From the Godovič station, the tracks went in the direction of Črni Vrh and divided in two at the Cestnikova rajda, Cestnik’s Turn: The first, 56-km line went to Črni Vrh, Zadlog and Lokve on the Trnovo Forest Plateau, the second to Idrija. In 1917, this was extended to Straža and probably to Dolenja Trebuša. In total, the second part was 55 km long.
The most demanding part of the tracks – the 12 km between Godovič and Idrija encompassing a 300-m drop in altitude and a 25-m tunnel – was built in record time: construction ran from
September 1 to September 30, 1916. Feldban operated for a good year: from July 1916 to 24 October 1917, until the last, 12th Battle of Isonzo and the Caporetto breakthrough.
ATTENTION: Due to fallen trees on the path along the Feldban, there will be no guided hikes until further notice. Individual hikes are also not recommended.
Attractions
- Wild Lake
- Jezernica River
Flowing from the Wild Lake is the shortest Slovenian surface river. The Jezernica River is only 55 m long and flows into the Idrijca River. - Along Rake
Trail map
Trail description
Reaching the starting point: From the direction of Ljubljana drive towards Idrija. When you pass Godovič, you will descend down a winding road through the Zala Valley. Towards the end of the valley, you will see the first cultivated meadow on your right with the Kolektor CPG company building on your right and a timber storage on your left. After the very next turn, there is a crossroads: take a left turn towards Idrijska Bela and the Wild Lake. Park your car approximately 0.5 km further on, at the Wild Lake parking.
From the direction of Tolmin or Idrija: at the Podroteja crossroads (approximately 1 km from the shopping centres in Idrija towards Ljubljana), turn right in the direction of Idrijska Bela anf the Wild Lake. Park your car approximately 0.5 km further on, at the Wild Lake parking.
*As parking at the Wild Lake is limited, you can alternatively park in Idrija: either at the bus station parking or the parking above Spar in the town centre. Then you can walk the 2.5 km-long trail Along Rake; turn left at the Kobila Dam and cross the hanging bridge across the Idrijca River that will take you just a few steps from the Wild Lake.
Trail description: From the Wild Lake, take the asphalt road towards Idrijska Bela. After approximately 1.5 km, you will reach the third marked road shoulder and, on your left, you will see a wooden sign with the Feldban logo hanging on a tree. Turn left and take the path uphill, following the Feldban marks. Continue on the forest road that constantly leads upwards. After a few minutes, you will transverse the steep hill with the help of a wire rope and pitons. When you reach the next crossroads, continue straigh ahead on the gently sloping path (the steep marked path will lead you into the Idrija-Cerkno alpine road). The road will eventually take a sharp left turn and then gradually slope up. When you reach the next wire rope, turn left and take the path downwards where you will soon see a red metal ladder. A wooden bridge used to stand here during the time of the narrow-gauge railway. You will soon reach a 25-m tunnel. Continue on the gradually sloping path which will widen into a macadam road and reach the main macadam road Idrija (Podroteja)–Idrijski Log. At the crossroads, turn left and descend the road that will lead you though 12 sharp turns back down to the Idrijca River Valley. When you reach the familiar Podroteja asphalt road, turn left towards the Wild Lake at the Geopark information board. If you started your hike in Idrija, proceed from the Wild Lake to the hanging bridge, cross it and walk along Rake to your starting point.
Trail option: You can hike the extended version of the trail, which you can find on the map in the Feldban – military narrow-gauge railway brochure.
VISIT IDRIJA
