Trail nr. 23: Feldban
HIKING AND CYCLING TRAILS
Starting point
Wild Lake parking spot
The story of the feldban (feld – field; bahn – railway) dates back to the First World War. After the fall of Gorizia and the retreat of the Austro-Hungarian army to the left bank of the Soča River in August 1916, this part of the Soča front needed additional supply lines through the Trnovo Forest.
Due to the congestion of the existing railway lines and cable cars, the construction of the first narrow-gauge horse-drawn railway was started in September 1916, running from Logatec to Zadlog, where the cable car system began. At the same time, a branch line to Idrija was built to supply the mining town. The steep descent into the Idrijca valley was overcome by a funicular railway at Divje jezero Lake.
Due to the limited carrying capacity of the horse-drawn carriage, the construction of an additional motorised narrow-gauge railway on the above-mentioned route had already begun before the end of 1916. The most challenging part was the descent of the railway into the Idrijca valley, where a number of technical structures had to be built to overcome the 300-metre height difference and the steep terrain.
Both narrow-gauge railways were in operation until the breakthrough of the Soča front on 24 October 1917.
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
