Mount Stol is the highest peak in the Karawanke range. Climbing it is an amazing natural experience, and it takes a full day to reach the summit and return. Once you complete the climb, you’re left with an incredible sense of accomplishment and a memory that stays with you for a long time. For me, Stol was the first mountain I climbed in the Karawanke range, having previously mostly climbed peaks in the Julian Alps and the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.
When we are in Slovenia, we stay in Radovljica. Every morning, we can see the summit of Stol from our kitchen window—weather permitting, of course. We also see Stol every day on our biking and hiking trips around the area, and even when we just go to the store for some shopping. Stol feels like our constant companion, present in our daily life.
Stol and Its Surroundings
The mountain Stol is located right on the border between Slovenia and Austria, as the entire Karawanke mountain range forms the natural boundary between the two countries. The name Stol means “chair” in Slovenian, while in Austria the peak is known as Hohstuhl. Stol actually has two peaks: the main summit, which rises to 2,236 meters, and Mali Stol (Little Chair), at 2,196 meters. Just below Mali Stol lies the Prešeren Hut.
Stol is visible across much of Gorenjska (Upper Carniola) and provides a beautiful backdrop to Lake Bled, as well as many other towns in the region.
On the Slovenian side, Stol overlooks Gorenjska, with towns such as Bled and Radovljica, and the Sava River flowing through the region. On the Austrian side lies the Carinthia region, home to the city of Klagenfurt and Lake Vörthersee, with the Drave River running nearby. Stol thus forms the watershed between the Sava and Drave rivers.
How to Hike up to Mount Stol
Once you start hiking above 2,000 meters, the climbs become more serious. You need to pay attention to the weather, your own fitness, and the level of exposure on the trail. Stol is not a technically difficult mountain to climb, but it is still important to monitor the conditions and respect your personal limits.
The weather in the mountains can change quickly, shifting from sunny skies to clouds—and sometimes even thunderstorms. For this reason, it is important to plan your hike carefully and choose a day with stable weather. Clouds usually build up in the afternoon, so starting the hike early in the morning is advisable to avoid being caught in bad weather—or worse, a thunderstorm—on the trail.
It is also important to be aware of your own limits. Reaching the summit is only half the journey—you have to descend safely also. On the way up, you rely on your overall fitness, but on the way down, your leg muscles do most of the work and effort when they are already tired.
Remember to bring enough water. Especially on hot summer days, the slopes near the summit can become quite warm. Since there are no glaciers, there are no streams or water sources along the way. The only places to refill or purchase water are the mountain huts.
Unfortunately, far too many tourists venture into the Slovenian Alps without sufficient clothing, equipment, or preparation. As a result, mountain rescuers are called out far too often to assist stranded hikers.
Enough warnings! With good judgment and preparation, everything will go smoothly. Now comes the fun part—climbing Stol will be an amazing and unforgettable experience!
The best place to start a hike to the summit of Stol is from the Završnica Valley. There is a convenient parking lot by the lake where you can leave your car for the day, there is a fee to park here. If you are reading this blog post in our app, you can select Hiking directions in the top-right menu to view a map of the route to the summit.
The first stage of the hike leads to the Valvasor hut. It takes about 1h 30min to get to the hut. Start by following the paved road that leads to the hut. After about 700 meters, the trail turns left over a stream and then over a meadow with horses and grazing cows. Then the trail continues into the forest and goes through the forest all the way up to the hut.
From the Valvasor Hut, there are two paths to the summit. One is a more direct and steep route, the Žirovniška Trail, while the other is a longer path, the Zabreška Trail, which winds along the side of the mountain. I chose the more direct Žirovniška Trail, which takes about three hours to reach the summit. The path starts with a steep climb through the forest before emerging onto the ridge leading to Mali Stol and then to the Prešeren Hut. From the hut, it’s a short hike to the main summit.
From the summit, you then descend to the Prešeren Hut, where you can stop for food or refreshments. I chose to go down via the less steep Zabreška Trail, which is easier on the knees. The descent from the hut to the Valvasor Hut takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The entire hike takes about eight hours in total. If you include stops at the huts or other resting points, it can take longer. To hike Stol safely and comfortably, you should bring the right equipment and provisions.
- A good pair of hiking boots.
- Hiking poles (recommended, especially for the steep sections and descent).
- Appropriate clothing for the weather. If rain is possible, bring waterproof gear. Remember that the sun can be strong at high altitudes, so sun protection is important.
- A backpack with provisions, including plenty of water and food for the hike. Nutrition bars or energy snacks are useful for quick refueling.
Places to Stay
Both the Valvasor and Prešeren Huts offer overnight accommodation for hikers. In addition, there are several apartments and villas available for rent in the surrounding area.
- Aura Apartments - Located in the town of Moste, just below the Završnica parking area.
- Valvasor Hut - If you want to split your hike into two days, you can book a room at the Valvasor Hut.
- Prešeren Hut - You can also stay overnight in the Prešeren Hut, located just below the summit of Mount Stol.
- Villas and apartments - There are several apartments and villas available for rent in the area.
Where to Eat
- Valvasor Hut - If you want refreshments or a meal on the way up or down from Stol, you can enjoy typical Slovenian alpine cuisine at the Valvasor Hut.
- Prešeren Hut - You can also enjoy a meal at the Prešeren Hut, located just below the summit of Mount Stol.
