Feldban hiking trail (Godovič-Idrija section)

The Feldban trail follows the line of a narrow-gauge military railway that was built in the First World War, and its Godovič to Idrija section is one of the best walks for anyone interested in the history of the Soča front. The word comes from the German Feldbahn, meaning a field railway, and such lines were laid quickly by armies to move supplies, ammunition and materials to the front over difficult terrain. During the war, the Austro-Hungarian army needed to supply its troops on the Isonzo front, and the high karst plateau around Godovič was a staging area, so a light railway was built across the hills and down into the valley of the Idrijca to link the plateau with Idrija and the mine there.

Today the track bed is a footpath, and walkers follow it as it descends from the plateau into the valley. The most impressive part is the way the engineers handled the steep slope. The line drops several hundred metres in a short distance, so it was laid in a series of switchbacks and supported on embankments and bridges, and the remains of retaining walls, cuttings and other structures can still be seen along the way. The incline is gentle compared with the surrounding slope, which is why it makes a comfortable walk. Information boards along the route explain how the railway worked and what it was used for, and they help to bring the wartime story to life.

The trail also passes through some beautiful scenery. As it nears the valley floor, it comes close to the Wild Lake (Divje Jezero), a deep karst lake that is one of the natural highlights of the area, and the short Jezernica River, which flows out of the lake for only a few dozen metres before joining the Idrijca. Both are well worth a stop, and the contrast between the quiet railway cuttings and the clear blue-green water is striking. Beech forest covers much of the slope, with good colour in autumn.

The route is waymarked and suitable for independent walkers, though guided tours are available, particularly in summer, for those who want a deeper understanding of the history and geology. Brochures and information can be obtained at the Idrija Tourist Information Centre, and the Idrija Geopark Visitors' Centre is another good source of advice. Wear sturdy shoes, because the track bed can be uneven and damp, and allow time for the descent and the return transport, as this is a one-way walk that needs planning.

The trail suits history lovers, walkers and anyone interested in the industrial and military heritage of the Idrija area. It combines well with the Idrija Mercury Mine, Gewerkenegg Castle and the Municipal Museum of Idrija. Whether you walk it for the history or the scenery, the Godovič-Idrija section is among Slovenia’s most unusual railway walks.