Košenjak Forests

Košenjak is a wooded mountain mass on the northwestern edge of Pohorje, rising above the town of Dravograd in the Koroška region of northern Slovenia, and the forests that cover its slopes form one of the largest areas of continuous woodland in this corner of the country. The mountain reaches around fifteen hundred metres on its highest points, and its ridges run from the valley of the Drava toward the Austrian border, with spruce, fir and beech on the slopes and clearings of meadow and farmland between them. It is a quiet, little-visited landscape, appreciated by walkers and cyclists who want space and silence rather than famous sights.

Walking and cycling are the main activities. Marked paths and forest roads climb from the valley and from the villages on the slopes to ridges and viewpoints, with views north over the Drava valley, the town of Dravograd and the wooded hills of Carinthia, and south across the ridges of Pohorje. Because the terrain is mostly forest road and trail, with moderate gradients, routes can be chosen for different abilities, from short family walks to longer circuits. A mountain hut at the foot of Košenjak serves local Koroška food and is a good rest stop and starting point, and the region's cooking, based on dairy, potatoes, cured meats and dishes made from buckwheat and corn, is part of the pleasure of the walk. The hut can be reached on foot and in some seasons by car, but it is wise to confirm opening times before relying on it.

The forests carry the history of the border country. For centuries this was a landscape of small farms, charcoal burning and timber working for the mines and ironworks of the valleys, and the farms scattered on the slopes still keep the shape of that economy. The Drava has been a route since Roman times, and Dravograd has long served as a market town and crossing point. Within a short distance are the Romanesque church of St. Vitus, the remains of the railway viaduct, the Carinthian Regional Museum and Bukovje Manor, so a walk can be paired with a stroll through the town.

Wildlife is abundant, with deer, foxes, many kinds of birds and, in the quieter parts, occasional larger animals, and the forests are rich in mushrooms in autumn. Walkers should stay on paths and avoid disturbing wildlife.

The forests suit walkers, cyclists, families and anyone who enjoys quiet woodland. Spring and autumn are the best seasons, and the area is very peaceful on weekdays. Take water, a map and a rain layer, and check trail conditions before setting out.