Stolpnik Summit and Lookout Tower

Stolpnik is the highest point of Konjiška gora, the long, forested ridge that rises above the town of Slovenske Konjice in Styria, in the north-east of Slovenia. At roughly 1,000 metres, the summit is not particularly high by Alpine standards, but it stands apart from the surrounding lowlands, and the lookout tower at the top gives a wide view across the hills, vineyards and plains of Styria. On a clear day the horizon includes the broad ridge of Pohorje, the isolated peak of Boč and, far to the north and west, the chain of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Karavanke.

The tower is a modern wooden-and-steel structure built to lift visitors above the tops of the trees, and it can be climbed by stairs to a platform that gives an almost full circle of views. Local hikers and clubs contributed to its construction, and the names of donors can be found on parts of the structure, a sign of how much the tower means to the local community. It is a good place for a rest and a picnic, and the open platform is often windy even on warm days, so a light jacket is a good idea.

The usual approach starts near the cemetery at the edge of Slovenske Konjice, close to the small church of St Anne, and follows a marked path up the slope. The walk takes the better part of a morning, with a steady climb through beech and spruce woods and some steeper sections, so it suits people with some hiking experience and sturdy shoes. Along the way, the route passes points of interest, including the ruins of the Old Castle on Konjiška gora, a medieval fortress now overgrown, and a place with three crosses on the ridge that is a traditional goal for local walks. The paths are marked and used all year, and in winter the ridge can be snowy and icy.

Slovenske Konjice itself is a pleasant small town with an old centre and a long wine tradition. Zlati Grič Winery, on the hills nearby, is one of the best-known estates in the region and offers tastings, and the Žiče Charterhouse, a medieval monastery, lies in the valley on the other side of the ridge. A day combining the summit, a walk through the old town and a glass of local wine makes a satisfying outing. Check the weather before setting out, because views disappear quickly in cloud.