Overview
Of course we could call this hut to hut route: "From Kranjska Koca to Ceska koca".
As all marked and secured mountain-hiking paths throughout Slovenia it is feasable in both ways (following the red and white blazes is sufficient, and maybe descriptions unnecessary).
This route is often called Cez Zrelo (Through the Ravine). It is categorized as: very demanding (marked and secured) mountain-hiking path.
The ravine is a steep and uneasy gully (the crux, the toughest part) just below the Ledine terrace (W) on which the Kranj Hut was constructed.
The secured (and maintained) parts, around exposed edges and up (and down) shorter vertical walls are less of a problem (via-ferrata equiped goers may here clip in) than the large gully at the foot of Zrelo. This large gully fills up with lasting snow, and the knowleged use of a piolet (ice tool) is required, if not even the use of crampons early in the season.
One should ask about actual conditions at either one of the huts.
The wild and picturesque gullies and promontories we must cross, the exposition of certain details, and a dose of uncertainty considering snow conditions make this relatively short crossing (1,5h from hut to hut) a mountain-hiker's challenge.
Getting ThereThis is a hut to hut route, and info on how to get to one of the huts may be found on either hut page (column to the left).
We leave the Ceska hut eastwards.
The route is signposted: Kranjska koca, Ledine (or Vadine), Zrelo (or Cez Zrelo).Route DescriptionWe leave the Ceska hut eastwards along an easy-going horizontal path crossing the immense foot of Dolgi Hrbet.
The path bends around a rib (ridge) and enters a first gully .
On the opposite side of the gully the first secured section awaits us. Metal cables provide firm hand grips, aiding us around the next rib. (Ferrata equiped walkers may clip in).
The gully we now cross is screefull and foot placement becomes more delicate.
Next we go downhill, still traversing and soon a marked path from the valley comes in left hand (Inscription: Umik Zrela, Jezersko, which means: Zrelo by-pass)
Let us continue our route and we arrive at the foot of a 30m tall wall with a vertical start aided by pegs, metal cables, and metallic stairs.
After this detail, our path crosses a buttress horizontaly without any difficulties and with magnificent views.
As we come well in sight of the Ledine terrace (Kranjska koca), the biggest problem appears:
horizontaly crossing a large gully which mostly stays snowy (except maybe at the end of some very hot summers).
Crossing the snow field is of course no problem if one has crampons (rare for summer hikers).
The knowledged use of a piolet is extremely recommended.
At the end of the snowfield (or scree), a vertical and uneasy (of course secured) gully is the crux of the route.
We scramble carefully till finally appearing at the edge of the Ledine terrace.
A path from the valley comes in left hand, and only a few minutes through pine bushes separate us from the Kranj hut (Kranjska koca na Ledinah).
Essential GearA piolet (ice tool),
if not a piolet and crampons (season begin).
The now trendy use of a helmet is very recommended for this route (as below any wall, if you ask me).
The walking poles may (should) be put away.
Map (see Range page). Images
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Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh (hut)
