No results
No results
Ferata Hvadnik is a short sport ferrata up the gorge of the Hvadnik (Hladnik) stream at Gozd Martuljek, between Kranjska Gora and Mojstrana. It is on the Karavanke side of the upper Sava valley, not at the Vršič pass, and looks across to the peaks of the Martuljek group. The route is about half a kilometre long and gains 250 m, and the round trip takes about 2 hours. The tourist board grades it up to B/C, some guidebooks give C, and it is K3 on our scale. The appeal is the gorge itself: boulders in the stream bed, three crossings on wire bridges and small pools, cool on hot days. It suits beginners with someone experienced and older children. Status: in August 2026 the route was reported closed until further notice because of serious damage. It is also closed every year from 31 October to 1 April, so check with the Kranjska Gora tourist office before you go.
Leave the Gorenjska motorway at the Hrušica exit and drive towards Kranjska Gora to the village of Gozd Martuljek. Just before the bridge over the Hladnik stream, turn right onto a narrow road past the sports field. A small car park is on the left right after the field, with information boards for the Hvadnik and Jerm'n ferratas. The tourist board asks visitors to use only official car parks and to keep off private land.
From the car park, continue along the asphalt road. After a few metres a path to the Jerm'n ferrata branches left over a footbridge; ignore it and keep walking through the village. At a junction of several roads the signs point left into a dead-end road that leads to a bridge over the Hladnik, where there is another information board. Before the bridge, turn right onto a narrow path along the stream, first on its right bank, then on the left. Higher up, a faint path drops right to the stream bed and the start.
The cable starts steeply over boulders in the stream bed. On the harder moves there are a few pegs and small staples, and this first part needs some arm strength. A wire bridge takes you to the left side. A long section follows on the left wall of the gorge, alternating short climbs and traverses (up to B/C), with staples on the awkward moves. A cable and two big staples help you step across to the right side. The route soon returns left and climbs steeply on staples. In the last part of the gorge it runs above small pools and crosses the stream twice more on wire bridges. Then it leaves the gorge to the left and climbs through forest on a rising traverse, still on cable, to a viewpoint with a bench and a logbook at about 920 m, where the protection ends.
Wet, polished rock makes the route harder than its grade. The stream keeps the rock damp in places, and heavy use has worn the footholds smooth.
Go a few metres up past the logbook to a better path with a signpost and turn left down towards Gozd Martuljek. Lower down, the path from the Jerm'n ferrata joins. On reaching the asphalt road turn left and follow the signs through the village back to the Hvadnik car park. The descent is short and included in the 2-hour round trip. Near the top junction, a minute's climb leads to the Krmiše hut (960 m), which serves drinks.
A helmet and a ferrata set are compulsory, and climbing gloves are recommended. Wear shoes that grip on wet rock. The tourist board sets a maximum group size of 6 for this ferrata. It also sells "Ferate Kranjska Gora" wristbands, and the money goes towards maintaining the local ferratas. The Jerm'n ferrata starts from the same car park but is much harder, around D with parts at E, and is no next step for a beginner.
The season runs from 1 April to 31 October; in 2026 it opened on 2 April after inspection and cleaning. In summer the gorge stays pleasantly cool. Avoid it after heavy rain, when there is much more water, the rock is slippery and the route is noticeably harder. Do not go in storms. Weekends are busy.
Is Ferata Hvadnik open now? In August 2026 it was reported closed until further notice because of damage, and it closes every winter from 31 October to 1 April. Check with the Kranjska Gora tourist office.
Is it near the Vršič pass? No. It is in Gozd Martuljek, on the opposite side of the valley.
Can children and beginners do it? Yes, with care: an 11-year-old called it her best day out. Go with someone experienced, as several spots need arm strength and the rock is slippery.
Can family members who don't climb meet us at the top? Yes. A marked path starts about 200 m from the car park along the main road towards Srednja vas and joins the ferrata's descent path near the Krmiše hut.
Can I go after rain? It is possible, but expect more water, slippery rock and harder moves. Beginners should wait for a dry spell.
Pick a date to see who is going
Source: OpenStreetMap · text under ODbL 1.0