Mirna gora

Mirna Gora - discover the serene beauty of the 1048-meter-high peak in Bela Krajina

Mirna Gora one of the highest peaks of Bela Krajina and one of the southeastern hills of the vast Kočevski Rog is the starting point for numerous hiking and cycling trails. The observation tower, St. Xavier’s Church near the mountain hut offers a memorable panoramic view of Bela Krajina and neighboring Croatia. If you ring the bell in the tower, your wish might come true. The common misconception is that Mirna Gora is the highest peak of Bela Krajina. Because of its accessibility and the mountain hut offering a wonderful view, Mirna Gora is certainly the most famous. The highest peak of Bela krajina is Kopa, located in the middle of the Kopa Forest Reserve with its 1077 meters. The Kopa Forest Reserve is a primeval forest remnant, having a strict conservation status, and it is not sightseeing. The ancient forest on Kopa is the first protected primeval forest in Slovenia and one of the first in Europe.

Mountain hut on Mirna Gora

Multiple trails lead to the peak, with a gravel road leading to the top. The most popular trail has its starting point in Vrčice Village, on the road between Soteska and Črnomelj. The trail is marked well, along the trail are numerous informative boards. During the journey, you can choose to go through Škrilje or Planina. From Planina Village to the top of Mirna Gora is a 45-minute walk, The trail from the starting point in Vrčice to the top will take more than two hours. The mountain hut, built in 1929 on the incentive of Ivan Zagožen, a schoolmaster in Planina who was also the first president of the Mountaineering Club of Bela krajina, offers refreshments after the ascend. The mountain hut has 39 beds and is the only constantly supplied mountain hut in Kočevski Rog.

The story of Mirna Gora

According to legend an evil dragon dwelt in the cave on the mountain. When grains and grapes ripened in the valley, the evil dragon spewed dark storm clouds, causing heavy hail. Seven years in a row heavy hail destroyed all yield, leading to famine in Bela Krajina. Locals turned to St. Francis Xavier. Over the dragon cave a church was built, dedicated to St. Xavier, and the hail clouds disappeared. Since peace (mir) came, the mountain was named Mirna Gora.

If you search for inner or outer peace, you find it here. One of the eight jewels on the fringes of Bela Krajina and Kočevski Rog is precious.

Discover Mirna Gora with the following cycling routes: Via Bela krajina, Mirna Gora Cycling Route, Mirna Gora Cycling Route (from Semič), and Gače Cycling Route.