As the fog slowly creeps into the tranquil valleys, veiling the changing hues of autumn, and the chill graces the mountain summits in the encompassing Alpine ranges, one can feel the transition into a different season. The carefree days of summer mountaineering have come to an end, making way for a more calculated and well-prepared approach. However, the forthcoming days promise to be nothing short of extraordinary. The fall's vibrant tapestry has cast the mountains, adorned with larch forests, in brilliant golden hues, while the copious rainfall will soon rejuvenate the Alpine streams and lakes following a scorching summer.

As the crowds disperse, a profound silence settles in. While encountering fellow trekkers and sharing mountain anecdotes has its charm, the solitude of autumn allows for a deeper connection with the mountains. One can sit upon soft grass, surrounded by nothing but the cheerful melody of birds, and lose oneself in the dreamlike vistas. Layers of rolling hills and rugged rock walls stretch as far as the eye can see, while slopes are painted with the playful colors of autumn — from bright green meadows to the sun-kissed brown of fields exposed to the summer's heat, and evergreen pines contrasting with the golden larches before they shed their needles.

Macesnovec

Perched at an altitude of 1,926 meters, Mt. Macesnovec, aptly named 'the mountain of larches' (macesen in Slovenian), graces the Julian Alps with a beautiful larch forest near its summit. It stands as the lowest and most easily accessible peak along a craggy ridge extending toward Triglav at the opposite end. While the trail leading to it is unmarked, it becomes distinct once you've deciphered its path. However, it's not the easiest of trails, featuring steep and exposed sections, with occasional slipperiness on damp rocks in shaded areas. Yet, those who venture to hike Macesnovec alongside a companion and remain attentive to the trail will be rewarded with breathtaking views and likely the solitude of the wilderness. A pro tip: choose a sunny day to revel in the season's last warmth atop the grassy peak.

Vošča and Trupejevo Poldne

A short drive from Kranjska Gora, the road sign to Srednji Vrh, a tiny village nestled at nearly 1,000 meters, can easily go unnoticed. However, this brief journey unveils unexpectedly stunning vistas and even more remarkable hiking opportunities. Overlooking the rugged outline of the Martuljek Group, the most remote and untamed region of the Julian Alps, you'll find yourself trekking along the sun-soaked southern slopes of the Karavanke Alps.

You may choose to linger in a picturesque meadow with awe-inspiring views of Mt. Špik and the Martuljek Group's jagged peaks. Should you decide to continue along an unmarked trail, you'll eventually reach a long meadow blanketed in tall golden grass, guiding you to the summit of Vošca at 1,737 meters. At the peak, a warm welcome awaits with the setting sun casting its glow upon a charming larch forest, and the Mala Mojstrovka Group as a scenic backdrop.

From Vošca's summit, an inviting ridge beckons you to embark on another hour-and-a-half hike, tracing the border between Slovenia to the south and Austria to the north. This scenic trail is a pleasure to traverse, with a brief 10-meter rock climb adding an adventurous touch. Renowned for its captivating larch forest, Trupejevo Poldne, standing at 1,931 meters, is a captivating destination year-round and truly breathtaking in the vibrant palette of autumn.