Štularjeva planina lies on the western side of the Ravenska Kočna valley, positioned on a natural terrace beneath the northern slopes of Špegovec (1898 m). It forms the transition between the forested lower valley and the steep limestone walls of the central Kamnik–Savinja Alps. Today, the planina is best known as part of the mountain trail leading to Češka koča, one of the most scenic approaches to the high‑mountain world above Jezersko.

Geographical setting

Štularjeva planina is located:

  • on the western rim of Ravenska Kočna,

  • below the northern slopes of Špegovec and the eastern slopes of Ledinski vrh,

  • at the point where the valley narrows toward its upper cirque,

  • near the junction of trails leading to Češka koča, Ledine, and Mlinarsko sedlo.

Its position offers beautiful views of:

  • the north faces of Kočna,

  • Dolška škrbina,

  • the Rinka peaks and the ridge above Mali podi,

  • and the entire Ravenska Kočna, one of Slovenia’s most picturesque alpine valleys.

History and traditional use

Štularjeva planina was historically a seasonal alpine pasture, used by the farming families of Jezersko. Its name most likely derives from the Štular farm, one of the old homesteads in the valley that held grazing rights on this land.

In the past, the planina served as:

  • a pasture for cattle and sheep,

  • an intermediate stop on the way to the high‑mountain pastures and shelters,

  • a forestry area, where timber was felled and transported down the steep slopes of Kočna.

With the decline of traditional alpine grazing, parts of the planina have become overgrown, yet its open landscape has been preserved thanks to the mountain trail and its scenic location.

Geomorphology

The planina lies on a natural karst terrace formed in Triassic limestone, characteristic of the northern edge of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. The terrain is varied:

  • grassy terraces alternating with patches of forest,

  • small dolines and karstic depressions,

  • scree slopes formed by rockfall from the walls of Špegovec,

  • rock outcrops and small steps along the edges of the terrace.

Because of its northern exposure, the planina remains in shade for much of the day, influencing vegetation: mountain meadows, dwarf pine, and mixed forests dominate the area.

Access routes

1. Classic approach from Ravenska Kočna

  • Starting point: parking area in Ravenska Kočna.

  • The trail ascends gently through forest and emerges onto the open planina.

  • From here, it continues toward Češka koča.

  • Walking time to the planina: 45–60 minutes.

  • Technically easy.

2. Continuation to Češka koča

  • From Štularjeva planina, the trail climbs more steeply through forest and over rocky steps.

  • Well‑marked and leads to Češka koča on Spodnje Ledine (1542 m).

  • Walking time from the planina: 1–1.5 hours.

3. Connections to other routes

  • Possible (though unmarked and demanding) access toward Špegovec.

  • The planina also serves as a starting point for longer tours toward Mlinarsko sedlo, Dolška škrbina, and the Rinka peaks.

Experience and significance

Štularjeva planina is:

  • a pleasant scenic point in the lower Ravenska Kočna,

  • an important waypoint on the route to Češka koča and the high mountains,

  • part of the cultural landscape of Jezersko, shaped by grazing, forestry, and mountaineering,

  • a quiet, atmospheric spot beneath the steep walls of Kočna and Špegovec.

It preserves the character of a traditional alpine pasture and offers one of the first true encounters with the high‑mountain world above Jezersko.