Bivouac under Grintovec (2102 m) – The Pavle Kemperl Shelter

The shelter under Grintovec, widely known as the Pavle Kemperl Bivouac, stands as a high-altitude beacon at an elevation of 2102 meters. It is situated on the vast, karst-sculpted plateau of Veliki podi, directly beneath the formidable eastern wall of Grintovec (2558 m a.s.l.), the highest peak of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. The bivouac is named in memory of the legendary mountaineer and mountain rescuer Pavle Kemperl, whose lifelong devotion to the mountains remains a vital part of Kamnik’s mountain rescue history.

From Tradition to Architectural Excellence

The history of providing refuge at this location dates back to 1973, when members of the Kamnik Mountain Rescue Association (DGRS Kamnik) erected the first bivouac. For decades, it offered essential safety to climbers and hikers facing the unpredictable conditions of the high Alps. Due to the harsh climate and material fatigue, the original structure was replaced in 2009 with a modern facility that represents the pinnacle of Slovenian high-mountain architecture.

The design was conceived by the renowned architect and alpinist Miha Kajzelj. His vision was to create a structure capable of withstanding extreme winds and heavy snow loads while maintaining a minimal footprint in the fragile alpine environment. For this exceptional achievement, Kajzelj was awarded the prestigious Plečnik Medal in 2011, the highest recognition for architectural excellence in Slovenia.

Innovative Interior and Living Culture

Despite its modest footprint, the interior of the bivouac is masterfully planned and vertically dynamic. The structure is divided into three levels with a total living area of 14 m², connected by a fixed ladder:

While the space is compact, the shelter can "comfortably" accommodate up to eight mountaineers, though it can provide life-saving refuge for many more in emergencies. The large windows of the bivouac offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks and the Kamniška Bistrica valley, creating a unique dialogue between human presence and the wild Alpine nature.

The Bivouac Today

The Pavle Kemperl Bivouac is more than just a shelter; it is a critical waypoint for alpinists tackling the north and east faces of Grintovec or traversing the rugged ridges toward Skuta and Dolgi hrbet. As an unmanaged facility without a permanent staff, it relies entirely on mountaineering ethics—visitors are asked to leave the shelter in the same (or better) condition than they found it, ensuring this precious mountain home remains preserved for future generations.