Lobnica

virtual excursion

Lobnica is a mountain stream that originates at an altitude of 1,290 meters from the area of Tihi Lake (also known as Falski Pond) on Pohorje. The river is 15.5 km long and flows into the Drava River near the town of Ruše as a right tributary, at an elevation of 283 meters. Its highest waterfall is Veliki Šumik (24 m), which is also the most majestic waterfall in the Pohorje region and the largest waterfall on non-carbonate terrain in Slovenia. The experience of this waterfall surpasses that of many taller waterfalls in the country. Further downstream is another prominent waterfall, Mali Šumik, which is 9 meters high. Lobnica flows through Pragozd, a primeval forest in the true sense of the word. A distinctive feature of its descent toward the Drava are numerous cascades, which swell into full waterfalls during high water flow.

Access: From Ruše, follow the road toward Smolnik. Two kilometers ahead, after the road section toward Gornjak, there is a signpost to the waterfalls on the left side of the road (easy to miss!). A marked trail leads through the Pohorje primeval forest toward Lobnica. The surrounding slopes are scattered with natural stone sculptures, and blockmer formations are also visible. Below to the left, the mountain stream Lobnica murmurs. A unique nature experience! After an hour of walking, the trail descends above the Mali Šumik waterfall. From there, it’s another 30 minutes to Veliki Šumik. Halfway between the two waterfalls, Lobnica is joined by its right tributary, Verna, which descends in a pronounced cascade that must be crossed. The trail can be continued along the right bank of Lobnica toward the parking area, where a picnic spot is also arranged (just 30 minutes' walk).

Note: The trail to the waterfalls is not difficult, but regular physical fitness is required, similar to hiking. Some trail markings may be missed. In exposed areas where streams are crossed, the path is very slippery.

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