Mala Peca

In Slovenian it is called Peca, in German Petzen. This mountain massif rises 2,126 meters into the sky in the border area between Slovenia and Carinthia. A total of four peaks exceed the 2,000 meter mark, the highest, the Kordeževa glava (Kordeschkopf), lies exactly on the border. The Peca is accessible to tourists via a mountain railway, mainly from the Austrian side, for skiing and paragliding. The southern Slovenian part, on the other hand, is reserved for tranquil hiking. Various asphalt-free public roads run through this area and connect farms, hamlets and villages. They are generally well maintained and suitable for motorcycles and cars of all kinds.

A particularly scenic route leads from Žerjav north to Mežica (Mießdorf). To do this, leave road no. 425, which leads from Žerjav to Črna na Koroškem (Schwarzenbach), about halfway and follow the signpost Pikovo. Half a kilometer later, the gravel track starts. Wide, well-maintained, without transverse or longitudinal grooves, this forest route is great fun. It initially leads uphill with lots of curves, then plunges into a valley, crosses the asphalted town of Podpeca, and then turns sharply right onto a gravel forest road (drive at your own risk). The road now winds its way uphill again past high rock faces, reaching a crossroads after a few kilometers.

Here, the scenic and driving-friendly detour up to the car park below the Dom na Peci mountain hut is worthwhile. After just under five kilometers, you reach the car park and either put on your hiking boots or turn around.

Back at the junction, the route continues downhill with lots of curves and bends. Finally, the off-road route in the Meža valley meets the asphalt road no. 698, where after 500 meters, turning right, you reach the town of Mežica.