Mara Rupena Trail
The section of the European Footpath E7 – Mare Rupena’s Trail takes you through forests, meadows, fertile fields, vineyards, and the villages of the rolling Dolenjska region. All of this represents the wealth of our natural and cultural heritage, shaped by nature and the diligent hands of people. Let us protect and preserve this wealth so that it can be admired by those who come after us.
Mara Rupena (born in 1918 in Mirna Peč) was a delegate at the first Congress of the Slovene Anti-Fascist Women’s Union, where she was elected as the first secretary of the organization. She was an activist dedicated to improving the position of rural women and promoting the development of the Slovenian countryside, especially in the less developed areas of Dolenjska.
The section of the trail from Dolenjske Toplice to Dobrnič is approximately 21 km long and requires around 7 hours of moderate walking. The section from Žužemberk to Dobrnič is around 12 km long and requires about 4 hours of walking. The entire route from Dolenjske Toplice via Dobrnič to Žužemberk (or vice versa) therefore requires a full day of hiking. The trail is marked with red-yellow markers, which should be followed to avoid getting lost, contribute to preserving the environment, and avoid unnecessarily disturbing wildlife.
Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the beauty of the Dolenjian karst landscape, making sure not to miss the small villages and, if you can, take the time to chat with the friendly locals.
The E7-Mara Rupena Trail starts in Dolenjske Toplice, which are known mainly for their thermal spa, mentioned as early as the 13th century. The old town center is located by the baroque-style Church of St. Anne, built in 1648. On the southern side of the church, there is a remnant of the former camp’s defensive wall with gun embrasures, while a prehistoric settlement was located on the nearby hill, Cvinger.
The trail then takes us above Soteska, a town with the remnants of a once mighty castle, and descends through the Ajdovska plateau into the Globodol Valley, which is the only karst field in Slovenia that runs in a north-south direction. It is nearly 4 km long and up to 750 m wide. In the forest-surrounded peaceful valley, there are three settlements: Gorenji, Srednji, and Dolenji Globodol. In Dolenji Globodol, the Church of St. Mary Magdalene stands. Gorenji Globodol is particularly interesting due to its well-preserved architecture and the typical arrangement of homesteads along the road. The trail continues towards the wine-growing hills in Šmavre, where, among many stone houses, the churches of St. Anne and St. Mauritius stand out, and the trail passes by both. Afterward, the trail descends through Svetinje and Šahovec into the Dobrniško Basin.
This is an area predominantly dedicated to agriculture, and the town is home to the magnificent baroque Church of St. George, built in 1777, where two bishops were baptized: missionary bishop among American Indians, Friderik Irenej Baraga, who was canonized as a saint, and the former Archbishop of Ljubljana, Dr. Alojzij Šuštar. In the surroundings of Dobrnič, there are still a few masters of traditional crafts. One such master is the wickerwork artisan Franc Koželj, who showcases and sells his skills and products at various events and fairs both locally and across Slovenia. In Dobrnič, the Mare Rupena Trail intersects with Baraga’s Hiking Trail, and then continues through the wine hills and forests of Lisec, passing the village of Reber, the monument to the fallen fighters of the National Liberation War (NOV) at Cviblje, and eventually reaching the main square in Žužemberk.
Here you can view the gradually restored castle, which is mentioned as early as 1246. It was initially owned by the Habsburgs and later by the Counts of Turjak. The cast-iron fountain in the square is a product of the former famous foundry at Dvor. On the hill above the town stands the newly built Church of St. Mohor and Fortunatus, which had been in ruins for many years after World War II.
You can also take a walk along the Krka River and see numerous travertine waterfalls.
Every year, a traditional hike is organized in October.
