Memory of ancient times
The route is "two-way" which means that, after getting to your destinations, you have to turn back and return along the same route. Moreover, it has two starting points and, of course, two ends. One is in Podgrad and the other in Janče . Route description will start in Podgrad since it is somewhat understandable that you drive to the starting point and then ascent on foot to the destination. However, it is hard to park in Podgrad; thus, the best solution would be to leave your car at the car park of the Pri Peclju Inn which is about 300 metres away from the starting point of the Blueberry Hiking Trail. You can also try your luck in Podgrad, at the culture centre or behind the Arbo factory where two small car parks are located. Nevertheless, you will not gain much, as those two car parks are also 300–450 metres away from the starting point. Regardless of how you overcame the first obstacle (parking), you route starts at the junction at the production of synthetic concrete, Coston d.o.o., after which Podgrad is known. The name of the settlement is not disputable since it is immediately apparent from where it originates (Podgrad means under the castle in Slovenian). However, it is interesting that it was never named Podgrad in the old days; it was always mentioned in relation to one of the two castles above it. Naturally, it is different now. In addition to the name of the settlement (Podgrad), the main road is also called Podgrajska. You will start today's Blueberry Hiking Trail there. Find the characteristic rhomboid signpost whose purple colour symbolically announces that the route is named after delicious blueberries and turn uphill. Asphalt, and later wide macadam road takes you to the last houses of the settlement and past the meadow to the forest where the route turns steeply to the left into the forest, while the flatter road runs around the forest. Both routes soon join again.
Tourist farm
You slowly arrive to the Pri Lazarju Tourist Farm . People there are ambitious and kind, with a nicely arranged homestead. They welcome visitors in the house and larger groups are served under the hayloft. Even the children are not forgotten: there is a small zoo with domestic animals , as well as a large playground and an old-style farm garden next to the house – "garteljc" , a wonderful remnant of the times when every homestead had a garden of this kind. In the house there is – surprise – a large conference room, decently equipped with information technology. What is more, they also offer nicely furnished accommodation. There is a large board of the description of the Blueberry Hiking Track on the façade of the house. Look at its course and head towards the forest along a cart track and through a small orchard. There are wonderful views of the Ljubljana Plain on the hillside, a little further from the farm .
Across forests and meadows
Walk along a ridge path with resting points to Murjevka. This is a stretched ridge which ends with a 569-metre high hill called Grmadnik. The path runs just below its summit. Nevertheless, the views are quite limited, as you walk along the forest most of the time. However, you can find a place here and there where the view of the eastern or western hills opens up , . The forest ends at the Tomaž homestead where you get to the meadows and extensive orchards with old, high-trunk fruit trees . Turn left and downwards at the sign (it is marked) and descend to the hamlet which is actually a part of Vnajnarje. After a gentle ascend, you get near the Vrhovec homestead and when you reach the road, turn right and continue along it. Admire the landscape which is gorgeous in all seasons, especially in autumn when it boasts in rich yellow, brown and reddish colours . To the right, over the shoulder, you can see Ljubljana in the distance . You are deep in the Janče Hills and the view nevertheless extends surprisingly far. In the idyllic countryside, where pastures alternate with forest, you almost forget the worries of everyday life. When you come to the forest, the signpost directs you left onto a cart track. Take a shortcut to the ridge at the Balant homestead and thus avoid the settlement of Vnajnarje. The landscape has opened up and now you can admire a wonderful view of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps on the north and Dolenjska on the south. Walk along the asphalt road to the Balant homestead and be careful after it, as the route leaves the asphalt road and turns left to the forest. A fairly steep ascent is needed to reach an altitude of 717 metres, the height of the Zavrh Hill to which you ascend. Then you gradually descend back to the asphalt road which you reach near the subsidiary elementary school in Gabrje. Past the school and on, the route again runs along an asphalt road. In spite of a good ground, you may already feel the steepness and when you come to the double turn, the ascent is already a little bit annoying. At the chapel , you discover that you have already beaten the most severe steepness, as the slope is not so extreme anymore. The trouble has been repaid with a unique view . There you can already see the transmitter at the Janče Hill which means that you are not far away from your destination .
Jančje selo
The easiest way is to continue from the chapel along the road. You will arrive to the settlement of Janče where you have to turn left at the first junction towards the mountain hut . Instead of the road, you can also choose a meadow. Both routes take you to the mountain hut which is very popular. You can rest at the hut, eat something (or have a drink), look at the interesting surroundings and enjoy the views , . Janče is one of the most scenic settlements in the surroundings of Ljubljana – the rest are just summits. In general, it is typical of the Janče Hills that they are only populated above the altitude of 600 metres. The valleys are mostly uninhabited, with the exception of the Valley of Besnica. Even this one was populated only after extensive drainage. Previously, the valley was floodable and uninhabitable.
And back?
It is best to choose the same route back . The route is well-marked and it is not difficult; therefore, it is practically impossible to get lost. If you want to wander along more difficult terrain, it is possible to return along the Laze–Janče route which takes you to the Gostinca Valley (along a partly unmarked route) . From there you have to return to Podgrad on foot along the main road. It is about 2.7 kilometres from Gostinca to Podgrad along the main route.
The interesting and diverse Janče Hills with their beautiful views if the Ljubljana Basin, the Julian and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps never leave you indifferent. If the season is suitable, you can pick forest fruits, blueberries or chestnuts on the way back. With some luck, you can even find mushrooms.