The Rupnik Line-Zaplana

Route Description

Did you ever feel like you started a road trip completely spontaneously? We headed to a completely different part of Slovenia, but the rapid change of weather turned us in another direction. The Rupnik line bunkers can be found in the village of Zaplana, the Poljanska dolina Valley and on the Blegoš Hill.

The Rupnik Line was built in the village of Zaplana before the Second World War. The Kingdom of Yugoslavia expected to be attacked by Italy and began to build a system of fortifications in western Slovenia. The line was named after the Yugoslav General of Slovenian descent, Leon Rupnik. European countries, still under the strong impression of torturous fighting in WWI mud trenches, wanted to secure their territory with mighty fortifications of iron and concrete. Thus began the formation of the famous French Maginot line and the opposite German Siegfried line, as well as the lesser-known Swiss, Greek line and the Italian Vallo Alpino or. Alpine wall on the opposite side from the Rupnik line. The forts along the entire line never served their purpose.

So much for the history of its creation. This thematic trail is circular and about 3 kilometres (1.15 miles) long. The start is at the Gostišče Mesec inn, where you can leave your car. However, this inn has a playground, which may distract the children from the hike. You can promise your kids that they can play at two different playgrounds at the end of the trip - in the village of Zaplana and then at the restaurant. First, you need to climb 120 meters (393 meters) of altitude, which is not that hard as very interesting information boards and benches occupy you. If you need some reinvigoration, find the 5 energy points located in the vicinity and take some time for yourself. You can enter the bunkers at your own risk and see what they look like from the inside.