Kokoš Hill
| Region | Coastal - Karst Statistical Region |
| Starting point | The village of Lokev cemetery parking lot |
| route duration | 2 h |
| End Point Altitude | 674 m (2,211 feet) |
| Best time to visit | spring, summer, early autumn |
| Appropriate for | Baby Carriers , 3-6 years of age , 6+ years of age |
| Level of difficulty | Moderately demanding route |
Route Description
The Kokoš Hill (Hen Hill) is a 663-meter (2,175-feet) high ridge in the southeast of the Trieste-Komen Plateau on the Slovenian-Italian border that is interspersed with beautifully landscaped paths. It is easily accessible and has undemanding terrain as well as beautiful views. Hikers, runners, cyclists and riding enthusiasts all love coming here, even families with younger children.
There are many accessible marked paths to the Kokoš Mountain Hut from all directions. From the former border crossing Lipica via a road, a steep path, or a less steep path that branches off from the road. From the direction of “Lipiška vrata” or from Lipica (Škibini). From the village of Lokve (where the old camp used to be), via the village of Prelož and past the Vroče Spring.
We started walking at the village of Lokve, which is the easiest direction for small children. We parked at the end of the village next to the cemetery. The beginning of the trail is a steep road. After about 2 km (1.24 miles), the road narrows into a footpath, which is steeper in some parts. We chose to tackle the left trail which has a gentle ascent. We returned to our starting point via the steeper path, which is rockier. One half of the trail is hidden from the sun and the other half is not, so you will definitely need some sunscreen.
The hut has quite a few benches to relax, but you can also bring a blanket and place it on the grass. The cottage staff serves drinks, desserts and different stews.
Due to the favorable climate, Kokoš Hill is a popular location. Spring and summer are by far the prettiest seasons, because the typical Karst nature shows its fresh colours with the first pasque flowers, then lilies of the valley, peonies, daffodils, burning bushes, cyclamen and many others. Almost all are protected species. Most visitors rarely visit individual peaks, but their main goal is to visit the popular mountain hut on Kokoša Hill, which is located on the clearing of the Jirmanec Hill. The Sežana Mountaineering Society takes exemplary care of the hut which is open from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening and on almost all Slovenian and Italian holidays.
Interesting Facts
You can reach the Kokoš hilltop from the hut. The top is rather indistinct and overgrown with flora all the way to the Veliko Gradišče Hill and the Vroče spring. Veliko Gradišče is also the highest peak of the Trieste-Komen Plateau that hides an interesting spring, called Vroče. The site was probably excavated in prehistory. The water quenches your thirst and according to you has a healing effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
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Vita, Olja and Juna Recommend
Where did the name “Kokoš” come from?
Kokoš is a hill that rises above Lipica, Vilenica and the largest Slovenian village Lokev. The locals affectionately call it Kokoška (which means “the little hen”) and it got its name due to a Slovenian-Italian misunderstanding.
Because the hill was bare, the locals called it "Golina" and the naughty Italians called it "Gallina", which means “a hen” in their language. The Slovene locals then used the Italian naming (but in Slovene of course) and since then the hill, interspersed with footpaths and bicycle trails, is named after the said animal.
Visit the Kokoš Hill and see the Slovenian Karst in all of its glory.
