Šmarna Gora mountain is a natural phenomenon and cultural heritage site in the immediate vicinity of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.
 
 It is visited by about a 250 000 hikers, pilgrims and other visitors every year and has inspired many poets and painters.
 
 Depicted in numerous fairy tales and legends, Šmarna Gora also has a history all its own, a legacy associated with its extraordinary position and nature.
 
 Šmarna Gora is a solitary mount which projects some 370 m above the broad plains of the Ljubljana Basin. It has two hump-like summits, and thus resembles a Bactrian camel.
 
 At 676 m, the western peak, known as Grmada, is slightly higher than the eastern summit of Gora (669 m).

The name Grmada (which means "pyre" in the Slovene language) reveals that during the long era of Turkish incursions into these lands, bonfires were lit on its summit in order to warn others, near and far, of an impending raid.
 
 During the 15th century, the church, bell tower and other buildings on Gora were fortified and enclosed within the confines of a protective wall in order to provide shelter to all those fearing Turkish attack.
 
 Today, these lands are at peace; and instead of being a refuge, Šmarna Gora is able to provide some exceptional views.
 
 On a clear day one can see as far as the high Alps (north), the Gorjanci Ridge (southeast) and Mt. Snežnik (south).
 
 It is not uncommon that this mountain is bathed in sun while the Ljubljana Basin below it is one sheer sea of fog.
 
 Šmarna Gora itself, as well as the views and perspectives that may be captured from its twin peaks are a continuing inspiration to painters and other artists.
 
 The pilgrimage to Šmarna Gora, as we are apt to call it - because hikers and traditional pilgrims alike ascend it day-in and day-out, like ants - has recreational as well as spiritual connotations.
 
 Everyone can find something here for their own taste, be they a romantic couple or a naturalist. 
 

The nature trail which traverses Grmada is an education as to the different types of vegetation that are to be found growing at particular elevations on the sunnier and more shaded slopes which are separated by the longitudinal ridge.
 
 The western slopes of Grmada, well known for their protruding rocks and precipitous faces, are a popular venue with budding young rock climbers who practice and hone their skills here.
 
 The adjacent Sava river also has an appeal to the athlete and sportsman. Indeed, the rapids at the nearby village of Tacen are a training and competition venue for international caliber canoeists and kayakers.
 
 The Sava is also a delight for the fly fisherman.
 
 At the beginning of this century, the river hereabouts was so rich in fish that it attracted professional fishermen who purveyed Ljubljana's fish market and hotels.
 
 Today anglers still abound, and the Sava is replenished by three nearby fish farms. Dog lovers too have found their space along the wooded banks of the Sava, while cyclists compete in an annual cycling marathon around Šmarna Gora, and paragliders, hang-gliders and microlite enthusiasts soar above its summit.
 
 While discussing matters aeronautical, it should be noted that Šmarna Gora overlooks Brnik, Slovenia's main international airport, which lies on the plain a few kilometers to the north.
 
 And lastly, but by no means least, Šmarna Gora together with its summit-top walled church, are admired by all those traversing the highway which connects Alpine and Central-European
 lands with the Adriatic Sea. 
 
 Tracks and Trails 
 
 The countless cars parked beside the bridge over the Sava at Tacen, regardless of the weather, speak volumes as
 to the presence of Smarna Gora enthusiasts others arrive at its foot by bus from the city.
 
 There is no cable car or asphalt road to take you to its summit: your own two feet have to suffice.
 
 Tacen is the most common starting point for the ascent to Gora; the trail begins at the Grad Inn and winds its way up through the forest to the saddle from where one may continue to either Gora (east) or Grmada (west).
 
 The route from Šmartno, the village just to the east of Tacen and a favorite departure point for the pilgrimage to Šmarna Gora, is more gradual.
 
 From Zavrh, a somewhat dispersed agricultural settlement on the northern side of the mountain, there is a track which may be negotiated by four-wheel drive vehicles, Indeed back in 1927 it was this route, the longest and most gradual of all ascents of this mountain, that witnessed the first car rattling its way to the summit of Gora.
 
 All in all there are about twenty different trails that criss-cross Šmarna Gora, and hikers may choose from a multiplicity of combinations of these in any ascent of the twin peaks.
 
 The more experienced may plump for the protected climbing route which traverses the steep western flank of Grmada.
 
 The Nature Trail also starts on the western side of the mountain, not far from the village of Pirniče.