Pod Gondolo-Areh-Pecke-gondola

You begin the route at the summit of Maribor’s Pohorje, at an altitude of 1,042 meters above sea level. This is a popular viewpoint overlooking the city of Maribor. From here, the route ascends past St. Bolfenk Church along a paved road, then quickly continues right onto a gravel path next to the Stolp ski slope, heading west toward the Maribor Viewing Tower. We highly recommend climbing to the top of the tower – the panoramic view is breathtaking, offering a stunning vista of Maribor and its surroundings.

Continue riding westward through the forest along the popular route toward Areh. This scenic section offers countless viewpoints and places of interest. You’ll pass a pumping station, then ride along the Videc ski slope, skirting it on your right. After a short climb, you’ll reach Ledinekov kogel (1,182 m), home to the iconic radar dome used for airspace monitoring – a striking landmark on Pohorje.

After a brief descent, you’ll arrive at the intersection at Bukva (1,132 m), near the turnoff to Mariborska koča, where you continue right toward Areh. You’ll bypass the Partizanka ski slope and continue slightly left along the main gravel road, passing the Green Eco Village Ruševec.

Following the ridge, and after two short descents, you’ll arrive at a small clearing with an electrical transformer, connected by power lines from the Drava Valley. Cross the Ruše – Glažuta gravel road and continue straight toward the reservoir lake at Areh – a popular winter sports area, signaling that you're nearly at your destination. From the reservoir, enjoy beautiful views of the valley below. To the west, you’ll already see St. Areh Church and the nearby Ruška Koča mountain hut.

From the reservoir, continue up the children's ski slope, past the Areh spring (Romanov spring) toward the old Areh hotel.
After a final short climb, you’ll reach the main parking area at Areh, at 1,254 meters above sea level. Take some time to rest on the meadow near St. Areh Church, or enjoy a meal at the renowned Ruška Koča mountain hut.

You’ve now reached the end of this described route. Of course, there’s no need to stop or return to the starting point just yet. From Areh, you can continue cycling toward Rogla, Ruše, Fram, or other interesting destinations on and around Pohorje.

This tour across part of Pohorje is fascinating from several angles. Thanks to the use of the cable car for the initial ascent, the Bellevue–Areh round trip can be completed in just a few hours, which is impressive compared to the typical full-day hiking traverse.
Starting at 1,000 meters above sea level via gondola makes this route especially accessible. But what will impress you most is the untouched nature and the wild, uninhabited landscape.

Pohorje will enchant you!