Sightjogging 32km WWII loop around edge of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Anna
Often described as Europe’s most ‘beloved’ city, Ljubljana, Slovenia offers something for every kind of traveller. I came seeking some fresh, alpine air and natural beauty in Lake Bled. The true highlight of the trip came from a more historical experience; running along the Path of Remembrance and Comradeship. Known by Slovenes as the “POT”, the path stands as the remains of the 32 km barbed wire fence that stood during fascist Italian occupation of Slovenia during WWII. The fence stood from 1942 until its liberation in 1945, and in 1972 the path was erected as a memorial and now used for cyclists, pedestrians, runners, and even cross country skiers at some sections.
I’m training for my first marathon and discovered the path online right before I visited Ljubljana and couldn’t believe how perfect it was for my training. After a half day of exploring the cobbled city streets and castle, I laced up my shoes and set out on the gravel trail. My afternoon became more than just a training run. The Path of Remembrance and Comradeship encircles the city in a quiet, unbroken circle. In those few hours, I moved through countryside and residential neighborhoods, past Koseze Pond and into the forested Golovec Hill. The terrain changes from open stretches of farmland to shaded woodlands, where you can hear birdsong and the wind blow through the leaves. Climbing Golovec Hill is certainly demanding (especially after you’ve already covered 13 miles) but you’re rewarded with sweeping, 360-degree views of Ljubljana framed by mountain ranges.
What makes the POT unique is not just its landscape but its significance. Memorial markers and green directional signs appear intermittently along the path as subtle reminders that the peaceful loop traces the barbed-wire perimeter that once closed off Ljubljana during WWII. Running along the path was both contemplative and rewarding. I found myself stopping frequently to admire the scenery and try to imagine what life could have been like years ago, confined within the city’s borders. “Sightjogging” has emerged as a popular and efficient way to see new cities, and for me this went beyond that purpose. The Path of Remembrance and Comradeship turned out to be perfect for my race training, because it was long, varied and challenging. More importantly, it was an immersive experience to learn about a city’s history and feel the history underfoot rather than through a museum.
Often described as Europe’s most ‘beloved’ city, Ljubljana, Slovenia offers something for every kind of traveller. I came seeking some fresh, alpine air and natural beauty in Lake Bled. The true highlight of the trip came from a more historical experience; running along the Path of Remembrance and Comradeship. Known by Slovenes as the “POT”, the path stands as the remains of the 32 km barbed wire fence that stood during fascist Italian occupation of Slovenia during WWII. The fence stood from 1942 until its liberation in 1945, and in 1972 the path was erected as a memorial and now used for cyclists, pedestrians, runners, and even cross country skiers at some sections.
I’m training for my first marathon and discovered the path online right before I visited Ljubljana and couldn’t believe how perfect it was for my training. After a half day of exploring the cobbled city streets and castle, I laced up my shoes and set out on the gravel trail. My afternoon became more than just a training run. The Path of Remembrance and Comradeship encircles the city in a quiet, unbroken circle. In those few hours, I moved through countryside and residential neighborhoods, past Koseze Pond and into the forested Golovec Hill. The terrain changes from open stretches of farmland to shaded woodlands, where you can hear birdsong and the wind blow through the leaves. Climbing Golovec Hill is certainly demanding (especially after you’ve already covered 13 miles) but you’re rewarded with sweeping, 360-degree views of Ljubljana framed by mountain ranges.
What makes the POT unique is not just its landscape but its significance. Memorial markers and green directional signs appear intermittently along the path as subtle reminders that the peaceful loop traces the barbed-wire perimeter that once closed off Ljubljana during WWII. Running along the path was both contemplative and rewarding. I found myself stopping frequently to admire the scenery and try to imagine what life could have been like years ago, confined within the city’s borders. “Sightjogging” has emerged as a popular and efficient way to see new cities, and for me this went beyond that purpose. The Path of Remembrance and Comradeship turned out to be perfect for my race training, because it was long, varied and challenging. More importantly, it was an immersive experience to learn about a city’s history and feel the history underfoot rather than through a museum.