The Rosary Bead Trail

A quick glance of the maps shows that The Rosary Bead trail truly has a shape of a Rosary bead. The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians is the crucifix, the wreath of beautiful villages Brezje, Hudo, Hušica, Leše, Brezje pri Tržiču, Vadiče and Peračica stand as the beads on the string.

This conceptually accomplished trail is than further divided to the Introductory part, Joyful part, Luminous part, Sorrowful part and the Glorious part with special "praying stones" alongside the way for each of the rosary beads.

The trail connects old pilgrimage paths and quiet countryside roads of this beautiful corner of Gorenjska region and offers spectacular views of the Karavanke range, Julian Alps and Kamnik-Savinja Alps. The cultural landscape (fields, hay-racks, shrines...) along the way is beautifully kept, hiking the Rosary bead trail one can truly breath in the spirit of traditional alpine Slovenian countryside.

Standing outside the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians turn left, passing the statue of pope John Paul II and continue walking eastwards towards the Nativity museum (Muzej jaslic). A village street branches of to your right hand side (Krona market and an ATM machine on the left, nunnery on the right.) Walk down the street to reach a junction after less than 100 meters. Turn left (road sign: Peračica) and walk on the narrow street between the farms. Soon the principal road makes a sharp turn right and starts descending into Peračica valley. Walk down the principal road which leads you through a narrow gully between houses on the edge of a natural terrace. Soon you will notice a conglomerate cliff on you left hand side and a signpost for The Brezje Path of Peace. The Rosary Bead Trail follows the asphalt road, which is gradually descending more and more steeply - all the way down to the bridge across Peračica stream. Crossing the bridge, the road immediately ascends and bends to the right hand side.

As the road climbs out of the forest to the open meadows, you reach a junction with the information panel of The Rosary Bead Trail. This is the end of Introductory part and the start of Joyful part.

Turn right in the junction and follow a private road towards the farmstead "Pr' Janežšč". The narrow asphalt lane descends across the wide open meadows to the riverside forest (bridge), than climbs right back up again. Follow the road to the point where a gravel road branches of to the right hand side (signpost: Kovor). Forest track soon brings you to a footbridge across Strašnik brook named "Zupanova brv". Walk across the bridge and walk up the forest path ascending to the left hand side. The soft forest path gradually ascends and traverses the forested slope diagonally. After about 10 minutes the path joins with a wider forest road continuing in the same direction.

As the gravel road reaches a small saddle with the junction of several log skidding tracks, turn left on an ascending path marked with the symbol of The Rosary Bead Trail. The path ascends on the edge of a large meadow with an orchard before entering into the forest again. After a switch-back and the last short climb you find yourself of the natural terrace of village Hudo. Follow the cart track leading to the village across meadows and fields (stunning views of the Karavanke mountains). You are now walking on the Luminous part of The Rosary Bead Trail.

Reaching the intersection of roads in the centre of village Hudo (shrine), turn left (roadsign : Brezje, Hušica) and continue the walk towards north on the principal road with open views on all sides. Walk straight through village Hušica and continue further to Brezje pri Tržiču. In the junction of the roads by the eco farm of Ovsenek family in Brezje pri Tržiču (refreshments for pilgrims!) , turn left (roadsign : Popovo) to the Sorrowful part of the trail.

The trail now leads south-west, partly through forest, partly across meadows and pastures. Ignore the turn for Popovo and follow the sign for Vadiče. The road soon starts descending and magnificent views towards Mt. Triglav and the Julian Alps open up in front of you. Passing by the last house in Vadiče you can continue on the road, or make a shortcut following the cart track leading straight ahead. Both paths join in few minutes on the road leading to Leše village.

Arriving to Leše, turn left (roadsign : Peračica) and walk towards the meadows and pastures beneath the village. You are now walking on the Glorious part of The Rosary Bead Trail through the valley, following a quiet road to the village Peračica. Follow the principal road and ignore all cart tracks and logging tracks branching of to the forests and fields. After crossing Lešanjščica stream the road ascends to the natural terrace where it joins with The Brezje Path of Peace. Walk pass the village Peračica on the principal road which gradualy starts descending into Peračica river valley. You will find yourself at the fork where the Joyful part of the trail begins.

From this point, simply follow back your footsteps to the Basilica of St. Mary Help of Christians in Brezje.

Driving on the motorway from the direction of Radovljica (Bled) or Ljubljana, take exit No. 5 Brezje.

Exiting the motorway drive up the hill to settlement Črnivec, from where you can already see the dominating pilgrimage church. Take the first exit in the roundabout and drive into Brezje village.