Lipanski vrh (1974m) is one of the most scenic viewpoints in Julian Alps. It rises between Krma valley and Pokljuka plateau and it offers 360 views from its peak. The peak is easily accessible to everyone and it takes about 1h 45min of moderate hiking.
The usual starting point for Lipanski vrh is Pokljuka plateau. There are several options where to leave your car and start walking. Check hribi.net for exact follow instructions. A good idea is to stop at Blejska koča mountain hut for lunch on the way up or on your way back. The hut also offers accommodation, so it your plan is to photograph both sunset and sunrise, this is a great choice.
Lipanski vrh is one of many options to go on this ridge between Krma valley and Pokljuka plateau. Others include Brda, Debela peč, Viševnik, Mali Draški Vrh, Veliki Draški Vrh and Tosc. All of these offer interesting photographic opportunities however some of there are more hard to access. It is also possible to traverse from peak to peak. One can make a circular tour from Pokljuka – with scenic views all the way.
Photography from Lipanski vrh
Usually sunrise offers better photography opportunities from here. The sun rises from a more favourable angle than sunset(which can also be good if nice clouds). Besides this, there is decent chance for morning fog that creates more atmospheric conditions. The best chance for fog is in autumn and winter, however summers can be nice too – especially if there was rain a day before or overnight. winter is also good season to visit. The peaks above Pokljuka are one of the safer destinations regarding snow avalanches. One should still check current conditions and local advice if attempting winter ascent.
Here you can find more ideas for hiking in Slovenia that are also great landscape photography spots.
I made this trip with Anton, my new friend and business partner at PhotoHound. He is an avid nature photographer and experienced programmer. Anton is head of mobile development at PhotoHound. He also developed an easy to use Luminosity masks panel for Photoshop which I used to process the above photos. If you are thinking about trying luminosity masks editing techniques, give his panels a try – very simple to use.
