June 1984

A NEW MOUNTAIN HUT ON GOLICA

The Jesenice Mountaineering Society celebrated the 60th anniversary of its existence two years ago by opening a new mountain hut on Golica and marking its distinguished jubilee in a fitting manner.

The most popular gathering place for the people of Jesenice and other mountain visitors is undoubtedly the blooming Golica (1,835 m), which lies in the Karavanke range on the border between Yugoslavia and Austria. Because of the steadily increasing number of visitors, diligent mountaineers built a lower hut on Golica in 1892, and in 1905 another hut on the summit of Golica. In those days, both huts were visited by people from both sides of the border and therefore represented a bridge of friendly connection between mountaineers from either side.

Older mountaineers recall that in the past—before the Second World War—there were so many visitors on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays that the two huts could not accommodate everyone under their roofs.

During the National Liberation Struggle, both huts were burned down. In doing so, the occupying forces ensured that the partisans could no longer use them as shelters.

The mountaineers of Jesenice decided to build a new lower hut on Golica (at Rigeln, 1,582 m). After two years of hard work—mostly on a voluntary basis—and with the help of labor and socio-political organizations of the Municipality of Jesenice and the Alpine Association of Slovenia, they built a new one on the site where the former Lower Hut on Golica had stood—more beautiful and more modern.

Over the past two years, large numbers of mountaineers from all parts of the country have visited the hut on Golica. There are especially many visitors when the daffodils are in bloom, enchanting lovers of nature trails with their intoxicating scent and beauty.

Because the hut stands in a border-zone area, access to the hut and the summit of Golica is permitted only to Yugoslav citizens, from sunrise to sunset, and only along marked paths. All visitors must carry personal identification. A mountaineering membership card is required for overnight stays in mountain huts. Foreign nationals are not permitted to move about in the border zone, so we kindly ask all mountaineers to warn foreign visitors not to enter the restricted area.

We inform all lovers of the mountains that the hut on Golica is well supplied and will remain open until late autumn. If you have not yet visited it, do so as soon as possible, for you will be welcomed by exceptional beauty and friendly caretakers. From here there is a wonderful view of the Julian Alps, the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, and the Carinthian region. Here you will relax and forget the troubles of everyday life.

Come—the new hut on Golica is waiting for you.

D. P.

Source: Železar newspaper archive, Jesenice.

1983

CONSTRUCTION OF THE HUT ON GOLICA

The Jesenice Mountaineering Society began in 1981 the construction of a new hut on the existing foundations of the former Lower Hut on Golica.

In 1981, preparatory work was carried out: preparation of documentation, installation of a cargo cableway, and gathering of materials.

In 1982, the following work was completed: restoration of the foundations, installation of sewage, concreting of two slabs, building the hut up to the roof, assembly of the roof structure, making windows and entrance doors, installation of windows and doors, and covering the roof structure with boards and roofing felt.

The successful completion of this task is thanks to all who participated in the construction. Special thanks go to all those who contributed through voluntary work. A total of 4,500 hours of volunteer labor were completed.

To complete the hut under Golica in 1983, we invite all members to come and help in as large numbers as possible, so that the hut could be opened during the central celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Upper Sava Mountaineering Societies, on the first Sunday in September, that is, September 4th.

Work actions will take place every Saturday and Sunday, and possibly during weekdays as well. Members are kindly asked to register in advance at the Jesenice Mountaineering Society office.

Source: Železar newspaper archive, Jesenice.

1982

THEY ARE BUILDING ON GOLICA

Members of the Jesenice Mountaineering Society know no rest during this summer season. With great enthusiasm and energy, they are engaged in the construction of the new hut on Golica. For many years, numerous mountaineers visiting the Karavanke have expressed the desire to have, in this part of our mountain world, a spot where they could rest, refresh themselves, and even spend the night. The mountaineers of Jesenice have listened to these wishes, and the construction of the new hut is progressing successfully.

Before the war, there were two huts on Golica: the German Hut and the Kadijlnik Hut. Both were burned down on May 25, 1942.

This year marks 40 years since the huts were burned, and in the Karavanke, a new hut is expected to be completed under roof by this anniversary in the autumn. Most of the work is carried out by the mountaineers themselves. The second slab on the hut was even completed during the week. Volunteer participation was good, with many locals from Planina pod Golico, especially young people and other mountaineers; some even took a day off to join the work action. Certainly an example worth following. Only the youth from Jesenice were noticeably absent.

Many other mountaineers also contributed in various ways. Jože Mežnar and Andrej Mohorič donated bonds from road loans, while Anica Debevc, Peter Klavžar, and Rudolf Arh contributed financial support. Several organizations of joint labor also helped with the construction.

The members of the Jesenice Mountaineering Society express their gratitude to everyone who assisted and at the same time invite others to help complete the hut on Golica.

— J. Kabič

Source: Železar newspaper archive, Jesenice.