Plizio Visual Lab
Stol
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
peak
Stol, also known as Hochstuhl in German, is the highest mountain in the Karawanks range, standing at 2236 meters on the border between Slovenia and Austria. The massif is characterized by its distinct asymmetry: the northern face drops steeply with rocky cliffs toward the Klagenfurt Basin, while the southern side features gently sloping grassy terrain above Žirovnica. Composed mainly of limestone and dolomite, the mountain exhibits various karst features in its higher elevations. Just below the summit on the Slovenian side lies the Prešeren Lodge, named after the Slovenian national poet France Prešeren. The summit is a popular destination for hikers, providing unobstructed views of the Julian Alps, including Mount Triglav, and the Drava Valley in Carinthia. Historically, the ridge marked an old provincial boundary and is currently integrated into European long-distance hiking trails.
- Location: Slovenia
- Top sights: Hochstuhl / Stol · Klagenfurter Spitze / Celovška špica · Jelenčka / Edelweißspitze
- Nearby: Vintgar Gorge (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -3 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 12 | 8 | 3 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 58 | 66 | 74 | 83 | 110 | 120 | 125 | 140 | 130 | 118 | 119 | 85 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reaching the highest mountain in the Karawanks generally requires driving to typical valley trailheads on either the Slovenian or Austrian side, from where visitors must proceed on foot along established, well-marked alpine hiking routes.
Best season
The peak summer months from late June through September are usually the safest and most reliable times for an ascent, offering largely snow-free conditions and significantly clearer visibility across the expansive border landscapes.
Terrain & paths
Hikers will consistently encounter very steep and physically demanding alpine trails characterized by rocky outcrops, loose scree, and prolonged exposed sections that demand good stamina and confident surefootedness at higher elevations.
What to bring
Essential equipment includes high-quality alpine trekking boots with excellent grip, comprehensive windproof and waterproof clothing layers, adequate hydration supplies, and hiking poles to assist with balance on the demanding ascents.
Parking
Official gravel or paved parking lots are normally available at the main starting points in the valleys on both sides of the border, though they can fill up surprisingly early during weekends and peak holiday periods in summer.
Safety
Weather changes in this border range can occur very abruptly, making it crucial to constantly monitor forecasts; hikers should also remain consistently vigilant against the risks of falling rocks and sudden afternoon thunderstorms.
Time needed
A full round-trip hike to the summit from standard valley starting points commonly takes an entire day, typically requiring around six to nine hours of strenuous walking depending entirely on the chosen route and the individual's fitness level.
Geography
Facts
- Stol is the highest peak in the Karawanks range at 2236 meters.
- The mountain forms part of the international border between Slovenia and Austria.
- The Prešeren Lodge (Prešernova koča) is situated at an altitude of 2174 meters.
- The first recorded ascent was made in 1794 by Franz von Hohenwart.
- The northern face contains several high-difficulty rock climbing routes.
- On clear days, the Hohe Tauern range is visible from the summit.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Stol (4)
Jelenčka / Edelweißspitze
Mountain in the Karawanks at the Carinthia, Slovenia border, part of the massif.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Stol the highest of the Karawanks?
Yes, at 2236 meters it is the highest mountain in the range.
Is it shared with Austria?
Yes, the border runs exactly across the peak.
How is the view?
Fantastic over Lake Bled and the Julian Alps.
Which hut is nearby?
The Prešernova koča right below the peak.
Is the mountain accessible in winter?
Yes, it is a popular destination for ski touring.
Stol: where is it located?
Stol is located in Slovenia.
Stol: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hochstuhl / Stol, Klagenfurter Spitze / Celovška špica, Jelenčka / Edelweißspitze.
Stol: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Stol: why is it worth visiting?
Stol, also known as Hochstuhl in German, is the highest mountain in the Karawanks range, standing at 2236 meters on the border between Slovenia and Austria.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Slovenia →
Nearby cities
Velenje
Velenje is located in the Savinja Valley and is one of Slovenia's major industrial centers.
Trbovlje
Trbovlje is an industrial city in the Sava Valley known for its long mining tradition.
Kamnik
Kamnik is a historic town at the foot of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.
Jesenice
Jesenice is known as the city of steel and ice hockey.
Domžale
Domžale is located north of Ljubljana at the foothills of the Kamnik Alps.
Nova Gorica
Nova Gorica was built after WWII directly on the border with Italy as a counterpart to the city of Gorizia.
Škofja Loka Medieval Town
Škofja Loka is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Slovenia and boasts a history of over a thousand years.
Škofja Loka
Škofja Loka is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Slovenia.
Logatec
Logatec is located on a strategic route between Ljubljana and the Adriatic coast.
Vrhnika
Vrhnika is located at the western edge of the Ljubljana Marshes and is best known as the birthplace of the writer Ivan Cankar.
Slovenj Gradec
Slovenj Gradec is the administrative center of the Slovenian Carinthia region.
Grosuplje
Grosuplje is located in the Lower Carniola region.
Ravne na Koroškem
Ravne na Koroškem is the largest town in the Slovenian Carinthia region and is known for its steel industry.
Ajdovščina
Ajdovščina is located in the center of the Vipava Valley and is known for its strong Bora winds and Roman remains.
Litija
Litija is located on the Sava river.
History & landmarks
BTC City Ljubljana
BTC City is one of the largest business, shopping, and entertainment centers in Europe.
Ljubljana Town Hall
The Town Hall on Town Square in Ljubljana is the seat of the city municipality.
Postojna Cave
Postojna Cave is a breathtaking 24 km long system of karst passages and chambers, famously explored via a unique underground electric train.
Postojna
Postojna is a strategically important town in the Slovenian Karst region, globally famous as the gateway to one of Europe's largest and m…
Vipava Valley
A fertile valley between the Karst and the mountains, known for the strong Burja wind and indigenous wines.
Kobarid
Historical town in the Soca Valley, famous for its WWI museum and the emerald-green Soca River.
Cerkno Hill
A versatile destination in the Goriška region, known for its modern ski center and the historical Franja Partisan Hospital.