Donačka gora

Donačka gora is remarkable for its steep conical shape and its location on the eastern edge of the Alpine world, which you cannot overlook between the Drava Plain and Kozjansko.

From the west and southwest, it resembles a horn, while from the north and south, it looks like a trapezoidal table with three peaks. Although the mountain is only 884 m high, it carries diversity, history, secrets, beauty, and also romance. It is known for its magnificent views opening in all directions: towards Haloze, the Drava and Ptuj plains, Croatian Zagorje, and Posotelje.

The mountain received its present name after the church of St. Donat, while its older name, Rogaška gora or Rogač, probably came from the mountain’s horn-like shape as seen from Rogaška Slatina. Because of its three peaks, it is also called the “Štajerski Triglav.” To the west lies the lower, ridge-like Ženčaj (616 m), while to the east is the more rounded Resenik (735 m). When we speak of Donačka gora, we actually refer to three high hills, which, due to significant altitude differences, appear as true mountains.

Because of its geomorphological, botanical, and zoological features, Donačka gora was declared a natural monument in 1990. Geographically, it is classified among the Karawanks. Its ridge is composed of limestones and quartz sandstones, while the base consists of soft Tertiary rocks, mostly marl. It is covered by beech forest. A protected beech primeval forest reserve has been safeguarded since 1965 and covers 27.78 ha. In Slovenia, there are only three primeval beech forests. An established hiking trail from the mountain lodge leads across its western part up to the ridge.

A special feature of Donačka gora is the extraordinary diversity of its vegetation. As the elongated mountain stretches from east to west, it is divided into the warmer, sunny southern slope and the cooler, shaded northern slope. On the northern side, cold-loving Alpine plants prevail, requiring less heat or more moisture—for example, hart’s-tongue fern, spruce, toothwort, Alpine broom, and many others. On the southern side, heat-loving plants thrive, such as sweet chestnut and Turkey oak. A characteristic feature is the altitudinal zonation of vegetation. Among the diverse flora, endemic species such as Hoppe’s carnation and Juvan’s houseleek stand out.

As for wildlife, roe deer, wild boar, chamois, and various bird species are the most commonly encountered.

Donačka gora represents a paradise for paragliders, cyclists, hikers, and horseback-riding enthusiasts.

Just below the mountain itself lies the mountain hut – Rudi’s Lodge – which offers excellent dishes prepared by the caretakers and is located on the western side of Donačka gora. It also provides simple accommodation. The lodge stands on Polajžar Meadow at the Saddle below the summit of Donačka gora. The dining room has 50 seats and a bar; outside, at the tables in front of the lodge, there are 60 seats. In five rooms there are 24 beds. The lodge has toilets, a washroom with hot and cold water, a dining area heated by a traditional farmhouse stove, as well as running water and electricity.

The mountain lodge is situated at 590 m above sea level. It was built in 1984.

A partial view is available from the meadow above the lodge, while the full panorama can only be enjoyed from the summit of Donačka gora. To the east, nearby rises Macelj, and southeast of it the view stretches across the hills and ridges of Croatian Zagorje with Strahinjščica and Ivanščica. To the south, beyond the Rogaška valley with Rogatec and Rogaška Slatina, rise the hills of Kozjansko, bordered to the south by the peaks of the Posavje Hills with Bohor. Behind them one can see the Gorjanci range. To the west, nearby lies Boč, with Pohorje and the Savinja Alps beyond. To the north extend the Haloze with their rounded, vineyard-covered hills, and behind them the Ptuj and Drava plains as well as Slovenske gorice. In clear weather, even the Pannonian Plain with Lake Balaton can be seen.

The lodge is open daily except Mondays from the end of April to October.

In the winter season it is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

Address: Donačka Gora 37a, 3252 Rogatec
Contact: +386 31 344 640