Tito’s Village (Titova vas) was a secret World War II partisan camp that was hidden deep in the forest in a remote, hidden and relatively inaccessible location beneath the peak of Smokuški vrh, in the municipality of Žirovnica. The camp had its own newspaper, a choir, butchery and everything needed for everyday life at that time.
For a longer walk, you can start from the reservoir in Žirovnica where there is an information board about the trail to Titova vas and from where it is a pleasant cca. 45 min walk along the valley road which rises gently to the trailhead. If you would prefer a medium-length walk then you can start a little further along the valley at the recreation area by the Zavrh bar, or for a short walk begin at the trailhead itself further along the valley.
Do keep your eyes out for errant kangaroos, though!
From the trailhead it is just approx. 20 mins on foot to reach Tito’s Village.
The camp provided partisans with shelter from the German occupators. Considering its location, in close proximity to German strongholds in nearby Žirovnica, Bled, Koroška Bela, Javornik, Jesenice, Lesce, Radovljica, Brezje, Poljče and Begunje, the existence of the camp from 21 November 1944 – 31 January 1945 – though only 2 months – was considered long for those times.
The well-marked path leads uphill through the forest crossing small bridges and wooden footbridges over a small stream.
One get’s a real sense of how well-hidden the camp was and though today, thanks to the well-arranged trail, it’s a pleasant walk and fun to explore the area. One can only imagine what it must have been like to survive a winter here, although at least a fresh supply of water presumably wasn’t an issue.
On reaching the small camp there is a visitors’ book, information boards (in Slovene only) and a memorial stone.
The walk to Tito’s Village is interesting, educational and enjoyable, and, combined with the other sights of interest in the Završnica valley, is well worth a visit.
See the Visit Žirovnica website to find out more and this and other hiking trails in the Žirovnica area.
© Adele in Slovenia
Adele in Slovenia 