Three new or updated trail distances, three popular classics, and a revamped Vertical race. Discover what’s changing in 2027, who each trail is designed for, and which one will take you into the forests of Kočevsko from 28 to 30 May.
What's in store for the sixth edition?
If you’ve run in Kočevsko before, there’s something new waiting for you in 2027. And if you haven’t, we’ve got seven good reasons to finally come and explore.
Kočevsko Outdoor Festival returns to Kočevje, Slovenia, from 28 to 30 May 2027, bringing together trail runners, hikers, and everyone who loves spending time outdoors for the sixth time.
For the upcoming edition, we’ve refreshed our trail running programme. The popular 5, 10, and 15 km courses remain unchanged, while we’ve introduced a brand-new 25 km Deer Trail, extended the Wolf Trail to 35 km, and replaced our longest distance with the new 50 km Bear Trail. The Vertical race is getting a little makeover, too.
What does this mean for you? More options to find a distance that matches your experience, running goals, and ambitions.
And why Kočevsko? For its vast forests, diverse trails, and the feeling of being completely away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a few hours. Not to mention the festival atmosphere by Lake Kočevje, which continues long after you cross the finish line.
Not sure which distance to choose? Here’s a quick guide to all seven options:
Trail | What’s new for 2027? | Who is it for? |
Unchanged | Beginners and families | |
Ostaja enaka | Runners taking their first steps towards longer trail distances | |
Unchanged | Recreational runners looking to go a little further | |
Brand-new course | Runners ready to move from shorter to longer distances | |
Extended from 30 km | More experienced trail runners | |
The longest distance | Runners who love long-distance trail challenges | |
Shorter course | Anyone who enjoys steep climbs |
You can find detailed information about the courses, elevation gain and other features on our trail distances page.
Tried-and-tested classics: 5, 10, and 15 km remain unchanged
You don’t have to run halfway through the forest to experience Kočevsko. Even the shorter distances offer a great opportunity to try trail running for the first time, explore forest paths, or simply enjoy an active day outdoors.
For 2027, the popular 5K Bambi Trail, 10K Fox Trail, and 15K Lynx Trail remain unchanged. So, what can you expect?
5 km Bambi Trail is the festival’s shortest distance, perfect for beginners, families, and anyone just getting into trail running. You can even bring your four-legged friend along for the adventure.
10 km Fox Trail is a great choice if you’re looking for a slightly longer run and want to swap asphalt for forest trails. It’s also an excellent option for your first longer trail running challenge.
15 km Lynx Trainlis designed for runners who already have some running experience and are ready to take on a longer distance across varied terrain.
If you’ve already completed one of these trails, you can return to familiar paths, try to beat your previous time, or challenge yourself with a longer distance this year. And if it’s your first visit to Kočevsko, all three are a great introduction to running through our forests.
New 25K Deer Trail: ready to go a little further?
Fifteen kilometres no longer feel like enough, but thirty-five still seem a bit too much? We’ve got something new for you in 2027.
The brand-new 25K Deer Trail fills the gap between shorter and longer trail running challenges. It’s designed for runners who already have some trail running experience and are ready to take the next step.
Expect varied forest paths, climbs, descents, and enough kilometres to make you think a little more carefully about pacing your effort. The course also takes you to Lovski vrh, where you’ll be rewarded with views across the vast forests of Kočevsko.
If you’re looking for a longer run but don’t feel quite ready for 35 kilometres, the Deer Trail offers a new opportunity to gradually build your trail running experience while discovering another beautiful corner of Kočevsko.
35K Wolf Trail: for those who want to venture deeper into the wild
Longer trail runs, varied terrain, and kilometres through endless forests sound like your kind of adventure? Then meet the Wolf Trail.
The 35 km Wolf Trail is designed for more experienced runners who enjoy longer challenges and know how to maintain their pace over several hours of running. One of the course’s highlights is the route through Kočevski Rog, where forest paths, climbs, descents, and scenic sections follow one another.
For 2027, we’ve extended the previous 30K course to 35 kilometres. That means a slightly bigger endurance challenge, more time on forest trails, and something new even for those who’ve already completed the Wolf Trail.
If you’re looking for a longer trail run where endurance and smart pacing matter more than anything else, the Wolf Trail might be just what you’re after.
50K Bear Trail: the festival’s longest challenge
Fifty kilometres through the forests of Kočevsko. Far enough to discover plenty of new things along the way. Including a few things about yourself.
The 50 km Bear Trail is the festival’s longest running challenge, designed for experienced trail runners looking for a multi-hour adventure and long stretches of running far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Expect vast forests, varied terrain, and remote corners of Kočevsko, where endurance and finding your rhythm will matter more than speed.
So, what’s changing? For 2027, we’ve replaced the previous 60K distance with a new 50K course. This also opens up a new opportunity for runners who want to challenge themselves over a longer distance but aren’t quite ready to take on 60 kilometres.
Fifty kilometres is still a serious running challenge that requires proper preparation. In return, you’ll get hours of exploring the wild forests of Kočevsko and a chance to put your endurance to the test.
A shorter Vertical, but still steep
Fewer kilometres don’t necessarily mean less effort. Especially when most of the course goes uphill.
For the sixth edition, we’ve also revamped the Vertical race.. The new course will be approximately 1 km long, with 220 metres of elevation gain. The race will start at the MTB Trail Centre and finish at a viewpoint above Kočevje.
What does this mean for you? A shorter but still intense challenge that will put your strength and determination to the test. If you enjoy steep climbs or want to try something a little different from traditional trail running, the Vertical is a great choice.
Your legs will still be burning, but a well-earned view over Kočevje will be waiting for you at the top.
And here’s another idea: if you’re planning to spend the whole weekend in Kočevsko, why not kick things off with Friday’s Vertical and take on one of the longer trail distances on Saturday? Assuming your legs are still up for it, of course.
More than trail running: a whole weekend outdoors
You might come to Kočevsko for the running. But chances are, you’ll find a few more reasons to stay for the entire weekend.
Kočevsko Outdoor Festival isn’t just for runners. It’s a three-day outdoor gathering by Lake Kočevje, bringing together sport, nature, music, good food, and activities for all generations.
Coming with friends or family who don’t run? No worries. We’ve got plenty in store for them, too.
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Hiking and exploring the forests
You can also discover Kočevsko in your hiking boots. We’re preparing one-day and multi-day hiking experiences that will take you along forest trails and into some of the region’s lesser-known corners.We’ll reveal more details about the hiking programme in the coming months.
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Activities for the whole family
The festival is also a great opportunity for an active family weekend. Kids’ runs, activities for little adventurers, and plenty of opportunities to explore the surroundings mean there’s something for everyone, even those who won’t be lining up at the start of a trail race.
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Camping, concerts, and lakeside fun
If you want to spend the weekend as close to nature as possible, you can camp by Lake Kočevje and stay right in the heart of the festival atmosphere.
And after all those kilometres, there’s nothing better than good food, a refreshing drink, and great company. We’re also preparing plenty of additional activities, concerts, and evening entertainment by the lake.
And that’s not all…
Together with our co-organiser, the Kočevsko Institute, we’re preparing a few more activities and forest surprises. The full programme for the sixth edition is still taking shape, so we’ll be sharing more information about hiking, side events, and other experiences in the coming months.
Get ready for your next forest adventure
Seven running distances, three days of festival activities, and countless opportunities to explore the forests of Kočevsko.
Whether you’re preparing for your very first trail run, looking to take on a longer distance, or returning to your favourite forest paths, a new opportunity to experience Kočevsko awaits you from 28 to 30 May 2027.
Registrations for Kočevsko Outdoor Festival 2027 are already open.
