The main event at the Kočevsko Outdoor Festival is definitely trail running, which will take place on Saturday, MAY 31St, 2025. But we promise that there will certainly not be a lack of other events throughout the weekend, as befits a real festival. Sports activities, green nature, Kočevje lake, beer and concerts… we can’t wait for June 2025!
Friday Vertical Run to Fridrihštajn Castle Ruins
Today, only ruins of the castle remain, which have been rebuilt and thus protected from further decay. The castle can be reached by a short climbing route or the usual easier hiking route. It remains to be a popular spot for hikers.
As such, the hill on which the ruins stand is perfect for a real vertical! Start from the MTB centre in Kočevje and immediately head up the slope towards Fridrihštajn. In 2.6 kilometres you will overcome almost 500 metres of elevation gain and finish at the spectacular viewpoint of the ruins of Fridrihštajn Castle.
Friday’s vertical can be a great activation before Saturday’s run or just a sunset hike. There is no time limit on the vertical and it is therefore also suitable for hikers.
Who will be the fastest Friderik and the fastest Veronika?
Saturday runs & event program at Rudniško Lake
On Saturday morning, runners will head out on trails through pristine nature, along the edge of the wild Kočevje primeval forest. Distances are available for both beginners and experienced runners: 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 km. As the greenest trail run in our country, 99% of the course takes place in nature, with only 1% on asphalt. Check out more information about the routes.
Meanwhile, at the main venue by Rudniško Lake, there will be a variety of events. In addition to running, you can join one of the exciting guided activities:
Learning about and tracking signs of wildlife in the Kočevje region
A tour of the Škrilj bunker
Cycling tours in the Kočevje area
If water activities interest you, you can rent a SUP at the lake and paddle on one of the cleanest and deepest lakes in Slovenia.
Good food and an evening concert
Since an empty bag cannot stand upright, we will also ensure a great selection of tasty food. There will be four food vendors at the venue by the lake, each offering their best range, with the common theme being authentic Kočevje charcoal. So, dishes made on charcoal or with its infusion.
Burgers and fries
Pizzas, smoked ribs, and pulled pork
Pancakes, popcorn, milkshakes, and soups
Sweets (pastries, cookies, ice cream, bubble drinks)
There will also be sports equipment vendors and stalls featuring products that have received the “O, Kočevsko” brand certificate, which they will present and offer.
As is fitting for a proper festival, we will end Saturday evening with a real rock concert. The opening act will be the young alternative rock band from Kočevje, ŠOK. Following them, the local band MYUZIKA will take the main stage and heat up the night with Yugo rock hits.
Camping and tent site at the event area
As befits a real festival, there is a tent site and a campsite right next to the event area. The location of the festival is located next to Kočevje Lake, which, in addition to beer, is another excellent option for cooling down after a run. Right next to the lake and the event space is Camp Jezero, where they offer space for vans and trailers, as well as the possibility of camping and 5 glamping houses.
For those who would prefer sleeping in an apartment or a hotel, you can check out the offer here: https://www.kocevsko.com/sl/nastanitve/
Other outdoor activities
As already mentioned, the event takes place next to Kočevje lake, where, of course, it is also possible to swim. But it is also great for SUP-ing, and you will be able to rent a SUP on Saturday and Sunday.
In addition to all the main runs (5, 10, 15, 30, 60 km), we will also organize kids runs on Saturday, but also prepare a whole range of activities for our future trail runners (childcare, various games etc.).
If you are still interested in exploring Kočevsko, both forests and wild animals, we prepared a varied additional program for you, which you can find on this LINK
So, what are you waiting for? See you in June!
At this wildest trail running festival in Slovenia you can choose between distances of 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 km, which will take you into the heart of Kočevsko forests, so you can experience real wilderness.
And don’t forget – if you would prefer to experience the wilderness in the company of your favourite trail running buddy, we also added the option of running in pairs for all 5 distances!
P.S. To make your registration easier, we added a registration button below. 
