Born tunnel
The area around Tržič and its wider surroundings was, and still is, covered by forests. These forests were managed by the Born family, and their manor house with their coat of arms still stands in Jelendol (formerly Puterhof). Despite the difficult terrain, they were able to exploit the forests in this area and thus amassed considerable wealth. They were the richest in what is now Slovenia between the World Wars and, like the Jews, were also victims of Nazi repression at the time. After the war, their forests were confiscated by the Communist authorities. In the 1990s, the forests were returned to them, so that today they are active in the area again.
The Born family created the most interesting technical masterpiece, the Born Tunnels. These tunnels were intended exclusively for access from Ljubelj to the extensive mountain hunting grounds on the southern slopes of Begunjščice.
They are 250 metres long, oval in shape and about two and a half metres high. It is essentially a single tunnel, but it is divided into two parts by the so-called Born window, which offers a beautiful view of Mount Košuta.
There is, of course, no trace of any concrete arch in the tunnel. It is simply an opening that follows the natural cracks in the rock and winds back and forth through the mountain. About halfway along, it gets so close to the outer wall of the mountain that it creates a rather large stone window, which opens onto the view of Košuta.
A century later, the tunnel is still in perfect condition and therefore suitable for small children. All you need is an electric torch to light the way, as you might trip over a large stone on the ground or step in a puddle.
The tunnels are part of the Born Trail, which leads from Ljubelj to Planina Preval (1311m). It is located between the Šental valley and the neighbouring Drage valley.