How Did the Apollo Butterfly Shape the Mountain Trails of Slovenia?
A brief history of the marking of trails
Apollo Butterfly by Meta Wraber
A silent red and white companion of mountaineers
The red-and-white dot, the silent companion on mountain trails, has been a companion of mountaineers in Slovenia for almost 100 years.
Hiking trail marker (2021) by Domen GröglSlovenian Tourist Board
If a mountaineer finds himself at a crossroads, on a rock or does not know very well which direction is the right one, Knafelc's marking quickly saves him from torment.
Originally, the paths in the mountains were marked only with stone mounds, which the guides placed in key places.
Bohinj, Pokljuka by Mediaspeed, foto: Jernej SrebrničSlovenian Tourist Board
The first trail marked with a red and white dot in Slovenia was led in 1879 from Bohinj via Komarča to Triglav.
In 1922 the beautiful markings became part of the mountaineering standard.
Zbierka motýľov jasaňa červenookého - Parnassius apollo (1933/1993) by Ján ZelnýSlovak National Museum
Alojz Knafelc
got the inspiration for the legendary dot on the wings of a mountain Apollo butterfly.
Today, the 100-year-old Knafelc marking has long outgrown its basic mission and become a protected brand, as well as a unique graphic symbol that blends nicely and tastefully with nature.
🖊️ The text was prepared by Barbara Kelher and the Team at the Alpine Association of Slovenia.
