Ljubljana to Velika Planina Day trip

Take a trip from Ljubljana to Velika planina, one of Slovenia’s most scenic mountain plateaus. Enjoy a cable car ride with unforgettable views, hike among peaceful Alpine pastures and visit traditional shepherds’ village which time forgot. Then stop off at a couple of refreshing gorges and explore the streets of medieval Kamnik.  A wonderful day trip out of the capital suitable for lovers of nature and culture.

First on the list on this fantastic day trip is Velika planina. It’s a super scenic high mountain plateau located in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. A short drive from Ljubljana, this charming place affords spectacular views, vast pastures and numerous karst phenomena that turn its landscape into a proper spectacle of nature. Adding to the uniqueness of the place are the authentic shepherds’ villages where traditional Alpine culture is still very much alive. Although Velika planina is accessible on foot, the fastest way is a 5-minute cable car ride. A chairlift then takes you to the top or you can opt for a 30-minute easy hike instead. Once on the plateau there is a short (15 mins) walk to the traditional shepherds’ village. Depending on the season, you can experience the life of an Alpine shepherd and taste local dishes. You can also visit a shepherd’s hut that’s been transformed into a museum. On this amazing trip you can enjoy a hearty traditional Alpine lunch and stroll around this beautiful hiker’s paradise.

Next is a visit to the spring of the Kamniška Bistrica River. This exceptionally beautiful river actually has three different springs, but its most famous and biggest source is at the Dom lodge in Kamniška Bistrica. Right after it pops to the surface, the Kamniška Bistrica spills into an artificial lake, a very refreshing spot, particularly in the summer. Located nearby are the Predaselj and Mali (Small) Predaselj gorges. They present the narrowest part of the riverbed of the Kamniška Bistrica. Following a short walk, the gorge opens up into a beautiful view of the pristine Alpine river. It’s indeed one of Slovenia’s pretty hidden gems.

From splendid natural wonders to one of Slovenia’s most praised cultural heritage sites – the lovely town of Kamnik. Situated in the embrace of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, this place is a stunning medieval town and a flourishing urban centre all in one. And at one point in time, Kamnik was the capital of Carniola. First written records of Kamnik date back to 1229, and the town’s two castles, Mali grad and Stari grad, were mentioned even earlier, around the 11th century. Although only a two-storey Romanesque chapel with a crypt has been preserved, this ancient castle complex is steeped in legends and interesting stories. Strolling around the Old Town centre, you can really get the feel for what life was like back in the olden days.  Šutna, Kamnik’s famous street, is home to the birthplace of Rudolf Maister, Slovenia’s greatest general, the parish church of Mary Immaculate with a separate Gothic spire and the Sadnikar Museum.

As all good things come to an end, the visit to Kamnik is followed by a short drive back to Ljubljana and a chance to talk about what you’ve seen and sort out the packed photo gallery on your phone.