Day Itinerary
18 Activities
Day 1
36 mi4 mi
A Medieval Town, a Shepherds' Village and a Turquoise River
Welcome to the first day of the trip! On this first day of the route, you will visit the beautiful city of Kamnik and its surroundings. But first (and if you are interested) you can make a stop at the Arboretum, one of the most important botanical gardens in this part of Europe.
Kamnik is a medieval town overlooking the Kamnik and Savinja Alps. You can walk through its picturesque streets, visit museums and castles. But this town is also the gateway to the Velika planina plateaus, where pastoral life is still practised and the typical cheese called trnič is made.
You can reach these plateaus by cable car and admire the beauty of the place, the shepherds' village and some of their traditional activities. For this, you need to travel in summer, which is why it is recommended to do this route in summer.
At the end of the day and after a few more minutes of driving, you will be in Kamniška Bistrica, where you can take a short trail to a crystal clear turquoise river and have an early dinner in a typical alpine wooden house.
Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes for the trails!
Kamnik is a medieval town overlooking the Kamnik and Savinja Alps. You can walk through its picturesque streets, visit museums and castles. But this town is also the gateway to the Velika planina plateaus, where pastoral life is still practised and the typical cheese called trnič is made.
You can reach these plateaus by cable car and admire the beauty of the place, the shepherds' village and some of their traditional activities. For this, you need to travel in summer, which is why it is recommended to do this route in summer.
At the end of the day and after a few more minutes of driving, you will be in Kamniška Bistrica, where you can take a short trail to a crystal clear turquoise river and have an early dinner in a typical alpine wooden house.
Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes for the trails!
08:00
Ljubljana
Start early to make the most of the day!
14.6 mi
30 min
08:4545 min
Arboretum
Park
Open Details
Before reaching the town of Kamnik, you can stop at the Arboretum (Arboretum Volčji Potok), a park of about 85 hectares with 1,200 varieties of roses and more than two million tulips.
It's a great place for a leisurely walk or to play with the kids and learn about the park's vegetation (and the secrets it hides). If you are travelling with children, there is a children's playground with games, a labyrinth, a zip line and suspension bridges. Kids will love it! There is also a train that runs through the park. It's a good idea to take it. There are also replicas of dinosaurs and even a whale.
You can buy tickets on this website.
Open hours Monday to Sunday, from 8 am to dusk.
If you decide not to visit the botanical park, you will have more time to visit the museums in the city of Kamnik.
It's a great place for a leisurely walk or to play with the kids and learn about the park's vegetation (and the secrets it hides). If you are travelling with children, there is a children's playground with games, a labyrinth, a zip line and suspension bridges. Kids will love it! There is also a train that runs through the park. It's a good idea to take it. There are also replicas of dinosaurs and even a whale.
You can buy tickets on this website.
Open hours Monday to Sunday, from 8 am to dusk.
If you decide not to visit the botanical park, you will have more time to visit the museums in the city of Kamnik.
3.7 mi
10 min
10:005 min
Parkirišče Metalka
Parking
Open Details
Welcome to Kamnik! You can leave your car in this small free car park or seek a place a bit further away from Sutna Street, which is the main or most touristic street.
0.1 mi
5 min
10:1530 min
Rudolf Maister's Birth House
Museum
Open Details
After leaving the car, walk along Sutna Street, one of the most beautiful streets in the city and one with the most history, because this is where the craftsmen used to be located and today it is known as the street of handicrafts.
In this street you can also see the birthplace of a famous personage of the city: Rudolf Maister. At first you won't know who he is, but as soon as you start talking to people you will find out who he was (military man, poet and painter). If you travel around the rest of the country, you are sure to see a monument in his honour.
Currently, a museum is housed in the house where he was born. If you are interested in learning something about his career and importance for Slovenia, it is a good idea to visit it.
Open hours Tuesdays - Saturdays: 10:00 - 18:00 Closed on Mondays and Sundays
For more information you can visit the website or write an email to ajuvan@siol.net
In this street you can also see the birthplace of a famous personage of the city: Rudolf Maister. At first you won't know who he is, but as soon as you start talking to people you will find out who he was (military man, poet and painter). If you travel around the rest of the country, you are sure to see a monument in his honour.
Currently, a museum is housed in the house where he was born. If you are interested in learning something about his career and importance for Slovenia, it is a good idea to visit it.
Open hours Tuesdays - Saturdays: 10:00 - 18:00 Closed on Mondays and Sundays
For more information you can visit the website or write an email to ajuvan@siol.net
0.1 mi
5 min
11:0010 min
Župnijska cerkev Marijinega brezmadežnega Spočetja
Church
Open Details
A few metres from the museum and on Sutna Street itself is one of the most important buildings in the city: the Church of Mary Immaculate.
Its peculiarity is that its clock tower is separate and the church has a huge painting on its front.
Note As you walk along the pedestrian street, look for somewhere to buy bread, fruit or cheese (or a snack) because the idea is to have lunch in the shepherds' village, but later. So, it's always good to be prepared in case you get hungry.
Its peculiarity is that its clock tower is separate and the church has a huge painting on its front.
Note As you walk along the pedestrian street, look for somewhere to buy bread, fruit or cheese (or a snack) because the idea is to have lunch in the shepherds' village, but later. So, it's always good to be prepared in case you get hungry.
0.2 mi
5 min
11:1515 min
Little Castle
Landmark
Open Details
After walking a few more metres along the pedestrian street of Sutna, you can make a detour to Mali Grad, the small castle on a hill.
Although only the Romanesque chapel with its crypt is still standing, it's worth a visit to photograph it and enjoy the beautiful views of Kamnik and the Alps. What's more, this little castle has become the symbol of the town, so you'll see it depicted in many places!
Although only the Romanesque chapel with its crypt is still standing, it's worth a visit to photograph it and enjoy the beautiful views of Kamnik and the Alps. What's more, this little castle has become the symbol of the town, so you'll see it depicted in many places!
0.4 mi
10 min
11:4530 min
Zaprice Castle
Landmark
Open Details
A little further from the centre (but not too far) is Zaprice Castle, where several noble families once lived. Today it houses the Kamnik Intermunicipal Museum, where you can learn more about life in and around the town. It also has several interesting temporary exhibitions. Check the website below to learn more about them.
Open hours Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 - 18:00 Closed Mondays and Sundays
For more information you can visit the website or email info@muzej-kamnik-on.net
Note Half an hour was considered to visit each museum, but these times depend on your interests and the time you have spent (or not) in the botanical park. The idea is that during the morning you can walk around and get to know the city of Kamnik.
Open hours Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 - 18:00 Closed Mondays and Sundays
For more information you can visit the website or email info@muzej-kamnik-on.net
Note Half an hour was considered to visit each museum, but these times depend on your interests and the time you have spent (or not) in the botanical park. The idea is that during the morning you can walk around and get to know the city of Kamnik.
7.9 mi
20 min
12:455 min
[P] Velika Planina cable car parking lot
Parking
Open Details
It is time to visit one of the most beautiful places in this part of Slovenia: Velika planina. A plain with a shepherds' village. It can be reached after about 50 minutes by car, on a mountain road, unpaved, but in good condition. But you can also go up by cable car, which is faster and is what is suggested in this itinerary.
From Kamnik you have to drive a little about than 15-20 minutes to the lower cable car station.
There you can leave your car in the car park. There's also a ticket office (although it's advisable to buy tickets online in advance in this website) and a kiosk.
From Kamnik you have to drive a little about than 15-20 minutes to the lower cable car station.
There you can leave your car in the car park. There's also a ticket office (although it's advisable to buy tickets online in advance in this website) and a kiosk.
0.1 mi
5 min
13:0015 min
Nihalka / cablecar - Velika planina
Open Details
Enjoy the cable car ride because you will see beautiful landscapes. Be sure to have your camera ready!
13:1515 min
Šimnovec Zgornja postaja nihalke
Open Details
Once you get off at the top station of the cable car (Šimnovec, on the border of the plateau), take a chairlift and get off at the first stop (otherwise you can walk, but it takes more than 30 minutes) to reach the shepherds' village, in a beautiful meadow, green in summer and white in winter, with the Alps as a backdrop.
Before you wander through the small shepherds' village of about 200 houses with its conical spruce-tiled roofs, fences, wood stored for the winter and its outdoor table for the summer, it is a good idea to have lunch.
Several of these houses are used as accommodation and many belong to the shepherds who come to the area between June and September to graze. This is the time when you can see them, talk to them and accept some milk-based food, so be sure to come in summer!
Note It is indicated that the journey was made by bicycle, but this is only for the purpose of selecting a means of transport. The route is done by cable car.
Before you wander through the small shepherds' village of about 200 houses with its conical spruce-tiled roofs, fences, wood stored for the winter and its outdoor table for the summer, it is a good idea to have lunch.
Several of these houses are used as accommodation and many belong to the shepherds who come to the area between June and September to graze. This is the time when you can see them, talk to them and accept some milk-based food, so be sure to come in summer!
Note It is indicated that the journey was made by bicycle, but this is only for the purpose of selecting a means of transport. The route is done by cable car.
14:001 hr
Restaurant Zeleni rob
Bar
Open Details
That chairlift stop is right next to the restaurant, where you can sit comfortably and enjoy the scenery and a traditional meal: stews, sausages with sauerkraut and the local speciality, cheese štruklji.
Open Hours Monday – Thursday: 8:00 – 18:00 Friday – Saturday: 8:00 – 20:00 Sunday: 8:00 – 19:00
Note It is indicated that the journey was made by bicycle, but this is only for the purpose of selecting a means of transport. the route between the upper cable car station and the village (where the restaurant is located) is by chairlift.
Open Hours Monday – Thursday: 8:00 – 18:00 Friday – Saturday: 8:00 – 20:00 Sunday: 8:00 – 19:00
Note It is indicated that the journey was made by bicycle, but this is only for the purpose of selecting a means of transport. the route between the upper cable car station and the village (where the restaurant is located) is by chairlift.
1 mi
25 min
15:255 min
Marija Snežna
Church
Open Details
What can't a small village lack? A small chapel. In the middle of nowhere and on a gentle hill is this small chapel, where mass is held every Sunday in summer.
It is a very important place for the shepherds and was rebuilt by them in 1988, after it was burnt down by the German army after the Second World War.
It is worth walking there, while enjoying the immensity of the landscape.
It is a very important place for the shepherds and was rebuilt by them in 1988, after it was burnt down by the German army after the Second World War.
It is worth walking there, while enjoying the immensity of the landscape.
0.2 mi
5 min
15:3530 min
Preskar museum
Museum
Open Details
The Preskar Museum is also open during the summer season, where you can see the shepherds' working tools and the way they carry out their tasks and products. What you will probably be most interested in (or want to know more about) is how they make the local cheese called trnič.
This cheese is round in shape (it is done by hand, so it does not always look the same) and is distinguished by the fact that each shepherd or family tattoos it with a wooden stick carved in relief, with a symbol.
Tradition has it that it was a symbol of love, because the shepherds made the cheese in pairs. When they returned from the pastures, they would give one to the girl they wanted to woo. If the woman accepted the cheese, it meant that the shepherd could begin to "fall in love" with her.
The museum is open every day of the summer until sunset.
This cheese is round in shape (it is done by hand, so it does not always look the same) and is distinguished by the fact that each shepherd or family tattoos it with a wooden stick carved in relief, with a symbol.
Tradition has it that it was a symbol of love, because the shepherds made the cheese in pairs. When they returned from the pastures, they would give one to the girl they wanted to woo. If the woman accepted the cheese, it meant that the shepherd could begin to "fall in love" with her.
The museum is open every day of the summer until sunset.
17:1510 min
[P] Velika Planina cable car parking lot
Parking
Open Details
After the visit to the church and museum and a stroll around the village, it's time to return to pick up the car (note that the last time for the chairlift is 17:15, if you want to use it).
Note In this itinerary we have calculated a little over an hour to get back to the car park where you left the car. It may be less.
Note In this itinerary we have calculated a little over an hour to get back to the car park where you left the car. It may be less.
2 mi
5 min
17:3030 min
Pri Juriju
Lodging
Open Details
To end the day, after returning by cable car to pick up your car, you can drive a few more minutes to Kamniška Bistrica. There you will find a car park and a restaurant where you can have something to eat for dinner afterwards.
You can leave your car there and walk to the source of the Kamnik Bistrica River and the beautiful gorge.
You can leave your car there and walk to the source of the Kamnik Bistrica River and the beautiful gorge.
0.3 mi
5 min
18:0510 min
Izvir Kamniške Bistrice
Park
Open Details
A few metres from the car park and after crossing a small bridge, you reach the area where the river starts. Enjoy the walk through the forest, even if it is short (and take lots of photos!).
0.6 mi
15 min
18:3015 min
Soteska Predaselj
Park
Open Details
But the most beautiful part of the river is only a few minutes walk away and that is the Predaselj Gorge (Soteska Predaselj).
Be careful how steep the slope is when descending into the gorge. It is easy, but there may be loose or wet rocks. Wear suitable footwear.
Be careful how steep the slope is when descending into the gorge. It is easy, but there may be loose or wet rocks. Wear suitable footwear.
0.7 mi
15 min
19:151 hr 30 min
International Piknik Center "Pri Jurju"
Landmark
Open Details
To end this spectacular day full of beautiful landscapes and culture, nothing better than a good dinner.
The Pri Jurju is a typical mountain house with lots of flowers and a cosy atmosphere. It has flags from various countries, which gives it an international flair, and many details in its decoration.
It offers international and local food, from meat and potatoes and stews to pancakes and sweet cakes. Be sure to order the apple strudel for dessert!
Open Hours Thursday to Tuesday: 8:00 - 22:00 Wednesday closed
The Pri Jurju is a typical mountain house with lots of flowers and a cosy atmosphere. It has flags from various countries, which gives it an international flair, and many details in its decoration.
It offers international and local food, from meat and potatoes and stews to pancakes and sweet cakes. Be sure to order the apple strudel for dessert!
Open Hours Thursday to Tuesday: 8:00 - 22:00 Wednesday closed
8.3 mi
20 min
21:1510 hrsGuesthouses
Guesthouse Špenko
7.7
To make it not so late, you can spend the night in the town of Kamnik and leave early the next day for another day full of interesting sights to see.
Look for a hotel with parking.