What makes Slovenia so special is the fact that it takes you only a few steps to go from town centres to green nature. So, when you visit Ljubljana and other towns in Central Slovenia, make sure to bring your hiking shoes. Plateaus and hills in this part of Slovenia are mostly easily accessible, and the atmosphere and the views are so incredible that people love coming back over and over again. If in doubt, make sure to look at the most popular photographs of these hiking destinations on Instagram.
Just a few kilometres from Kamnik, you can go onto the Velika Planina plateau where you’ll be embraced by green landscape in the midst of coniferous trees and pastures. The tradition of herdsmen is still alive here, and picturesque herdsmen’s cottages give this Alpine plateau in the Kamnik and Savinja Alps its fairy-tale image. After you’ve taken short or long walks on the plateau, try decorating home-made dairy products. Make sure you taste the local Trnič cheese. You can reach Velika Planina on foot or by taking a cable car. The plateau is also an excellent starting point for visiting the surrounding peaks in the Kamnik and Savinja Alps.
On sunny afternoons and weekends, Ljubljana locals love hiking up to Šmarna Gora Hill, which is just a stone’s throw from the city centre. Join them by choosing one of the trails with various levels of difficulty and make your way to the summit, where you can find a small church and a restaurant offering local food. Enjoy the view of the capital city, of the Kamnik and Savinja Alps, the Julian Alps, or the Dolenjska region. A great photo opportunity.
If you leave the Slovenian capital and drive just a few minutes to the west, you’ll reach the Polhov Gradec Dolomites, easily accessible hills, which are a popular hiking destination for locals and visitors alike. Should we go up Lovrenc? This is what the locals call Mt Polhograjska Gora, one of the most popular peaks in the Polhov Gradec Dolomites. Or you might be more impressed by the tallest peak in this range, the thousand-metre-high Mt Tošč, or perhaps the neighbouring Mt Pasja Ravan and Mt Grmada. From the other side of the range, hikers, including those with small children, like to hike up to Mt Sveta Katarina (St Catherine) and further on, to Sv. Jakob (St James).
The Ljubljana Marshes offer many opportunities for walks and hikes. If you’d like to enjoy nice views, hike up Mt Krim, also known as the “Southern Guard of the Ljubljana Marshes.” There, you’ll also find a mountain cabin with food and refreshments. Not far, there’s also a hill called Kurešček, a popular destination for pilgrims and hikers alike. If you’d like to take a short family trip, the hill Sv. Ana nad Barjem (St Anna Above the Marshes) is just right for you; it is one of the most popular destinations for taking photos, as there is a wonderful view of the Marshes, the surrounding hills, and Alpine peaks in the distance. At the foot of the hill, make sure to make a stop at Lake Podpeč.
The vast forests of the Kočevsko region are an excellent choice for those of you who wish to escape the city hustle and bustle and seek shelter in authentic and wild nature. Various trails will lead you in the footsteps of the brown bear, the king of the Kočevsko forests, past ancient primeval forests, and special natural and cultural features. Also make a stop by Lake Kočevje, which is not just a popular spot for fishermen, but also a place where you can take some nice photos to share with your friends.
Visit the Kozjansko Park and take a walk through meadow orchards with their tall trees. You can learn about the biodiversity of the Park and the cultural and sacred heritage of the Kozjansko region if you take a stroll on some of the many walking trails and educational trails. Let your eyes rest on the gentle wine-growing hills. To enjoy a snack, bite into an indigenous Kozjansko apple.
The intermittent Lake Cerknica is a true wonder of nature. It is surrounded by plateaus and hills, popular destinations for hikers and other visitors. From Mt Slivnica you can enjoy a stunning view of Lake Cerknica and the plains of the Notranjska region. Legend has it that witches once lived there, but nowadays it’s a popular day-trip destination because it is so easy to access. The Bloke Plateau, the cradle of skiing, is also worth visiting; there you can make a stop by Lake Bloke and have some rest at Glamping Lake Bloke. More advanced hikers can hike up to the Javorniki Plateau and experience the magic of beech and fir forests.
The idyllic landscape of the Škofja Loka Hills has inspired masters of fine arts and literary artists alike. Perhaps it will also inspire you take an unforgettable photograph and share it with your friends. Hike up to Mt Blegoš, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Selca Valley on the one side and the Poljane Valley on the other. Mt Ratitovec is the highest peak of the Škofja Loka Hills and is considered to be the “King” of the Selca Valley. Other popular hiking destinations in the Škofja Loka area also include Mt Lubnik.
Explore Central Slovenia and the capital city Ljubljana. This is also an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of Slovenia. Find refreshing spots in Alpine Slovenia, feel the power of the therapeutic water of Thermal Pannonian Slovenia, and explore the world between the Karst and the coast.
Alpine Slovenia, at the heart of the mountains, along lakes and rivers. Visit Triglav National Park, Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora and the Soča Valley.
Enjoy the warmth of the seaside sun caressing your skin or descend to the mysterious world of underground caves.
Head to green forests. You can hike on easy trails or you can be challenged by high mountain peaks.
The largest shepherds’ settlement in Europe.
Find a cosy spot to cool off in the Julian Alps.
Make a stop in popular Slovenian mountain huts.
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