Velika Planina preserves one of the oldest and best-preserved shepherd settlements of its kind in Europe. The Preskar Museum is at the heart of the settlement and is open daily during the grazing season. Check the latest opening information before your trip. Veternica Cave is also one of the plateau’s natural attractions: it is known for snowfields that remain even in summer. Suitable conditions and careful conduct are important when visiting the cave.
Velika Planina in Different Seasons
You can reach Velika Planina on foot or by cable car and chairlift; operations may vary seasonally. There are numerous hiking opportunities in spring, summer and autumn. In winter, activities include snowshoeing, skiing and sledding. The experiences on offer therefore vary considerably by season: in summer, Veternica’s snowfields make for a striking contrast, while other activities take centre stage in winter. Conditions and services are weather-dependent.
Kamnik’s History in the Town and Museum
The medieval town of Kamnik also invites you to discover history in a variety of places. It is known for the Romanesque chapel on Mali grad. In the 15th century, the town was enclosed by walls three to ten metres high and a moat; four gates led into it. Stari grad Castle Hill is a viewpoint with panoramic views. The climb takes about 30 minutes.
In the centre, at Glavni trg 2, the Miha Maleš Gallery and View Gallery (Galerija Pogled) occupy the first and second floors of a town house. The permanent exhibition at the Miha Maleš Gallery covers Kamnik’s art history from the 18th to the 20th century and displays works of sculpture, painting, architecture and photography. Another permanent exhibition traces the life of the artist Miha Maleš and its key turning points.
The exhibition “Reflections of Kamnik’s Millennia” spans the period from the earliest known palaeontological finds and settlements to the founding of the town and the 19th century. Preserved material sources, replicas, reconstructions, folk traditions and audiovisual information also convey the ancient history. “Stories in Stone – Lapidary” offers a different perspective: through preserved stone artefacts, the exhibition explores the two-thousand-year history of Kamnik and its surroundings.
At Zaprice Castle, late Gothic details meet a Renaissance appearance: preserved older elements include balcony corbels and Gothic windows. Candle- and gingerbread-making flourished continuously in the Lectar House for more than three centuries, starting in 1701. The museum candle workshop displays the tools and equipment used to make candles from bleached beeswax. The Franciscan Library also preserves a substantial historical collection: around 10,000 volumes printed before the end of the 18th century.
Kamniška Bistrica: Trails and Landscape
The Kamnik Alps and the Kamniška Bistrica Valley are among the most visited tourist destinations in the municipality of Kamnik. Near the river’s source, Veliki Predaselj and Mali Predaselj cut the riverbed up to 30 metres deep. A cycle path and a footpath run along the Kamniška Bistrica from Kamnik to Domžale; both are suitable for all generations. An asphalt road also runs through the valley to a mountain lodge at the source and is used by cyclists.
More challenging hiking trails lead from the valley floor to Velika Planina. The 30-metre-high Orglice Waterfall lies in the easily accessible side valley of the Kamniška Bela stream and is a popular starting point for hikes. These varied trail and landscape experiences range from the valley to more challenging routes towards the plateau. Just over 26 percent of Kamnik’s area is protected under Natura 2000.
More Things to Discover
Terme Snovik offers indoor and outdoor thermal pools, including an indoor pool at 32°C and a whirlpool at 36°C. Outdoor slides are available in summer; check the latest opening and offer details before your visit. A local speciality with cultural significance is Trnič, the hard cheese of Velika Planina: it is traditionally associated with courtship and is sold by tourist providers in Kamnik. The Ursuline convent above Mekinje near Kamnik has existed for more than 700 years; its present-day appearance dates from around 300 years ago.
Discover more destinations: Kamnik, Stahovica, Snovik, Podgorje, Kamniška Bistrica, Kališe, Velika Planina, Idrija.
For the overview of the wider trip: Slovenia.
