Around 140 huts shape the shepherd settlement on Velika Planina; their distinctive architecture gives the mountain pasture a clear cultural identity. There is also the Preskar Museum, unique karst formations and trails to suit different interests. When planning your visit, it is worth coordinating your timing with what is available: the cable car, museum demonstration and winter activities are each subject to seasonal conditions.

Up to the Mountain Pasture and On to the Summit

The cable car from Kamniška Bistrica (Kamniška Bistrica 2, 1242 Stahovica) takes you up to Velika Planina. From the upper station, you can walk to the summit in 45 minutes; the six-person chairlift takes you to Gradišče, the summit of Velika Planina, in 7 minutes. The operation and schedules of the cable car services may change seasonally, so check the current times before your journey.

Shepherd Settlement and Shepherd Culture

The shepherd settlement comprises around 140 huts and is known for its distinctive architecture. The Preskar Museum is located in the settlement and is open daily during the grazing season. As seasonal visiting arrangements may vary, check opening times before your visit. The present-day museum hut was rebuilt in its original oval shape in the summer of 1945, after the previous hut had burned down shortly before the end of the Second World War.

At the Preskar Museum, the traditional production of Trnič cheese, typical of Velika Planina, is demonstrated daily at 1 p.m. The demonstration programme is seasonal; it is best to confirm the date before your visit.

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows also has a history of rebuilding: it was rebuilt in 1988 after German soldiers burned down the original chapel at the end of the Second World War.

Holy Mass is held every Sunday on Velika Planina during the summer grazing season. The religious programme may vary seasonally; check the dates in advance.

Karst Formations and Local Stories

The Jama Veternica cave comprises Mala Veternica and Velika Veternica. Both cavities formed through weathering and the collapse of their ceilings, creating two collapse dolines. Snow remains can be found in Velika Veternica even in summer. Jama Dovja griča is in Tiha dolina, is only 9 metres deep and is linked to stories set in its surroundings. The caves therefore also differ in what they offer: Jama Veternica is notable for its geological formations, while Jama Dovja griča is associated with stories from the surrounding area.

On Foot, by Bike and in Winter

Velika Planina has numerous walking and hiking trails, including routes suitable for less fit hikers. The approximately two-hour “Po stopinjah pastirjev” (In the Footsteps of Shepherds) educational trail offers a themed introduction. It provides insights into shepherds’ lives, customs and traditions, architecture, shepherds’ former way of life and the natural attractions of Velika Planina. The approximate duration gives you a concrete guide for planning your day.

After taking the cable car up to the mountain pasture, you can cycle another 2.5 kilometres to the Zeleni rob inn. Trail conditions may vary; check them in advance.

The Velika Planina ski resort has a total of 3.5 kilometres of groomed ski runs at an altitude of between 1,412 and 1,666 metres, most of which are intermediate. Winter operations depend on snow and seasonal conditions; check these before planning your visit.

The night toboggan run starts at the chairlift’s intermediate station and ends at the lower station. It is illuminated and marked; its operation also depends on snow conditions.

Discover more destinations: Kamnik, Stahovica, Snovik, Kamniška Bistrica, Kališe, Podgorje.

Return to the main travel overview: Kamnik.