Kranj’s Old Town has been protected as a cultural monument since 1983; below the city lies the Kokra River Canyon, which is more than 30 metres deep. These two perspectives lead to different chapters of the place: its architectural history and the riverside landscape. The canyon is described as Europe’s second-highest urban canyon. While the Old Town tells stories of centuries past, the canyon draws attention to the natural landscape below the city.
Old Town and traces of time
Glavni trg is the heart of the Old Town. The city centre’s present-day appearance took shape in the 16th and 17th centuries. Kranj offers 6,000 years of historical, cultural and architectural heritage. Beneath the Old Town are tunnels stretching 1,300 metres, built as shelters during the Second World War. From the central square to these underground structures, you’ll encounter different chapters of the city’s history.
Museums, architecture and remembrance
The museum trail explores the city’s history and connects six notable buildings in the Old Town. The Prešeren House focuses on the poet’s life: the permanent exhibition follows his life from his birth in Vrba, through his school years in Vienna and his life in Ljubljana, to his death in Kranj. France Prešeren lived in this house from autumn 1846 until 8 February 1849; a memorial museum opened there on 8 February 1964.
The Gorenjski Muzej is the central museum and gallery institution of the Gorenjska region. Its collections cover archaeology, ethnology, early history, art history, cultural history, modern history and the present day. This takes you beyond individual buildings to explore different periods and themes of the region.
Kranj’s religious buildings also tell stories of the city’s past. The Church of St Cantianus is a cultural monument of national importance; the foundations of a late-antique baptistery can be seen in the ossuary next to it. On Pungert stands a Gothic single-nave church dating from 1478. At the upper end of Vodopivec Street, Jože Plečnik designed a monumental entrance to the city. Khislstein Castle takes its name from the Khisl family, who bought it in the second half of the 16th century.
Between canyon, trails and viewpoints
A guided circular trail with a local guide runs through the Kokra River Canyon. If you’re interested in this tour, check the availability of a guided visit in advance. A viewing platform high above the conglomerate cliffs offers a view of the confluence of the two rivers. The Kranjska kolesarska roža comprises six scenic cycling routes to nearby places. The routes head into the surrounding hills, to natural ponds, to a protocol park and to the Kokra River Canyon below the city. Routes and conditions may change; check them before setting off on a bike ride.
At 845 metres, Sveti Jošt nad Kranjem is just a few minutes from Kranj city centre and offers opportunities to relax, enjoy an outing in nature, take in the views and sample local food. The Savski drevored offers a different kind of walk: the trail runs from Savski otok to Športni park Struževo. Its well-maintained gravel path has several benches.
Music, theatre and food
Jazz Kamp Kranj is an international summer music festival featuring a series of jazz concerts since 2004. The Khislstein Open-Air Theatre offers a varied cultural programme in summer, which changes from season to season. The Prešeren Theatre Kranj organises the Slovenian Drama Festival Week, which supports contemporary Slovenian drama. Kranfest is Kranj’s main summer festival for residents and visitors; the programme includes music, street performances and food.
The Kranjska dolga miza at Khislstein Castle also showcases culinary specialities from Kranj. The events each have a different focus: jazz concerts define Jazz Kamp, the festival week is dedicated to contemporary drama, and Kranfest brings together music, street performances and food. Programmes and dates may change; check them when making specific plans.
Practical information
The SOS Proteus Information Centre displays rescued olm and has information panels, video presentations and aquariums. It also monitors the effects of visitor traffic on the animals. Researchers from the Tular Cave Laboratory guide visitors through the centre; check access and booking conditions in advance. The Kranj Tourist Information Centre is located in Kranjska hiša at Glavni trg 2, 4000 Kranj. Kranj is 7 kilometres from Jože Pučnik Airport; check the current route for your journey.
Discover more destinations: Zgornje Jezersko, Preddvor, Kranj, Cerklje Na Gorenjskem, Naklo, Šenčur, Žerjavka, Mlaka pri Kranju, Kokra, Šenturška Gora, Žabnica, Stiška Vas, Vopovlje.
For the full travel overview: Slovenia.
