The confluence of the Sava and Sora gives Medvode a distinctive geographical focal point. Around the town, riverside paths, hilly landscapes and various traces of local history come together. When planning your visit, it is worth first choosing what you would like to focus on: a short break by the river, observing nature, getting active outdoors or exploring historic architecture. These interests can also guide your search for suitable accommodation in Medvode.
Rivers, Bridges and Paths
Medvode lies at the confluence of the Sava and Sora. The municipality’s landscape includes hilly terrain, the Sava with an artificial lake, and the Sora, which flows towards the confluence. Bridges remain an important feature of this settlement at the meeting of the rivers. The town’s history is also connected to them: Medvode was first mentioned in boundary documents in the 10th century. Towards the end of the 15th century, the town developed further after Emperor Frederick III approved the construction of a bridge at the confluence.
For a cycling trip, the Medvode–Pirniče–Vikrče cycle route crosses a bridge over the Sava and continues to the centre of Medvode. Local route conditions may change; check them before setting off. If you are looking for just a short break or an evening stroll, the confluence offers a place to start. A longer route through the hills, on the other hand, offers a different focus.
Hills, Nature Trail and Wetlands
The Polhograjski Dolomiti Landscape Park, an area of ecological diversity with hilly terrain, lies within the municipality. From the Medvode side, hiking routes into the Polhograjski Dolomiti lead via Golo Brdo or Žlebe. The Žlebe nature trail offers specific details for planning your visit: it is 4,800 metres long, climbs 290 metres and has 22 information boards. Its guide covers the village of Žlebe’s ethnological features and everyday culture, as well as its architecture and typical farming activities.
The Hraše wetlands comprise two ponds and cover five hectares. They provide habitat, wintering grounds or stopover sites for numerous bird species and are visited by ornithologists, biologists and other nature enthusiasts. In recent years, around 120 bird species have been recorded in the wetland beside the Janhar farm in Hraše, or have found habitat there.
Castle Ruins and Architectural History
The ruins of Old Smlednik Castle are among Slovenia’s most significant castle ruins. From the castle, the panoramic view takes in Šmarna gora, the peaks of Lubnik and Ratitovec, the Julian Alps with Triglav, the Karawanks, the Kamnik–Savinja Alps and the Polhograjski Dolomiti. A Baroque Way of the Cross was built below the castle in 1772. Its layout is defined by fourteen chapels and three crosses at the top; the Way of the Cross is considered a mature example of landscape architecture.
Other buildings tell different chapters of the region’s history. Lazzarini Manor in Valburga acquired its final Renaissance appearance under Baron Franc of Smlednik. The Knight’s Hall and chapel are decorated with frescoes by the German painter Eustachius Gabriel. The Pri Dolinčku farmhouse is one of the few well-preserved examples of a 17th-century farmhouse in the wider Ljubljana area; it is built partly of stone and partly of wood.
Goričane Manor was converted into a museum from 1962 onwards. From 1964 to 2001, it housed an off-site unit of the Slovene Ethnographic Museum. The manor is currently closed to the public. Check the latest information before planning a possible visit. Local associations help preserve Medvode’s cultural heritage and keep the past alive through events.
Activities by the Water and Outdoors
At Zbilje Lake, visitors can rent rowing boats and electric-powered boats for trips on the lake. Check availability and operating details in advance. A rafting trip on the Sava runs from Medvode to the Skok Sports Centre; if you are planning this trip, ask about the current offering. At Sora Beach in GoriÄŤane, by the Sora weir, seasonal measurements have repeatedly confirmed that the water is suitable for swimming. As bathing conditions can change, check the current situation before swimming.
There are also a range of options on land: in summer, an asphalted and illuminated cycle path runs across the grassy plateau of the Bonovec Nordic Centre. Janhar Farm in Hraše offers dressage demonstrations and riding lessons; ask about specific booking arrangements in advance. At Gostilna Mihovec, visitors can learn about the knowledge and long experience involved in making homemade bread. Ask them about current visitor arrangements. Depending on your interests, Medvode can thus offer river scenery, outdoor activities, nature watching, history or a culinary experience.
Discover more destinations: Rakitna, Škofljica, Horjul, Preserje, Gabrje, Gradišče, Smlednik, Rob.
For the broader travel overview: Ljubljana.
