Poljane Nad Škofjo Loko offers a range of possibilities for a stay: church history, the art of the Šubic family of painters, a still-working watermill and trails towards Blegoš. For planning, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on: would you like to explore cultural sites or spend time on a themed trail or hiking path?

Church history and archaeological traces

The parish church of St Martin in Poljane was first mentioned in 1291. The former church was demolished because of damage sustained during the interwar period. In 1967, a new church of the same name was built at a different location, based on plans by architect Anton Bitenc. The parish church is open one hour before Mass; access depends on the Mass schedule. Plan your visit accordingly and check access locally.

Excavations at the site of St Martin’s Church uncovered structural remains from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque building periods. The finds included a foundation stone engraved with the year 1710. Together with the recorded mention of 1291 and the new building from 1967, these provide different points of reference for the church’s history. The evidence represents different building phases and events, not a single construction date.

Another archaeological trace lies on a hill northwest of Poljane: a protected site containing remains of a prehistoric settlement and ancient graves. The description of the site adds a much older historical horizon to the church’s history.

Art and milling tradition

The Šubičeva hiša is the birthplace of Slovenian painters Janez and Jurij Šubic. Their art is also the focus of a museum collection in the house. As a cultural centre, the Šubičeva hiša offers creative workshops, activities in the art studio and exhibitions in the gallery. The programme may change; check the current offerings before visiting. This lets you combine a museum visit with a look at the changing cultural programme, while keeping the two distinct.

At Fartunov Mill, technical features meet a long history, although its dates are approximate: it is believed to have been established at the beginning of the 17th century. Today, it is one of the few watermills still in operation. Its equipment includes two pairs of millstones and stampers. During your visit, you can watch the video “From Grain to Bread” and see a fresco by Maja Šubic depicting St Martin. Presentation details may change; check them in advance if either of these features is important to your visit.

Themed trails and hiking destinations

The Cvetje v jeseni themed trail starts in Poljane and leads to Blegoš. The route passes through colourful meadows and forests, past scattered farmsteads and hamlets below Blegoš. Signposts and white-and-yellow markings on a blue background indicate the trail. As markings and trail conditions can change, check both locally before setting out.

Every year on the last Sunday in August, a guided hike takes place on the themed trail. It starts at 8 a.m. in Poljane, in front of Gostilna na Vidmu. Confirm the annual date in the events calendar before travelling. This distinguishes the regular themed trail from the guided hike held on a special date.

A signposted hiking trail, Gabrška Gora–Lubnik, leads from Poljane along an uphill path. A marked route from Poljane also leads to the Church of St Primus and Felician on Gabrška Gora. The church is in the area around Poljane and has a Romanesque rectangular presbytery dating from the 13th century. This route complements the trails towards Blegoš with a destination that has its own architectural significance.

One section of the municipal hiking circuit runs from Poljane via Gabrška Gora, Vrhovčevo, Na poklonu, Četena Ravan, Stari vrh, Mladi vrh and Koprivnik to Črni Kal. Check current trail conditions and markings before setting out. If you are considering different trails, this helps you distinguish between the themed trail to Blegoš, the route to the church on Gabrška Gora and this longer route, without conflating their destinations or paths.

A longer cycling option

Beyond the immediate area, the Gorenja Vas–Poljane municipality circular cycling route is a regional option. It is 115 kilometres long, covers 3,400 metres of ascent and descent, and is divided into three stages. The municipality may revise route information; check the current description before using these figures for your plans. The circular route is therefore a different-scale option from the individual hiking trails around Poljane.

Planning hotels and your stay

If you are looking for hotels in Poljane Nad Škofjo Loko, first decide which of these themes you want to shape your stay: St Martin’s Church and its history, the Šubičeva hiša, Fartunov Mill or the trails. If hiking is your focus, the different routes and their destinations are useful planning details; for a cultural stay, the art collection and the history of the churches and mill offer other points of interest.

Discover more destinations: Spodnja Sorica, Javorje, Podlonk, Četena Ravan, Davščica, Škofja Loka, Fužine, Gorenja Vas.

Go to the overview of the wider area: Škofja Loka.