A pleasant walk in the fresh air among conifers and pastures

Velika planina offers numerous opportunities for walks and longer hikes, which you can combine with a visit to the natural and ethnological attractions of the mountain. Take a walk through the vast pastures, try excellent local culinary delights, look for snow in the Vetern’ca cave and see the Preskar Museum in the heart of the shepherd’s village. Enjoy the fresh mountain air! From the upper station of the swing to the Zeleni rob inn, a 30-minute long, easy path that climbs slowly awaits you. You can also take a new six-seater to the Zeleni rob inn or to the summit (Gradišče), then walk another 15 minutes to the shepherd’s village, where shepherds and natural and cultural attractions await you. Velika planina is a place where natural and cultural heritage and the tradition of pastoralism meet. Even before the mountain comes to life again with the arrival of shepherds and livestock, the pastures are covered in purple saffron and the spring scenery of the Velika Planina is breathtaking. So that all visitors can enjoy the beautiful views every time they visit the mountain, we ask you not to walk on the blooming pastures and observe the saffrons only from the path. In the mountains, we only walk on paved paths, we don’t pick flowers and we only admire them with our eyes.

Plan your visit:

Access and Parking:
Velika planina is accessible via a cable car from Kamniška Bistrica, which takes you to the upper station. From there, you can take a chairlift closer to the summit (7 minutes) or hike up (30–45 minutes of moderate walking). If you prefer to drive closer to Velika Planina, you can park at the Rakove ravni, Ušivec, or Mačkin kot parking lots. From these points, it’s about an hour to an hour and a half of moderate walking to reach the main area. Always check the timetable and weather conditions before your trip.

Weather Conditions and Proper Gear:
The weather on Velika Planina can change quickly, so it’s important to check the forecast before your visit. Autumn mornings and evenings can be chilly, so we recommend dressing in layers and wearing appropriate hiking footwear. Due to the varied terrain, it’s advisable to wear comfortable hiking clothes and sturdy shoes with good grip. Don’t forget to bring a windbreaker, a hat, and sunglasses, as strong winds or bright sun can surprise you on the plateau.

Hiking Trails
Velika planina offers numerous hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels. You can choose from shorter, easier paths to longer excursions that lead to stunning viewpoints. Before setting out, take a look at a map of the trails and choose the one that best suits your abilities.

Shepherds’ Huts and Local Delicacies
On Velika Planina, you will encounter traditional shepherds’ huts where you can try homemade dairy products like cheese, cottage cheese, and sour milk. Payment at the shepherds’ huts is cash-only. However, at the Zeleni Rob restaurant, you can also pay by card.

Meeting Shepherds and Livestock:
If you plan to visit during the summer or early autumn months, you may meet shepherds and their herds of cows. Since the shepherds live on the mountain during the summer, this is their home, so be careful not to disturb them. Observe the cows from a distance without approaching them.

Respect nature
Velika Planina is a beautiful natural oasis, so please respect it during your visit. Do not leave trash behind, stay on marked paths, and avoid walking on sensitive plant areas. Do not pick flowers, keep your four-legged friends on a leash at all times, and clean up after them.

– **Accommodation:**
If you decide to extend your visit, you can stay overnight in one of the tourist cottages. Reservations are mandatory.

Conservation and Protection
Velika Planina is part of a protected area, so please respect the rules and signs put in place to preserve the natural environment and protect the wildlife.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a wonderful visit to Velika Planina and can fully enjoy its beauty and unique cultural heritage.

MAP

A large, free parking lot awaits you at the lower station of the cablecar in Kamniška Bistrica valley. When you park your vehicle, buy tickets at the ticket office and take the cablecar to the mountain. From the upper station of the cablecar, you can continue the journey on foot (45-55 minute walk to the shepherd’s village) or with the new six-seater (chairlift) that takes you to the top of Velika planina (Gradišče, 1666m). Then it will take you 10-15 minutes to walk from the top to the shepherd’s village. On the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of the shepherd’s village and the surrounding hills. There are numerous hiking trails branching out across the mountain. Visit the educational trail In the footsteps of shepherds and learn about the secrets and traditions of Velika planina and the life of shepherds then and now.