A pleasant walk in the fresh air among conifers and pastures

Velika planina offers numerous options for walks and longer hikes, which can be combined with visits to the natural and ethnological sights of the plateau. Take a stroll across the vast pastures, taste delicious homemade culinary delights, explore the snow in the Vetern’ca cave, and visit the Preskar Museum in the heart of the shepherd’s village. Breathe in the fresh mountain air! From the upper cable car station to the Zeleni Rob inn, you will find an easy, 30-minute walk that gently ascends. You can also take the new six-seater chairlift to the Zeleni Rob inn or to the top (Gradišče) and then enjoy a 15-minute walk to the shepherd’s village, where shepherds and natural and cultural attractions await you.

Velika planina is a place where natural and cultural heritage meets the tradition of shepherding. Even before the plateau comes to life with the arrival of shepherds and livestock, the pastures are covered with purple crocuses, and the spring scenery of Velika planina is breathtaking. To ensure that all visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the plateau, please refrain from walking on the blooming pastures and admire the crocuses only from the paths. On the plateau, we ask that you walk only on marked paths, do not pick flowers, and enjoy them with your eyes.

Planning Your Visit to Velika Planina

Velika Planina is one of Slovenia’s most popular destinations for nature lovers, hikers, and those interested in cultural heritage. To ensure you have a pleasant visit, we have prepared practical tips and information.

 

Access to Velika Planina

  • By Cable Car and Chairlift
    From Kamniška Bistrica, you can reach Velika Planina via a cable car that takes you to the upper station. From there, you have two options:
  • Continue with the chairlift, which will take you in 7 minutes to the highest point of Velika Planina.
  • Walk on the marked path, which takes approximately 30–45 minutes of moderate walking.

Always check the weather conditions and timetable before departure.

  • By Car
    If you want to get closer to Velika Planina, there are parking lots at Rakov Ravni, Ušivec, and Mačkin Kot. From these parking lots, hiking paths lead to the plateau, taking anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours of moderate walking, depending on where you park. In winter, the road is plowed to the Rakov Ravni parking lot (the first one).

For more information about parking and access, you can find details [here].

 

Weather Conditions and Appropriate Equipment

The weather at Velika Planina can be variable, so we recommend the following:

  • Layered clothing – temperatures can be low, especially in the mornings and evenings, particularly in autumn.
  • Comfortable hiking clothes and sturdy shoes – these are essential due to the varied terrain.
  • Windbreaker, hat, and sunglasses – the plateau can be windy, and it can get very sunny in summer.
  • Additional equipment – hiking poles, a backpack with water and snacks are always recommended. In winter, don’t forget your crampons.

Hiking Trails

Velika Planina offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all levels of fitness:

  • Shorter trails – ideal for families and less experienced hikers.
  • Longer hikes – for exploring scenic viewpoints such as Gradišče, Mala Planina, and the shepherd’s village.

Before you set off, we recommend checking a map of the trails and choosing a route based on your abilities and the time you have available.

 

Shepherd’s Huts and Local Delicacies

On the plateau, you will find traditional shepherd’s huts where you can taste:

  • Fresh homemade dairy products: cheese, cottage cheese, sour milk. These shepherd’s huts are open only during the summer season, from mid-June to mid-September.
  • Local dishes at the Zeleni Rob inn, where you can also pay by card (while shepherds only accept cash). It’s open year-round.

 

Meeting the Shepherds and Livestock

In the summer and early autumn months, you will meet shepherds and their herds of cows. As the shepherds spend their summer days on the plateau, we ask you to respect their work and their peace. Please observe the cows from a distance and do not approach them.

 

Respect for Nature

Velika Planina is a precious natural oasis. To preserve its beauty for future generations, we ask you to:

  • Not leave trash and follow marked paths. Take your waste down to the valley.
  • Do not pick flowers. Do not disturb wildlife or grazing animals.
  • Keep dogs on a leash at all times. Always have your four-legged companions under control and clean up after them.

 

Accommodation

For a longer visit, you can reserve accommodation at one of the tourist huts. These are equipped for comfortable stays, allowing you to experience Velika Planina even overnight. Reservations are required.

 

Conservation and Protection of the Natural Area

Velika Planina is part of a protected natural area. When visiting, please respect the rules aimed at preserving the natural environment and protecting animals. By acting responsibly, you will help preserve the unique beauty of this place.

 

Ready for Your Visit?

Now that you have all the necessary information, you can plan an unforgettable trip to Velika Planina and enjoy its magical atmosphere!

 

MAP

Starting Point: From Kamniška Bistrica by Cable Car

At the lower station of the cable car in Kamniška Bistrica, you’ll find a large, free parking lot. Once you park your vehicle, buy your tickets at the ticket booth, and take the cable car up to the plateau.

From the upper cable car station, you have two options:

  • Hike: A 45-55 minute walk to the shepherd’s village.
  • Chairlift: Alternatively, you can take the new 6-seat chairlift, which takes you to the top of Velika Planina (Gradišče, 1666 m).

From the top, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the shepherd’s village. On the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the shepherd’s village and the surrounding hills.

There are many well-marked hiking paths on the plateau, suitable for hikers of all fitness levels. Be sure to visit the Pastoral Footpath Trail and learn about the secrets and traditions of Velika Planina, as well as the life of the shepherds, both past and present.

Starting Point: Stahovica

First, drive to Kamnik, and then continue in the direction of Kamniška Bistrica and the Črnivec Pass. Once you reach Stahovica, turn left (if coming from Gornji Grad or Luče, turn right) towards Kamniška Bistrica and the cable car to Velika Planina. After approximately 50 meters of driving, you will notice the Calcit factory on the left side, with a designated parking area next to it. You can also park on the right side of the road at a suitable spot along the road leading to the village of Prapretno.

For a complete description of the route, click here.

Starting Point: Rakove Ravni

In the area from Kranjski Rak towards Velika Planina, there are three organized parking areas. You can park your car at any of these parking lots, from where different trails lead towards the shepherd’s village on Velika Planina. You can find out how to access the parking areas here.
You can view the full route description here.

 

Starting Point: Kamniška Bistrica (on foot)

First, drive to Kamnik, then continue towards Kamniška Bistrica and the cable car station to Velika Planina. In Stahovica, turn left (direction Kamniška Bistrica and the Velika Planina cable car) and follow the moderately ascending road. Then, proceed to the large parking lot near the lower cable car station for Velika Planina (the parking lot is on the right side of the road).

For a complete description of the route, click here.