Top 5 Amazing Things To Do In Kranjska Gora
You’ve probably heard of a beautiful country in Europe called Slovenia. But the chances that you’ve heard about the village of Kranjska Gora are certainly lower. You may be asking yourself where is this place located and if it’s worth visiting during your Slovenia visit?
There are some incredible things to do in Kranjska Gora, especially for those who love to be outdoors and who love stunning nature. You’ll definitely want to spend a night or two once you find out that there are some amazing things to do there. You should put it on your Slovenia road trip itinerary.
Even if you don’t plan to spend the night in Kranjska Gora, it’s worth a day’s visit from Ljubljana. You can also combine your visit with a visit to Bled or Bohinj, although both are worth a full day visit. This is doable if you are moving around with a car, if you are using public transportation, it will take you too much time and you won’t get the most out of it.
Located not far from the Julian Alps, surrounded by thick forest and mountain peaks, it makes a perfect base for exploring Gorenjska region. It is easy reachable by car or by bus from Ljubljana if you don’t plan to rent a car in Slovenia. Kranjska Gora itself is a very charming village to explore, but the number of places worth visiting nearby is endless!
Ready to explore Kranjska Gora with me?
Here is my list of top things to do there (besides skiing)!
There is plenty to see and do in any season. I really like the fact that it’s not overcrowded and you can walk almost everywhere. Here is a list of my top 5 things to do in Kranjska Gora + bonus: day trip ideas!
1 Explore the Alpine Village
The alpine village looks like it was taken straight out of a fairytale. It’s full of wooden houses selling souvenirs and local delicacies. You can treat yourself with a glass of mulled wine or delicious šmorn – a rustic dish (maybe you have already tried the Kaiserschmarrn in Austria). Think of a fluffy pancake that has been torn, shredded and scrambled up.
2 Visit Lake Jasna
Lake Jasna is a stunning Alpine lake located less than 2 kilometers from Kranjska Gora. It’s easy accessible by foot – there is a 20 minute walk to get to Lake Jasna. You can follow the road towards Vršič Pass or you take a foothpath that is just a few meters away from the main road and follows the Pišnica river. There are some stunning views on this foothpath, so I suggest you to take this path.
Lake Jasna is the name of two interconnected man-made lakes. It’s a must-see destination as it boasts breathtaking panoramic views. The crystal clear waters mirror the stunning peaks of the surrounding mountains, creating a picture-perfect reflection that changes with the seasons.
Whether you seek adventure, tranquility or simply a moment of awe-inspiring beauty, this Slovenian gem has it all.
3 Go for a hike in the Julian Alps
There are many hiking options & my favorite are the Karavanke hiking trail & Juliana trail. If you are looking for a easy walk, you can walk to Planica Valley or you can visit Zelenci nature reserve. There is one thing you can be sure about – you will love the views! They are out of this world!
4 Zelenci Nature Reserve
You absolutely have to visit Zelenci Nature Reserve. From the centre of Kranjska Gora you can reach it in less than 10 minutes by car. You can take a walk that will take you about an hour. You will be able to admire the beautiful emerald “lake.” Actually, this is the Sava Dolinka spring. It is the perfect walking destination for those looking for a relaxing break in nature. There is a constant temperature of 5 to 6 degrees Celsius and the lake doesn’t freeze in the winter.
The name Zelenci was given by the lake’s chalk layers and the numerous extremely clear springs that color the water a distinctive blue-green shade.
5 Rent-a-bike
One of the best options to explore the nature is renting a bike. You can rent a classic bike or e-bike if you prefer this option. With a bike, you can visit nearby villages – Gozd Martuljek, Rateče, Podkoren and Planica. You can easily bike to Lake Jasna or Zelenci.
If you are ready to do that, you can cycle just over an hour to Lago di Fusine in Italy – a pair of magnificent Alpine lakes.
Bonus: Day Trip to Bled, Bohinj or Radovljica
If you are staying in Kranjska Gora long enough or you are visiting it as a part of Slovenia road trip, you can visit the famous Lake Bled, its “neighbour”, Lake Bohinj or less known small town named Radovljica. I’d recommed you to visit every single one of them, because they are all beautiful and worth visiting.
In Lake Bled you have to see the iconic Bled island with the church on it and reward yourself with Blejska kremšnita. Lake Bohinj is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered that is often overshadowed by the Lake Bled. You have to go to the Savica Waterfall if you decide to visit Lake Bohinj. Radovljica is a cute small town that is the home of chocolate and the capital of Slovenian beekeeping.
For a detailed post about Lake Bled click here and for Lake Bohinj here.
How to get there?
Kranjska Gora is accessible by car, bus and by combination of a train & bus (in this case you have to take a train to Jesenice and then bus to Kranjska Gora). The car ride is about an hour from Ljubljana and ofcourse car gives you a lot more flexibility.
If you prefer public transport, the best option is to take a bus from Ljubljana. You can check the timetables here. The bus ride will take you about 2 hours. The only downside is that you are limited with activities outside of Kranjska Gora. But it’s still possible to visit many interesting places.
When to visit Kranjska Gora?
If you ask me, there is no wrong time for a visit. If I would have to choose, I’d say that winter and summer are the best seasons for a visit. In the winter, it’s perfect for skiing and there’s charming so-called Alpine village in the winter months (till the end of March), where you can enjoy a glass of mulled wine and the view of the snow-capped mountain peaks bathed in sunshine.
During the summer you can cool off in the wonderful lakes and there is a plenty hiking options in this area. I guarantee you won’t regret your visit, regardless of the time of year.
Kranjska Gora is a treasure trove of fun activities and beautiful places to visit. Kranjska Gora is a great starting point for exploring Slovenia. If you’re a lover of beautiful nature and you’re looking for off-the-beaten-track trails in Europe, Kranjska Gora should definitely be added to your bucket list. It offers something for everyone, regardless of the season, and should definitely be on the list of every traveler visiting Slovenia.
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Terri
December 30, 2023I really hope to visit Slovenia in next few years. It sounds like a nature lover’s dream. It would be wonderful to stay in this little village!
Jasmina
December 30, 2023You are completely right, it really is a nature lover’s dream. And the best thing is that it’s not overcrowded so you can really enjoy here!
Angela Lowe
December 30, 2023Loved this. And you were correct I had not heard of the village. But it does sound wonderful.
Jasmina
December 30, 2023Many people don’t know about this little village, so this is why it is so peaceful and calming there. It’s a wonderland, especially in the winter.
Annie
December 30, 2023I passed through the town going down through the old Yugoslavia back in August 1989 and then back north in October that year. It looked to be worth another visit, and now that you’ve reminded me, it’s back on my list. Thank you.
Jasmina
December 31, 2023Oh, I bet it was even more peaceful back in the 1989! I’m so glad to hear that it’s on your list again – you will love it!
Karen
December 30, 2023I absolutely love Slovenia and have traveled through Kranjska Gora after driving the pass. We didn’t stop in the town but I wish we had. I also wish I had this list of things to do back then so I would have spent for time. Next time!s
Jasmina
December 31, 2023I’m so glad to hear that! Slovenia is absolutely gorgeous and definitely worth the visit 🙂 I hope you will visit Slovenia again!
anukrati
December 31, 2023Wow! I had never heard of this village. Looks like it straight out of a fairytale. So much beauty.
Jasmina
December 31, 2023Many people didn’t heard of this village, but it’s so beautiful. It’s worth a visit when you come to Slovenia.
Anja
December 31, 2023For us when we think Alpine, we think Austria, Switzerland, France or Italy. This looks well off the beaten track and very attractive!
Jasmina
December 31, 2023Yes, people usually don’t asociate Slovenia when they think of Alps, but I can guarantee you that it’s beautiful!
Sara
December 31, 2023Wow! Kranjska Gora looks absolutely beautiful. Added to my list!
Jasmina
January 2, 2024You’re going to love it!
Jolayne
January 1, 2024My husband and I have been intrigued with Slovenia after seeing it on the “Amazing Race”. It is definitely on our radar now.
Jasmina
January 2, 2024So glad to hear that SLovenia is on your radar now. It’s beautiful!
Ummi
January 1, 2024I’ve been to Slovenia once, but only to Ljubljana and Lake Bled. I’ll definitely keep this for my next visit ☺️
Jasmina
January 2, 2024Both Ljubljana and Lake Bled are worth the visit, I hope that you enjoyed it! 🙂