Kranjska Gora, Slovenia: 9 tips for trips in the area

Kranjska Gora Slovenia – 9 tips for trips in the area

Kranjska Gora Slovenia – is a small mountain resort in the northwest of this beautiful country, where you can experience a relaxed atmosphere in a valley with the monumental ridges of the Julian Alps. In winter, skiers head here for the groomed slopes right above the town. Personally, I had the chance to stay directly in a hotel by the slope, where you just step outside, put on your skis, and you’re on the piste.

In summer, the roles reverse in favor of hiking and cycling. There are truly countless trails and trips you can set out on here. Today, I’ve selected the ones I recommend not missing. Especially popular is the cycling route along the former railway towards the border, as well as hikes into the Vrata and Tamar valleys.

>> TOP 10 accommodation in Kranjska Gora <<

Thanks to its location near the triple border, it’s easy to plan day trips from Italy or Austria and vice versa. Among our favorites are trips to Lake Jasna, the Vršič Pass, and the Triglav National Park.

Kranjska Gora Slovenia

For me, Kranjska Gora is a great base for organizing summer and winter trips. Everything is, so to speak, right at your fingertips, yet in just a few minutes you can be exploring the untouched Slovenian landscape and breathing fresh mountain air.

Right in town, the small center is worth a short stop. Kranjska Gora is concentrated into a few pleasant streets, and I personally love evening walks most—in the snow during winter and during the golden hour in summer. If you want a quick overview of local nature and traditions, visit the small museums and the information center.

Find accommodation in Kranjska Gora using the map:

Accommodation in Kranjska Gora

In my opinion, the best places to stay in Kranjska Gora are the Ramada hotels. The main hotel is located right by the ski slope, making it the best choice in winter to be right where the action is. In summer, you’ll appreciate the direct views and access to nature. Take advantage of off-season and last-minute discounts:

Ramada Resort Kranjska Gora 4*

>> CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PRICE FOR YOUR STAY HERE

Hotel Ramada Resort Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

If you want to spend your holiday or just a few nights directly at Lake Jasna, you have a choice of several accommodations in its immediate vicinity, where you’ll be just a few steps from the water. However, keep in mind that prices tend to be higher and it pays to book in advance.

From our perspective, this boutique accommodation is one of the best choices:

Jasna Chalet Nature Resort by the Lake

• It offers direct access to the lake and beautiful views.
• Despite the higher price, it makes sense as a truly exceptional place to stay.

>> CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PRICE FOR YOUR STAY HERE

Kranjska Gora – where to go on trips?

1. Zelenci Nature Reserve

The Zelenci Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful and easy trips you can take in Slovenia. It is located near the border, and we like to include it on the first or last day of a holiday as a pleasant, half-day stop with a walk. Kranjska Gora is about 5 km from Zelenci (along the road towards Podkoren/Rateče), which is about 5–10 minutes by car. On foot, it typically takes about 40–60 minutes depending on the chosen route.

You can find my full trip tip in a separate article:

• Zelenci – a nature reserve with an emerald lake

2. Lake Jasna – Kranjska Gora

Just a few minutes’ walk from the center of Kranjska Gora lies one of the most picturesque spots in Slovenia, Lake Jasna. It is one of the most rewarding stops for a short walk and a photo with the Julian Alps in the background. It consists of a pair of smaller artificial lakes with landscaped shores, a pier, and paths.

In summer, it’s a pleasant place to sit, and the hardy ones can even go for a swim. On cooler days, just walk around the lake and continue further into the mountains. By the lake, you’ll also find a traditional wooden photo frame where you shouldn’t forget to snap a souvenir. You can, of course, head to the lake by bike and then continue along one of the mountain cycling trails.

Read my full trip tip for Lake Jasna in this article:

• Lake Jasna – trip tip and accommodation right by the lake

3. Planica Nordic Centre – Kranjska Gora Slovenia

The Planica Nordic Centre is a famous complex of ski jumps and cross-country trails near Kranjska Gora. It is associated with ski jumping records and major competitions. Even outside the winter season, it’s worth a visit for the views of the ski jumps and the surrounding mountains.

The complex offers tours and other activities for visitors, such as the popular Zipline or Disc Golf Park, so you can easily spend an hour or the whole day here. I personally visited the local museum as well, and I definitely recommend it for rainy days.

Planica Nordic Centre

4. Tamar – Tamar Mountain Hut

Tamar is a peaceful glacial valley above Planica, surrounded by steep walls, where a pleasant and mostly easy walk leads along a wide path. At the destination stands the mountain hut Dom v Tamarju, ideal for simple refreshments with breathtaking views. In winter, cross-country skiers and hikers on snowshoes often head here. If you want a short trip without a demanding elevation gain, Tamar is one of the most rewarding choices around Kranjska Gora.

• The trail from Kranjska Gora to Tamar is about 10 kilometers long with an elevation gain of only about 311 meters, which should be manageable even for those who don’t train regularly.

5. Vršič Pass

The Vršič Pass is the most famous pass and also the most popular high-mountain cycling route in Slovenia. This cycling climb is a mandatory “rite of passage” for many riders—prepare for a climb of 811 vertical meters over a length of 12.2 kilometers. The asphalt road from the First World War era connects the Upper Sava Valley with Trenta and leads from Kranjska Gora past Lake Jasna into a series of increasingly sharp turns.

You can expect 24 hairpins and a climb that will test both your legs and your patience, all while in traffic, so it’s necessary to ride carefully. The reward is the gradually opening mountain views and, just below the summit, the chance to walk a few minutes for even better panoramas. The return is via the same route.

You can also visit the Vršič Pass by car if you’re not into high-mountain cycling. As of this year, parking should be subject to a fee following its renovation. Also, be prepared for possible restrictions. / Kranjska Gora Slovenia

6. Soča River Valley (Trenta) – Source of the Soča

The Soča River is famous for its emerald color and clear water. At the source, you have the chance to enjoy its most photogenic part. A short forest trail leads to the source of the Soča; the last section is secured in places with a steel cable and can be slippery, so sturdy shoes and caution are advised. The Soča River rises at an altitude of roughly 1,050 meters, and your reward will be the sight of water gushing from beneath a limestone wall and a pleasant walk along the riverbed in the valley.

• The source of the Soča (Izvir Soče) is approximately 22 km by car from Kranjska Gora, and the journey will usually take you about 25–40 minutes (depending on traffic and road conditions over Vršič).

The Soča Valley lies on the western side of the Julian Alps and stretches from Triglav National Park to Nova Gorica. The river flows through the national park and eventually empties into the Adriatic Sea. Its upper reaches with wild rapids are among the best places in Slovenia for rafting and other water sports.

7. Peričnik (Waterfall in the Vrata Valley)

The Peričnik Waterfall in the Vrata Valley is one of the most sought-after in Slovenia and is particularly impressive because you can walk behind the curtain of water via a short trail. There is easy access to both the upper and lower waterfalls from the parking lot, but be prepared for slippery sections and wet rocks. The reward will be impressive views and a pleasant cool-down on hot days. For us, one of the best trips from the town. / Kranjska Gora Slovenia

8. Tromeja / Peč / Kranjska Gora Slovenia

• By car, it is approximately 14 km from the center of Kranjska Gora to Lago di Fusine, usually about a 14-minute drive (depending on traffic at the border crossing).