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Velika Planina, Slovenia- 8 tips for the enchanting spring hike with the saffrons

May 5, 2025 By Gabi Zec 8 Comments

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05.05.2025.

Velika Planina in Slovenia unveils its incredible beauty in the springtime when gorgeous saffrons start to bloom. When these charming fields, known as the Valley of herdsmen, dress all in purple, who can resist?

Beautiful to visit all year through, Velika Planina (Big Mountain) with the start of April has a special allure. During two weeks, it becomes an attractive destination to recharge your batteries through the hiking spirit.

Close to the town of Kamnik, youโ€™ll have plenty of things to occupy your attention. If youโ€™re planning to take a day trip from Ljubljana, itโ€™s possible though a bit tricky.

If youโ€™re visiting Slovenia for a week or two, donโ€™t miss the marvelous Valley of the Soฤa River.

Being pretty popular during the saffron season, Velika Planina is a cozy European trail perfect for families.

Unfortunately, it was bad weather during my visit and I donโ€™t have great photos so I will need to return.

This post contains links which could help me to earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for reading and supporting Under Flowery Sky.

How to come to Velika Planina

The best way to reach Velika Planina is by car and park in Rakove Ravni near the village of Krivฤevo. For the parking place youโ€™ll pay 10โ‚ฌ and that is an official parking.

There is one more parking Maฤkin kot, but might not be always available. Only 30 minutes walk to Velika Planina is required here.

Without the car

If youโ€™re without a car, donโ€™t worry. Arriving in Kamnik from Ljubljana is easy within 1h and service runs often. To Kamniลกka Bistrica thereโ€™s only one bus a day- at 10,30 h usually. Actually, the cable car lies a bit before Kamniลกka Bistrica. Returning to Ljubljana and catching an earlier bus is possible with hitchhiking. Seeing the several foreigners doing so is the best way to explain it.

You can also stay overnight in the hostel near the cable car.

Costing 26โ‚ฌ youโ€™ll change a cable car and a chairlift. Only the cable car is 24โ‚ฌ, but youโ€™ll need to walk 1h to Velika Planina- possibly a bit less.

About Velika Planina

Within the soft scenery of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, youโ€™ll find the traditional herdsmenโ€™s villages. At this high mountain plateau, youโ€™ll find about 200 huts embraced by the picturesque images. Only 63 belong to the herders and you can stay overnight in some of them.

Covering 13 villages of Velika Planina, you can choose between several different trails. Whether you start in Kranjski Rak, Kraljev hrib or Strahovica, your adventure highlights the beauty of Velika Planina.

The highest point is Gradiลกฤ‡e (1666m) and the Herdsmen Valley is the largest one in Europe.

During the summer months, the Valley becomes more lively when herders take out the cattle. Usually the caddle stays in the paddock, but sometimes theyโ€™re also free to roam.

Velika Planina in Slovenia with saffrons blooming
The Valley of herdsmen, Velika Planina in Slovenia

What to see & where to lunch

From Velika Planina (Big Mountain) to Menina Planina (Small Mountain) stretch the vast pastures and lovely huts. In the museum known as Preskar hut you can visit the small collection from June to September.

Snow Mary Chapel dominates the valley and is open year-round for the masses. Though it was burnt in the Second World War, the reconstruction was successful in 1988.

Trying the famous trniฤ cheese by herdsmen is an opportunity not to miss. In some of the alpine huts, relax with the local palenta, made with melted fat. On Velika Planina, itโ€™s also popular to try the delicious strudels with the cottage cheese filling and berry sauce.

All these delicacies are served in Domลพalski dom, Jarลกki dom and ฤŒrnuลกki dom in Mala Planina, but also at Dom na Kisovcu. Here you can also have some mountain dishes, such as the stew.

Unfortunately, this lovely place with sweets was closed

When to visit Velika Planina

Velika Planina offers a fantastic retreat to the mountain serenity throughout the whole year. With the spring allure that saffrons bring, youโ€™ll have a fairy tale time on Velika Planina. During the summer with the caddle around Velika Planina breathes its authentic feeling and autumn colours will simply enchant you. Enjoying the snow in winter sounds so cozy on these pleasant trails.

If saffrons are your reason to visit Velika Planina, the first two weeks in April give the perfect timing. As the trail can be busy during these insane blooming, itโ€™s better to choose weekdays.

You can get the accurate situation of the blooming and other circumstances at the Instagram profile of Velika Planina. ย 

Velika Planina in Slovenia with saffrons blooming

What to expect during the trail

From the parking place Rakove Ravni, you will follow the macadam road to Mala Planina, including a slightly steep ascent. With the breathtaking views, youโ€™ll have a pleasant hiking experience.

Following the carpets of saffrons you will pass by several alpine huts and arrive to Velika Planina.

If youโ€™re coming by cable car, the trail goes the other way around, starting at Velika Planina.

Completing the Path of the herdsmen takes 7km or 2,15h. Counting the photo breaks, you will surely need a double of this time.

About Kamnik town & other attractions in the area

Except Velika Planina, the Kamnik area will give you fantastic reasons to explore more than a day. Within its medieval ambiance, the town of Kamnik offers a rich history. Two stunning castles, Mali Grad and Stari Grad, burst with splendid views. In the Museum of Kamnik, Zaprice Manor, once lived the noble family and represents a charming insight to the past.

Relaxing in the Snovik Spa in Tuhinj Valley is the perfect way to absorb the enchanting vibes of Velika Planina.

Kamnik, a charming town near Ljubljana
Kamnik & its main square, a lovely town near Velika Planina

Kamniลกka Bistrica

Kamniลกka Bistrica will allure with its river spring, popular with cyclists. Close to the spring lie the marvelous gorges of Veliki and Mali Predaselj. Orglice Waterfall stretches about 2 km after the cable car with its cozy hiking trail.

Arboretum Volฤji Potok

Close to the town of Kamnik, donโ€™t miss the opportunity to visit the Arboretum Volฤji Potok. Nestled in the village of Radomlje, itโ€™s a 10-minute drive from Kamnik and 1h walking route. During the springtime, the tulip elegance is very popular, but you can also enjoy roses, orchids and cacti.

Arboretum Volฤji Potok, the fantastic botanical treasure near Kamnik and Ljubljana

Where to stay

Guest House Kraljev Hribโ€“ cozy and serene, located close to the cable car youโ€™ll enjoy plenty of activities;

Slovenia Eco Resortโ€“ located in Godiฤ near Strahovica, youโ€™ll have bungalows with wellness facilities and lovely garden;

ABC Apartments Kamnikโ€“ with a garden view and terrace, itโ€™s a tranquil place with great location;

Koฤa Bistra Velika Planinaโ€“ a luxury stay with a peaceful atmosphere for the equipe;

Final thoughts

Inspired by saffrons, Velika Planina awakens the fantastic weekend in Slovenia. Itโ€™s more than a day trip from Ljubljana, though still manageable. The pristine valley of the Herdsmen path will take you back in time and you cannot miss its culinary delicacies.

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Filed Under: Europe, Mountain stories, Slovenia Tagged With: #hikinginslovenia, #saffrons, #springflowers, #springhikes, #velikaplanina, #visitslovenia

Previous Post: ยซ Why Youโ€™ll Love Innsbruck: Your Guide to the Charming Capital of Tirol
Next Post: Spring Paradise in London- 8 best places to marvel the wisteria ยป

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. MElanie says

    May 5, 2025 at 4:50 pm

    What a stunning place! It looks like a relaxing space for the soul.

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    Reply
  2. Fadima mooneira says

    May 7, 2025 at 2:49 pm

    Oh wow! Gorgeous saffrons. VELIKA PLANINA Looks like a lovely place to visit. Thank you for sharing your experience.

    Reply
  3. Amanda says

    May 8, 2025 at 4:08 pm

    Looks beautiful! I especially want to visit when the Saffrons are there!

    Reply
  4. Lauren Maker says

    May 8, 2025 at 7:32 pm

    I love your adventures!!!

    Reply
  5. Gallivanting Laura says

    May 8, 2025 at 8:56 pm

    This looks like such a beautiful area to visit! Iโ€™d love to try the trniฤ cheese, and those traditional buildings are adorable. Thanks for sharing such a unique, historical gem!

    Reply
  6. Kelly says

    May 9, 2025 at 10:18 am

    This looks like a beautiful area in Slovania to visit. I love the folling hills and the places to stop for a bight to eat sound fantastic.

    Reply
  7. Sonia says

    May 10, 2025 at 11:34 pm

    Iโ€™d love to time a visit with the saffrons blooming, looks wonderful.

    Reply
  8. Rosemary Palmer says

    May 14, 2025 at 7:32 pm

    These are beautiful โ€“ I didnโ€™t realize it bloomed like this.

    Reply

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