Kranjska Gora is one of Slovenia's most beautiful alpine towns, among the mountains and icy lakes of the Triglav National Park. The popular tourist town is one of the largest ski resorts in the country in winter and a popular hiking destination in summer.
The area has a real alpine atmosphere, where everything is about nature, tranquillity, and relaxation. There are endless opportunities for exploration. From the many hiking trails, one can find easy routes around Lake Jasna and the Zelenci Reserve, intermediate climbs to Martuljek and Pericnik Falls, and challenging trails to the surrounding peaks.
River Sava originates here (Sava Dolinka) and crosses the village. Kranjska Gora is bordered on the north by the Karavanke while on the south by the Julian Alps.
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Quick Details
Kranjska Gora is the name not only of the town but also of the surrounding area.
Photos
Where is Kranjska Gora?
Address, map, distance, approach, getting there
The resort town is located in the northern part of the Triglav National Park, close to the Italian and Austrian border. It's almost halfway from Bled to Bovec. Part of the Gorenjska region.
- Distance from Ljubljana: 85 km / 1 hour
- Distance from Bled: 40 km / 30 mins
- Distance from Bovec: 48 km / 45 mins
History of Kranjska Gora
According to written sources, the town was settled in the 11th century and became an important commercial point as early as the 14th century. Here a major trade route led to Tarvisio (Italy).
It has had city privileges since 1848. In 1870, the railway line between Ljubljana and Tarvisio was completed (passing through the town). With this, the development of Kranjska Gora started.
Establishment of the ski resort
The ski resort of Kranjska Gora put it on the map. The city owes its growth to winter tourism dating back several years.
Every year, the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup series, also known as the Vitranc Cup, hosts slalom and downhill skiing events.
In the well-known Tamar Valley is the Planica ski jumping, the Nordic Center Planica - located south of the city.
Attractions
Let's look at the top attractions in Kranjska Gora that can't be missed on any holiday.
#1 Lake Jasna
5 mins / 2.3 km
Lake Jasna, or Jezero Jasna, is the closest attraction to the city. The lake, which is also suitable for bathing, attracts tourists in summer. You can go hiking and cycling around the artificial lake - although many people just come out to relax, sunbathe, and picnic.
- Slovenian name: Jezero Jasna
- Distance from the centre: 5 minutes / 2.3 km
- Address: Jezero Jasna, 4280 Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
#2 Zelenci Reserve
5 minutes / 5 km
One of the symbols of Slovenia, one of the sources of the river Sava, the Naravni Rezervat Zelenci, is quite close to the city. The reserve is protected as it is important to maintaining the area's ecosystem.
- Slovenian name: Naravni rezervat Zelenci
- Distance to the centre: 5 minutes / 5 km
- Address: Jezero Jasna, 4280 Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
- Opening hours: 00:00 - 24:00
- Admission: free
#3 Martuljek Gorge and waterfalls
12 minutes / 5.5 km
Martuljek Falls is a waterfall system consisting of two waterfalls. A narrow gorge leads to the falls, formed by the river Martuljek in Mount Martuljek - also known as Mount Spik. The hike is intermediate to the Lower Waterfall. Upper Falls is more difficult to reach as this route is more technical. Many go only to the first cascade so that one attracts more leisure hikers.
- Slovenian name: Martuljek slapovi
- Distance from the centre: 12 minutes / 5.5 km
- Address: Martuljek slapovi, 4282 Gozd Martuljek, Slovenia
#4 Pericnik waterfalls
19 km / 28 min
Peričnik Waterfalls are considered to be the most beautiful waterfall in Slovenia. The falls are in the direction of Bled, in the dense, wooded park. It can only be reached on foot. The hike is not too long, but the terrain is steep. The famous two cascades are a little further away from Kranjska Gora (30 mins by car).
- Slovenian name: Slap Peričnik
- Distance to Kranjska Gora: 19 km / 28 minutes
- Address: Slap Pericnik, 4281 Mojstrana, Slovenia
#5 Vrsic Pass (1,611 m)
13 km / 24 min
The Vrsic Pass is one of the most beautiful mountain attractions in the area and the second most visited after the Mangart Saddle (40 km from Kranjska Gora). The pass is located at an altitude of 1,611 meters. On the way to the Vrsic Pass, on the side of Mount Prisank, is an attraction called The Pagan Girl - a natural formation. The masterpiece is visible from the mountain cabin “Poštarski dom” in Vršič.
- Slovenian name: Vršič
- Distance to Kranjska Gora: 13 km / 24 minutes
- Address: Vršič, 5232 Soča, Slovenia
#6 Russian Chapel
7 km / 12 min
The wooden Russian chapel near the Vršič Pass was built by Russian prisoners of war during World War I. They wanted to commemorate their peers who fell in an avalanche while building a road over the Vršič Pass. There is also a small cemetery nearby.
- Slovenian name: Ruska kapelica
- Distance to Kranjska Gora: 7 km / 12 minutes
- Address: Vršiška cesta 83, 4280 Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
- Opening hours: 0:00 - 24:00
- Admission: free
#7 Radovna Valley
19 km / 25 min
Next to Pericnik Falls, you will find the Radovna Valley. The alpine valley is surrounded by the northern extent of the Pokljuka plateau, the foothills of Mount Triglav, and the highest peak of the Mežakla plateau, the Jerebikovec. The largest settlement in the valley is Zgornja Radovna.
The Radovna River flows through it, transforming the famous Vintgar Gorge. In the valley, you will also find Lake Kreda, which you can admire from the shore and swim in the lake. The valley is a great destination for cycling. Rent an electric bike in the area and head to the valley.
- Slovenian name: dolina Radovne
- Distance to Kranjska Gora: 19 km / 25 minutes
- Address: Dolina Radovne, 4281 Mojstrana, Slovenia
#8 Planica Valley
9 km / 11 min
Next to the Zelenci Reserve is the Planica Valley - also home to the ski jump. In winter, in summer, it is an ideal destination for family hiking, romantic activities, skiing, and biking. An extended, narrower section of the valley is the Tamar Valley. So, you can only get into the Tamar Valley through the Planica.
Ledine lake
One of the most beautiful sights of the valley is the Ledine Lake below the village of Rateče. The lava lake fills with water in spring and autumn during all heavy rains. During the summer, the lake dries out and disappears. It freezes several times in winter and can be used for ice skating.
- Distance to Kranjska Gora: 19 km / 25 minutes
- Address: Dolina Radovne, 4281 Mojstrana, Slovenia
#9 Tamar Valley
12 km / 25 min
The Tamar Valley continues a beautiful glacier valley, the Planica Valley. Public transport in the valley is prohibited, so hiking here will give you a quiet, relaxing experience. It is also impossible to drive by car, so it is most convenient to park in Planica. It is about a 1-hour walk from Tamar.
The lake in the Tamar Valley is approx. It can be reached within a 20-minute tour (approx. 1 km). The route is popular and well-signposted. Before the Sava Dolinka comes to the surface in Zelenci Park, Nadiza sees the light of day for the first time.
- Slovenian name: slap Nadiža
- Distance to Kranjska Gora: 12 km / 25 minutes
- Address: Nadiža, 4283 Rateče Planica, Slovenia
#10 Krma Valley
23 km / 40 min
Krma Valley sounds familiar to those who have already climbed Mount Triglav or are flirting with the idea. The picturesque valley not only offers a fabulous hiking trail but is also the starting point for one of the routes to the mountain (the easiest one, I might add). In winter, lovers of ski touring and snowshoeing come here.
- Slovenian name: Krma
- Distance to Kranjska Gora: 23 km / 40 minutes
- Address: Krma, 4247 Zgornje Gorje, Slovenia
#11 Vrata Valley
21 km / 30 min
Located in the heart of the Julian Alps, the Vrata Valley leads to the foot of the highest (northern) wall of Mount Triglav. It is the largest valley transformed by a glacier on the northern side of the Slovenian Alps. The Vrata Valley stretches from Mojstrana to the northern Triglav Wall. The most spectacular sight of the valley is the Peričnik waterfall.
- Slovenian name: Vrata
- Distance to Kranjska Gora: 21 km / 30 minutes
- Address: Vrata, 4281 Mojstrana, Slovenia
#12 Pisnica Valley
4.5 km / 10 min
Starting from Lake Jasna, you can get to the lesser-known Pisnica Valley. The 5 km long valley is fabulous and contains a remnant of a primaeval forest with one of Europe's oldest and strongest larches. There are several waterfalls at the end of the valley, the highest of which is the 30-meter Mala Pisnica waterfall.
The old hiking path leading to the valley is closed because it collapsed 30 years ago due to an earthquake. Still, at the beginning of the valley, you can hike on easy terrain. But when you reach the closure, the path will be trickier.
- Distance to Kranjska Gora: 4.5 km / 10 minutes
#13 Mangart saddle
40 km / 1 hour
A bit further away, you can find the magnificent Mangart saddle. As the mountain can be found halfway to Bovec, many combine the two programs: visit Bovec, and see the highest panoramic road in the country. On the 2679 m high Mangart mountain, you will find the saddle at 2055 meters. You can get here on the panoramic road, which is famous among cyclists and motorbikes as well.
- Kranjska Gora distance: 40 km / 1 hour
#14 Prisank window (Prisojnik)
In addition to the Pagan Girl, Prisank offers another natural attraction. The front window on the upper edge of the northern wall of the Prisank is the most famous rock window in the Julian Alps. The window is 80 m high and about 40 m wide. It was a collapse that expanded into its current form due to the weather. The window is even visible from the road. However, if you drive from Vršič along the ridge to the top of Mount Prisank, the path leads past the window.
- Slovenian name: Prisankovo okno
#15 Bike Park Kranjska Gora
2 km / 5 mins
The bike park, open from April to mid-November, has open gates seven days a week. In the park, you can not only choose from tracks of different difficulty and techniques, but you can also rent a bike. So even if you don't want to take your own bike, you can still enjoy the paths offered by the park.
- Family-trail
- DH: classic downhill track
- Luft Waffel: which contains mainly acrobatic elements, so you can spend as much time as possible in the air.
One day's admission is around €27, and an all-day bike rental is around €55.
- Address: Borovška cesta 107, 4280 Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
- Distance from Kranjska Gora: 2 km
- Admission: ~ 27 euros
- Bike rental: ~ 55 euros
You can find Bike Park’s website here.
#16 Tarvisio, Italy
22 km / 25 min
25 minutes from Kranjska Gora, you will find Tarvisio, one of the most charming Italian towns in Italy. The alpine village is a ski resort in winter and a hiking and biking paradise in summer (with many nearby attractions). The town on the Italian-Slovenian-Austrian border is a cultural center between the three countries.
With a short drive, you can reach the Fusine Lakes, Predil Pass, Lake Predil, or the Fontanone Di Goriuda Falls.
- Distance to Kranjska Gora: 22 km / 25 minutes
#17 Fusine Lakes, Italy
14 km / 20 mins
If you don’t relocate to the Italian side of the Julian Alps, your reward will be none other than Fusine’s two fabulous lakes, the Laghi di Fusine. The lakes are only 14 km and 18 minutes from the center of Kranjska Gora. The two alpine lakes are famous for their fabulous colors.
Take about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk around the lake.
Of course, once we are here, we can also move on to Tarvisio, which is also the nearest Italian ski resort - in the summer we can of course hike.
- Italian name: Laghi di Fusine
- Distance from Kranjska Gora: 13.8 km / 20 minutes
- Address: 33018 Tarvisio, Province of Udine, Italy
- Opening hours: 0:00 - 24:00
Mountains of Kranjska Gora
List of major mountain peaks in the area:
- Rusica, 2,096 m
- Spik, 2,472 m
- Stenar, 2,244 m
- Skrlatica, 2 740 m
- Razor, 2,601 m
- Prisojnik, 2,547 m
- Robicje, 1,941
- Jalovec, 2,645 m