Velika planina Alpine Pasture
| Region | Central Slovenia Statistical region |
| Starting point | The quarry (at the foot of the Ušivec Hill) parking lot |
| Route length | 3.5 km (2.3 miles) |
| route duration | 2 h |
| Start Point altitude | 1267m (4,156 feet) |
| End Point Altitude | 1591m (5,219 feet) |
| Best time to visit | All year |
| Appropriate for | Baby Carriers , 3-6 years of age , 6+ years of age |
| Level of difficulty | Easy marked trail |
Route Description
One of the most popular road trip destinations in Slovenia is the Velika Planina Alpine Pasture. Shepherd's houses and animals that graze freely never cease to enchant.
The fastest way to the Velika Planina Alpine Pasture is by cable car from the Kamniška Bistrica Valley. You can then take a ski lift to the top, where you are greeted with a magnificent view. Those who prefer a challenge can go to the finish line on foot. We drove a little higher and started walking at the quarry, where the parking lot and signposts for Mala Planina Alpine Pasture are marked, from where you continue to the Velika Planina Alpine Pasture. Drive to the Kranjski Rak inn, where several roads branch off. Turn left onto the macadam road and after about 5 minutes, you arrive at a crossroads, where you turn right. Follow the signs, and if you want to park higher, drive to the foot of the Ušivec Hill, where you can leave your car at a parking lot.
This herdsmen’s settlement is known for its typical architecture, a symbol of this Alpine Pasture. The roofs of the huts are covered with characteristic spruce shingles that reach very low. In the Kamnik area, the locals call the spruce shingles “šinkel”. The settlement comes to life in June, when the huts are filled with shepherds, who stay on the pasture with their livestock until September. There you can also try delicacies such as sour milk and a dish called “žganci” (buckwheat or corn mush).
One of the main buildings is the St. Mary Major Chapel, which originally stood on this site before World War II, but was burned down by German soldiers. At the initiative of the shepherds, it was rebuilt in 1988.
On the Velika planina Alpine Pasture, you can also hike the Herdsmen’s Educational Trail, which is just under 7 kilometers (4.6 miles) long. While walking, you can learn many things about this pasture while reading from eleven learning tables.
Find more info about Kamnik on this web page.
Interesting Facts
Two of the famous landmarks are the Vetrnica Cave and the Dovja griča Cave. The Vetrnica Cave consists of the Mala (little) and Velika (big) Vetrnica caves, which were formed due to weathering and their ceiling collapsed. The Velika Vetrnica Cave has more visitors and it boasts snow patches even during summer!
The Dovja Griča cave (meaning wild rock) is located in the Tiha Dolina valley (Slovene for quiet valley), which is only nine metres deep, but known for the many folk tales that it inspired. The most famous are the tales of wild men who are said to have lived in the Dovje hills.
Map
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Nearby Restaurants
Gostilna Repnik
Pamper yourself trying the Tastes of Kamink dishes. Our family was very happy with the menu and service. You can definitely tell that the inn has been operating for more than 55 years. They know how to serve guests who happen to be fussier and families with children.
Vrhpolje 186, Kamnik
051/300 357
info@gostilna-repnik.si
Mila and Staš Recommend
The Preskar Museum is located in the herdsmen’s settlement and is open every day during the grazing season on the Velika planina Alpine Pasture. It is a small gray shepherd's cottage located in the stone section of the settlement. The hut that used to stand on this site was burned down shortly before the end of the Second World War, but was later rebuilt by Andrej Preskar. This hut stands out among other shepherd's huts with its shape, small size and modestly furnished interior. Among other things, the museum also houses a copy of the Trnič Cheese. It is a special type of cheese of this area and my sister and I were very impressed by it!
