Nestled beneath the Julian Alps, this Slovenian city has Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, museums, and a historic market square. Nearby trails offer hiking and winter skiing.
Kranj, Slovenia's fourth-largest city, sits on a rocky outcrop where the Sava and Kokra rivers meet. This compact medieval town has narrow cobblestone streets, a dramatic urban canyon, and restaurants serving innovative local dishes. From the city center, you can see the Slovenian Alps rising in the background. Kranj maintains a calm urban atmosphere while being close to nature and adventure opportunities.
How to Reach Kranj
Kranj is 10 km from Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport. You can reach the city center by a 15-minute drive or taxi ride. From Ljubljana, buses run every 30 minutes from the main station. The 40-minute journey costs about 2 euros.
Wandering the Old Town
Start exploring Kranj's medieval core at the Main Square (Glavni trg). Here you'll see the 15th-century Parish Church of St. Cantianus, with its Gothic architecture and three distinct towers that shape the city skyline. A short walk away is the Prešeren House, dedicated to Slovenia's national poet France Prešeren. Inside, you can view original manuscripts and personal items from the poet's life in Kranj.
Walking the Kokra Canyon
The Kokra River Canyon cuts through Kranj's city center, creating a 30-meter deep gorge. Take the stairs down to the canyon floor for a walk along the rushing river. The 2 km trail is cool, which is especially welcome during summer heat.
Exploring Kranj's Tunnels
A 1,300-meter network of tunnels runs beneath Kranj's streets, built as air raid shelters during World War II. You can join a guided tour to learn about local history through underground exhibitions. The tour includes an air raid simulation. For a different subterranean experience, visit the ossuary under St. Cantianus Church, where you can see remains dating from the 14th to 18th centuries.
Tasting Local Cuisine
Kranj's restaurants combine traditional Slovenian dishes with modern culinary techniques. Try Kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage) at Gostilna Stari Mayr, an inn operating since 1776. For a high-end dining experience, book a table at Gostilna Krištof in nearby Predoslje. Here, Chef Uroš Gorjanc creates multi-course menus using ingredients sourced almost entirely from the local area.
Getting Active
The area around Kranj has many options for physical activities. You can climb St. Jošt hill for views of the Julian Alps. In winter, you can ski at Krvavec resort, which has slopes for various skill levels. To explore the city and countryside by bike, use Kranj's bike-sharing system.
Attending Local Events
Several annual events showcase Kranj's culture. February's Prešeren Fair honors the national poet with craft stalls and performances. Late August brings Kranjska Noč (Kranj Night), filling streets with music and food. During summer evenings, you can watch films at open-air screenings in the castle garden.
Taking Day Trips from Kranj
From Kranj, you can easily visit other parts of Slovenia. A 30-minute drive takes you to Lake Bled with its island church. The medieval town of Škofja Loka is 15 minutes away by car or bus. For wine tasting, travel an hour southwest to the Vipava Valley.
