Calm Alpine town in northwestern Slovenia, known for skiing and hiking. Home to Lake Jasna and the Zelenci nature reserve. Gateway to Triglav National Park.
Kranjska Gora, a small alpine village in northwestern Slovenia, sits at the intersection of Slovenia, Austria, and Italy. This resort town welcomes visitors throughout the year with activities like skiing on Mount Vitranc, hiking in Triglav National Park, and swimming in Lake Jasna. Located in the Julian Alps, Kranjska Gora serves as a starting point for exploring the region's mountains, lakes, and valleys.
Location in the Julian Alps
Kranjska Gora lies in the Upper Sava Valley, between the Julian Alps and the Karavanke mountain range. At an elevation of 806 meters, the town is well-suited for winter sports and summer mountain activities. It's just 5 kilometers from both the Austrian and Italian borders, giving it a unique cultural atmosphere.
Winter Sports
As Slovenia's oldest ski resort, Kranjska Gora has slopes for skiers and snowboarders of various skill levels. The ski area extends from Kranjska Gora to Planica, with 18 ski slopes at altitudes between 800 and 1,215 meters. Six chairlifts and 13 drag lifts connect the runs. You'll find gentle slopes near the village center for beginners and families, while more experienced skiers can take on the World Cup runs at Podkoren.
Summer Activities
In warmer months, you can explore Kranjska Gora's surroundings on foot or by bike. The area has over 100 kilometers of marked footpaths through mountains and valleys. The Juliana Trail, a 267-kilometer loop around the Julian Alps, begins and ends in Kranjska Gora. For mountain biking, you can visit the Fun Bike Park or ride the network of cycling trails in the region.
Lake Jasna and Natural Areas
A 20-minute walk from the town center takes you to Lake Jasna. This artificial lake, formed where two streams meet, has green waters and is surrounded by mountains. You can swim, paddleboard, or relax on the sandy shores. Nearby, the Zelenci Nature Reserve contains the source of the Sava Dolinka River and wetlands with rare plants.
Gateway to Triglav National Park
Kranjska Gora is the northern entrance to Triglav National Park, Slovenia's only national park. Named after Mount Triglav, Slovenia's highest peak at 2,864 meters, the park covers 880 square kilometers of alpine terrain. You can hike numerous trails, including the challenging climb to Mount Triglav. The park also includes the Vrata Valley, where you'll find the 52-meter Peričnik Waterfall.
Vršič Pass and Beyond
The Vršič Pass, Slovenia's highest mountain pass at 1,611 meters, links Kranjska Gora with the Soča Valley. The winding road, constructed by Russian prisoners during World War I, offers views of the surrounding peaks. Along the way, you can stop at the Russian Chapel, a memorial to the workers who died during the road's construction.
Where to Stay
Kranjska Gora has accommodations for different budgets. For a high-end stay, consider the Boutique Hotel Skipass or the Jasna Chalet Resort by Lake Jasna. Mid-range options include Hotel Vandot and Pri Marusi, while budget travelers might prefer the Pr'Tatko youth hostel in nearby Podkoren.
Local Cuisine
After a day outdoors, you can try Slovenian alpine cuisine. Local specialties include jota (a hearty stew), štruklji (rolled dumplings), and ajdovi žganci (buckwheat spoonbread), available at traditional gostilnas (inns). For fine dining, the Michelin-starred Milka restaurant offers innovative dishes using local ingredients.
Getting There and Around
While a car gives you the most flexibility to explore the region, you can reach Kranjska Gora by public transport. Buses run regularly from Ljubljana (about 2 hours) and Jesenice (30 minutes), which has the nearest train station. In Kranjska Gora, you can walk to most places, but renting a bike is another option for exploring the area.
