Velika Planina: Discover Shepherd Culture and Hiking Trails

Velika Planina combines a shepherd settlement with hiking trails, access by cable car, and seasonal cultural and winter activities. The time of year shapes your plans: the museum and demonstrations are tied to the season, while winter operations depend on snow and seasonal conditions. You can tailor your stay to shepherd culture, nature, or outdoor activities.

Getting to the Mountain Pasture and Trails

The cable car from Kamniška Bistrica (Kamniška Bistrica 2, 1242 Stahovica) takes you up to Velika Planina. From the upper station, it is a 45-minute walk to the summit; alternatively, the six-person chairlift takes you to Gradišče, the summit of Velika Planina, in seven minutes. Numerous walking and hiking trails are also suitable for less fit hikers. Operating hours and timetables may change seasonally, so check the current service before setting out.

Shepherd Settlement, Museum, and History

The shepherd settlement consists of around 140 huts and is known for its distinctive architecture. The approximately two-hour educational trail “Po stopinjah pastirjev” offers insights into the shepherds’ way of life, their customs and habits, the architecture and former lifestyle, as well as the natural attractions of Velika Planina. The trail thus combines cultural themes with views of the mountain pasture landscape.

The Preskar Museum is located in the shepherd settlement and is open daily during the grazing season. Its present-day hut was rebuilt in the summer of 1945, after the previous one was burned down shortly before the end of the Second World War. It was built in its original oval shape. At the museum, the traditional production of Trnič cheese, typical of Velika Planina, is demonstrated daily at 1 p.m. The demonstration program is seasonal; confirm it before your visit. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows is also part of the area’s history: it was rebuilt in 1988 after the original chapel was burned down by German soldiers at the end of the Second World War. Holy Mass is held on Velika Planina on Sundays during the summer grazing season; the seasonal program may vary.

Caves and Geological Features

Jama Veternica Cave consists of Mala Veternica and Velika Veternica. Weathering and roof collapses shaped the two cavities into collapse dolines. Snow remains can also be found in Velika Veternica in summer. Another special feature is Jama Dovja griča: the cave is in Tiha dolina, is only nine meters deep, and is associated with stories about events in its surroundings.

Cycling Route and Winter Activities

After taking the cable car up to the mountain pasture, you can continue by bicycle for 2.5 kilometers to the Zeleni rob inn. Route conditions may vary and should be taken into account when planning.

The ski slopes in the ski area are at an elevation of between 1,412 and 1,666 meters. There are 3.5 kilometers of groomed slopes, which are mostly intermediate; winter operations depend on snow and seasonal conditions. The night sledding run starts at the chairlift’s intermediate station and ends at the valley station. It is illuminated and marked; its operation is also seasonal and snow-dependent. Guided thematic snowshoe tours with a local guide are also offered. Availability may vary by season.

Discover more destinations: Snovik, Kamniška Bistrica, Podgorje, Stahovica, Kališe, Kamnik

Go to the parent travel overview: Kamnik.