Mlaka pri Kranju: Nature Trails in Udin boršt

Mlaka pri Kranju looks out towards Udin boršt Landscape Park and has a local history marked by natural and cultural heritage. The pine forest reaches the houses; there are also trails for walking, cycling and jogging, as well as several routes described in detail. If you are looking for a hotel in Mlaka pri Kranju, you can first consider whether forest nature, a cycling trip or the history of the place matters most for your stay. The following distinctions bring these highlights into focus.

Landscape and natural features

Mlaka pri Kranju lies on the eastern side of Udin boršt, and the pine forest reaches the houses. Udin boršt Landscape Park, accessible from Mlaka, lies on a glacial terrace of limestone conglomerate. It is one of the last continuous lowland forest areas in central Slovenia. Hišarjevo brezno is protected as an underground geomorphological natural feature within Udin Boršt. Thus, the extensive forest landscape and a specific protected underground feature stand out as distinct aspects of the area’s natural heritage.

Forest trails and observing nature

The Mammoth Trail reaches Mlaka pri Kranju and leads into Udin boršt Landscape Park. Visitors can observe birds, other animals and plants along the forest trail. The shorter version of the Mammoth Trail is 7 km long; it runs from the Mercator store via Bobovek directly to Mlaka. This distance refers to the entire route. The landscape park also has numerous trails for walking, cycling and jogging. Two aspects are therefore important for finding your way: the Mammoth Trail follows a specific route and is associated with observing nature along the forest trail, while the trails in the park accommodate several types of activity.

Cycling routes and farms

Two different route descriptions are available for a cycling trip. The Preddvor–Kranj–Preddvor gravel bike route passes through Mlaka pri Kranju; it is of moderate difficulty and 25.9 kilometres long. The Karavanke Cycling Loops also pass through Udin boršt and Mlaka pri Kranju and are considered suitable for families. They run mostly along cycle paths, cart tracks and roads with lighter traffic. The gravel bike route specifies its length and difficulty, while the Karavanke Cycling Loops highlight family suitability and the types of paths and roads used for most of the route. These distinctions can help you weigh up the routes. Another route passes several farms: on the Rokovnjaška Route, visitors can explore the farms in more detail with the help of a guide.

Culture and local history

The Obveščevalna točka Poljana in Mlaka pri Kranju is part of memorial cultural heritage. Two early Slavic graves were discovered on a hill near Mlaka. A 2014 report also mentions a memorial plaque unveiled at Pestotnikova ulica 3 to mark a secret weapons and ammunition depot used by militia units. The area’s local past also includes a winter work tradition: in Mlaka, thick ice was sawn into blocks and transported to dairies and a brewery in Kranj. The historical references vary in kind: alongside archaeological finds and memorial cultural heritage, they include a former activity with specific destinations.

Discover more destinations: Kokra, Žabnica, Stiška Vas, Naklo, Zgornje Jezersko, Šenturška Gora, Šenčur, Kranj

Go to the main travel overview: Kranj.