The Alpine town of Kranjska Gora sits on a bend of the Pišnica river, overlooked by forested foothills and limestone peaks. This is where the Julian Alps meet the Austrian and Italian borders, up in the far north-west of Slovenia. Thousand-year-old larch forests, Alpine meadows, blue lakes and rivers shape the landscape here – making for exciting walking country that stretches into Triglav National Park. Despite the dramatic vistas, many of the walks in Kranjska Gora are moderate, with plenty of easy strolls between neighbouring villages.
Summer holidays in Kranjska Gora
Kranjska Gora might be a popular ski resort by winter, but by summer it’s a postcard of green hills, cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, all finished off with a grand gothic church. The emerald waters of Lake Jasna sit to the south of town; sandy shores and refreshing swims are the theme here. Alternatively, treat yourself to a meal in the nearby Restaurant Milka, which has two Michelin stars under its belt, thanks to the inspired Nordic-Alpine menu and Slovenian wine list.
Adventure enthusiasts and families with active teens are bound to love Kranjska Gora - there's a mountain biking trail and mountain rollercoaster underneath the Vitranc chairlift. Try via ferrata or paragliding, zip lining at Planica or perhaps some stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Jasna. If you are looking for more of a thrill, then head to the river Soca for some white water rafting, an exhilarating experience for teens and adults. Plus, the famously photogenic Lake Bled is only an hour’s bus journey away.
Walking in the Julian Alps
Around 146 kilometres of marked footpaths explore Kranjska Gora and its surroundings. The long-distance Juliana Trail starts in town – a 267 kilometre epic that can be walked in smaller stages, with mountain views at every twist and turn. Walk to the high waterfalls close to the small village of Gozd Martuljek - the impressive Martuljek Falls are in two stages and cascade into a dramatic limestone gorge. Other hiking highlights include the Krnica valley and the turquoise headwaters of the Sava Dolinka river. Or tick a few other countries off your stepped-in list on the Triple Border walk, where the borders of Slovenia, Italy and Austria all meet.
Village hopping along the Sava valley
A short drive or cycle west takes you to Podkoren village, a collection of 17th Century farmhouses and inns set in a wildflower valley. Keep following the road parallel to the Austria border, and you’ll reach Rateče – another picturesque village and home to one of Slovenia’s oldest churches. Don’t miss Zelenci Nature Reserve as you pass through. Here, boardwalks lead to a luminous turquoise lake and wetlands alive with nesting birds, amphibians and rare plants like the carnivorous sundew. Or, just two kilometres away you will find the famous Nordic Ski Centre, where you can admire the ski jumpers practicing all year round. We also love to head over the Italian border along the cycle path to Laghi di Fusine, perfect for unlocking access to the beautiful double lakes set below the majestic mount Mangart.
Explore Triglav National Park and beyond
Kranjska Gora is an excellent launch pad for exploring Slovenia’s only National Park, crowned by its highest peak, Mount Triglav at 2,864 metres. Walks range from forest and waterfall wanders to longer treks to craggy limestone peaks. Get in and amongst the most dramatic scenery at the top of the Vršič Pass - the highest mountain pass in Slovenia, and the starting point for some fantastic Alpine hikes. On the other side of the pass, the Soča Valley is paradise for outdoor adventures. For quick and easy exploration hop on the public bus, connecting Kranjska Gora to the top of the pass, and to Trenta valley.
Why book a summer holiday to Kranjska Gora with Inghams?
At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Kranjska Gora's best walking routes and activities at your own pace.
Plus, we've included two optional guided walks every week in Kranjska Gora. Join a professional walking guide and really get to know the area (see more details in the ‘walking’ tab below).
With 90 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Kranjska Gora include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team overseas can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.
