Kranjska Gora in Summer: Top Things To Do
Kranjska Gora is a popular destination in the winter for skiers. It is located at the feet of the beautiful Julian Alps, which makes it an excellent choice for the winter, and summer too. Despite its popularity during the colder months, it is still relatively undiscovered as a summer holiday destination. So we are here to answer one simple question: Should you visit Kranjska Gora in summer?
If you are just looking to get an answer to the question, read no further. The answer is: Yes, it is a wonderful holiday destination for the summer.
For everyone else who is looking to find out what are the top things to do in Kranjska Gora during the summer, we also got you covered. Read on.
Hiking in Kranjska Gora
Without a doubt, we have to put hiking at the top of our list. Due to its location, the little village offers excellent access to hiking trails across the biggest national park of Slovenia, the Triglav National Park. The National Park got its name from Mount Triglav, the tallest mountain in Slovenia.
When hiking around the village you will be met with a plethora of natural beauties. The views are always amazing around the Julianna Alps. The trails are littered with waterfalls, small streams and ponds all the way. With Kranjska Gora it feels like there is always something new to discover.
Waterfall Pericnik Hiking Trail
Our first recommendation is a must-see waterfall when staying in Kranjska Gora. This beautiful waterfall is among the biggest in Slovenia with its 52m height. Once there, you can even walk behind and around the waterfall, which makes this a special sight.
To get there you have two options. Either you can park the car directly at the waterfall parking area. This will put you in arm’s length, as it is only about a 15 minutes walk from parking.
What we recommend is parking the car in Mojstrana, the nearby village. From here you can continue on foot, on the same road you would take with a car. Since it is the same way, expect to be walking on a paved road, instead of mountain trails. All through the way, there will be a small mountain stream next to the road. Once you reach waterfall parking, it is the same as going all the way with the car.
From the parking, just follow the marked mountain trail to the waterfall. Once there you can enjoy the views and even go behind Pericnik waterfall.
Although this is your destination for this hike, there is an option to continue. If you wish you can go further up into the mountain to see a second waterfall. This hike is much more challenging and much steeper. We only recommend to move forward for experienced mountain hikers, and we do not recommend this second waterfall with children.
When visiting Pericnik waterfall, please keep in mind, that the rocky area around it can get quite slippery from the water splashing onto it. You choose your footwear accordingly.
Vršič pass Trail
Vršič pass is a windy mountain road that serves as the connection between Kranjska Gora and Bovec. It is also the highest mountain pass in Slovenia. It is recommended to drive to the parking area at the top, as the windy mountain road is an exciting a beautiful sight in itself.
Once on the top of Vršič pass you will find some parking areas. If you are planning to visit, we recommend going early in the day, as it can get quite busy around noon, with parking spaces hard to find. From the parking area, you will be able to start many mountain trails. There will be a small hut where they can help you out which to take.
If you are after a less demanding, but still beautiful hike, we recommend that you take the one paved road going up from the parking area. The paved road will soon turn into gravel, but you will be able to continue upwards, passing Tičar Lodge. If you continue upwards, you will be reaching the Postman’s Lodge after a short walk. From here, you can either turn back or continue to make it into a proper hike.
Tromeja Hike – The Triple Border
The Tromeja hike offers a unique view to enhance your Kranjska Gora summer holiday. On the summit of this trail, you will be able to see Slovenia, Italy and Austria. For this reason, it is popular with both tourists and locals.
It is considered an easy hike, but it does get steep from time to time. You start out from the village of Ratece. From here all you have to do is follow the signs all the way up to the mountain peak Pec.
Your hike upwards will take a little bit over one hour, on the exciting mountain trail. The way down is similarly around one hour. We are confident that even with rest stops and enjoying the view at the top, this hike can be completed in less than 3 hours. This makes it a perfect activity before lunch.
Martuljek Waterfalls – A longer hike
For a longer hike, we recommend Martuljek Waterfalls. You can count it to be about a half-day event. The trail starts from Gozd Martuljek, which is very close to Kranjska Gora. If you want, you may even walk from Kranjska Gora, it will take you about 1 hour.
The trail will take you to a picturesque gorge with a small stream rushing down the middle. It is a wonderful sight to hike down here. What makes this trail especially great for the summer is the micro-climate the gorge has. As it is surrounded by mountain walls on both sides the temperature is pleasant even on a hot summer day. Towards the end of this trail, the hiking gets quite technical, and we recommend proper hiking gear. You can check out this page for the full guide.
Cycling in Kranjska Gora
Cycling is another popular summer activity in Kranjska Gora. The Alps-Adriatic bike tour goes right through the village. This makes it the perfect starting point. Even if you didn’t bring a bike, there are plenty of opportunities to rent one, and start exploring. The bike trails are well maintained and take you through beautiful countryside.
Kranjska Gora – Tarvisio
You can explore any way you want from Kranjska Gora with a bicycle, however, there is one route we will share with you. This route is a full-day program, and we have divided it into two parts. This first leg is between Kranjska Gora and Tarvisio. This first leg is around 20km.
From Kranjska Gora, all you have to do is follow the Alps-Adriatic bike trail. The signs will help you find your way to Tarvisio. Once you leave the small village, you will quickly reach the border of Italy. Here a small borderstone is laid out to let you know that you are now in a different country.
From here make your way towards Tarvisio. You can take a detour at one point. There will be a sign pointing to ‘Lago di Fusine’. If you wish you can take the detour and ride up to the lake. It is a beautiful crystal clear lake surrounded by mountains. You will need to track back on the same way you came to the lake and rejoin the Alps-Adriatic route. However do keep in mind, that the road leading up to the lake is very steep, you should only take the detour if you are up for the challenge.
You will arrive at Tarvisio, and find a decommissioned train station. You can rest here as this marks the end of the first leg.
Tarvisio – Chiusaforte
From the train station, you can continue towards Chiusaforte. This next leg will be around 30km. At the end of the leg, we turn back to head back to Kranjska Gora. Do note that taking this second leg will put you around 100km of biking for one day. Only proceed if you are up to the challenge.
It is no mistake that this second leg starts from an old train station. All the way to Chiusaforte you will be riding on a decommissioned railroad. Although the railway tracks are no longer there, it is an exciting and beautiful route. You will be passing tunnels, overpasses, all along riding inside the valley between the two cities.
Once again the end of this leg is a train station. There is a small café for the bikers at the Chiusaforte train station. After grabbing some snacks, you will need to turn around and head back towards Tarvisio. From Tarvisio head back to Kranjska Gora and finish up this 100km long summer cycling trip.
Around Kranjska Gora with a car
During your Kranjska Gora holiday in the summer, there are some places worth to see, but you will need to go there by car. Some of these places offer room for walking around, but usually, these are no hiking tours, just sightseeing tours.
Visit Lake Bled
Lake Bled is one of the most picturesque places in Slovenia. It is surrounded by the Alps, with a small island and church in the middle of the lake. If you are around Kranjska Gora in the summer, you simply shouldn’t skip it. It about a 40-minute drive.
You will be able to walk around the lake. There are also boats available to rent and go to the island in the middle, to visit the church. The lake is surrounded by cafés where you can kick back and take in the view.
Visit Ljubljana
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia. If you haven’t been there it is a perfect opportunity to visit. At only about an hour away from Kranjska Gora you can plan your visit as a day trip. The city has a beautiful old town in the middle, reminiscent of medieval cities, complete with a fortress overlooking the area.
Take a walk around Zelenci Nature Reserve
The Zelenci Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful places in the Julianna Alps. It offers a great opportunity to stroll around the small reserve. In the middle of the nature reserve, there is a spring with crystal clear blue water. You will find the scene quite picturesque as the Juliana Alps tower in the background. The nature reserve is quite small itself, but it is worth checking out just for the Zelenci spring.
Walk to Lake Jasna from Kranjska Gora
Although you can do this one with the car, we recommend walking. All you have to do is start walking from Kranjska Gora, towards Vršič Pass. Just after leaving the end of the village, you will arrive at Lake Jasna. Here you can grab a coffee or beer and even rent a paddleboat to enjoy the lake.
Monte Santo di Lussari
This destination is in Italy. Just like Ljubljana, it is around one hour drive to get here. Monte Lussari is a mountain in Italy. What makes this space special and different from others is the small village built right on the ridge of the mountain.
From the parking area, you will be taken up to the village with ski lifts. Once up you will be able to look all around you and marvel at the beauty of the Alps. More than that, the village, although small, is fully functional. You can grab a bite, drink beer and shop for souvenirs.
More things to do on a Kranjska Gora summer holiday
We have listed quite a few things that are perfect for any family holiday at Kranjska Gora. However, if you are looking for something more extreme, this summer destination has you covered. For full guides on Via Ferrata and Downhill Biking, follow this link.
Via Ferrata
If you are more into mountain climbing then hiking, Kranjska Gora can serve as a great base for a Via Ferrata adventure. As it is located at the feet of the Juliana Alps, it provides quick and easy access to multiple Via Ferrata climbing routes. You just have to pick one and go!
Downhill Mountain Biking
Although Slovenia is quite a small country, it has a lot of hills and mountains. This proves to be a perfect opportunity for downhill mountain bike routes in the summer. Many times when hiking around more popular destinations, you will see mountain bikers coming down the top.
Kranjska Gora Summer Toboggan
Once the skiing season is over and the sun melts away the snow, the Kranjska Gora slopes transform into an adrenaline park. The toboggan ride are built on one of the ski slopes. You will have to ride the ski-lift up to the starting point. From here the toboggan will take you down the mountainside. This activity is suitable even for children.
As you can see visiting Kranjska Gora in summer offers a lot of opportunities to be active. We wholeheartedly recommend this lovely little town at the feet of the Juliana Alps as your next summer holiday. If you are planning a holiday into Slovenia, make sure you check out our other guides!
