It was first documented in 1229, well after two of its castles. Atop the town hill sits Mali Grad (Little Castle), of which only the Romanesque chapel is preserved. The ruins left behind from Stari Grad (Old Castle) are, today, a popular hiking destination, rewarding visitors with breathtaking views. Kamnik boasts a Franciscan Monastery, known for its exceptionally rich library, while the town’s wonderful architectural heritage is a testament to the era when Kamnik was the capital of Carniola. Kamnik was awarded the Slovenia Green Destination Gold label.
The town of Kamnik lies at the foot of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Slovenia.
Velika Planina is an easily accessible Karst plateau offering views of the highest peaks in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, as well as views to Ljubljana and beyond.
The shepherds’ settlement atop the plateau, which attracts visitors throughout the year, is one of very few preserved settlements of this size in Europe. It is known for its distinctive architecture which has become a symbol of Velika Planina. The settlement comes to life especially in June when huts are occupied by herdsmen who pasture their cattle there until September. They are happy to invite passers-by for a proper herdsman’s snack, a bowl of sour milk and spoonbread.
Named after the river running through it, Kamniška Bistrica Valley lies at the heart of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
The perfect point of departure for trips into the mountains, the valley’s most interesting sights include: the source of the river, where you will find a small lake, a 30-meter canyon called Predaselj and a small torrential waterfall called Orglice (or Orličje). The valley can be traversed via Koželj Trail, the most beautiful part of which runs from the cable car station at the base of Velika Planina past a hunting lodge designed by Plečnik, Slovenia’s greatest architect, and ends at Dom in Kamniška Bistrica. The river provides clean, potable water with which to refresh yourself along the way.
Volčji Potok Arboretum botanical garden is a cultural monument of national importance, comprising of 85 hectares of land, 5,000 trees, 1,000 types of roses and as many as 2 million tulips, one for each Slovenian.
Gorgeous in all seasons, the park is a popular promenade and is especially beloved by families, thanks to the large playground for children. One of its most recognizable features is a French garden designed by a former owner, Leon Souvan. In addition to the permanent life-sized dinosaur and whale exhibitions, the park also hosts other well-attended events throughout the year.
The Tuhinj Valley was once an important trade route between Aquileia and Vienna.
Today, it is scattered with countless tiny villages and boasts rich ethnological heritage, such as hayracks or kozolci, granaries and farms, which are well taken care of by the locals. Off the main road in one of the side valleys lies the sustainable Snovik Thermal Spa, the highest-lying spa by elevation. Tuhinj Valley has many points of interest you should visit, including St. Nicholas church in Gora, Špitalič and Motnik villages and Menina Planina Karst plateau.