Kamnik Saddle and Planjava: Epic Day Hike in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Slovenia

The Kamnik Saddle (Kamniško Sedlo) is the mountain saddle between Mount Brana (2253 m) and Mount Planjava (2394 m) in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in Slovenia.

This is one of the most visually spectacular places in the Kamnik Alps and a very popular day hiking destination among locals.

Situated just below the grassy saddle, you’ll find the Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu, aka Kamnik Saddle Lodge.

This mountain hut is a great place to stay when planning a multi-day hike across the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. It’s also a nice place to rest, eat, and drink during your day hike. 

For many, the Kamnik Saddle is the starting point for hikes to the surrounding peaks. When you get to the Kamnik Saddle, you can continue to Brana (1 hour), or Planjava (2 hours).

Helmets are absolutely essential if you plan to summit either peak. We recommend the Black Diamond women’s climbing helmet / Black Diamond men’s climbing helmet.

Recently, we hiked from Logar Valley to the Kamnik Saddle and then up to Planjava. This ascent took 4:30 hours.

This is a serious hiking route, which requires concentration and a head for heights. To tackle the summit, you should be comfortable navigating difficult, highly exposed footpaths, and scree. 

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Logar Valley to Kamnik Saddle and Planjava Hiking Trail Map

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Kamnik Saddle Ascent Routes

The Kamnik Saddle is accessible from both Logar Valley and Kamniška Bistrica.

Logar Valley to Kamnik Saddle: 2:30 hours, Difficult

You should have a helmet and climbing gloves like these Black Diamond half finger gloves for this ascent route. There are some difficult passages that require the use of both hands and alpine hiking experience. If you want to summit Brana, or Planjava, this is the better approach to the Kamnik Saddle, because it’s faster. 

Kamniška Bistrica to Kamnik Saddle: 2:45 hours, Moderate

This is the easier route. You don’t need any special gear to get to the Saddle. However, if you want to extend your hike to Brana, Planjava, or Turska Gora, you do need a climbing helmet. If you want to hike this way, read day 1 of our Kamnik-Savinja Alps Trek.

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When To Hike to Planjava

Late June – Late September, when the trail should be clear of snow.

We also recommend getting an early start (6 am latest), to avoid the midday heat and possible thunderstorms, which often develop in the afternoon. 

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How to Get to the Kamnik Saddle Trailhead in Logar Valley

To reach the trailhead, drive to Logar Valley in the Solčavsko region of Northern Slovenia. To enter the valley, you first have to pay an entrance fee. 

Passenger Car | 7 EUR

Van | 8 EUR

Bus | 30 EUR

Motorcycle | 5 EUR

Bicycle/Foot | Free

Continue driving to the very end of the valley. There’s a parking area at the end of the road. The trail starts here.

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Kamnik Saddle and Planjava Route Description

The Logarska Dolina ascent route to Planjava can be broken up into 3 sections.

1. Logar Valley – Okrešelj (1 hour) – moderate

2. Okrešelj – Kamnik Saddle (1:30 hours) – difficult 

3. Kamnik Saddle – Planjava (1:45 – 2 hours) – very difficult

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Logar Valley to Okrešelj (1 hour)

Okrešelj is a glacial cirque high above Logarska Dolina.

Starting at the end of the valley road, you’ll ascend past Slap Rinka waterfall, steeply along the Savinja River, and ultimately through the forest to Okrešelj.

Follow signs to Dom na Okrešlju (also called Frischaufov dom na Okrešlju).

Note: this mountain hut on the Okrešlj cirque burned down in 2019. The hut is now a construction zone (summer 2020). 

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Okrešelj to Kamnik Saddle (1:30 hours)

From the meadow at Okrešelj, head left. Follow signs to Kamniško sedlo (signed 1:30 hrs).

At first, the trail continues to gently ascend through the forest. Above the timberline, the trail crosses scree slopes, ushering you to a rock wall.

Until this point, the hike is fairly easy. Keep your eyes out for “ the Monk,” a natural rock sculpture located in the scree slopes above you on the right side. 

With helmets on and collapsed hiking poles, continue climbing up the wall. There are some steel cables and climbing aids to help you ascend safely. Though exposed, this is only moderately difficult.

Because of the loose rocky terrain, be aware of falling rocks. The views of Mrzla gora (“Cold Mountain”) are outstanding as you gain elevation.

Ultimately, the path levels out and you walk horizontally across a scree slope to the grassy Kamnik Saddle. Hike to the mountain hut, just below the ridge.

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Kamnik Saddle to Planjava (2 hours)

From Kamniška koča (Kamnik Saddle Lodge), continue towards Planjava.

First, you’ll hike across a scree slope along a level path.

Looking behind you, you’ll see Brana, Turksa Gora, the Rinka Peaks and the Kamniška Bistrica trail to the Kamnik Saddle. 

When you start the “climbing” section, use the steel cables and pegs as handholds for stabilization and safety.

The trail continues up loose scree to the grassy southern slopes of Planjava.

As you continue, the trail gets actually easier and technically less demanding. 

About 10 minutes before reaching the summit, there’s a signed intersection (1:20 hours to Korošica / 2 hours to Ojstrica).

Continue to the top and enjoy the views of Ojstrica, Korošica, Logar Valley, and the surrounding peaks. 

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Planjava – Kamnik Saddle – Logar Valley (4 hours)

We descended by the same route.

We grabbed lunch at the Kamnik Saddle Lodge and then hiked back down to Logar Valley.

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Where to Stay near the Kamnik Saddle

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Logar Valley

Midrange | We highly recommend staying in Lenar Farm, a historic farmstead in Logar Valley. Here, you’ll start your day with a delicious breakfast and equally delicious views. This family-run farm stay feels like your home away from home. People return here year after year to relax and soak up the peace of Logarska Dolina for a few days. 

Luxury | Hotel Plesnik is an alternative option if you’re looking for a more luxurious stay in Logar Valley. From the hotel’s outdoor natural pool and sun terrace, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the Kamnik Alps. You’ll also have access to a renovated wellness center with an indoor whirlpool, sauna, and rest area. Guests can dine in Hotel Plesnik’s on-site restaurant and bar. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

Look for accommodation in Logar Valley

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Solčavsko Region

Here are a few more excellent guesthouses and farm stays located near Logar Valley.

Budget | Guesthouse Planinski Dom Majerhold is a guesthouse with a gardena and on-site restaurant. Breakfast is available (extra charge). 

Budget | Prenočišča Valentina is a great value guesthouse in Solčava with simple, but spotless and spacious rooms. Breakfast is available (extra charge). 

Budget | Turistična kmetija Čerček is a farm stay happily situated on the bank of the Savinja River in Solčava. 2 nights minimum stay. Breakfast is available (extra charge). 

Budget-Midrange | Farm Stay “Alpine Dreams” is a farm stay situated on the Solčava panoramic road, overlooking Logar Valley and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Some rooms have shared bathrooms. 2 nights minimum stay. Breakfast is available (extra charge). 

Midrange | Natur Bajta offers two one-bedroom apartments in Solčava, housed in a renovated barn. Natural wood and black fixtures dominate, lending the place a rustic yet stylish look. 2 nights minimum stay.

Look for accommodation in Solčavsko.

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More Slovenia Travel and Hiking Guides

Kamnik-Savinja Alps:

• 4-Day Kamnik-Savinja Alps Hut-to-Hut Hike
• Ledinski Vrh Day Hike 

Hiking:

• Best Hikes in Slovenia
• Hiking in the Julian Alps
• Hut-to-Hut Hiking in Slovenia

Destinations:

• Where to Stay in Slovenia
• Triglav National Park
• Lake Bled
• Lake Bohinj

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