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. 

Standing on the grassy saddle, Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu, aka Kamnik Saddle Lodge, is an ideal place for a mountainside lunch. You can also stay here when trekking across the Kamnik Alps.

Though the Kamnik-Saddle is a wonderful destination in and of itself, experienced alpine hikers can extend the hike to the summits of either Mount Brana, or Mount Planjava. Starting in Logar Valley, it took us 9 hours to complete the out-and-back hike to Planjava.

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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 | This difficult ascent route takes 2:30 hours one-way. Hikers must be comfortable scrambling up and down rugged limestone terrain. A climbing helmet and climbing gloves are essential.

Kamniška Bistrica to Kamnik Saddle | This moderate ascent route takes 3 hours. No special equipment is needed. 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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Essential Trail Info

How to Get to the Kamnik Saddle Trailhead | Drive to Logar Valley in the Solčavsko region of Northern Slovenia. To enter the valley, you first have to pay an entrance fee. Park in the car park at the very end of the valley.

Hiking Season | Late June – Late September, when the trail is snow-free. We also recommend getting an early start (6 am latest), to avoid the midday heat and possible thunderstorms, which often develop in the afternoon. 

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

Trail Variations | You can hike to Brana instead of Planjava. It’s shorter and easier.

Where to Eat | Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu (1864 m)

Safety | Climbing helmets are absolutely essential if you plan to summit Mount Brana or Planjava. We recommend this Black Diamond women’s climbing helmet / Black Diamond men’s climbing helmet.

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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 dramatic glacial cirque cradled beneath the towering walls of Turska Gora, Rinka, Križ, and Mrzla Gora.

The trail begins at the car park at the end of the Logar Valley road. Within 10 minutes, you’ll reach the striking Rinka Falls. After crossing a footbridge over the Savinja River, the path climbs steeply into the forest, twisting sharply uphill.

The route is partially secured with fixed cables and reinforced with timber steps and ladders. A short traverse along a protected ledge brings you to a wooden staircase, which leads across a footbridge spanning a tumbling stream.

Beyond the bridge, the trail climbs another wooden staircase, assisted again by cables. A bit of light scrambling is required to navigate a few scattered boulders and surmount a rocky step.

Soon, you’ll encounter a steep, seemingly re-routed section of trail. Here, exposed tree roots serve as natural handholds to help you ascend. The path briefly descends across a dry limestone riverbed before dropping down over a cluster of blindingly white boulders.

It then rises once more through a shady beech forest. As the trail finally levels out, it spills into the open, flower-strewn meadows of Okrešelj.

Perched on the edge of the cirque, the newly rebuilt Frischaufov dom na Okrešlju (1396 m) boasts a commanding view over Logar Valley. However, as of May 2025, construction is still paused due to funding issues. Near the structure, a small kiosk offers food and drinks to hikers.

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Okrešelj to Kamnik Saddle (1:30 hours)

From Okrešelj, bear left. Follow signs to Kamniško sedlo, signed 1:30 hours. 

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

Until this point, the hike is fairly moderate. 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. Steel cables and climbing aids help hikers ascend exposed sections safely.

Due to the loose, rocky terrain, there’s a risk of falling rocks. Please stay alert.

The views of Mrzla gora (“Cold Mountain”) are glorious 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), energetic hikers can extend the hike to the summit of Planjava.

Just beyond the Kamnik Saddle, the trail crosses a scree slope.

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 scree to the grassy southern slopes of Planjava.

With time, the trail gets easier and technically less demanding. 

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

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

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Return: Planjava – Kamnik Saddle – Logar Valley (4 hours)

Retrace your steps back to the Kamnik Saddle.

We ate a much-needed lunch at the Kamnik Saddle Lodge and then hiked all the way 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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