Kranjska Gora is an alpine resort town located in the Upper Sava Valley in northwestern Slovenia, very close to the Austrian and Italian borders. Situated between the majestic Julian Alps and the long Karavanke (Karawanks) mountain range, Kranjska Gora functions as the northern gateway to Triglav National Park.

Each summer, Kranjska Gora attracts walkers, cyclists, hikers, and climbers who are eager to explore the highest mountains of the Slovenian Alps. Several notable long-distance hiking trails pass through town, including the new 16-stage Juliana Trail (Stage 1 and Stage 16) and the 43-stage Alpe Adria Trail.

During our first trip to Kranjska Gora, we stayed a few nights in town before hiking across Triglav National Park. On our second trip, we visited Kranjska Gora on this road trip. If you’re visiting Kranjska Gora without a car, we suggest coming during high summer, when seasonal buses are operating. In high season only, there’s a bus line between Kranjska Gora and Bovec (Soča Valley) via Vršič pass.

Ultimately, a car will give you more flexibility. You can explore nearby valleys like Planica, Vrata, Kot, Krma, and Radovna, which aren’t accessible by public transit. Also, the northern ascent routes to Mount Triglav begin at the valley heads of Vrata and Kot. So, a car is essential if you want to climb Triglav from the north.

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Visiting Kranjska Gora in Summer

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Kranjska Gora Summer Map

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1. Hike to the Martuljek Waterfalls

Hiking to Martuljek waterfalls (Slap Martuljek in Slovenian) is a wonderful half-day excursion in summer, suitable for the whole family. If you have a copy of the Cicerone Walking Guide: Julian Alps of Slovenia, this hike is listed as Walk 4. 

To reach the Martuljek waterfall trailhead, you can take a 10-minute bus ride from Kranjska Gora to the small town of Gozd Martuljek. Check the bus schedule here. Alternatively, you can walk an hour to Gozd Martuljek, following path #5 along the Sava Dolinka River.

As you approach Gozd Martuljek, look for a dirt road leading to the right. You’ll walk across a scenic meadow for about 5 minutes before walking under an old stone railway bridge.

Next, you’ll pass a charcoal burning site with information boards about the history of the industry. Right after the site, the trail splits. Take the left trail. The trail passes by a man-made waterfall and then enters an enchanting gorge with steep walls.

You’ll hike through the gorge and then ascend to a nice viewing area of the lower Martuljek falls (spodnji slap).

Continue on the path until you reach a junction with a wide gravel road. Turn left and head in the direction of Brunarica pri Ingotu (there are signs). Brunarica pri Ingotu is a mountain hut that’s situated on a meadow and surrounded by dairy cows. It’s one of those places out of a storybook. Stop here for a homemade stew, a drink, or simply the mountain view.

Next, you can either continue the journey for another hour to the upper Martuljek waterfall (zgornji), or return back to Gozd Martuljek. We didn’t hike up to the upper falls, however, we read that the hike requires a bit of scrambling.

Learn More: Best Hikes in Slovenia

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2. Visit Lake Jasna

Lake Jasna is the name given to two interconnected artificial lakes close to Kranjska Gora.

From the Kranjska Gora town center, it’s a 25-minute walk to the lake. You can either walk along the road or more preferably along the Pišnica river.

There are a few cafés located along Lake Jasna, but save your appetite for Milka Restaurant.

The best time to visit Lake Jasna is in the early evening, shortly before sunset. As the sun sinks, the peaks of the Northern Julian Alps (Mount Razor and Mount Prisank) light up in soft hues of pink and violet. It’s a bewitching sight.

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3. Bike to Zelenci

Zelenci is an emerald-colored pool located in a marsh. The whole marsh area is a nature reserve. There are a trail and a wooden boardwalk that leads to a viewing platform, where you can see the astonishingly clear and green waters of Zelenci.

While it may look like just a lake, it’s actually a spring and the source of the Sava Dolinka River. The porous chalk bottom of the pool allows a continuous up-welling of groundwater. You’ll see bubble streams emerging from the bottom.

We walked to Zelenci from Kranjska Gora, but biking would have been the better option. You can rent bikes in the town center. If you’re driving from Kranjska Gora, the parking lot is on the left side of the road shortly after Podkoren (6-minute drive). From the parking lot to the spring, it’s a 10-minute walk.

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4. Eat Dinner at Milka

Milka is a restaurant and hotel located directly at Lake Jasna. If you’re looking for a romantic setting, where you can enjoy the sunset over the Julian Alps, come here. The restaurant offers a reasonably-priced set menu, though you can also order à la carte. Their cuisine is delicious, but the location is superb.

Milka Pension
Address: Vršiška 45, Kranjska Gora
Phone: +386 70 169 566 

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5. Hike around Vršič pass

Vršič pass is the highest paved mountain pass in Slovenia and connects Kranjska Gora with Bovec. You can either drive here or take a bus.

In high season, buses leave every 1-2 hours. Check the bus schedule here. In Summer, we recommend hiking around the pass and eating lunch at the mountain hut Poštarski dom na Vršiču. After lunch, you could continue your journey to Trenta, or Soča, or return to Kranjska Gora.

For a relatively easy hike, we suggest hiking to Slemenova Špica, which is a grassy hill and lookout point set amidst the dramatic Julian Alps. The hike should take no more than 3 hours round-trip.

From Vršič pass, follow signs towards Sleme. After 30 minutes, you’ll reach the saddle Vratica (1799 m), where the trail splits. To hike to Sleme, head right (45 minutes). 

After another 30 minutes, you’ll reach a trail junction. You’ll see a path to the right signed Grlo that heads to the Tamar mountain hut. Stay to the left. Keep your eyes peeled for another trail intersection. You’ll want to head right. If you continue on the main trail, you’ll end up at the Slatnica saddle.

This trail brings you to a high grassy pasture just below the summit of Slemenova Špica. Set amidst the limestone peaks of the Julian Alps, this panoramic hill is a lovely place for a picnic. 

Return by the same route.

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6. Take a Day Trip to the Fusine Lakes in Italy

Laghi di Fusine, or Fusine Lakes, are two glacial lakes in northeastern Italy, very close to Kranjska Gora. If you have a rental car or are keen on cycling, we highly recommend making a trip to these two beautiful lakes. It only takes 20-min by car (14 km) to reach Laghi di Fusine.

When you arrive, you can park your car directly at the Upper Fusine Lake and walk the loop path that circuits both lakes. After, you can hike up an hour to Rifugio Luigi Zacchi (1380 m) in the Julian Alps.

Learn More: How to Visit Laghi di Fusine

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Where to Stay in Kranjska Gora

Budget | Apartmaji in sobe Tina is a clean, quiet, and comfortable apartment-style accommodation in Kranjska Gora, perfect for families and groups. Guests have access to a shared kitchen, shared lounge, free private parking, and a garden. Breakfast is available upon request for a reasonable price.

Midrange: Apartments and Rooms Bernik is a top-rated accommodation in the center of Kranjska Gora, perfect for couples, families, or groups. In winter, guests receive discounts on ski equipment at Intersport Bernik, 20 meters away. In summer, Bernik organizes bike rentals and cycling tours. Breakfast is available upon request.

Luxury | Jasna Chalet Resort is a modern and stylish apartment-style accommodation, located directly at Lake Jasna. This is the most beautiful place to stay in Kranjska Gora. Guests love the breakfast, lake and mountain views, and the friendly hosts.

Look for accommodation in Kranjska Gora.

Related: Where to Stay in Slovenia in Summer

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Beautiful Destinations in Slovenia:

• Triglav National Park
• Lake Bohinj
• Logar Valley 
• Kobarid
• Pokljuka Plateau

Great Hikes in the Julian Alps:

• Climbing Mount Triglav 
• Viševnik Day Hike 
• Seven Lakes Valley Day Hike
• Mount Vogel Day Hike

Slovenia Itineraries:

• 2 Week Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary
• 5 Day Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary