For scenic views, few places in Europe rival Velika Planina, a high-mountain plateau in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. The experience of unfolding landscapes and perspectives make the approach as memorable as the destination.
From cable car to open pasture
From the alpine valley of Kamniška Bistrica near Kamnik, a cable car lifts visitors above forested slopes into a high-alpine world. You can continue on foot towards the plateau’s highest point or take a chairlift, and then set out on a network of well-marked walking paths. The trails form an inspiring and accessible scenic, multi-modal route linking the visitors’ area (where huts are available to rent) with the herders’ settlement. It continues toward Mala Planina and Gojška Planina in a gentle loop.
Centuries of pastoral heritage
Velika Planina is unique in its living cultural landscape: a striking expanse of traditional wooden herders’ huts dotted across rolling pastures; in fact, the largest herders' settlement in Europe. Not a static museum setting, this is a place breathing with life. Every summer, herders graze their cattle here, continuing a centuries-old tradition. Local notices occasionally advertise seasonal work, offering a rare opportunity to step into this way of life, if only for a summer.
Seasonal gastronomy
As spring begins, blooming wild alpine crocuses create a delicate violet carpet beneath the huts, signaling the awakening of alpine nature. As summer arrives, the atmosphere becomes more vibrant: many huts open their doors, serving simple, authentic dishes prepared from fresh, local produce. Visitors can enjoy traditional meals such as sour milk (kislo mleko) and žganci, alongside homemade dairy products made directly on the plateau.
Heritage along the trails
Among the huts stands the Preskar Museum Hut, offering a glimpse into traditional life and the resilience of past generations. Nearby, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, designed by Jože Plečnik, adds a distinctive architectural and spiritual dimension to the landscape.
The story of trniči — the cheese of love
Velika Planina is also known for the tradition of crafting trnič — small, pear-shaped cheeses once made by herders as tokens of affection, and still a symbol of the plateau’s cultural identity. In contemporary gastronomy, trnič is increasingly adapted by chefs, often grated or shaved over dishes much like Parmigiano, adding a distinctive alpine character to modern cuisine.
A gateway to alpine hiking
Velika Planina is also an excellent starting point for exploring the wider highlands of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Experienced hikers can continue towards surrounding peaks and ridgelines, extending their journey into the alpine world. Well-connected trails lead towards Kamniško sedlo and other panoramic routes, offering a natural progression from gentle plateau walks to more demanding mountain hikes; Velika Planina is not only a destination in its own right, but also a gateway to Slovenia’s high-alpine landscapes.
