The beautiful mountainous country of Slovenia is right next door to me. I believe that no matter how long I live, I will never have enough annual leave or free weekends to explore and truly experience all of its mountain landscapes, alpine lakes, and high-altitude pastures dotted with sheep and chamois. Interestingly, while the word “planina” in Croatian means “mountain,” in Slovenian it means “pasture.” Slovenians use the word “gora” when they talk about a mountain.
Visiting Velika Planina in Slovenia only requires a short trip — not even a full-day one. In fact, you can easily fit in another stop or two unless you decide to simply lie back, relax, and soak in the surroundings. I truly believe this place is breathtakingly idyllic in every season (I’ve seen stunning photos taken by fellow hikers even when it’s covered in snow). Still, I dare say it is probably at its most enchanting in early spring, around Easter, when the entire plateau is blanketed in fragrant purple crocuses. Keep in mind, though, that this is also when the crowds are at their peak.
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| Crocuses on Velika Planina |
This is a destination suitable even for casual hikers without great fitness or hiking experience — and those are exactly the kind of visitors you’ll meet most often up there. One of the main reasons for the crowds is how accessible the area is: you can drive up to about 1,200 meters above sea level and then hike just another 1.5 km to reach the most popular crocus meadows. There is an organized parking area at the top, with a one-time fee of €10.00, but you’ll need to arrive early to secure a spot for your four-wheeled companion.
Velika Planina lies nestled in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps and can be reached by road from Kamnik toward the village of Podlom. Google Maps is very reliable here and will take you straight to the parking area I mentioned earlier. The parking lot is called Rakove Ravni, and from there you can enjoy a lovely circular hike of 6.25 km that takes you around the famous Velika Planina plateau.
Another parking option is Mačkin Kot, if it’s open. From there, it’s only about a 30-minute walk, but this access point is often closed due to landslides after winter and snow. The third option is taking the cable car from Stahovica. Ticket prices are €26 for adults and €15 for children. Be sure to check the operating hours in advance, as Google Maps often shows incorrect information.
There’s no need to bring your own lunch — several neat and welcoming mountain huts await you at the top, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink with a view of the crocus fields. Allergy sufferers should be cautious, though, as the combined scent of countless crocuses can be wonderfully intoxicating but also quite intense.
Below, I’ve included my GPX track, though it’s not strict or mandatory. You’ll quickly notice that there are many paths and little trails winding in all directions, so feel free to follow wherever your feet take you. You won’t get lost — this is an open plateau with sweeping views in every direction of the world.
🗺️ Download GPX Velika Planina
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