Best things to do in Kranjska Gora
Find out more about those top places in Kranjska Gora
Tucked away in the Sava Dolinka Valley close to both the Austrian and Italian borders, Kranjska Gora is Slovenia’s alpine wonderland. In winter the town transforms itself into the country’s premier ski resort with 30 kilometers of well-groomed piste unfurling down pine-clad mountains. However, this hidden gem is more than just Slovenia’s winter sports capital. Year round it is the gateway to the wilderness of the Triglav National Park, named after Slovenia’s tallest mountain, and the water rafting, hiking and mountain biking of the Soča Valley.
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Slovenian Alpine Museum
Nestled beneath the impressive Mount Triglav, the Slovenian Alpine Museum is Kranjska Gora’s foremost museum. If you can tear yourself away from its unrivaled natural setting, it has a host of fascinating exhibits to be explored: vintage Yugoslav tourism movies show off the Julian Alps; old fashioned climbing equipment bedecks the walls; and there is a real-life mountain rescue helicopter.
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Triglav National Park
The ski town of Kranjska Gora makes an ideal base for day tours into the breathtaking wilderness of Triglav National Park. While the centerpiece of the park is the eponymous mountain, it is also host to an array of other spectacular attractions. Notably, the Vršic Pass is home to one of Europe’s most thrilling roads, which twists and turns through arresting Alpine scenery, and the precipitous Savica Waterfall.
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Lake Zelenci
One of Slovenia’s unique natural wonders, the glacial fed Lake Zelenci appears torn straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the lake never freezes in winter, as it maintains a constant temperature of 6 °C, and is home to a dazzling array of endangered species and lush plant life. What is more, Lake Zelenci is also the source of one of the Western Balkan’s most important rivers, the Sava.
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Liznjek House
Housing Kranjska Gora’s ethnographic museum, the 17th century Liznjek House is home to an astounding collection of Alpine artifacts dating from the past few centuries. Containing folk paintings, 19th century religious icons, dog sleds and antique snow shoes, the museum is a fascinating insight into Alpine culture. For the best experience, guided tours of this treasure trove are available.
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Planica Nordic Center
For visitors wanting a taste of Kranjska Gora’s rich history of winter sports, head for the famed Planica Nordic Center. Home to seven ski jumping hills (including the tallest in the world) alongside miles of cross-country skiing tracks, the Nordic Center is one of the world’s largest. For visitors, the most thrilling experiences including zip lining down a ski jump and watching daring jumpers from a viewing platform.
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Lake Jasna
The best place to relax in the Julian Alps is picture-perfect Lake Jasna. Surrounded by lush pine forests, the crystal clear lake is ideal for swimming and sunbathing on its golden sand beach in summer.
