Exploring the Velika Planina Tour from Ljubljana: A Perfect Day in the Slovenian Alps
This guided tour of Velika Planina offers a blend of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and authentic Slovenian mountain life—all within a manageable 6-hour window. While I haven’t experienced it firsthand, the detailed descriptions and traveler feedback paint a vivid picture of what to expect.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the breathtaking views of the Kamnik Alps promise plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. Second, the opportunity to sample traditional shepherd’s fare—think sour milk and buckwheat ganci—adds authentic local flavor. Third, the professional photos taken during the walk mean you’ll leave with memories captured in style.
One thing to keep in mind: the tour involves walking over grass and gravel roads, with some exposure to the outdoors, so it may not suit those with mobility issues or low fitness levels. Still, for anyone who enjoys nature, stunning vistas, and cultural experiences, this trip offers a well-rounded Slovenian escape.
This tour feels best suited for travelers who want a taste of mountain life without a strenuous hike, appreciate photo keepsakes, and enjoy local cuisine.
You can check if your dates are available here:Good To Know
- Stunning Views: The panoramic vistas of the Kamnik Alps are a major highlight.
- Authentic Meal: Savor traditional shepherd’s dishes like sour milk and buckwheat ganci.
- Scenic Ride: The cable car and chairlift rides add a memorable element to the journey.
- Cultural Atmosphere: Walk through a settlement of wooden houses with cows roaming freely.
- Photo Package: Professional guide-taken photos add lasting memories.
- Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
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The Journey to Velika Planina: What to Expect
Starting from Ljubljana’s Trg Osvobodilne fronte, the tour kicks off with a comfortable one-hour van ride to the gondola station. This part of the trip is smooth and gives travelers a chance to settle in, chat, and soak up the scenery. The van’s efficiency means you won’t lose precious time, and the small group size keeps the atmosphere friendly and relaxed.
Once at the gondola station, the real magic begins. The cable car ride up takes about 30 minutes, offering panoramic views of the lush Slovenian landscape. Travelers consistently mention how breathtaking the ascent is, with some reviews noting “marvelous views of the mountains that make the ride worth every minute.” Early in the day, the crisp mountain air and expansive vistas set the tone for a memorable experience.
Reaching the top, you’ll switch to a chairlift—another 30 minutes of stunning scenery—before arriving at the heart of Velika Planina. The plateau is a broad, grassy expanse dotted with traditional wooden huts and cows wandering freely. It’s a scene that feels both timeless and uniquely Slovenian.
Walking Among the Wooden Houses and Cows
The core of the visit involves a leisurely walk through the settlement. The wooden houses, built in traditional style, evoke a sense of rustic charm. As one traveler observed, “You really feel like you’ve stepped into a living museum,” with the added bonus of cattle peacefully grazing nearby.
The paths are primarily grass and gravel, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. The terrain is gentle, but some reviews mention that it involves a fair bit of walking—so those with mobility concerns might find it challenging. Still, the atmosphere is remarkably relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to pause and take photos.
The Shepherd’s Meal: Authentic and Delicious
One of the tour’s highlights is the traditional shepherd’s meal served at a cozy hut. The menu features sour milk, a staple of local cuisine, paired with buckwheat ganci topped with cracklings. It’s a hearty, no-frills meal that offers a taste of mountain life. Reviewers mention the meal’s authenticity and the warm atmosphere of the hut, which makes the experience feel genuine.
The meal provides a nice break after walking and lets you enjoy the fresh mountain air while indulging in local flavors. It’s included in the tour price, adding great value for those interested in trying regional dishes without extra hassle.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCapturing Memories with Professional Photos
A standout feature of this tour is the professional photography. Your guide will take photos during your walk, ensuring you don’t miss moments of the stunning scenery or the interaction with cows and locals. The next day, you’ll receive a collection of high-quality images, making this an excellent way to remember your trip.
Travelers have appreciated the photos, noting they’re well-taken and capture the essence of the experience. Some mention that the photos help them relive the trip or share the experience with friends and family.
Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Group Size
The transportation is well-organized, with a pickup point clearly marked at the train station’s far right, under the linden trees. The total duration of 6 hours** makes it a manageable day trip, fitting comfortably into a Ljubljana itinerary.
The small group size—limited to 8 people—ensures a more personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and individual attention. The tour runs with English-speaking guides, and the inclusion of transportation, cable rides, and professional photos makes this package quite comprehensive.
As for timing, travelers should check availability for specific starting times, but most tours begin in the morning, allowing plenty of daylight to enjoy the plateau and return comfortably.
The Cost and Value of the Tour
At $293 per person, this experience offers considerable value when you consider the transportation, cable car rides, shepherd’s meal, and professional photos. It’s a thoughtful package catering to those who want an immersive, scenic day without any hidden costs.
While the price might seem high for a half-day tour, the inclusion of authentic food and professional photos helps justify it. Travelers often mention that the unique views and cultural aspects make it worthwhile, especially if you’re seeking a relaxed, scenic escape from city life.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for travelers who appreciate stunning mountain scenery and want a relatively easy way to access the Slovenian Alps. It suits those interested in local culture, as the wooden houses and shepherd’s life are part of the charm.
It’s ideal for photography enthusiasts who value high-quality photos of their adventures, and those who enjoy a leisurely walk with plenty of photo stops. Families with children over 3 years old, and travelers with moderate fitness levels, will find it manageable, but those with mobility or health concerns should consider the terrain.
People looking for a full-day hike or strenuous activity may find this tour too gentle. Conversely, if you prefer a relaxed pace with beautiful vistas, this is a top choice.
FAQs About the Velika Planina Tour
What is included in the price?
The tour includes pickup from Ljubljana train station, gondola and chairlift rides, a traditional shepherd’s meal, and professional photos taken during the walk.
How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts around 6 hours, with most of the time spent traveling, walking, and enjoying the scenery.
Is it suitable for children?
Children over 3 years can join, but the terrain involves walking on grass and gravel, so consider their mobility and stamina.
What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera are recommended.
Can I buy additional food or drinks?
The tour includes the shepherd’s meal, but additional snacks or drinks are not specified.
How many people are in the group?
The group is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a small, intimate experience.
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It may not be ideal due to walking over uneven terrain; check your mobility before booking.
Will I receive the photos immediately?
No, the professional photos are sent the following day via email.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free if done up to 24 hours in advance.
Is the tour active or relaxing?
It’s a leisurely walk combined with scenic rides and a tasty meal—perfect for relaxed travelers who love good views and cultural insights.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a peaceful escape into Slovenia’s highlands with plenty of beautiful scenery, a taste of local mountain culture, and photo memories, this Velika Planina tour delivers. The combination of cable rides, traditional food, and the chance to stroll among wooden huts and grazing cows makes for an authentic and memorable experience.
It offers a well-balanced mix of comfort and adventure—without the challenge of a full-day hike—making it suitable for a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this tour provides an immersive peek into Slovenia’s alpine charm.
For those who want to bring home high-quality photos of their trip and experience the mountain life firsthand, this is a worthwhile choice. Just be ready for some walking and outdoor elements—worth it for the views alone.
You can check if your dates are available here: