Velika Planina: How to Visit Slovenia’s Shepherd Settlement

The Magic of Velika Planina: A Living Alpine Fairy Tale

Velika Planina is Europe’s largest active high-mountain shepherd settlement, located in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps just 45 minutes north of Ljubljana. This breathtaking plateau sits at an elevation of 1,611 meters and features nearly 150 unique wooden cottages (known locally as “bajte”). These huts are easily recognizable by their distinctive, low-slung, grey spruce-shingle roofs designed to withstand heavy alpine snow. Historically, shepherds have brought their herds of cattle up to these high pastures every summer for centuries, preserving a way of life that feels entirely untouched by modern stress.

When you step onto the plateau, you are greeted by the serene chime of cowbells, sweeping views of the surrounding peaks, and the sweet aroma of fresh mountain air. From the valley station in Kamniska Bistrica, a state-of-the-art cable car whisks you up 850 vertical meters in just 5 minutes, making this dramatic high-altitude landscape incredibly accessible. Whether you are looking for a gentle family-friendly hike, a culinary tasting of traditional mountain cheeses, or a quiet escape into alpine history, this guide covers everything you need to know for a seamless visit in 2026.

How to Get to Velika Planina: Transport Options for 2026

To reach the starting point of the cable car, head toward the historic town of Kamnik and follow the signs up the Kamniska Bistrica valley to the lower station at Stahovica. If you choose to drive, a large designated parking lot is available directly at the cable car station. Alternatively, you can book a highly convenient private transfer to bypass the hassle of navigating narrow mountain roads and looking for parking during peak summer weekends.

The Cable Car and Chairlift Combo

Taking the cable car is the most popular and scenic route. The cabin operates every half-hour, taking you from the valley floor to the Simnovec upper station. From Simnovec, you can walk to the shepherd village (about a 45-minute uphill hike) or ride the newly upgraded, comfortable six-seater chairlift directly to the highest peak of the plateau, Gradisce, at 1,666 meters.

Hiking to the Settlement

For avid hikers, several trails wind up to the plateau from the valley. A popular starting point is Rakova Ravan, which you can reach by driving up a winding gravel forest road. From this high-altitude parking lot, a gentle 45-minute walk brings you straight into the heart of Gojska Planina and Mala Planina, saving you the cost of the cable car ticket while still delivering stunning panoramic views.

Top Things to Do on the Plateau

• Explore the Shepherd Settlement: Wander through the cluster of historic wooden cottages. Be sure to visit the Preskar Museum (Preskarjeva bajta), the only surviving oval-shaped hut on the mountain, which showcases authentic 19th-century shepherd tools, clothing, and traditional lifestyle.
• Taste Traditional Mountain Food: Stop by the Zeleni Rob mountain restaurant or visit a working alpine dairy. Try a bowl of “kislo mleko” (traditional sour milk) served with “zganci” (savory buckwheat spoonbread) or sample the famous “Trnic” cheese, a hard, decorated pear-shaped cheese historically crafted by shepherds as a token of love for their sweethearts.
• Visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows: Perched on a scenic hill, this beautiful wooden chapel (Marija Snežna) was originally built by the shepherds, destroyed during World War II, and lovingly rebuilt by locals to host traditional summer masses and cultural events.