What is Velika Planina? Europe's largest herdsmen's settlement: an alpine plateau at 1,600 m in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, 45 minutes from Ljubljana, with nearly 150 wooden shepherd huts spread across Velika, Mala and Gojška planina. You ride up by cable car from the Kamniška Bistrica valley (€24 return, €26 with the chairlift in 2026), hike on gentle plateau trails, eat in working alpine dairies — and in late April the whole plateau turns purple with crocuses. Guide updated July 2026.
After more than twenty years in Slovenia and hundreds of hikes, Velika Planina remains my absolute favourite. It's a world apart: shepherd huts with their distinctive grey shingled roofs, endless pastures, herds of cattle, and views over three mountain ranges.
How to Get There
The cable car leaves from the Kamniška Bistrica valley station, a 45-minute drive from Ljubljana (head for Kamnik, then Stahovica). At the top, a brand-new six-seater chairlift (it replaced the old two-seater) takes you on to the top of the plateau. A free alternative: drive up the gravel forest road (about 40 minutes longer) to the high car parks. On foot from the valley it's a solid 2-3 hour climb — for the hardcore.
2026 Prices
| Ticket | 2026 price |
|---|---|
| Cable car only, adult return | €24 |
| Cable car + chairlift, adult return | €26 (€29 in high season) |
| Children, return | €15 |
| Family ticket | €60 |
| Dog | €5 |
| Parking at Kamniška Bistrica | €10–12 / day |
| Shepherd museum (on the plateau) | €4 |
Prices as of July 2026 — check current timetables and fares on velikaplanina.si before you go, especially off-season.
The Classic Loop: 6.5 km, About 2 Hours
This is the route I recommend to everyone. From the chairlift top station, follow the ridge trail towards the shepherd village. The gradient is gentle (250 m of climbing in total), the terrain easy — fine for children from 4-5 years old. Along the way you pass the wooden chapel of Marija Snežna (rebuilt after WWII) and the small shepherd museum. Halfway round, stop at one of the alpine inns — hearty mountain dishes cost €8-12, a beer €3.50. Try the sour milk with žganci (buckwheat mush), the shepherds' staple, and look out for trnič, the plateau's decorated hard cheese.
The Shepherd Huts (Stanovi)
The huts scattered across the plateau are a marvel of Slovenian vernacular architecture: low wooden buildings, tiny windows, spartan interiors. Shepherds still live in them during the grazing season (mid-June to mid-September), which is what makes the place unique — this is not an open-air museum, it's a living alpine economy that has worked this way for centuries. Walking at random between the huts feels like stepping into 1820.
When to Visit
Mid-June to mid-September is the shepherd season: green pastures, working dairies, all inns open. Late April to May brings the famous crocus bloom, right after the snow melts. Autumn is quiet and golden. And winter? The cable car runs year-round: snowshoeing between the huts, sledding and a small family ski area — see our guide to snowshoeing in Slovenia. Avoid 15 August (a religious procession draws huge crowds).
Practical Info
Bring a warm layer even in summer — it's about 8 °C cooler than the valley, and fog can roll in fast. Trainers are fine for the classic loop; boots are better if you add the climb to Rzenik (1,833 m, 4 hours return, 850 m of climbing, grand views of Triglav). There's no drinking water on the trails, so carry a bottle. Nine huts can be rented for the night, from rustic to comfortable — book well ahead in summer. While you're in the area, don't miss the Kamniška Bistrica gorges and the sights of Kamnik and its surroundings.
Velika Planina FAQ
How much is the Velika Planina cable car in 2026?
€24 return for adults on the cable car alone, €26 with the chairlift (€29 in high season), €15 for children and €60 for a family ticket. Dogs travel for €5 and valley parking costs €10-12 per day.
Can you drive up to Velika Planina?
Yes — a free, driveable gravel forest road climbs to the high car parks, about 40 minutes longer than taking the cable car from the valley. The heart of the shepherd settlement itself remains pedestrian-only.
When do the crocuses bloom on Velika Planina?
In April-May, in the two to three weeks right after the snow melts, the plateau turns into a carpet of purple crocuses. The exact timing varies each year with the snowpack — check the plateau webcams.
Is Velika Planina suitable for children?
Yes — it's one of the easiest mountain days out in Slovenia: cable car up, an almost flat 6.5 km loop (250 m of climbing) and alpine inns for lunch. Bring a child carrier rather than a stroller, as the pasture trails aren't paved.
Can you stay overnight on the plateau?
Yes, nine shepherd huts are available to rent, from rustic to comfortable. Having the plateau to yourself at sunrise is unforgettable — book several weeks ahead for summer.
Patrick Faust
French expat in Slovenia since 2004. Founder of e-Slovénie, a Slovenia travel guide. Learn more →