Velika Planina comes alive in summer in all its beauty. Vast alpine pastures, a unique shepherding heritage, unforgettable views, and authentic local flavours create an experience that is hard to find anywhere else. To help you make the most of your visit, we have prepared five tips for exploring one of Slovenia’s most popular mountain destinations.

Before setting off, check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly. We recommend comfortable hiking footwear and clothing suitable for rapidly changing mountain conditions. Be sure to pack rain protection (a lightweight rain poncho or windbreaker), sunscreen, plenty of water, and a light snack. Velika Planina is an open landscape of extensive alpine pastures with very little natural shade, so good preparation is the key to a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

1. Getting there

The most comfortable and sustainable way to reach Velika Planina is by cable car, which operates daily between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with departures every 30 minutes.

From the upper station, you can continue your journey by the six-seater chairlift, which operates daily between 8:30 AM and 5:15 PM and takes you to the heart of the plateau within minutes. If you choose not to take the chairlift, a scenic uphill walk of approximately 30 to 45 minutes awaits you before reaching the shepherds’ settlement.

If you are arriving by car, please check parking options and recommended parking areas before your visit: https://www.velikaplanina.si/en/about-us/parking-on-velika-planina/

During the summer months, we recommend arriving at the starting point early in the morning (before 9:00 AM), as visitor numbers peak during the late morning hours.

We also recommend purchasing your tickets online: https://trgovina.velikaplanina.si/si/

2. What to visit

During your visit, don’t miss:

• The Shepherds’ Settlement, one of the largest preserved high-mountain shepherd settlements in Europe.
• The Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, one of the most recognizable symbols of Velika Planina.
• The Preskar Museum, where you can learn about the life of shepherds past and present. The museum is open daily during the grazing season from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. At 1:00 PM, visitors can also attend a demonstration of Trnič cheese-making.
• Gradišče, the highest peak of Velika Planina, offering spectacular panoramic views and the famous summit flower sculpture.
• Mala Planina and Gojška Planina, where you will find a quieter side of mountain life, beautiful alpine meadows, and authentic alpine scenery.

Visitors looking for a less-known attraction can also explore Vetrnica Cave. The route requires suitable hiking footwear, good physical fitness, and extra caution. Due to steep staircases and a more demanding approach, the cave is not recommended for visitors who are uncomfortable with heights or steep passages. In rainy weather, the terrain can become very slippery, requiring additional care.

3. What to do

Velika Planina is an excellent destination for anyone who enjoys combining outdoor activities, nature, and authentic experiences.

In addition to walking among the traditional shepherd huts, hiking, and admiring the stunning scenery, we recommend booking one of the special Velika Planina Experiences:

More information and reservations: https://trgovina.velikaplanina.si/si/

These experiences allow visitors to discover the plateau through stories, traditions, and activities that add an entirely new dimension to their visit. They are ideal for those seeking more than just a walk and wishing to learn more about the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

Of course, you can also create your own perfect day on Velika Planina by choosing from a wide range of activities:

• Guided tours of the plateau
• Hiking tours
• Tandem paragliding flights
• The educational trail “Following the Shepherds’ Footsteps”
• Seasonal events, such as the Accordion Players Competition, Trnič Day, live music performances, and the traditional Shepherds’ Festival

To truly experience Velika Planina, take your time. Wander through the pastures, observe shepherd life, and enjoy the slower pace dictated by nature.

4. What to eat

After exploring the plateau, reward yourself with authentic local flavours.

At Gostilna Zeleni Rob, you can enjoy a variety of traditional dishes, including sour milk, buckwheat spoonbread (žganci), homemade sausages, jota stew, barley stew (ričet), and other mountain specialties. A must-try dessert is the delicious sweet cottage cheese dumplings (štruklji), for which the restaurant is famous far beyond the region.

For a relaxed stop before your ascent or after returning to the valley, visit the Pod Žičnico Summer Garden. Its pleasant terrace offers refreshing homemade lemonades, desserts, croissants, and other tasty treats.

Those who appreciate local flavours should also visit Skodla, where alpine snacks made from locally sourced ingredients provide an authentic mountain culinary experience.

Another unique experience is visiting the shepherds during the grazing season. Many offer traditional cheeses and dairy products prepared according to recipes passed down through generations.

5. Responsible visiting

Velika Planina is more than just a popular excursion destination. It is a living cultural landscape shaped by centuries of shepherding tradition and a delicate mountain ecosystem. Every visitor contributes to preserving its unique character. For this reason, we follow seven principles of responsible visitation.

We Arrive as Guests, We Leave as Guardians

Velika Planina is more than a tourist destination or a viewpoint. It is a living mountain plateau where people and nature have coexisted for centuries. Treat it with respect so that its story can continue for future generations.

Flowers Are for Admiring, Not Picking

Alpine flowers belong in nature, where they thrive in the mountain sun and fresh alpine air. Leave them where they grow so that others can enjoy their beauty too.

Animals Live Here — Respect Their Rhythm

Cows, shepherd dogs, and wild animals are not here for visitors; they are part of the mountain environment. Observe them from a distance, do not feed them, and respect their space.

Stay on Marked Trails to Protect the Plateau

Trails are carefully designed to guide visitors while protecting sensitive vegetation and wildlife habitats. Walking or cycling off marked paths damages fragile ecosystems and leaves traces that nature may take decades to repair.

Take Your Waste Back to the Valley

Everything you bring with you should return with you. Velika Planina is a place of unspoiled nature, and your memories should be the only thing you leave behind.

Keep Dogs on a Leash

Dogs can unintentionally disturb grazing livestock or wildlife. Keeping them on a leash helps ensure the safety of animals, other visitors, and your four-legged companion. Always clean up after your pet.

When Night Falls, Let Only the Stars Shine

Camping and open fires are not permitted on the plateau. Let the silence of the mountains, the fresh evening air, and the star-filled sky provide the evening atmosphere.

Learn more about the principles of responsible visitation:

Velika Planina is a place where nature, tradition, and unforgettable experiences come together. Visit with curiosity, respect, and enough time to experience it at its own pace.