Highland plateau of Alpine shepherd huts at about 1,500 m, still grazed each summer, reached by the Kamniska Bistrica cable car and a chairlift. Sheep cheese and sour milk at the huts; easy walking to the chapel of Marija Snezna.
Velika Planina is a highland plateau in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps at about 1,500 metres, above Kamniska Bistrica near Kamnik in central Slovenia. It is known for its cluster of traditional shepherd huts with steeply pitched shingle roofs, an Alpine pastoral landscape still grazed each summer by cattle and sheep. Access is by the Kamniska Bistrica cable car, followed by a chairlift, which together lift visitors from the valley to the plateau in a short ride; walking up on foot is possible but takes several hours. At the top, easy paths cross open pasture to the huts, where herders and hut owners sell sheep cheese, curds, sour milk and simple hot dishes, and to the small chapel of Marija Snezna, the Madonna of the Snow, which is a popular photo stop. Views extend across meadows and limestone ridges, and in summer the sound of cowbells carries over the plateau. A visit takes half a day to a full day depending on how much walking is added, and the terrain is mostly gentle with some gradients. Crowds are heaviest at weekends in July and August and on fine days in September, when queues for the cable car can form. Weekday visits and early departures are calmer. June to September is the best period, as the huts are open and cattle are on the plateau, while the cable car follows seasonal timetables and closes for maintenance in autumn. Visitors should bring warm layers, rain protection and sturdy shoes, because the weather changes quickly at altitude. The lower cable car station is a short drive from Kamnik, and a taxi or car is the simplest approach.
| Admission | Adult Return cable car approx EUR 24-29 (~$27.60-33.35) (check velikaplanina.si for the 2026 price list) · Child Reduced fares for children; see the official price list |
|---|---|
| Hours | Cable car and chairlift run to a seasonal timetable (off-season sample: Mon-Thu eight departures 08:00-16:00; Fri hourly 08:00-18:00; Sat-Sun hourly 08:00-17:00). Closed 15 October-15 November 2026 for maintenance; check velikaplanina.si. |
| Typical visit | Half or full day |
| Best time | June-September for open huts and cattle; weekdays to avoid queues |
| Getting there | Bus or car from Kamnik to Kamniska Bistrica (about 20 minutes); taxi from Kamnik station is the simplest option; cable car lower station 46.3049, 14.6080 |
| Address | Kamniska Bistrica cable car station, Kamniska Bistrica, 1241 Kamnik, Slovenia |
Location
Kamniska Bistrica cable car station, Kamniska Bistrica, 1241 Kamnik, Slovenia
46.2959, 14.6520 View on map
Highlights
- Traditional Alpine shepherd huts on the plateau
- Cable car and chairlift ride from Kamniska Bistrica
- Sheep cheese and sour milk at the huts
- Chapel of Marija Snezna and mountain views
Tips for visiting
- Check cable car timetables and closures on velikaplanina.si
- Go on weekdays in summer to avoid queues
- Bring warm layers, as weather changes quickly
- Try cheese and sour milk at the huts
- Wear sturdy shoes for meadow paths
When to visit
June to September is best, when the huts are open and cattle graze. Weekdays are quieter than summer weekends.
Accessibility
The cable car stations are reachable, but the plateau has unpaved paths and gradients that limit wheelchair use. Visitors with limited mobility should keep to the area near the upper station.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Velika Planina take?
Plan half a day at minimum, and a full day if adding longer walks across the plateau.
Is Velika Planina worth it for kids?
Yes. The cable car, grazing animals and easy paths suit families, though children should be supervised near cattle.
Does the cable car run all year?
It follows a seasonal timetable and closes for maintenance in autumn. Check the official website for current departures.