Nestled at the foot of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, Kamnik is a town with a rich medieval heritage. Once the seat of the Counts of Andechs and the capital of the Duchy of Carniola, it now captivates visitors with the remains of its medieval town walls, historic townhouses and numerous cultural monuments. The town’s main street, Šutna, with its distinctive wrought-iron artisan signs, reflects Kamnik’s rich craft and trading tradition, while the Franciscan monastery houses one of the richest Franciscan libraries in Slovenia.
Kamnik
Municipality
ATTRACTIONS
Historic Kamnik
Mali Grad and Stari Grad
Mali Grad (Little Castle) and Stari Grad (Old Castle) are among Kamnik’s most important historical landmarks. Mali Grad, with its Romanesque chapel, viewing tower and the famous legend of Veronika, is one of the town’s symbols, while the ruins of Stari Grad, one of the oldest castles in Slovenia, rise above Kamnik as a reminder of its rich medieval past. Both offer magnificent views of the old town, the Kamnik–Savinja Alps and the surrounding landscape.
Velika planina
Velika Planina is one of Europe’s largest high-altitude mountain pastures and one of Slovenia’s most iconic Alpine destinations. It is renowned for its unique herdsmen’s settlement, where the tradition of summer grazing has been preserved for more than 500 years, as well as its distinctive wooden shepherds’ huts. Visitors can reach the plateau, which offers spectacular views of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps and the Ljubljana Basin, by cable car.
Kamniška Bistrica Valley
The Kamniška Bistrica Valley is a picturesque glacial valley and one of the finest gateways to exploring the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. It is known for the spring of the Kamniška Bistrica River, crystal-clear waters, waterfalls, gorges and numerous hiking trails that lead visitors into the heart of unspoilt nature.
Arboretum Volčji Potok
Arboretum Volčji Potok is Slovenia’s largest arboretum and one of the country’s most beautiful parks. It features extensive plant collections, colourful floral displays and more than 80 hectares of landscaped gardens and walking paths. Particularly popular with families, it also offers a large children’s playground and a variety of activities for younger visitors.
Tunjice
Tunjice is a peaceful village just a few kilometres from Kamnik, surrounded by rolling hills, forests and meadows. Alongside its unspoilt natural setting, visitors are drawn to the pilgrimage Church of St Anne and the Tunjice Healing Grove, where many come to relax, meditate and restore their inner balance.
GASTRONOMIC SPECIALITIES
Trnič
Trnič is a unique hard cheese from Velika Planina that shepherds have been making for centuries. Its distinctive pear-shaped form, decorated with traditional carved patterns, once symbolised a token of love and today represents one of the best-known culinary specialities of the Kamnik region.
Flavours of Kamnik
Flavours of Kamnik brings together traditional dishes that tell the story of the region – from simple rural recipes to meals once served at noble tables. Signature specialities include tuhinjska fila, kloštrska kremšnita, firšt’s venison goulash, rušovc and other dishes that preserve Kamnik’s rich culinary heritage.
The Town of Beer
Kamnik boasts the highest number of breweries per capita in Slovenia and is a favourite destination for craft beer enthusiasts. Local brewers combine traditional brewing expertise with innovative recipes, while visitors can discover their creations along the popular Beer and Freedom Trail.
EXPERIENCES
Tuhinj Valley and Terme Snovik
Tuhinj Valley is a green valley surrounded by forests and rolling hills, renowned for its tranquillity, unspoilt nature and commitment to sustainable tourism. At its heart lie Terme Snovik, Slovenia’s highest-altitude thermal spa, where visitors can relax in thermal waters, enjoy wellness treatments and discover the Kneipp philosophy of a healthy lifestyle through unique nature-based experiences.
Cycling
The diverse landscape of Kamnik and its surroundings offers excellent opportunities for both road and mountain biking. Routes wind through picturesque valleys, past historical landmarks and up into the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, providing rewarding rides for both recreational cyclists and experienced riders.
Hiking
Kamnik is one of the best starting points for exploring the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. With more than 200 kilometres of marked trails, the area offers everything from easy family walks to demanding alpine hikes, rewarding visitors with spectacular views and close contact with unspoilt nature.
Golf Arboretum
Golf Arboretum is regarded as one of Slovenia’s finest and most scenic golf courses. Set between Kamnik and Arboretum Volčji Potok, the 18-hole championship course offers stunning views of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps and an outstanding golfing experience for both recreational players and experienced golfers.
Plečnik Candle Workshop
Discover the legacy of Slovenia’s renowned architect Jože Plečnik at the historic Stele House in the heart of medieval Kamnik. During this hands-on workshop, visitors learn the traditional technique of decorating candles with Plečnik’s original motifs and create their own unique souvenir while exploring one of the town’s oldest houses and its rich candle-making heritage.