Kranj, situated in the picturesque valley of the Sava River, attracts tourists with its beautiful landscapes and rich history. There are picturesque hiking and cycling trails around the city, including a popular river path. Kranj is also an excellent base for trips to nearby ski resorts in the Julian Alps.
The old town is a maze of narrow streets, historical buildings and charming squares. The main attraction is Khislstein Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and is now home to a regional museum. The Church of St. Kantian, the patron saint of the city, is also worth a visit.
Cultural events such as Kranfest and Carniola Festival take place in the summer and attract music, dance and theatre lovers from all over Slovenia.
Location
Kranj is the largest urban center of the traditional region of Upper Carniola and the Slovene Alps. It is located approximately 20 km northwest of the national capital Ljubljana.
Lake of Mavčiče
Lake Trboje, also called Lake Mavčiče and Lake Kranja. Since the lake submerges part of the Zarica gorge on the Sava River, it is surrounded by steep shores, with conglomerate cliffs in the northern part. There are many villages on the lake: from south to north, these are Moše, Trboje and Žerjavka on the eastern side and Mavčiče, Praše and Jama on the western side.
The lake is famous for its fauna, which includes numerous fish and about 140 species of birds. It is a rare and largest breeding ground for the common merganser in Slovenia. The flora includes many alpine species, including the edelweiss. It is a popular place for fishing and boating.
Kanjon reke Kokre
The biggest advantage of Kranj is that it rises above the 30-meter-high Kokra canyon, which makes it the 2nd highest urban canyon in Europe. The Kokra is one of our largest rivers, originating in Kravanke. Just before it flows into the Sava River, as it flows through Kranj, it carves a narrow gorge in the conglomerate rock with very steep and 30-meter-high walls.
The Kokra canyon is located just below the old town of Kranj. The bridge is located on a pillar carved in a wedge by the Kokra and Sava rivers, which join at its end. An average tourist visiting the old town of Kranj has a hard time imagining that the city hides such beautiful nature just a few steps away. There is a circular walking path along the Kokra River.
Mestna knjižnica Kranj
The Kranj Municipal Library covers an area of 80 thousand inhabitants in the municipality of Kranj. Prešeren’s poems are written on the frontispiece in the poet’s characteristic handwriting. The interior of the library is also unique. The spaces from the ground floor to the second floor are carefully organized and designed with a variety of activities in mind.
The library boasts, among other things, a rich collection of books for readers of all ages, as well as extensive collections of films and music. Every month you can experience a diverse program of cultural and educational events.
Gorenjska Museum
The Museum of Gorenjska holds archaeological, ethnological, historical and art collections as well as cultural history collections. The museum also manages the memorial museum in the house of France Prešeren. The Gorenjska Museum is a must-see for those interested in the history and culture of the region. The museum houses a wide collection of historical artifacts, from prehistory to modern times.
Khislstein Castle
Khislstein Castle rises above the bridge over the Sava River, on part of a promontory that was fortified from Roman times to the early Middle Ages. The castle garden contains remnants of defensive walls from early antiquity.
Today, the castle is worth visiting for its temporary exhibitions and the recently opened permanent exhibition Beautiful Gorenjska in the Gorenjska Museum. It is also the venue for the Khislstein Festival, which takes place during the annual Carniola Festival, Summer in Kranj.
Šmarjetna gora
Šmarjetna Gora rises above the town of Kranj on the right bank of the Sava River. Its altitude above sea level is 643 m. There are several paths leading to Šmarjetna Gora. You can ride a horse-drawn carriage on an asphalt road. Today, the Bellevue hotel with a large terrace and the 13th-century church of St. Margaret is located on Šmarjetna Gora.
The terrace offers a unique view of the entire Kranj and its surroundings. In good weather, you can see many places in Slovenia from the hotel’s observation deck. There is also a self-service bar on the top of Šmarjetna Gora, which is open even when the hotel restaurant and bar are still closed.
Kranj Tunnels
Hidden under the Old Town of Kranj are secret tunnels that were built during World War II and were used as shelters for residents. The tunnels reach 1300 meters and man-made, but the climate there is similar to natural caves, so there are drops and rare animals. In the tunnel, you can see an exhibition about the history of the Kranji metro and its builders.
There is also a mineral and fossil exhibition and a reconstruction of a World War II shelter where you can witness an air raid simulation. The tunnels received an award for creative and innovative achievements in Slovenian tourism – the silver Sejalec. Discover the Kranji metro network hidden beneath the historic city and take a guided tour.
Brdo Castle
Brdo Castle dates back to the 16th century. It is extensive and is now the main venue for the Slovenian government’s diplomatic meetings and other government-sponsored events. Open to the public and featuring a fine hotel, a magnificent park and other attractions, the Brdo Estate is a recommended place to visit for a few hours or even an overnight stay.
For the last 25 years, the 500-hectare estate has been administered by the Protocol Office of the Republic of Slovenia and as such is the nation’s primary venue for important diplomatic events including previous visits by Queen Elizabeth II, the late Pope John Paul II and former American president George W. Bush.
Prešeren Theater
The Prešeren Theatre (named after the Slovenian poet France Prešeren) is a key cultural institution and performing arts centre, hosting a variety of theatre performances, including drama, comedy and musical productions. The theatre is an important venue for both local and international artists. Its programme often includes works reflecting Slovenian culture and heritage.
