Exploring Solčava
The Solčava region, nestled in the heart of the Kamnik Alps, is a true sanctuary of preserved nature, captivating with its wild beauty and breathtaking landscapes. Among its most remarkable treasures, Logarska Dolina stands out as one of Slovenia’s most picturesque valleys. Surrounded by majestic mountains, this valley offers spectacular panoramas and hiking trails that invite exploration. Also not to be missed is the Solčava Panoramic Road, a winding route that unveils stunning views of the valley, surrounding peaks, and the charming villages of the region. A journey through this part of Slovenia offers a complete immersion into a world where nature, tranquility, and beauty reign supreme.
We arrive in Solčava late in the afternoon, after spending a wonderful day on the Velika Planina plateau (to read the full article: A Day of Hiking in the Velika Planina Alpine Pastures). Tonight, we’re staying in a guesthouse nestled in the heart of nature, along the Solčava Panoramic Road, where we’ll spend two unforgettable nights.
– For our complete Slovenia itinerary, click here: Two Weeks in Slovenia: Itinerary, Tips and Advice –
How to Get to Logarska Dolina?
To reach Logarska Dolina from Ljubljana, you will definitely need a car as the region is not accessible by public transportation. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.
First, head to Kamnik and follow the signs for Kamniška Bistrica – Gornji Grad until you reach the village of Stahovica. In Stahovica, stay on the main road (route 225) towards Gornji Grad. Continue on this road until you reach the village of Podlom. Then, take route 924, which climbs to the left towards Luče. In Luče, follow the signs for Solčava – Logarska Dolina. After Solčava, stay on the main road until you reach the entrance to the valley.
For our stay in Slovenia, we rented a car from Renty, which we chose for its flexibility and competitive prices.
Where to Stay in Logarska Dolina?
The most famous (and luxurious) hotel in the region is located right in the valley: the Plesnik Hotel. Set in a picturesque location, this luxury hotel combines elegance and comfort while preserving its alpine charm. Its spacious rooms offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation after a day of hiking. The hotel also features a renowned restaurant where you can enjoy refined Slovenian cuisine made with local ingredients. For those seeking wellness and relaxation, the hotel’s spa offers a range of treatments and massages, ideal for rejuvenation in a stunning natural setting.
We chose to stay at the Planinski Dom Majerhold, a cozy mountain lodge that offers a friendly and authentic atmosphere. The comfortable rooms are decorated in a traditional style, and the on-site restaurant serves delicious local cuisine, perfect for recharging after a day of exploration. This establishment was undoubtedly our highlight of the trip.
Must-See in the Solčava Region
Logarska Dolina
Essential Tips
Parking: Free – located in front of a small chapel at the entrance to the valley.
Hike: About 16 km round trip with a 500 m elevation gain. The path is relatively flat up to the end of the valley, where it starts to gradually ascend before becoming steeper as you approach the Rinka waterfall.
After a restful night at our guesthouse, we dedicate the day to exploring on foot Logarska Dolina (Logar Valley), a true natural gem nestled between majestic mountains. This long, glacial valley gently stretches out, surrounded by rugged peaks and dense forests, creating an atmosphere of calm and serenity. The air is fresh and pure, and with each step, we get closer to the wild heart of this alpine landscape.
Although the road that runs through the valley is paved, attracting many drivers, I can’t help but think that cycling would be a more enjoyable way to explore it. This would allow for a more immersive experience of the tranquility, far from the noise of engines. For our part, since entry by car is chargeable, we chose to walk the 16 km round trip, taking advantage of the slower pace of the walk to fully soak in the beauty around us.
The road, beautiful at first, quickly becomes a bit long and monotonous as we enter the second part of our route, which passes through a dense forest. In my opinion, cycling remains the best way to explore the valley. You can rent different models, electric or not, right across from Hotel Plesnik. Just behind the hotel is the Palenk waterfall, and we don’t miss the opportunity to take a detour to admire it. Unfortunately, due to the summer heat, the flow is very low, and the waterfall appears rather unimpressive.
We continue to move forward at a leisurely pace, stopping here and there to observe the lush meadows dotted with wooden chalets and admire the mountains rising in the background, their peaks sometimes hidden by clouds. Along our path, we take a break at a small rustic café, where we sip a warm coffee while gazing at the imposing summits that seem to watch over the valley.
Rinka Waterfall
After this refreshing break, we continue our walk to the end of the valley, where the impressive Rinka waterfall awaits. The waterfall plunges 90 meters down a cliff. The climb to reach it is a bit steep, but the reward is well worth the effort: the water cascades powerfully, splashing the rocks below, creating a fine refreshing mist in the air. The roar of the water echoes throughout the valley, adding a dramatic note to this verdant haven.
After admiring the waterfall, we turn back to retrace our steps. With the afternoon light now casting a golden glow over the mountains, the valley offers a different perspective. The landscapes we had passed earlier seem to have changed, and every turn in the path reveals a new beauty. It’s a day when nature seems to whisper to us at every moment, reminding us of how soothing and majestic it can be. We spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the gardens of our guesthouse, enjoying the warmth and tranquility of this beautiful day.
Solčava Panoramic Road
The following morning begins on the famous Solčava Panoramic Road, where our guesthouse is already situated. From the moment we wake up, breathtaking views stretch out before us. Even with a cloudy sky, the beauty of the surrounding landscapes is striking. These early rays promise a day full of discoveries, and we can’t wait to see what this road, known for its incredible panoramas, has in store for us.
As soon as we start, the spectacular landscapes unfold even more. The mountains, towering and majestic, dominate both sides of the road, while the Logarska Dolina valley stretches below, with its lush meadows, dense forests, and charming little cottages nestled between the mountains. Each bend offers a new breathtaking view, and it’s hard not to stop at every lookout point.
We make our first stop at a secluded viewpoint, where we are alone, facing the vastness of the valley. The landscape is like a living painting: the peaks (still snow-capped in some places) as a backdrop, the fields seemingly stretching endlessly, and a soothing calm, only interrupted by the murmur of the wind and distant streams. It’s a grand panorama that reminds us how nature can be both imposing and comforting at the same time.
Throughout our journey, we spot strange little sculptures of dragons, often hidden in the corners of stone walls or perched on posts. These dragons, important symbols in Slovenian culture, watch over the region, recalling ancient legends where these mythical creatures represented strength and protection. While the dragon is emblematic of Ljubljana, it has also found its place in the surrounding mountains, adding a touch of mystery and magic to our walk.
Further along, we stop at a small local farm where time seems to have stood still. Here, amidst the pastures and hills, we're offered handcrafted cheese, made with care on-site. We taste a mountain cheese with strong, yet delicate flavors, mildly salty, a true product of the land. This simple and authentic moment, shared with the farmer, brings us even closer to this land of traditions and nature.
As we continue on our way, we spot in the distance a small white church perched on a hill. Its green roof blends perfectly with the blue sky and the green pastures, making it appear to float above the mountains. Nestled in this picturesque setting, the church seems to be a place for contemplation, a peaceful haven in the heart of the wild nature.
After enjoying the view, we continue on our journey, delighted by the magical moments this morning has offered us. We are now heading towards Bled, eager to discover this new corner of Slovenia where we will spend the next six nights.
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