Just a few kilometers from Kamnik lies one of Slovenia’s most beautiful alpine valleys – the Kamniška Bistrica Valley. Surrounded by the high peaks of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, it offers both starting points for mountain hikes and numerous easy, pleasant walks along rivers, waterfalls, and through forests. Towering above the valley is Grintovec, the highest peak, at 2,558 meters.
The valley enchants visitors in every season: in summer with its refreshing coolness, in autumn with vibrant colors, in winter with snowy silence, and in spring with the lush awakening of nature.
Below are the main trails and attractions you shouldn’t miss while exploring the valley.
Koželj Trail
One of the most popular walking paths in the valley is the Koželj Trail, leading from the lower cable car station to Velika planina all the way to the source of the Kamniška Bistrica River. The trail follows the river and winds through the forest, making it enjoyable year-round.
- Length: approx. 3 km (one way)
- Walking time: 45 minutes–1 hour
- Difficulty: easy, suitable for families and the elderly
Along the way, you’ll encounter two special natural attractions:
- Mali izvirk – a small yet picturesque spring.
- Predaselj Gorge – where the riverbed of the Kamniška Bistrica narrows into a deep rocky chasm.
Source of the Kamniška Bistrica
At the foot of a rocky wall emerges the powerful source of the Kamniška Bistrica, considered one of the purest springs in Slovenia. The water flows into a scenic pool where visitors can freely fill their bottles with fresh drinking water.
Memorial Park in Kamniška Bistrica
Not far from the Kamniška Bistrica Lodge, at 680 meters above sea level, lies a memorial park accessible by a marked, easy path (about 30 minutes’ walk).
The park is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Kamnik mountains. Among the memorials is a plaque for Tomaž Humar, a renowned Slovenian alpinist who died in 2009 on Mount Langtang Lirung in Nepal.
It is a peaceful and respectful place of remembrance, as well as a pleasant stop during a walk through the valley.
King Alexander I of Yugoslavia’s Hunting Lodge
In the valley stands the famous hunting lodge of King Alexander I Karađorđević, built between 1932 and 1934 to the designs of Jože Plečnik.
The building was intended as a retreat for the royal family and is one of the few Plečnik works commissioned by a foreign royal house. Today, the lodge remains an architectural and historical highlight of the valley.
Predaselj Gorge
At an elevation of about 600 meters lies the picturesque Predaselj Gorge, carved into the rocks by the Kamniška Bistrica River. A marked forest trail from the Kamniška Bistrica Lodge leads there (about a 15-minute walk).
- From the bridge, a stunning view opens into the depths, where the river cuts through pools, sometimes up to 35 meters deep.
- A massive boulder is wedged in the riverbed, over which the trail passes.
- At Veliki Predaselj, stands a stone “Prince’s Table,” where, according to legend, Emperor Maximilian once dined. Historical records confirm that Archduke Charles ate here in 1564.
- Slightly lower lies Mali Predaselj, a shorter and lower gorge, also featuring a natural bridge of a wedged boulder.
Wooden steps allow you to descend all the way to the bottom of the gorge in about 10 minutes. Due to steep terrain and damp ground, caution and proper footwear are recommended.
Orglice Waterfall (Orličje)
One of the valley’s most beautiful natural attractions is the Orglice Waterfall, also known as Orličje. Its name comes from the characteristic shape of the streams, resembling organ pipes.
- Starting point: a small gravel parking lot along the valley road, about 2 km before the source of the Kamniška Bistrica
- Length: approx. 2 km (one way)
- Walking time: 35–45 minutes
- Difficulty: easy, suitable for families with children
The trail leads through the forest and past small brooks, ending with a view of the roughly 40-meter-high waterfall – a true reward for a pleasant trip.
Why Visit the Kamniška Bistrica Valley?
- Unspoiled nature – mountain forests, pure water, and rocky walls.
- Diverse trails – from easy walks to starting points for mountain tours.
- Highlights – the source of the Kamniška Bistrica, Memorial Park, Predaselj Gorge, Orglice Waterfall, and Plečnik’s hunting lodge.
- Accessibility – the valley is easy to reach and suitable for visits year-round.
Visitor Tips
- In autumn, the valley glows with colorful foliage, while in summer it offers refreshing coolness.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as trails are forested and sometimes damp.
- Don’t forget your camera – nearly every corner of the valley is picture-worthy.
- Stop for refreshments at local lodges: Kraljev hrib, Pri Jurju, and the mountain lodge by the spring.
The Kamniška Bistrica Valley is a perfect choice for a short family trip, a relaxing walk, or exploring natural and cultural landmarks. If you haven’t visited yet, be sure to add it to your list.
