Autumn days on Velika planina have a special charm. The forests turn warm shades of gold and brown, mornings become crisp, and life among the shepherds’ huts slows down. It is a time for hiking, enjoying the views and stopping for a warm, homemade meal.
The cable car and chairlift will not operate from 15 October to 15 November 2026 due to regular maintenance works. You can still visit Velika planina during this time – follow the marked hiking trails and experience the peaceful beauty of autumn on the mountain.
A shuttle van service will be available for all guests staying in the mountain chalets during the maintenance period. Please contact your accommodation provider for more information.
How to reach Velika planina while the cable car is closed
For hiking enthusiasts, autumn is a wonderful time to explore Velika planina on foot. Choose a route that suits your fitness level, the weather and the time you have available.
Shorter hikes from the car parks below Velika planina
You can drive to one of the designated car parks and continue on foot:
- Rakove ravni: approximately 2 hours each way, with around 500 metres of elevation gain.
- Ušivec: approximately 1 hour each way, with around 280 metres of elevation gain.
- Mačkin kot: approximately 40 minutes each way, with around 230 metres of elevation gain.
These walking times are approximate and vary depending on your destination, pace and trail conditions. The shorter routes can also be a good choice for families with children who are used to hiking uphill.
Autumn days on Velika planina have a special charm. The forests turn warm shades of gold and brown, mornings become crisp, and life among the shepherds’ huts slows down. It is a time for hiking, enjoying the views and stopping for a warm, homemade meal.
Longer hikes from the valley
If you prefer a longer hike with more elevation gain, you can choose:
- From Kamniška Bistrica through Dolski graben and Dol pasture to Gradišče: approximately 3 hours each way, with 1,126 metres of elevation gain. Route description.
- From Stahovica via Sveti Primož to Gradišče: approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes each way, with 1,236 metres of elevation gain. Route description.
Remember to allow enough time for the descent, as the cable car and chairlift will be closed during the maintenance period. Always choose a hike that matches your fitness level and do not underestimate the route.
Leave your car in a designated car park and continue on foot. Follow road signs and driving restrictions to help protect Velika planina’s sensitive natural environment.
Autumn flavours at Zeleni rob
After a hike or a walk, stop at Zeleni rob restaurant, where we add seasonal autumn flavours to our homemade dishes. Alongside hearty stews, sausages, sauerkraut and buckwheat žganci, our homemade cottage cheese štruklji – traditional Slovenian rolled dumplings – take pride of place.
This autumn, enjoy štruklji with pumpkin sauce, cranberries and roasted chestnuts, vanilla cream and warm forest berries, or an apple strudel filling. Discover this traditional favourite in new savoury and sweet combinations – perfect for cooler days on the mountain.
Before your visit, check the current opening hours of Zeleni rob restaurant. The kitchen closes 30 minutes before the restaurant.
The autumn štruklji selection will be available from 19 October to 30 November.
ST MARTIN’S DAY AT ZELENI ROB RESTAURANT
On 7–8 and 14–15 November, Zeleni rob will be serving the delicious flavours of St Martin’s Day. Our special menu will feature toasted bread with homemade sausage and horseradish, roasted duck breast with cranberry sauce, homemade mlinci flatbread and braised red cabbage. A warm St Martin’s štrukelj will provide a sweet finish to your meal.
Reservations are available for 12:00, 14:00 and 17:00. To book, email booking@velikaplanina.si.
A few tips for an enjoyable autumn visit
- Wear hiking boots and bring warm layers and waterproof clothing.
- Check the weather forecast and choose a route that suits your abilities and the conditions.
- Set off early, as autumn days are shorter. Pack a head torch too.
- Bring enough water and a snack.
- Stay on marked trails; finding your way can be difficult in fog.
- If it snows, check whether the roads to your starting point are accessible.
- Take your rubbish back down with you, keep dogs on a lead and clean up after them.
As nature slows down, there is time to experience the mountain in a different way.
Come and enjoy autumn on Velika planina!