Are you traveling through Slovenia or spending a few days on a longer trip in the country? Do you have a day or even just a part of the day that you’d like to spend in nature hiking near Ljubljana? This blog highlights a few nearby peaks close to Ljubljana, where you can enjoy a hike ranging from a couple of hours to as little as one hour. All of these are conveniently located near the capital city of Ljubljana, where you might be staying. Here are some excellent options for you to consider:
Cankrajev Vrh (Rožnik)
Located near the center of Ljubljana, Rožnik is easily accessible on foot or by using public transport. Practically everyone in Ljubljana knows Cankarjev Vrh, also known as Rožnik. If you’re unsure where to go, simply ask a local or the owners of your accommodation. The hill’s summit sits at 394 meters above sea level, about 100 meters above Ljubljana. The hike can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your starting point. There are many well-maintained paths around the hill, so you don’t need any special equipment—just some comfortable sportswear. At the top, there’s a church, and close by is a restaurant.
It is a great small hiking trip near Ljubljana for a relaxed day.
Šmarna gora
Šmarna Gora is a very popular hill among the residents of Ljubljana and the surrounding area. It offers good exercise and a pleasant hiking near Ljubljana, along with beautiful views. On the northern side, you can see the peaks of the Alps. You can reach the base by car or, better yet, by public transport. There are several restaurants at the base, as well as one at the summit.
Šmarna Gora is located at an altitude of 669 meters. The hike to the top takes about 60 minutes, during which you will ascend 400 meters. The path is well marked and visible, and there are many people, so it is practically impossible to get lost. It is also one of the easiest “real” hikes in Slovenia, you can check a few more on my other blog.
I recommend sports footwear as the path is steep in some sections, and mostly forested, so you still need to be prepared for hiking. The view opens up towards Ljubljana. Šmarna Gora is a popular hiking destination.
You can read more on their website.
Velika planina
Located in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Velika Planina stands at an elevation of around 1,650 meters. It takes about 45 minutes by car from Ljubljana to reach the base. Public transport is also an option, but it requires some transfers, and the connections are not always reliable. Therefore, this option is more suitable for those who have rented a car or have their own.
You can either hike up to the plateau or take a cable car. Once at the top, you can enjoy a walk across the relatively flat terrain, which is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Slovenia.
If you choose to hike, it takes a bit more than two hours to reach the top. The plateau is dotted with traditional Alpine huts, historically used by shepherds. You may still see animals grazing, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a chamois or ibex. The area offers a perfect environment for hiking, relaxing in nature, and enjoying the tranquil Alpine scenery. In the winter, there’s also a ski resort.
The views of the nearby Alps, which rise well above 2,000 meters, are stunning.
Read and check out more about Velika planina here, where you can also book a reservation.
Krvavec
Similar to Velika Planina, you’ll need a car to reach the starting point for the Krvavec hike, about a 40-minute drive from Ljubljana. You can also take a cable car up to the mountain or drive to the last station where the cable car departs. From there, you can hike anywhere you like, as there are many trails. In the winter, Krvavec is a well-known ski resort, but in the summer, you can hike along the ski slopes.
There are also restaurants where you can enjoy food and drinks. The views from Krvavec include the Ljubljana Basin, the entire southern part of Slovenia on clear days, and the high peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps to the north.
Check their offers and all their activities here.
Storžič
To reach Storžič, you also need a car, as it is located about 40 minutes from Ljubljana. Unlike the other hikes, Storžič is more challenging. With an elevation gain of 1,400 meters, it takes about 3-4 hours, to reach the summit, depending on your physical condition. If you’re not in good physical shape, this might not be the hike for you, as it’s a mountain and can be quite dangerous. However, if you’re looking for an alpine peak to go hiking near Ljubljana, Storžič, standing at 2,132 meters, is an ideal choice.
The views are spectacular, with the first half of the trail winding through the forest and the second half in the Alpine terrain.
The climb is steep and demanding, but the effort is very rewarding. There are several starting points, and you can find detailed trail descriptions online here.
