Introduction
Mala Planina and Velika Planina are two of Slovenia’s most recognisable highland plateaus — a world of wooden shepherd huts, open mountain pastures, rolling ridgelines and panoramic views. Together they form one of the most charming and photogenic landscapes in the Alps.
High above the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, these plateaus blend cultural heritage with pure alpine nature. Traditional herdsmen’s settlements, long meadows and views of Mount Grintovec and neighbouring peaks give Mala and Velika Planina a calm, pastoral character that defines the Alpine Serenity region.
Geography and Geological Origin
The plateaus lie between 1,500 and 1,650 metres above sea level and were shaped by a mix of glacial and karst processes.
Key geological features include:
- Glacially flattened ridges and rolling meadows
- Karst sinkholes and shallow depressions
- Limestone and dolomite bedrock
- High-altitude grasslands that formed after the glaciers retreated
- Thin, mineral-rich soils that support alpine herbs and pasture vegetation
Velika Planina is one of the largest shepherd plateaus in Europe, with Mala Planina just below it, forming a continuous highland area.
Key Natural Features
1. Traditional Shepherd Huts (Pastirske koče) Must-see
Dozens of oval-roofed wooden huts form a unique mountain village, unlike anything else in Slovenia. Many are still used in summer when shepherds move up with their herds.
2. Endless Alpine Meadows Must-see
Wide grasslands stretch between low ridges, dotted with alpine flowers, grazing cows and occasional rocky outcrops. Paths are gentle and open, with views in almost every direction.
3. Views of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps
Grintovec, Skuta, Planjava and other peaks rise above the plateaus, creating a strong mountain skyline that changes with the light and weather.
4. Karst Formations
Sinkholes, small hollows and scattered rock patches show the karst character of the plateau. In places, bare limestone breaks through the grass.
5. Herdsmen’s Lifestyle
In summer you can still find traditional cheese making, seasonal pasturing and old customs kept alive by local families. The atmosphere feels more like a lived-in cultural landscape than a “viewpoint”.
6. Chapel of St. Primus and Felician
A small wooden chapel stands among the huts of Velika Planina, often becoming the focus of sunrise and sunset photos.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–September)
Peak shepherd season, alpine flowers in bloom and the highest chance of stable, warm weather.
Autumn
Golden meadows, colder mornings and very clear air for long-distance views.
Winter
A quiet, snowy landscape reachable by cable car; ideal for snowshoeing and simple winter walks on the plateau itself.
Spring
Melting snow, first green patches and a calmer atmosphere before the main summer season.
Photography Highlights
- Shepherd huts at sunrise when smoke and light hang low over the meadows
- Golden light on the ridges around Grintovec
- Mist drifting through hollows on cool mornings
- Snow-covered settlements in winter
- Wildflower meadows in early summer
- Wide panoramas from the higher points of Velika Planina
Sunrise and sunset give the strongest light; huts, chapels and ridges all pick up warm tones.
How to Get There
By cable car
The simplest access is from Kamniška Bistrica:
- cable car → chairlift → 20–30 minute walk to the main Velika Planina settlement
By car and hiking
Marked trails start from:
- Stahovica
- Kranjski Rak — a popular option of moderate difficulty
- Volovjek Pass
Trail difficulty
Approach paths range from easy to moderate. Once on the plateau, walking is mostly gentle and rolling.
Winter access
The cable car usually runs through winter, but trails can require snowshoes or microspikes, depending on conditions.
Public transport
Buses run to Kamniška Bistrica, where the lower cable car station is located.
Interesting Facts
- Velika Planina is one of the largest shepherd settlements in Europe.
- The oval-roof huts are built with traditional joinery, originally without nails.
- Alpine cheese Trnič was developed here and is still made in summer.
- The plateau was partly burned and destroyed during the Second World War, then rebuilt.
- In winter, Velika Planina becomes one of Slovenia’s most striking snow landscapes.
Conclusion
Mala and Velika Planina are not just high meadows but a living mountain landscape where nature, tradition and everyday alpine life still overlap. Wide ridges, wooden huts, rolling pastures and strong alpine horizons make these plateaus one of Slovenia’s most distinctive natural areas. For hikers, photographers and anyone drawn to calmer mountain scenes, they capture the gentle, pastoral side of the Alpine Serenity region.
