From Ljubljana: Velika Planina Tour with Meal & Photos

Explore Velika Planina with a Scenic Gondola and Chairlift Ride

This 6-hour tour from Ljubljana, priced at $293 per person, offers a memorable escape to the stunning Velika Planina. The experience begins with a pick-up at Ljubljana train station and continues with a comfortable minivan ride to the gondola station. From there, you’ll ascend to the Velika Planina plateau via a scenic gondola and chairlift ride, giving you spectacular views of the Kamnik Alps.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of breathtaking scenery, authentic local food, and professional photography. It’s perfect for visitors seeking a relaxed day immersed in nature, traditional architecture, and mountain panoramas. The tour is best suited for those comfortable with walking and outdoor conditions, as it involves exploring a settlement with grass and gravel roads.

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The Journey Begins at Trg Osvobodilne F fronte in Ljubljana

The tour starts with a meeting point at Trg Osvobodilne F fronte, located under the linden trees next to the bike racks. The small group size, limited to 8 participants, ensures a personalized experience led by a live English-speaking guide. After gathering at the meeting point, travelers board a van for an hour-long drive to the gondola station.

This initial leg is smooth and offers a chance to chat briefly with the guide, who prepares you for the scenic ascent ahead. The convenient pickup and limited group size are features appreciated by many, creating a more intimate atmosphere compared to larger tours.

Ascend to Velika Planina via Gondola and Chairlift

The highlight of the journey is the scenic gondola ride, lasting about 30 minutes, which takes you from the base to the Velika Planina plateau. During the ascent, you are treated to sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and lush green landscapes.

Once at the top, a chairlift ride further takes you into the heart of Velika Planina. The plateau offers panoramic vistas of the Kamnik Alps, making it an ideal spot for photography and sightseeing. The entire ascent provides a relaxed way to enjoy the mountain scenery without strenuous hiking.

Exploring the Traditional Wooden Houses and Mountain Cows

At the top, the tour allows about 3 hours of free time to walk around the settlement of traditional wooden houses. These structures are characteristic of the shepherding community that has inhabited the plateau for generations. The environment is lively with freely roaming cows, adding an authentic, rustic charm to the setting.

Walking through the settlement, visitors can appreciate the well-preserved architecture and the peaceful mountain atmosphere. The guide leads you through the area, sharing insights into the local way of life, which continues to be connected to shepherding and mountain farming.

Savor a Traditional Shepherd’s Meal of Sour Milk and Buckwheat Ganci

A key feature of this tour is the traditional shepherd’s meal, served at a local hut. The meal includes sour milk and buckwheat ganci with cracklings, offering a taste of authentic local cuisine in a rustic mountain setting.

This is a chance to sit down, relax, and enjoy the flavors that have sustained shepherds for years. The meal is included in the tour price, providing both a cultural experience and a break from walking.

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Capture Memories with Professional Photos

During the walk and sightseeing, the guide uses a professional camera to take high-quality photos of the scenery and the group. These photos are then shared with participants the following day, allowing everyone to keep vivid memories of their time on Velika Planina.

Many find this feature especially valuable, as it relieves them of the worry of capturing perfect shots while exploring and offers professionally taken images as keepsakes.

Return Journey with a Cable Car and Van Ride

After the exploration and meal, the tour retraces its steps back to the valley via a 30-minute cable car ride. Then, a return van trip takes about one hour back to Ljubljana. The trip concludes at the original meeting point, making for a comfortable and organized end to the day.

The pace is steady, with enough time to soak up the mountain atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Practical Details and What to Bring

Participants are advised to wear comfortable and hiking shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing. A camera is recommended to capture the stunning views and the wooden settlement. Since the paths involve walking on grass and gravel roads, sturdy footwear enhances comfort and safety.

The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years, people with mobility or heart problems, or those with low fitness levels. It also excludes vegans and anyone with altitude sickness or back issues.

Small Group Experience and Professional Guide

Limited to 8 participants, this tour ensures a personalized experience. The guide speaks fluent English and shares insights about the history, architecture, and lifestyle of Velika Planina’s shepherd community.

The small group size fosters a friendly atmosphere, allowing for questions and flexibility during the exploration.

Considerations and Limitations

While the experience is rich in scenic beauty and cultural authenticity, it involves walking through a settlement with grass and gravel roads, which may be challenging for some. The plateau is full of roaming cows, so visitors should be comfortable with farm animals wandering freely.

The photos are delivered the next day, so travelers eager for immediate images should plan accordingly. The tour does not include food or drinks in the vehicle, and alcohol consumption is not permitted during the trip.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This Velika Planina tour offers an ideal mix of scenic beauty, local culture, and authentic mountain life. The gondola and chairlift rides provide effortless access to stunning vistas, while the traditional meal immerses visitors in local customs.

The inclusion of professional photography adds a memorable touch, making this tour a special way to document your trip. Its small group size and flexible format make it appealing for those who prefer a quieter, more personal experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour suits visitors who appreciate mountain landscapes and cultural heritage. It’s perfect for those comfortable with walking and outdoor conditions, and who want to relax while sightseeing rather than hike extensively.

It’s also well-suited for families or groups seeking a scenic, cultural outing with a focus on authentic local experiences without the hassle of planning logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour from start to finish?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and meals.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Trg Osvobodilne F fronte in Ljubljana and returns there at the end of the day.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers pick-up at Ljubljana train station, gondola and chairlift rides, a traditional shepherd’s meal, and professional photos taken during the trip.

Is it suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour is not recommended for children under 3, those with mobility or heart problems, or low fitness levels, as it involves walking on grass and gravel roads.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring comfortable hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera for photos.

Are the photos provided immediately?
No, the professional photos are sent the next day via email or digital download.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is vegetarian or vegan meal available?
The included meal features sour milk and buckwheat ganci with cracklings, and there’s no mention of vegan options, so inquire in advance if necessary.

What makes this tour different from other mountain trips?
The combination of gondola and chairlift rides, an authentic shepherd’s meal, and professional photos makes this experience both scenic and culturally enriching, with a cozy, small-group atmosphere.

Is the tour accessible for everyone?
Due to walking on grass and gravel roads, and the presence of roaming cows, it’s best suited for those with good mobility and outdoor stamina.

How many participants are on this tour?
The group is limited to 8 people, ensuring personal attention and a more relaxed experience.

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