10 inspirations to visit Kranj
Either you love culture, nature or simply hanging with locals and walking around the city, Kranj is the place to go. Not sure? Check out our tips below.
1. A city break in the heart of nature
The unspoilt nature around Kranj invites to go hiking and cycling in the summer and skiing in the winter. The views of the mountain peaks give Kranj its recognizable image. The hills of Šmarjetna Gora and St. Jošt are both reachable on foot or by a mountain bike from the city centre.
2. The charming town and its inhabants
Kranj has one of the most charming old town centres in Slovenia. The easiest way to feel the local vibe is by visiting the cafes and events. Hospitality in the countryside always inspires with its warmth and cosiness. People from Kranj are famous for being honest and direct – always ready for a chat.
3. A leisurely stroll around the shops
The boutique shops are filled with local products and the vendors quickly serve with an anecdote or an interesting advice. The ground floors of Kranj’s old houses maintain artisan activities, where modern jewellery and unique clothes are made.
4. A canyon in the city centre
The people of Kranj live in harmony with nature and the power of the two rivers. The Kokra River canyon just below the city is a unique phenomenon. A walk by the river is a refreshing experience. On the other side, the old town is embraced by the Sava River, a true paradise for fishing and fly-fishing.
5. The pleasures of delicious cuisine
Kranj cuisine can not be missed anywhere in Slovenia. Who doesn’t know the famous Kranj sausage? Did you know that we also have Kranj beer? Together they are ideal culinary couple. We recommend those with a sweet tooth to try the Carniolan štruklje, an exceptional dessert prepared according to the recipe of Magdalena Pleiweis from the 19th century. On hiking trips, it’s best to stop at one of the tourist farms, and the city invites you to a street festival of freshly prepared delicacies, which we call Kranska kuhna.
6. Fresh creative energy
The city of Kranj is permeated by the urban artistic rhythm. Exhibitions open one after another; here is a new photo exhibition, there a wall painting, while an exhibition of local painters invites visitors on the other side. The evening programme is full of various music and other cultural events in the open air or indoor and in clubs.
7. Great men of Kranj
The history of Kranj has been marked by several important Slovenes. In addition to the Slovenian poet France Prešeren, many other Kranj inhabitants have been renowned, such as the enlightened patron of the arts Žiga Zois, painter Leopold Layer, poet Simon Jenko, publicist Janez Bleiweiss and the inventor of glass photography Janez Puhar.
8. Architecture and design masterpieces
The towers of the main Gothic church of St. Kancijan and ancient defence towers shape the city. An important mark has also been left by renowned architects, such as Jože Plečnik and his student Edvard Ravnikar. Kranj is also the birthplace of industrial designer Davorin Savnik, famous for his cult telephone ‘Fittipaldi’ that almost every Slovenian family had and today is an exhibit at New York´s MoMA.
9. Magical scenery for events
Each year on 8. February, the traditional Prešeren Fair transforms the old town of Kranj into the image of the 19th century, attracting more than 20,000 visitors. The locals have the most fun at the peak of the summer at the music festival Kranfest, while in November the Galleries under the old town Kranj are turned into the ‘Wine Road’ gastronomic labyrinth. The highlight of the summer is the music festival Kranfest, in November it is the time of Martinovanje and Rovi pod stari Kranje is transformed into a gastronomic labyrinth with the Wine Route.
10. Brdo Estate
Brdo Estate is a moment of national significance and a real tourist dessert. This pearl is only 10 minutes away by car from the centre of Kranj and it hides Slovenia in miniature, together with white Lipizzaners and decorated beehives called “panjske končnice”. On a relaxing walk through the park you can visit the Brdo Castle, previous castle manor house, old orangery and hayracks covered with straw called “toplars”.
