The nature surrounding Kranj offers residents and visitors numerous opportunities to cool off on hot summer days.
You can even find some cool spots in the city centre itself.
Kokra River Canyon
The 30-meter-deep canyon (google maps) carved by the Kokra River near the city centre is great for a retreat into nature, to a pleasantly cool river just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You can cool off in the canyon in several ways – you can walk along the river, sit on benches, soak your feet in the river or swim in it. Further upstream, you can find quite a few places where the water is deep enough for swimming, the most popular being the one at Kosorep (google maps), where you can jump from high boulders into deep pools.
Tunnels under the old town of Kranj
Although the tunnels have been dug by human hands, they now have a climate like a cave, which is a great refuge from the heat in summer.
During a heat wave, you can escape to the pleasant 10–12 degrees and enjoy one of the many experiences offered by this special landmark:
→ Self-guided tour,
→ Guided tour,
→ SOS Proteus Information Centre,
→ Digital walk.
Refreshing clouds at the Main Square
At the initiative of the Kranj Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, participants in several workshops, together with the author of the installation, Tilen Sepič, the Carnica Institute, the Tourism and Culture Board Kranj and the City of Kranj, renovated the existing cloud, which was cooling this square last year, and created two new ones.
As part of the Interreg project Be Ready, this pilot measure called “Rain Zone 2.0” has been developed in Kranj as an example of smart urban acupuncture in a culturally protected area.
Its creators hope that this interesting installation will successfully contribute to alleviating heat stress in the historic city centre (google maps).
Šum Waterfall
During the summer heat, the descent to the Šum Waterfall in Zgornja Besnica (google maps) is particularly pleasant, as the temperature by the water and in the shade of the trees is much lower than in the city.
It is one of the largest waterfalls of a stream in Slovenia. The walk downhill to the waterfall takes about 15 minutes and is not really suitable for preschool children.
Sava River
Along the Sava River you will find numerous beaches that are ideal for hanging out by and in the river. You can access the river from the island in the city (google maps) or at Struževo, by the lake of Trboje (google maps) or at many pebble beaches that can be found along this river.
Čukova jama
Čukova jama (google maps) is one of the three lakes in Bobovek (google maps), which are protected as a natural monument. It is especially popular among those visitors who appreciate unspoiled nature and uninhabited areas.
Wherever you cool off during the summer heat, don’t forget:
→ Use rubbish bins and keep our city and nature clean.
→ Nature speaks quietly – let’s listen to it.
→ Let’s speak calmly and reduce noise to maintain peace in urban and natural areas.
→ Respect nature and its inhabitants, do not disturb them or destroy their homes.
