Velika planina is high mountain mountain pasture and one of the biggest tourist attractions, due to its natural and cultural heritage. It covers more than 500 typical shepherd’s huts, many pastures, forest, dwarf pine and Karst sinkholes. In the period from June to September shepherds are grazing the cows here, and produce sour milk and trniče cheeses. Velika planina comprises of Velika, Mala and Gojška mountain pasture and Dovja and Velika griča, as well as mountain pasture Kisovec, Konjščica and Dol, Stolniški stan and Marjanine njive.

We can come to the mountain pasture by walking from several different directions or with chairlift from valley of Kamniška Bistrica. In summer time, pasture is ideal for walks, mountain tours or day trip. In addition to the walkers, cyclists also come to the pasture, who are attracted by forest roads. In winter time, it is suitable for skiing, boarding and sledding. There are many shepherd’s huts to see or Mary of the Snow church.

The highest peak of the mountain pasture, with 1666 meters of altitude, is Gradišče (also Njivice). On the top stands viewpoint, bench and registration box with a stamp. It offers a beautiful view to the surrounding places and mountains – Kamnik-Savinja Alps and Velika planina in all its size. On mountain pasture there are also two natural attractions, Velika and Mala Vetrnica. Two caves in which the ceiling had fallen down and formed the collapse. Mountain pasture is surrounded by rare spruce forest, dwarf pine and sowed with Karst sinkholes. Soft green grass, between sinkholes and kotlici, gave ideal conditions for grazing cattle.

STORY OF TRNIČ

Trnič is dried pear shaped cheese. According to the tradition, in autumn, at the end of grazing, the shepherds gave trnič to their chosen women, wifes and girls. They were gifted as evidence of love and loyalty or as a promise of marriage. The number of trnič was always even, a pair was decorated with the same ornaments. Shepherds kept one trnič for them self, they gifted the other one to their chosen woman, some kept their cheese for many years. If the chosen woman accepted trnič (cheese), she agreed to the shepherd’s court.

HISTORY

The human has been present in the area of Velika planina since prehistoric times, as a evidence serve archaeological finds. Shepherds came to Velika planina in Middle Ages, which was witnessed bay a founding of shepherd’s hut from 16th century, which is similar in size and shape to todays Preskar house. It has typical oval roof, to the ground covered with bricks (shingles). It is without windows, doors and chimney and with stone tops. Depending on the exterior, it differs greatly from todays, modern, cottages. Hut, as is today, was built at the end of Second World War. As it was, together with other shepherd’s huts, burdned down by German occupiers and militiamen in winter 1944/1945, including the chapel of Mary of the Snow, which was built in year 1938 by the plans of Jože Plečnik. The chapel was once again built in year 1988 after the proposition of arhictect Kopač, at the same time he was a big fan of Velika planina.

In winter time in year 1931-1932, a new form of winter tourism started, called crofting. It is a hire of a shepherd’s hut, when the cattle did not graze at mountain pasture. First tenant and the beginner was Rajko Gregorc.

VELIKA PLANINA IN PICTURES

See other mountain pastures around Slovenia!

The Mary of the Snow chapel
Chapel is located above shepherd’s settlement on Velika planina, originally it stood here before WWII, namely in year 1938, but was at the end of the war burned down by Germany soldiers and militiamen. Long year they strive to rebuilt the chapel, after long years, they finally got the permission. [_Read more_]

Cave Veternica
The most famous sight of Velika planina is cave Veternica, which consists of Small (si. Mala) and Big (si. Velika) Veternica, and are connected by natural bridge. The caves were formed at the time of convection, while their ceiling collapsed and thus forming two collisions. [_Read more_]

Cave Dovja griča
Cave Dovja Griča is 9 meters deep and is located in Silent valley (si. Tiha dolina). It is known mainly for the stories that took place near the cave. It represented the refuge to good and less good characters, mostly created by shepherds. The most famous stories are about wild and Dovja men. [_Read more_]

Orchid
Orchid is a plant, which belongs in a family of Orchidaeae. In Slovenia, three species grow: Kamnik orchid (lat. Nigritella lithopolitanica), Red orchid (lat. Nigritella rubra) and Black orchid (lat. Nigritella rhellicani). They thrive on stone areas and Alpine grasslands above forest line. [_Read more_]

Day trip to Velika planina
Travel-Slovenia went on a day trip to Velika planina, it was realy nice and relaxating day. We recommend to take this trip to everyone, who like to enjoy in nature, sun and beautiful views from the top. On the top you will see the landmarko of mountain pasture, numerous cows and shepherd’s cottages. [_Read more_]