About Logar Valley
Logar Valley (Logarska Dolina) is a stunning 7 km long glacial valley in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps of northern Slovenia. Designated as a landscape park since 1987, the valley is one of the most beautifully preserved alpine valleys in Europe, with meadows dotted with traditional Slovenian hayracks (kozolci) and farmsteads set against a backdrop of dramatic limestone peaks rising to 2,500 metres. The valley was carved by the Savinja River, which originates at the valley's head from the Rinka Waterfall, a stunning 105-metre cascade plunging from a hanging valley. The valley floor sits at 750-800 metres elevation, surrounded by peaks including Mount Ojstrica (2,350 m) and Planjava (2,392 m). The valley has been farmed continuously for centuries — the traditional way of life continues with several working farms offering accommodation and local produce. The 17th-century homestead at Na Peči is now an open-air museum. The valley is a paradise for hikers with trails for all levels, from gentle meadow walks to challenging high-alpine ascents. The Rinka Waterfall trail (30 min from the car park) is the easiest and most popular walk. More challenging hikes lead to the Kamnik Saddle (Kamniško sedlo, 1,903 m, 3-4 hours) and Mount Ojstrica (4-5 hours). The valley is car-free for non-residents from April-October (access by shuttle bus from the main entrance) which keeps the air clean and the atmosphere peaceful. In winter, the valley offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and is a starting point for ski touring. The Logar Valley information centre at the valley entrance has good displays on the valley's geology, flora, and fauna (free entry). The area is home to chamois, golden eagles, and the rare Apollo butterfly.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
June-September for hiking — July and August have the best trail conditions and all mountain huts open. May and October can be rainy with snow still on high trails. September brings beautiful autumn colours and fewer hikers. Winter (December-March) transforms the valley into a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing paradise — check snow conditions at the info centre. The shuttle bus operates April-October only; winter visitors drive in (snow chains may be required).
🍽 Food & Drink
Logar Valley's dining is centred on farm-to-table mountain cuisine at the valley's tourist farms (turistične kmetije). Must-try dishes include ajdovi žganci (buckwheat spoonbread, €7-9), kislo zelje s klobaso (sauerkraut with sausage, €8-11), gobova juha (wild mushroom soup, €5-7), and domači sir (homemade cheese, €4-6 per 100g). The mountain huts (koče) serve štruklji (€8-10), goulash (€8-12), and strudel (€4-5) with spectacular views. Local schnapps made from plums, pears, and apples (€1-2 per shot) is a must after a hike.
🚗 Getting There & Around
By car: 50 km from Ljubljana (50 min) via the A1 to Kamnik exit, then through the Tuhinj Valley to Šmartno ob Paki, then turnoff to Logar Valley. From Kamnik, follow signs to Solčava and Logar Valley. The last 8 km from Solčava to the valley is a narrow but well-maintained road. Parking at the valley entrance: €5/day. By bus: There's no direct public transport to the valley. The nearest bus stop is in Solčava (8 km from the entrance) — served by buses from Kamnik (€5-7, 45 min), then taxi or hitch to the valley. By bike: The 8 km road from Solčava to the valley is a beautiful ride.
🏨 Best Hotels Near Logar Valley
The valley has six farmstay guesthouses (turistične kmetije) offering authentic Alpine accommodation. Planinka Tourist Farm (€60-80/night with half-board) is the most popular — book 2-3 months ahead. Sušnik Tourist Farm (€55-75/night) at the far end of the valley offers the most secluded setting. For those on a budget, the Koča na Klemni mountain hut (€25-35 per person, shared dorm) offers basic accommodation at the valley head. The valley fills up fast — book at least 4 weeks ahead for July and August. For a closer day trip, Kamnik town has Hotel Paka (€60-80/night) and cheaper options.
🍽 Where to Eat Near Logar Valley
The tourist farms in the valley serve meals to non-guests — Planinka (mains €10-16, local produce, booking recommended for dinner) and Sušnik (mains €9-15, rustic atmosphere). The mountain huts offer simpler fare — Koča na Klemni (goulash €9, strudel €4) and Dom na Ojstrici (štruklji €8, tea and cakes). For coffee and cake, the Logar Valley information centre café (€2-4, open Apr-Oct) is a good stop after hiking. The nearest full-service restaurant outside the valley is Gostilna Pri Treh Lipah in Solčava (€8-14 mains, good traditional food). For picnic supplies, the Solčava store (limited hours) has basics — stock up in Kamnik before driving in.
🎯 Things to Do at Logar Valley
Hike to Rinka Waterfall (free, 30 min one way from the valley head car park, gentle incline, the valley's most accessible attraction). Hike to Kamnik Saddle (Kamniško sedlo, intermediate to hard, 3-4 hours one way, 1,150m elevation gain, starts from the valley head — the most popular full-day hike). Hike Mt Ojstrica (hard, 4-5 hours, technical sections, require good fitness and boots). Walk the Solčava Panoramic Route (free, a 24 km circular driving/cycling route through five villages with 20+ viewpoints). Visit the Na Peči Homestead Museum (€5, 17th-century open-air museum, daily 10am-5pm May-October). Visit the Logar Valley Information Centre (free, excellent geology and wildlife displays, open Apr-Oct). Go cross-country skiing on the 7 km valley trail (€10 trail pass, Dec-Mar, equipment rental at the info centre). Snowshoe (€5 trail pass, snowshoe rental €12/day at the info centre). Photograph the hayracks (kozolci) that dot the valley — Slovenia's most iconic rural symbol. Try local produce at the farm stalls (fresh cheese, honey, dried mushrooms). Visit the Church of St Mary at the valley entrance (free, 18th-century, simple but beautiful setting). Cycle the valley road (bike rental at the info centre, €12-15/day, 7 km car-free road Apr-Oct).
💡 Insider Tips: Arrive by 8am to beat the tour buses and have the Rinka Waterfall trail to yourself. The Kamnik Saddle hike is the best value in terms of effort-to-reward ratio — take 2+ litres of water and sturdy boots. The Solčava Panoramic Route is best done by car (not on foot) — it's a 24 km loop with 20 viewpoints but no continuous footpath. Book farmstay accommodation at least 2 months ahead for summer. The Logar Valley is quieter than Bled or Bohinj — a genuine 'off the beaten path' Slovenian experience. The Sunday farmers market in Kamnik (8am-12pm) has excellent local produce to stock up before heading to the valley.