The Kamnik-Savinja Alps (aka Kamniško-Savinjske Alpe, Steiner Alpen) is a stunning mountain range in Slovenia, close to the Austrian border.
They make up the south-easternmost part of the Alps and the southernmost part of the limestone alps. These mountains are also known as the Steiner Alpen, or Steiner-Sanntaler Alps.
Located only 1:30 hours north of Ljubljana, this alpine paradise is accessible by car, or by public transit.
In July, we hiked hut-to-hut across the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, starting in Kamniška Bistrica and ending in Zgornje Jezersko. Much of our route followed the Slovenian Mountain Trail (marked with the number “1”), a 599 km long trail that takes 28 days to complete.
We were blown away by the rugged beauty of these limestone mountains. We were also astonished by the solitude. Compared to the Julian Alps, the Kamnik-Savinja mountains are far less trafficked.
4-Day Kamnik-Savinja Alps Trek
Stage 1 | Kamniška Bistrica – Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu (5.4 km, 3:30 – 4 hours)
Stage 2 | Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu – Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu (7.7 km, 6:30 – 8 hours)
Stage 3 | Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu – Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh (6 km, 7 – 9 hours)
Stage 4 | Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh – Zgornje Jezersko (4.6 km, 2 hours)
We wrote this Kamnik-Savinja Alps Traverse trekking guide based on our personal experience. Keep in mind that things can change over time: trail difficulty, accessibility, and routing (due to rock falls, landslides, and avalanches) and hut management (reservation system, hospitality, payment, food quality, etc…). Please do your due diligence before tackling this route. Check this map for trail closures.
- When to Hike: July, August, or September
- Where to Stay: Mountain Huts only. Wild camping is strictly prohibited in Slovenia.
- How to Book the Kamnik-Savinja Alps Traverse: Independently. Instructions below. If you want to book a self-guided trek, check out these alternative trails: Crossing the Julian Alps, Mountains and Lakes Hut-to-Hut, Triglav National Park Adventure, Best of Alpe-Adria and Juliana Trail, or Mountains to Sea.
- Overnight Hut Discounts: Discounts are administered to guests with Alpine Club ID cards on which the logo of the reciprocal rights agreement is printed. Learn more about alpine club membership in Tips for Hiking in the Alps.
- What to Pack: Cash, passport, climbing helmet, sleeping bag liner (e.g. Sea to Summit liner). Read our Hut to Hut Hiking Packing List.
- Trail Map: Grintovci 1:25 000
- Guidebook: Trekking in Slovenia
- Tips for Hut Hiking in Slovenia: Read Hut-to-Hut Hiking in Slovenia and Slovenia Mountain Huts.
- Where to Stay Before the Trek: Dom v Kamniški Bistrici in Kamniška Bistrica
- Where to Stay After the Trek: Tourist farm Šenkova domačija in Zgornje Jezersko
Kamnik-Savinja Alps Traverse Hiking Map
TREK STAGES
Where to Stay
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Kamnik-Savinja Alps Traverse Difficulty
This 4-day Kamnik-Savinja Alps Traverse is an extremely challenging trek. To date, this is the most difficult trail we’ve ever hiked (specifically stages 2 and 3).
This trek requires stamina, surefootedness, high-alpine hiking experience, a head for heights, comfort with exposure and limestone terrain (karst and scree). Much of the route follows secured paths.
Via Ferrata Gear | The Slovenian Alpine Association does not label the trail connecting Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu and Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh as a “via ferrata” route. However, expect plenty of secured climbing along the way. We did not use a via ferrata kit, but we did wear a climbing helmet. Some hikers may feel more comfortable with the full kit.
Alternative Trek | If you’re interested in trekking in Slovenia along an equally impressive trail, but less demanding, take a look at this Triglav National Park Traverse. You can book this self-guided trek Crossing the Julian Alps with Slotrips.
Stage 1 | Moderate
Stage 2 | Challenging
Stage 3 | Challenging
Stage 4 | Easy-Moderate
How to Book the Kamnik-Savinja Alps Trek
All mountain huts along the Kamnik-Savinja Alps Traverse must be booked individually and independently.
It’s important to make reservations for overnight stays in huts several months in advance. You may be able to book more short-term, if you have a flexible start date.
There is no uniform way to make reservations for overnight stays in huts. Some huts use the Alpsonline booking platform, others manage requests via their own request forms, and others are only bookable by email, or by phone.
For more information about overnight pricing, typical hut food, and amenities, read our guide to Slovenian mountain huts. Read hut to hut hiking in Slovenia to learn about when to trek in Slovenia, how to plan a hut to hut hike, trail signage and waymarking, and more.
Arrival Day | Dom v Kamniški Bistrici – Book via Booking.com. Alternatively, stay in Guest House Kraljev Hrib (budget), Skalca Tinyhouse (midrange), or U Konc Glamping (midrange)
Stage 1 | Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu – Send reservation request using this form or via Alpsonline.
Stage 2 | Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu – Send reservation request using this form or via Alpsonline.
Stage 3 | Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh – Send reservation request by email, or phone.
Stage 4 | After the trek, we recommend staying in Zgornje Jezersko: Cvet Gora (budget), Tourist farm Šenkova domačija (midrange), or Boutique Hotel Vila Planinka (luxury).
Arrival Day in Kamnik
If you’re arriving in Ljubljana, you can catch a direct train (or bus) to Kamnik (1 hour), where you have to change to another bus to Kamniška Bistrica (20 min.).
Another option is to spend the night in Kamnik, before making your way to the trailhead the next day.
Where to Stay in Kamnik
Budget | Guest House Pri Cesarju
Midrange | ABC apartments
Look for accommodation in Kamnik.
Where to Stay in Kamniška Bistrica
Budget | We stayed at Dom v Kamniški Bistrici, a hut located directly at the trailhead. The food was great and the hosts were friendly and helpful.
Budget | Guest House Kraljev Hrib
Midrange | Skalca Tinyhouse
Midrange | U Konc Glamping
Look for accommodation in Kamniška Bistrica.
Kamnik-Savinja Alps Traverse Stage 1: Dom v Kamniški Bistrici – Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu
Stage 1 Trail Stats
Distance | 5.4 km
Time Needed | 3 hours
Elevation Gain | 1270 meters
Elevation Loss | 0 meters
Difficulty | Moderate
Minimum Elevation | 599 meters
Maximum Elevation | 1869 meters
Route | Dom v Kamniški Bistrici (600 m) – Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu (1864 m)
Lunch Option | Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu
Kamniška Bistrica to the Kamnik Saddle (3 hours)
Though continuously uphill, today’s stage is very manageable and doesn’t present any technical difficulty.
The trail begins at Dom v Kamniški Bistrici. Follow the paved road from the hut to a small parking lot. At the parking area, there will be red signs indicating the direction to Kamniškem sedlu (our trail) and Kokrskem sedlu.
The trail begins steeply and ascends through the forest via a narrow path. Simply follow the Knafelc trail markers, which are white dots surrounded by red circles.
After 2 hours of ascending through the forest, you’ll reach a resting area with an A-frame shelter called Pastirji.
Soon after the shelter, you’ll clear the bush and walk into a glorious meadow covered in wildflowers. From here, you’ll see the beautiful limestone mountains Brana and Planjava.
After the meadow, the trail continues to ascend to the mountain saddle.
The destination of stage 1 is a mountain hut situated on a green meadow at the saddle between Mount Brana and Mount Planjava.
Optional Hike to Mount Brana (2253 m)
Stage 1 is relatively short. There is sufficient time to tackle the summit hike to Mount Brana (moderately difficult), or the Mount Planjava peak hike (difficult).
After lunch, we hiked to Mount Brana. The ascent is secured with ropes. Expect to scramble.
Starting Point | Kamnik Saddle Hut
Distance | 2.9 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 1:50 hours
Elecation Gain/Loss | 397 meters
Stay in Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu (1864 m)
The best part about this hut is its location. The outdoor seating area is perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the sublime alpine environment.
Reservation | Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu – Send reservation request using this form or via Alpsonline.
Payment | Cash only
Showers | Yes
Drinking Water | You can buy water.
Electronic Charging Stations | Yes
Food | Okay
Rooms | Private and dormitory rooms
Kamnik-Savinja Alps Traverse Stage 2: Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu – Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu
Stage 2 Trail Stats
Distance | 7.5 km
Time Needed | 6:30 – 8 hours
Elevation Gain | 704 meters
Elevation Loss | 781 meters
Difficulty | Extremely Challenging
Minimum Elevation | 1792 meters
Maximum Elevation | 2251 meters
Route | Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu (1864 m) – Turska Gora (2251 m) – Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu (1793 m)
Lunch Option | None
Kamnik Saddle – Turska Gora – Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu (6:30+ hours)
The hike from the Kamnik Saddle to Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu is challenging and technically difficult. Much of the trail is secured with fixed cables.
Officially, this stage takes 6:30 hours. It took us 8 hours (with breaks).
From the Kamnik Saddle hut, follow the trail towards Mount Brana. At the signed intersection, continue straight in the direction of Turska Gora (mountain).
Initially, the trail to Turska Gora plummets abruptly. Your descent is aided by fixed ropes, footholds, and other climbing aids. You’ll need both of your hands for much of this trail.
The first few hours of the trail require concentration as you manage the secured passage to the summit of Turska Gora (2251 m).
From the summit of Turska Gora, the trail descends gently.
To reach the mountain hut Cojzova koča, you can decide between the trail via Sleme (presumably the easier way) or via Skuta (2533 m). We opted for the former.
The trail traverses a high plateau characterized by karst pavement, scree, and boulders.
At Mali Podi, it may be possible to hike to the modern shelter Bivak pod Skuto na Malih podih (2045 m).
There’s another secured passage about halfway between Turska Gora and the modern shelter, Bivak Pavla Kemperla pod Grintovcem (2104 m).
From the black box-shaped shelter Bivak Pavla Kemperla, it’s another hour to Cojzova koča.
Stay in Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu (1793 m)
Cojzova koča stands on the Kokrskem sedlu mountain saddle. It’s a splendid sight when you finally get a glimpse of the mountain hut straddling the saddle.
Reservation | Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu – Send reservation request using this form or via Alpsonline.
Payment | Cash only
Showers | There is running water, sourced by rain. However, there’s no shower.
Drinking Water | You can buy water.
Electronic Charging Stations | Yes
Food | The food was definitely an upgrade from the night before. We ate the Goveji Loned, a stew with vegetables and ground beef, as well as their goulash. We also tried the traditional Slovenian dish Jota, which is a bean and sauerkraut soup.
Rooms | The hut has private rooms as well as shared dormitory rooms. The walls are paper-thin, so make sure to bring earplugs.
Kamnik-Savinja Alps Traverse Stage 3: Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu – Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh
Stage 3 Trail Stats
Distance | 6 km
Time Needed | 7 – 9 hours
Elevation Gain | 915 meters
Elevation Loss | 1167 meters
Difficulty | Extremely Challenging
Minimum Elevation | 1539 meters
Maximum Elevation | 2558 meters
Route | Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu (1793 m) – Grintovec (2558 m) – Dolška škrbina (2270) – Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh (1542 m)
Lunch Option | None
Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu – Grintovec – Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh (7+ hours)
The hike today officially takes 7 hours. It took us 9 hours with breaks.
The hike begins surprisingly gently as you make your way to Mount Grintovec. It takes 2 hours to reach the summit.
Unlike the ascent, the descent is significantly trickier. The initial descent is a challenge. You have to climb down an exposed, secured path. Learn more about hiking to Grintovec.
After the secured section, the trail divides. You can veer left towards Dolška škrbina (the “easier” route), or right towards Mlinarsko sedlo (the more difficult route).
We opted for the left trail. Dolška škrbina is the saddle between Grintovec and Kočna, or better described as the lowest point of the ridge.
The path down Grintovec is mostly characterized by loose rocks and scree. Though we were hyper-focused on our footing, we were able to admire the devastatingly beautiful peaks around us.
After hiking Spremova pot (trail) and traversing a steep snowfield (hiking poles are essential), we followed the trail markings in the direction of Kočna. The trail leads you vertically up a ridge, which you’ll follow for some time.
Next, the trail turns into another assisted climbing route, called the Kremžar route, Kremzarjeva pot. This secured path was unforgettable.
The mountains envelop you and you’ll have magical views of the Ravenska Kočna valley. For more info, read Summitpost’s Kremžar route.
The trail continues and ultimately intersects with the trail from Mlinarsko sedlo at 1800 m.
You’ll continue along difficult terrain towards your ultimate destination Češka koča, the Czech Hut. This last stretch traverses scree slopes.
Stay in Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh (2 hours)
Dating back to 1900, this mountain hut has barely changed in a century. There’s ample outdoor seating as well as a cozy interior dining room. This was our favorite hut in the Kamnik Savinja Alps.
Reservation | Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh – Send reservation request by email, or phone.
Payment | Cash only
Showers | There’s running water, but no showers.
Drinking Water | You can purchase water.
Electronic Charging Stations | Yes
Food | Delicious
Rooms | The hut offers shared sleeping quarters. You can either sleep in a shared room, or the dormitory room (lager) in the attic.
Kamnik-Savinja Alps Traverse Stage 4: Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh – Zgornje Jezersko
Stage 4 Trail Stats
Distance | 4.6 km
Time Needed | 2 hours
Elevation Gain | 39 meters
Elevation Loss | 680 meters
Difficulty | Moderate
Minimum Elevation | 881 meters
Maximum Elevation | 1542 meters
Route | Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh – Zgornje Jezersko
Lunch Option | We recommend eating lunch at the lakeside Gostišče ob Planšarskem Jezeru at Planšarsko jezero.
Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh to Zgornje Jezersko (2 hours)
Follow the Slovenian Mountain Trail 1 in the direction of Jezersko.
After 20 – 25 minutes, the trail splits. You can take the left trail through the forest, or the right trail through the Ravenska kočna valley to Jezersko.
We opted for the left trail because it had rained all night and we were informed that it would be less slippery.
The forest trail (#1) was a welcome relief for our tired feet.
The trail intersects the road and it’s a short walk into the village. The views of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps from Jezersko are sensational.
Stay in Zgornje Jezersko
Budget | Cvet Gora is a guesthouse with A-frame glamping huts. Showers are communal, but very clean. The guesthouse is located on the main road, so it’s easy to find.
Midrange | Tourist farm Šenkova domačija is a historic farm in Jezersko with comfortable rooms, a wonderful half board offering, and many free roaming farm animals.
Luxury | Boutique Hotel Vila Planinka is a dreamy and stylish hotel offering comfort, delicious food, and scenic views. Guests have access to a wellness center, outdoor terrace, and an on-site restaurant.
Look for accommodation in Zgornje Jezersko.
Plan Your Trip to Slovenia
Travel Destinations:
- Where to Stay in Slovenia in Summer
- Triglav National Park Travel Guide
- Lake Bohinj
- Lake Bled
- Kranjska Gora
- Pokljuka Plateau
- Logar Valley
- Kobarid
Itineraries:
Slovenia Hikes:
Europe:
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