The Hidden Wonders of Pokljuka Plateau, Slovenia

Pokljuka is an alpine plateau in Triglav National Park, high above Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled in Slovenia.

Blissfully rural and tucked away from Slovenia’s tourist attractions, Pokljuka is a perfect destination to relax and slow down.

Traditional farming villages and mountain pastures dot the plateau in storybook fashion. Unlike so many other dreamy places in Europe, Pokljuka’s beauty isn’t cheaply mass-marketed.

It seems to be wholly unaware of its assets – making it of course much more attractive to visit.

Given the remoteness of this region, you’ll definitely need a car to explore the forested karst plateau of Pokljuka.

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Pokljuka Map

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1. Hike, or Bike to Planina Zajamniki Mountain Pasture

Planina Zajamniki is a picturesque alpine pasture on Pokljuka. Over two dozen shingle-covered wooden cottages stretch out linearly across the open pasture.

Traditionally, these wooden huts were the summer residences of dairy farmers and herdsmen tending to their cattle. In summer, it’s possible to purchase dairy products from the cottages.

With the Julian Alps as a backdrop, it’s hard to compete with this place. It’s perfect! 

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How to Get to Planina Zajamniki

You can mountain bike, hike, cross-country ski to Planina Zajamniki (1313 m).

Planina Zajamniki | Exact Location: Google Maps

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Hike to Planina Zajamniki

If you want to hike to Planina Zajamniki, head to Rudno Polje. It takes 2 hours to reach Planina Zajamniki on foot.

After parking at Rudno Polje, walk to Planina Uskovnica (approx. 1 hour) and then continue in the direction of Planina Praprotnica to Planina Zajamniki (another hour).

If you look at a tourist map, it looks like there’s a shorter trail leading from Podjelje to Planina Zajamniki.

We actually parked at the end of the road in Podjelje, where the trail to Javornica and Zajamniki starts. However, it felt like we were parking on private property.

So, after meeting the farm property’s friendly guard dog, we decided to leave.

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Bike to Planina Zajamniki

If you’re interested in mountain biking, here’s a biking route to Planina Zajamniki from Stara Fužina village near Lake Bohinj. You can also bike from Rudno Polje on Pokljuka Plateau.

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Drive to Planina Zajamniki

You can drive directly to the alpine pasture via Goreljek.

An unpaved road leads from Goreljek to Zajamniki, passing through Planina Jelje, Planina Konjska Dolina and Planina na Peceh. It’s a 15-20 minute drive (6.9 km) from the main road in Goreljek.

Note: There’s no designated parking area near Zajamniki. Simply find a place to park on the gravel road, and then walk down to the alpine pasture. 

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2. Walk to the Vodnikov Lookout from Koprivnik v Bohinju

From the church in Koprivnik, you can take a 20-minute walk along path 11a to the scenic viewpoint of Vodnikov razglednik (Vodnikov Lookout). You’ll see a wooden signpost indicating the direction of Vodnikov razglednik near the church.

As you walk through the hamlet, you’ll pass traditional hayrack barns (Kozolec) scattered across the surrounding fields. These permanent wooden structures are used to dry hay and straw.

The Vodnikov lookout delivers an epic view of Lake Bohinj, the Upper Bohinj Valley, and the Julian Alps. You’ll see the peaks of Vogel, Meja, Vrh nad škrbino, Tolminski Kuk among many others.

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3. Visit Podjelje

Podjelje is a high-elevation settlement on Pokljuka. As you drive through Podjelje, you’ll see idyllic farmhouses positioned on sloping pastures.

Time stands still.

The views of the Julian Alps are absolutely stunning from here. There’s a trail that connects Podjelje to Javornica and Planina Zajamniki.

However, there’s no good place to park. When you arrive at the road end (where the trail begins), you’re basically on someone’s private property (at least it feels that way).

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4. Hike to Viševnik (2050 m)

Viševnik is a 2050-meter-high peak in the Julian Alps.

From the Rudno Polje trailhead on Pokljuka Plateau, it’s a 1:30 -2 hour hike to the summit, following a well-marked trail.

Along the way, views extend across the forests of Pokljuka to Bohinj Valley and the Southern Julian Alps. The summit affords one of the best views of Mount Triglav.

Tip | You can also hike from Rudno Polje to Mount Triglav.

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Trail Stats

Trailhead | Rudno Polje, Pokljuka, Julian Alps (1347 m) | Google Maps

Distance | 6.5 km out-and-back

Time Needed | 3 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 678 meters

Difficulty | Easy marked trail

Minimum Elevation | 1346 meters

Maximum Elevation | 2050 meters

Learn More: Viševnik Hiking Guide

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5. Hike to Debela Peč (2015 m)

Debela Peč (2014 meters) is a mountain peak along the Lipanca Ridge, between Krma Valley and Pokljuka. The summit affords sweeping views of the Julian Alps and the Karawanks.

We’ve hiked to Debela Peč from both the Rudno Polje trailhead and the Medvedova konta car park. The better starting point is Medvedova konta car park, only accessible by car.

The trail initially follows the forest road up to Planina Lipanca mountain pasture, home to the managed Blejska koča na Lipanci.

From the Bled Hut, it’s a one hour ascent to Brda followed by a 30 minute hike to the summit of Debela Peč.

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Trail Stats

Trailhead | Medvedova konta Car Park | Google Maps 

Distance | 8.7 km out-and-back

Time Needed | 4 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 624 meters

Difficulty | Moderate

Minimum Elevation | 1432 meters

Maximum Elevation | 2014 meters

Learn More: Debela Peč Trail Guide

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Where to Stay

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Pokljuka

Midrange | Hotel Center Pokljuka is located directly at the Rudno Polje trailhead. This is the perfect starting point for the climb to Mount Triglav as well as Visevnik and other destinations in the Julian Alps. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, Finnish sauna (extra fee), and free on-site parking. Guests are usually allowed to leave their cars parked at the hotel, when doing a 2-day hut hike. 

Midrange | Hotel Pokljuka is located in Goreljek on Pokljuka Plateau, surrounded by spruce forest. The 39 rooms of Hotel Pokljuka are modern, clean, and comfortable. Breakfast is included in the room rate. The hotel’s à la carte restaurant is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

Midrange | Zalin planinski raj is a 2-bedroom cabin in Goreljek on Pokljuka Plateau. 2 nights minimum stay.

Look for accommodation in Pokljuka. 

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Lake Bled

The accommodation options on Pokljuka are limited. You can also stay in Bled and visit Pokljuka for the day.

Budget | Guesthouse Marko is a top-rated guesthouse in Bled, walking distance to the lakeshore. 

Midrange | Old Parish House is a cozy and clean bed and breakfast, 100 meters away from Lake Bled. 

Top Choice – Midrange | Hotel Starkl – Heritage & Unique is a darling lakefront hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar. Breakfast is included. This family-run property stands out with its friendly service, exceptional cuisine, and location. 

Luxury | Vila Bled is a historic lakefront hotel with 33 rooms. Set in a quiet area of Lake Bled, guests can enjoy the historical flair of President Tito’s former summer residence. Breakfast is included. 

Luxury | Bled Rose Hotel is a modern, 4-star hotel in the center of Bled. The hotel features an on-site bar, an indoor swimming pool and spa, a fitness room, and private beach area. Breakfast is included in the room rate. 

More Bled accommodations: Old Bled House (midrange guesthouse), Vila Alpina (midrange guesthouse), and Hotel Lovec (luxury hotel).

Look for accommodation in Bled.

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