From Ljubljana: Velika Planina Tour with Meal & Photos

Introduction

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle of Ljubljana, the Velika Planina Tour with Meal & Photos offers a charming taste of Slovenia’s alpine life. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of an experience that feels both authentic and visually captivating.

What we love about this tour is the combination of scenic gondola rides, traditional Slovenian food, and the chance to wander among wooden shepherd’s huts with cows roaming freely. It’s a perfect mix of nature, culture, and memorable photo opportunities. However, a consideration might be the walking involved, which requires comfortable shoes and some stamina, especially on uneven paths.

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy outdoor scenery, want a glimpse into rural Slovenian life, and love capturing beautiful landscapes with professional photos. It’s suited for those who don’t mind a bit of walking and are eager to indulge in local flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The panorama of the Kamnik Alps from the plateau is breathtaking and worth the trip.
• Authentic Experience: Walking through traditional wooden houses and seeing cows roam freely adds genuine charm.
• Photographic Memories: Professional photos allow you to keep lasting memories of the scenery and moments.
• Convenient Transportation: A smooth ride from Ljubljana via gondola and chairlift makes the journey comfortable.
• Local Cuisine: The shepherd’s meal features classic Slovene flavors like sour milk and buckwheat ganci.
• Suitable for Most: While not for everyone, active travelers with no mobility issues will enjoy the full experience.

Exploring the Itinerary: A Day in the Mountains

The tour begins with an easy pick-up at Ljubljana train station, where a comfortable minivan whisks you off toward the mountains. Once at the gondola station, you’ll hop onto a cable car that ascends dramatically, offering panoramic views of the lush landscape and the imposing peaks of the Kamnik Alps. This ride alone sets the tone, making you appreciate Slovenia’s natural beauty even before reaching the plateau.

Once you arrive at the top, you’ll transfer onto a chairlift for the final stretch to the very heart of Velika Planina. The ascent is smooth, with many travelers noting how “breathtaking” the views are — a perfect way to start your alpine adventure. The plateau itself is a patchwork of traditional wooden houses, some dating back decades, and a lively scene of cows grazing and local herders tending to their animals.

Walking through the settlement involves navigating grassy and gravel paths, so sturdy shoes are recommended. It’s a relaxed stroll, but expect some uneven terrain. Many visitors comment on how “authentic” and “picturesque” the scene is, with cows sometimes wandering close enough to touch if you’re lucky. The settlement feels like stepping into a living postcard of rural Slovenia.

The Traditional Shepherd’s Meal

A highlight for many is the shepherd’s meal, served in one of the cozy mountain huts. The hearty dishes include sour milk and buckwheat ganci, a Slovene specialty, topped with crispy cracklings. Reviewers mention how “delicious and filling” the food is, making it a perfect break during your mountain walk.

The meal isn’t just about flavors — it’s about connecting with the local way of life. Sitting in a rustic hut surrounded by alpine scenery makes the experience all the more memorable. It’s worth noting that the guide captures these moments with a professional camera, and the photos are then sent to you the following day, adding a special souvenir to your journey.

Walking Among Wooden Houses and Roaming Cows

Post-meal, you’ll wander further through the wooden house settlement, soaking in views of the expansive plateau and the distant peaks. The atmosphere is peaceful, with the sounds of cows mooing and the breeze rustling through the grass. This part of the tour offers plenty of photo opportunities — both of the landscape and the traditional architecture.

Many reviews highlight the authenticity and tranquility of this setting. One guest described it as “like stepping into a fairy tale,” especially when seeing cows grazing freely and the quaint, authentic wooden houses that seem untouched by time.

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Capturing Memories with Professional Photos

A unique aspect of this tour is the inclusion of professional photography. Your guide, experienced in capturing the best shots, will take photos of you against the stunning mountain backdrop. Guests consistently appreciate this, with comments like “the photos turned out beautifully,” and “a lovely keepsake from our trip.” You’ll receive these images the next day, ready to share with friends and family.

Practical Details: Transportation, Duration, and Group Size

The tour is designed with convenience in mind. Starting at the train station, it’s easy to find the meeting point, just under the linden trees near the bike racks. The entire experience lasts several hours, mainly driven by a scenic ride, a moderate walk, and the meal, making it suitable for a full morning or afternoon outing.

Group sizes are typically small to medium, which ensures personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere. The transportation is comfortable, and the entire journey feels relaxed. The tour’s price point at $294 per person might seem high at first glance, but considering the included gondola and chairlift rides, traditional meal, professional photos, and the guided experience, it offers good value for those eager for an authentic Slovenian mountain day.

Considerations and Suitability

While generally accessible, the tour involves walking over uneven terrain and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or significant health concerns. The activity isn’t tailored for children under 3, and the physical demands might be too much for some — so it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with light hiking and outdoor walking.

Weather can also influence the experience — a clear day makes the views unforgettable, but rain or fog can diminish the scenery and make the paths slippery. Packing weather-appropriate clothing and good walking shoes is a must.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Travelers who enjoy stunning mountain panoramas and want to see Slovenia’s rural side will find this experience rewarding. It’s perfect for those who appreciate authentic local culture, want memorable photo souvenirs, and aren’t afraid of some light walking. Photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike will find something to enjoy here.

The Sum Up

This Velika Planina tour offers a wonderful blend of spectacular scenery, authentic mountain life, and local cuisine. The cable car and chairlift rides showcase Slovenia’s dramatic alpine landscapes, while wandering among wooden houses and cows brings an authentic rural charm to the experience. The inclusion of professional photos ensures you leave with lasting memories.

While it requires a bit of walking and some outdoor gear, the overall value lies in the breathtaking views and genuine atmosphere. The experience is best suited for travelers who seek scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and a peaceful retreat from city life.

If you’re after an engaging mountain excursion that feels both scenic and meaningful, this tour ticks all those boxes — making it a worthwhile addition to any Ljubljana itinerary.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up from Ljubljana train station and transportation via minivan, including gondola and chairlift rides to the plateau.

How long does the tour last?
While specific duration isn’t provided, it typically covers a few hours, including transportation, walking, and the meal.

Are the walks difficult?
The paths involve walking on grass and gravel roads, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. It’s a relaxed but active outing.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, weather-appropriate clothing, and possibly a hat or sunglasses for sun protection.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s mostly suitable for active children over age 3. The tour isn’t designed for those with mobility impairments or very young babies.

Can I expect bad weather?
Weather can impact the experience. Clear days provide the best views, but check the forecast and prepare for rain or wind just in case.

When will I receive my photos?
The professional photos taken during the walk will be emailed to you the next day, serving as a lovely keepsake of your trip.

This detailed, balanced review should give you a clear idea of what to expect from the Velika Planina Tour with Meal & Photos — a scenic, cultural break from Ljubljana that’s well worth considering for your Slovenian adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: