When I think about the time exploring Slovenia, the Logar Valley and all of its beauty stand out to me. There is something visceral here — an untouched beauty and a rawness in the form of nature. The drama in mountain peaks and yet a grounding experience like lunch at a local farm. It’s otherworldly and then those touch points of intimate experiences bring it all together, making it feel human again.
The Logar Valley in Slovenia is a wild playground for those wanting to be immersed in the adventure. It’s also a place to disconnect, somewhere you can choose to just sit and stare out, soaking it all in. This is what makes this area so special — the ability to do both.
Also known as Logarska Dolina, it is one of the most beautiful alpine valleys in all of Europe. Its sloping mountainsides and steep peaks were carved out by glaciers many years ago and surrounded by the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Part of the Solčava Region, the area has three predominant valleys to visit including Robanov Kot and Matkov Kot, with the Logar Valley being the third main one. So whether you come to hike out to mountain huts or soak in the views, the Logar Valley is one of the most beautiful places in all of Slovenia. Here’s my guide to visiting the valley.
A Complete Guide to Visiting the Logar Valley in Slovenia
What to Know Before Visiting the Logar Valley
When to visit the Logar Valley? The summers are hot and the winters are very cold. I’d recommend the shoulder seasons here for the right temperature and climates for hiking.
How much time in the Logar Valley? I’d recommend a minimum of two nights here. It also entirely depends on how much hiking you plan to do as you could stay a few more nights. The area is also close to other points of interest so you could consider making it a home base.
Is it busy in the Logar Valley? It can be in the summer, so this is my number one recommendation for visiting: come in late mid to late September or before the summer crowds.
What to pack for the Logar Valley? You’ll want proper hiking shoes if you plan to do any of the trails here as there is a lot of loose rock. If you’re planning for walking in the valley, a pair of sneakers will do just fine. Layers are key here, especially outside of the summer months. You’ll find the weather changes very fast and you need to be prepared for a quick change. Here are a few ideas:
Getting to the Logar Valley
You’ll need a car to get to the Logar Valley. I’d recommend getting one that isn’t too low to the ground as you’ll find a few dirt roads, especially on the panoramic passes. You can rent a car at any of the major airports or even in the city of Ljublana. I’ll give one quick note that the roads are incredibly windy with many hairpin turns.
*To enter the valley road, there is a daily fee of 7 euros as well which is needed to be paid for in order to enter. If you stay in the valley, you’ll only need to pay once for the duration of your trip.
*It takes about an hour and a half to get here from Ljublana.
Where to Stay in the Logar Valley: Hotel Plesnik
For me, one of the biggest highlights was staying at the Hotel Plesnik right in the heart of the valley. You wake up to majestic mountain views and you can walk to most of the hiking trails right outside of the hotel. The hotel is modernly designed and has freshly renovated rooms. The Hotel Plesnik also has an incredible spa downstairs that has a summer pool overlooking the valley, the perfect spot to come and rest. I’d recommend booking this hotel well in advance for peak seasons.
For other hotels in the area, please reference this:
Booking.com
Where to Eat in the Logar Valley
The Logar Valley area has a rich scene for local food and hearty meals. You’ll find that most of the restaurants are seasonal so it is best to call ahead before arrival for opening hours. In the valley, you can always eat at any of the hotels as well.
- Marjeta Štiftar Tourist Farm: My favorite lunch during the entire stay was at a local tourist farm (call ahead), where we ate inside someone’s home and farm. We tried their freshly-made cheeses and meats and were served a wonderful mushroom soup. The food was delicious and so hearty. For exact location, reference this Google Map Link.
- Dom Planincev: Stopped into this spot inside the Logar Valley for lunch one day. The food was fine here (ordered schnitzel) and they had a few different options for meals. Good for after hiking in the valley.
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Hotel Plesnik: they serve a local, pre-fix or a la carte dinner here.
A few other spots that I didn’t make it to but came recommended:
- Penzion kmečka hiša Ojstrica: In the valley and has a good three-course dinner with views.
- Tourist farm Govc-Vršnik: Come here for a local lunch, book ahead.
- Hut on Klemenča Jama: Perched up on the mountain and reachable by hiking, this hut serves food seasonally and is a good pitstop for a lunch.
What to Do in the Logar Valley
Hike to Slap Rinka (Rinka Waterfall).
I would recommend hiking out to this waterfall and opting to start from the base of the valley near Hotel Plesnik to make a longer walk of it. Alternatively, you could drive out to the end of the valley and park, making the hike only about 20 minutes up. It’s a scenic waterfall and the colors of the rocky mountains are stunning.
Drive the Solčava Panoramic Road.
This is one of the most beautiful parts of the valley. Perched up above the valley, this 21km road winds around the mountain, giving majestic views of the alps. along the way, there are many stops and areas each noted with signage. You’ll find tourist farms to pick up local products, lookout points, and a scenic church.
Make the hike up to Klemenči Jami.
One other popular hike is the one that ascends above the Logar Valley and makes its way to this hut. They serve lunch seasonally here so be sure to check ahead.
Walk the Themed Trail through the Logar Valley.
For a more relaxed experience, you can walk the 7 km ethnographic path that runs through the entirety of the Logar Valley. One way would take 2.5+ hours to do but you can start more into the part to cut time. The trail begins at the entrance of the valley and ends at Slap Rinka.
Farm to table lunch at Marjeta Štiftar Tourist Farm.
For me, this one of the best tastes of local culture. Going inside this local’s home and farm and trying their food was incredible. It still stands out as one of the most memorable parts of the time here.
Have a spa day at Hotel Plesnik.
With the amazing spa at Hotel Plesnik, you could spend a day relaxing in the thermal pools and book in a massage here.
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Xx,Jessica
