Things To Do
in Zgornje Jezersko

Zgornje Jezersko is a small alpine village in the Jezersko valley in northern Slovenia, framed by the jagged ridges of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps and close to the Austrian border. The area is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, traditional highland pastures and a small glacial lake that provides photogenic reflections of surrounding peaks. It’s a low-key destination popular with hikers, mountaineers and travelers who want rural authenticity, farm stays and easy access to alpine trails.

Services are modest — expect cozy guesthouses and mountain huts rather than big-city amenities — making it ideal for nature-focused, slow travel.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Zgornje Jezersko and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the quaint village, soaking in the breathtaking alpine scenery. Visit the local information center to gather tips on hidden gems and activities.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a cozy café, where you can enjoy traditional Slovenian cuisine made with local ingredients. Afterward, explore the nearby Lake Jezersko, take a scenic walk around its shores, and admire the stunning mountain views. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the picturesque landscape.

evening
:

As night falls, dine at a restaurant specializing in Slovenian dishes, trying out some local wines. Enjoy the serene atmosphere of the village while watching the sunset over the mountains. Take a relaxing evening walk, relish the crisp mountain air, and listen to the sounds of nature.

day 2
Hiking Adventure
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading out for a hike. Choose a trail that leads to the majestic peaks surrounding Zgornje Jezersko, where you can experience the vibrant flora and fauna. Prepare to be awed by the panoramic views awaiting you at the summit.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy atop the mountain, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Continue your exploration with a descent to discover hidden waterfalls and glacial lakes, perfect for a refreshing dip. Capture the exhilarating essence of nature while immersing yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings.

evening
:

Return to your lodging and unwind with a warm shower after a day of adventures. Enjoy dinner at a nearby pizzeria offering fresh ingredients, followed by a nightcap at a local bar. Reflect on your day while enjoying the peaceful sounds of the evening.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-18
Coffee (café)$1.50-3
🏨Guesthouse double room (per night)$70-120
🚌Local bus ticket (regional)$2-8
🥾Guided day hike (per person)$40-100

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning, unspoiled alpine scenery and excellent hiking
  • Low tourist density and authentic rural atmosphere
  • Good base for both summer and winter mountain activities
  • Limited services, shops and nightlife in the village
  • Public transport is sparse — a car is convenient
  • Some trails and huts close seasonally; weather can change quickly
  • "Dober dan" - Good day / Hello
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Prosim" - Please / You’re welcome
  • "Kje je ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Govorite angleško?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Koliko stane?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Na zdravje!" - Cheers / To your health!

Places to Visit in Zgornje Jezersko

Visit one of these nice places.

Planšarsko jezero (Planšar Lake)

Small glacial lake that mirrors the surrounding peaks and alpine meadows — best at sunrise or calm late afternoons for reflections.

Alpine pastures (planine) above the valley

Wide flower-filled meadows with grazing sheep and dramatic backdrops of the Kamnik–Savinja peaks — perfect for wide-angle landscape shots in summer.

Valley viewpoints and winding access roads

Roadside pullouts and higher vantage points give sweeping valley views, dramatic cloud inversions in cooler months and excellent autumn color.

Traditional village architecture

Close-up details of wooden farmhouses, old stone barns and local churches provide cultural and portrait-worthy scenes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Zgornje Jezersko

The cuisine around Zgornje Jezersko reflects alpine Slovenian traditions: simple, hearty, dairy-forward and meat-based dishes from local farms and mountain huts. Ingredients are often local — hay milk cheeses, cured meats, mushrooms, and root vegetables — and mountain huts serve homemade stews and pastries after long hikes.

Zgornje Jezersko Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Štruklji

Rolled dumplings (sweet or savory) often filled with cottage cheese, tarragon, or apples; commonly found in village inns and home cooking.

Must-Try!

Jota

Hearty stew of sauerkraut or turnip with beans and smoked pork; a warming meal after hiking or in winter huts.

Sheep and cow cheeses (planinski sir)

Artisan mountain cheeses sold at farms or hut shops; try fresh cottage-style or aged varieties from local producers.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Village farm stalls and seasonal markets

Zgornje Jezersko and nearby villages have occasional farm stands selling cheese, eggs, honey and preserves; larger weekly markets in towns like Kranj offer more variety.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is alpine: cool summers with pleasant daytime highs and cold, snowy winters. Elevation brings cooler temperatures year-round compared with lowland Slovenia; weather can change rapidly in the mountains and precipitation is common in shoulder seasons.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

Polite greetings are valued; a simple 'Dober dan' or 'Živjo' and a handshake in formal situations are appropriate. Use polite forms and say 'hvala' (thank you).

Respect for nature and pastures

Keep dogs under control, close gates, and respect grazing cattle and sheep; do not pick protected plants or litter in alpine zones.

Quiet rural norms

Villages are peaceful — keep noise down in the evenings and respect private property and farm operations.

Shoes and home visits

If invited into a home, removing shoes may be appreciated; follow the host's lead and bring a small gift like local sweets or wine.

Safety Guide

Safety

Zgornje Jezersko is generally safe with low crime, but mountain hazards are the main concern: changing weather, steep terrain, rockfall and avalanche risk in winter. Always check local trail conditions, inform someone of your route, carry map/compass (or GPS), bring adequate clothing and footwear, and consider hiring a guide for technical routes. Insects and ticks can be an issue in warmer months — use repellents and check for ticks after hikes.

Tipping in Zgornje Jezersko

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Slovenia — rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common for good service. Tip mountain hut staff and guides directly if satisfied.

Payment Methods

Slovenia uses the euro (EUR). Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in inns and hotels, but many mountain huts, farm stalls and small vendors prefer cash — carry some euros for rural purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days and cool nights, ideal for hiking and photography; alpine wildflowers peak mid-summer and huts are fully open. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible — start hikes early and pack rain gear.

Autumn

Stable, crisp weather with excellent visibility and autumn colors on lower slopes; fewer crowds but shorter daylight and some huts begin to close late in the season.

Winter

Snowy alpine conditions bring opportunities for ski touring, snowshoeing and cozy hut meals; many higher trails are snow-covered and require winter equipment and avalanche awareness.

Spring

Melting snow creates muddy trails and swollen streams; lower meadows green up early while higher routes may still be snowy — best for early-season birdlife and waterfalls, but check trail conditions.

Nightlife Guide

Zgornje Jezersko at Night

Nightlife in Zgornje Jezersko is very low-key: expect cozy guesthouse dinners, occasional live folk or accordion music in summer and quiet evenings. For bars, clubs or late-night entertainment, travel to larger towns (e.g., Kranj or Jesenice) where nightlife options are more varied.

Hiking in Zgornje Jezersko

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Planšarsko jezero loop and meadows

Easy-to-moderate loop around the glacial lake and adjacent pastures — family-friendly with great photo opportunities and short walking time from the village.

Ascent routes toward Grintovec and surrounding ridges

Longer, more strenuous alpine routes into the Kamnik–Savinja Alps for experienced hikers and mountaineers; expect rocky terrain, route-finding and possible scrambling.

Hikes to alpine pastures (planine)

Moderate hikes up to seasonal pastures where you can experience traditional shepherding life, taste local cheeses and enjoy panoramic views.

Snowshoe and ski-touring circuits (winter)

Marked and unmarked winter routes for snowshoeing and backcountry ski touring — avalanche awareness and proper equipment are essential.

Airports

How to reach Zgornje Jezersko by plane.

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)

Main international airport for Slovenia (~1–1.5 hour drive to Jezersko depending on route). Best option for international arrivals; car rental and shuttle/bus options are available.

Klagenfurt Airport (KLU), Austria

Smaller Austrian airport to the north (~1.5–2 hours by car), convenient for cross-border visitors.

Salzburg Airport (SZG), Austria

International airport (~2–2.5 hours drive), useful alternative with good flight connections from parts of Europe.

Getting Around

Walkability

The village itself is compact and easy to explore on foot; many trails start directly from town. However, reaching some trailheads, viewpoints or neighboring attractions may require driving or cycling — dress for uneven terrain and bring good walking shoes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local farming and alpine families

Long-standing farming households and shepherd families who maintain mountain pastures and traditional livelihoods.

Outdoor enthusiasts and seasonal tourists

Visitors from Slovenia and neighboring countries who come for hiking, climbing and winter sports, especially on weekends and in summer.

Aging rural population

Like many Alpine villages, the permanent population skews older with younger people often moving to larger towns for work.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Hiking / Mountaineering

Most popular activities — both casual day hikes and technical alpine climbs are common in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.

Ski touring and cross-country skiing

Winter backcountry skiing and groomed cross-country tracks are favored by locals and visitors seeking quieter alternatives to resorts.

Mountain biking

Trail and gravel riding on forest roads and alpine tracks attract cyclists in warmer months.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads into and through Jezersko are narrow and scenic; traffic is light outside peak holiday weekends but summer weekends and holiday periods can bring more cars. Public transportation exists (regional buses) but schedules are limited; a car offers the greatest flexibility, though parking in the village and trailheads is generally available.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Zgornje Jezersko.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist (cheese dishes, soups, omelets, mushroom dishes), especially at guesthouses; explain requirements in advance for huts which can be limited. Larger towns nearby offer more varied vegetarian and vegan options.

Gluten-free / Vegan

Gluten-free and vegan choices are limited in remote huts and smaller inns — pack staples, ask ahead at accommodation, and head to Kranj or Ljubljana for dedicated options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic first aid and primary-care services are available in nearby towns, but specialized or emergency hospital care is in larger centers such as Kranj or Jesenice (drive times vary). Carry travel insurance, a basic first-aid kit for hikes, and routine medications; in remote mountain areas phone reception can be spotty.

Discover Slovenia

Read more in our Slovenia 2025 Travel Guide.

Slovenia Travel Guide