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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
Small glacial lake that mirrors the surrounding peaks and alpine meadows — best at sunrise or calm late afternoons for reflections.
Wide flower-filled meadows with grazing sheep and dramatic backdrops of the Kamnik–Savinja peaks — perfect for wide-angle landscape shots in summer.
Roadside pullouts and higher vantage points give sweeping valley views, dramatic cloud inversions in cooler months and excellent autumn color.
Close-up details of wooden farmhouses, old stone barns and local churches provide cultural and portrait-worthy scenes.
Food in Zgornje Jezersko
Zgornje Jezersko Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rolled dumplings (sweet or savory) often filled with cottage cheese, tarragon, or apples; commonly found in village inns and home cooking.
Must-Try!
Hearty stew of sauerkraut or turnip with beans and smoked pork; a warming meal after hiking or in winter huts.
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
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.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
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).
Keep dogs under control, close gates, and respect grazing cattle and sheep; do not pick protected plants or litter in alpine zones.
Villages are peaceful — keep noise down in the evenings and respect private property and farm operations.
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
Tipping in Zgornje Jezersko
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Zgornje Jezersko at Night
Hiking in Zgornje Jezersko
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy-to-moderate loop around the glacial lake and adjacent pastures — family-friendly with great photo opportunities and short walking time from the village.
Longer, more strenuous alpine routes into the Kamnik–Savinja Alps for experienced hikers and mountaineers; expect rocky terrain, route-finding and possible scrambling.
Moderate hikes up to seasonal pastures where you can experience traditional shepherding life, taste local cheeses and enjoy panoramic views.
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.
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.
Smaller Austrian airport to the north (~1.5–2 hours by car), convenient for cross-border visitors.
International airport (~2–2.5 hours drive), useful alternative with good flight connections from parts of Europe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing farming households and shepherd families who maintain mountain pastures and traditional livelihoods.
Visitors from Slovenia and neighboring countries who come for hiking, climbing and winter sports, especially on weekends and in summer.
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.
Most popular activities — both casual day hikes and technical alpine climbs are common in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.
Winter backcountry skiing and groomed cross-country tracks are favored by locals and visitors seeking quieter alternatives to resorts.
Trail and gravel riding on forest roads and alpine tracks attract cyclists in warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zgornje Jezersko.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 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.