In short: in Kranj it is worth seeing the old core on the cliff between the Sava and the Kokra, the Prešeren House, the network of underground tunnels from the Second World War and the Pungert viewpoint above the Kokra canyon.
Kranj is the capital of Upper Carniola and the “capital of the Slovenian Alps” — an old core on a cliff between the Sava and the Kokra, with a view of the Julian and Kamnik Alps, a network of underground tunnels beneath the streets and the trace of the greatest Slovenian poet. In this guide we go through the sights, the excursions and where to eat, and if you are also planning the Belgrade to Kranj minibus transfer, how to get there is at the end.
The old core on the cliff
The old core of Kranj lies on a rocky ridge above the confluence of the Kokra and the Sava, preserved almost unchanged since the 19th century. The narrow streets, squares and the Church of St Cantianus are walked in an hour, and between the houses open views of the Kokra canyon and the mountain ranges in the background. The town grew on the foundations of the Roman settlement of Carnium.
The Prešeren House — the home of the Slovenian poet
In the old core is the Prešeren House — the home in which France Prešeren, the greatest Slovenian poet, whose poem is the basis of the Slovenian anthem, spent his last years and died. Today it is a museum dedicated to his life and work, part of a “museum trail” through the town, along with the nearby Prešeren grove and monument.
The underground tunnels of Kranj
Beneath the old core stretches a network of underground tunnels about 1,300 metres long, dug for shelter during the Second World War. Today they are laid out for visitors and are one of the most interesting attractions of the town — a cool, quiet underground world beneath the busy streets.
Pungert and the viewpoint over the Kokra
At the southern tip of the old town is the Pungert tower with a defensive wall, and beside it stands a modern steel-and-glass viewpoint that “hovers” over the canyon — from there you see the confluence of the Kokra and the Sava and the mountains in the distance. An ideal place for a photo and a break during the walk.
Kranj with children
The tour of the underground tunnels is a real adventure for children, and a circular path along the river Kokra leads through greenery right by the town. Kranj is also an excellent base for excursions into Upper Carniola — the lakes of Bled and Bohinj and the Julian Alps are reached in less than an hour.
When to go to Kranj and how many days
Kranj is easily toured throughout the year, and summer and early autumn are best for a walk through the old core and trips into the Julian Alps. For the town, the tunnels and the viewpoint half a day to a day is enough, so Kranj is ideal as a base for Upper Carniola — with trips to Bled and Bohinj it easily fills two to three days.
Where to eat in Kranj
In the old core and by the main square there is a string of inns and cafés with Upper Carniolan cuisine — home-made meat, štruklji and cheese, with Slovenian wines and beer. For a break during the walk there are also gardens with a view of the streets of the old town.
How to get to Kranj from Belgrade
For the Belgrade to Kranj minibus transfer we drive door to door, departing from Belgrade. Departure is at night, at around 23:00h, by the route via Croatia and the Bregana border crossing, so you sleep through most of the journey and reach Kranj in the morning. The journey is about 565 km, a drive of 7–8 hours.
The price is fixed and free of hidden costs — see the price for Kranj or the whole price list, and we also drive to the other towns of northern Slovenia (Belgrade to Northern Slovenia transfer). Before the trip, check the border crossings and live cameras, and read about the whole region in the guide northern Slovenia. Nearby are also Bled and Bohinj.
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Kranj?
The old core on the cliff between the Sava and the Kokra, the Prešeren House, the network of underground tunnels and the Pungert viewpoint over the Kokra canyon.
What is the Prešeren House?
The home in which France Prešeren, the greatest Slovenian poet, spent the last years of his life and died. Today it is a museum dedicated to his life and work.
What are the underground tunnels in Kranj like?
A network of passages about 1,300 metres long beneath the old core, dug for shelter during the Second World War, today laid out for visitors.
Is Kranj good for families with children?
It is — the tour of the underground tunnels is an adventure for children, and the circular path along the Kokra and the closeness of Bled and Bohinj make it a good base for excursions.
How far is Kranj from Belgrade?
About 565 km, a drive of 7–8 hours. With a night departure from Belgrade (around 23:00h) via the Bregana crossing, you reach Kranj in the morning.
When is the best time for Kranj?
The town is toured throughout the year; summer and early autumn are best for a walk through the old core and trips into the Julian Alps, Bled and Bohinj.
