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Steiner-Sanntal Alps

Hiking in the Upper Savinja Valley

Discover the Steiner and Sanntaler Alps

View of the cottage from Velika planina

Saffron on Velika planina | © www.slovenia.info Photo: Ana Pogačar

Slovenian Tourist Office
Maximilianplatz 12a
80333 München
Tel. +49 (0)89 2916 12 02
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A paradise for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Picturesque landscapes, traditional shepherd's huts, special mountain hikes and excursion destinations...


The Steiner and Sanntal Alps (slow. Kamniško-Savinjske Alpe) are a vast mountain group connecting the picturesque glacially formed valleys of Logarska dolina, Robanov and Matkov kot. The wild mountain ambience is a great hiking and mountaineering destination.

Among the highest peaks of the Steiner and Sanntal Alps are Grintavec (2558 m), Ojstrica (2350 m), Brana (2253 m) and Storži? (2132 m).

The Steiner Alps region is a touring paradise. A total of 121 hiking trails and 49 cycling routes lead through the Steiner Alps region and invite you to explore. Here are some exciting tour recommendations:

Mountain hike to the hut Koca na Loki (1534 m) - Raduha (2062 m) with a visit to the Snow Cave, the highest tourist cave in Slovenia - parking under the hut Ko?a na Loki (3-4 hrs, altitude difference 570 m, for the cave visit another 2 hours).

Mountain hike Podvežak (1500 m) - Korošica (1808 m) - Podvežak (5-6 hrs, altitude difference 450 m)

Mountain hike Podolševa - Potocka zijalka - Olševa - Podolševa (4-5 hours, altitude difference 700 m) archaeological site

hike through the Logarska dolina valley, visit to the Rinka waterfall (1000 m), ascent to Okrešelj (1396 m) - hut under the Rinka waterfall (930 m) (3 hours, altitude difference 500 m)

Golte (1356 m), forested plateau in the eastern edge of the Steiner Alps - Smrekovec (1375 m), the only Slovenian volcano - hut Mozirska ko?a on Golte (3-4 hours, 300 m)

  • across a bridge at the Rinka waterfall

    Rinka waterfall in Logarska valley | © www.slovenia.info Photographer Jošt Gantar

  • Hiking to Rinka waterfall

    Rinka waterfall in Logarska valley | © www.slovenia.info Photographer Jošt Gantar


Velika planina

On the southern edge of the Kamnik Alps (Steiner Alps - author's note), not far from the town of Kamnik, lies the fairytale plateau Velika planina in the interior of the country. On the plateau there is the largest shepherd settlement in Slovenia, which is also one of the last preserved high alpine shepherd settlements in Europe.

Velika planina plateau is situated at an altitude of about 1,610 m above the Adriatic Sea. The plateau, mostly covered with lush green meadows, has for centuries been a grazing area for the herdsmen's flocks from about 13 surrounding villages. Every year at the end of spring the alpine pasture on Velika Planina begins.

The picturesque landscape, with traditional shepherds' huts, is a popular destination especially for hikers and mountain bikers, who can explore the area of about 5.61 km² on the well-signposted network of trails.
The plateau can be reached either on foot or by bike from the surrounding villages or via the cable car from Kaminska Bistrica. For your physical well-being, there are several gostilnas on Velika Planina and in the surrounding area. If you like you can also taste the traditional cheese Trnic, which is produced by the shepherds.

  • Sunset at the cottage village Velika planina

    Breathtaking view of Velika planina | © www.slovenia.info Photographer Aleš Frelih

  • traditional cheese Trnic

    Shepherdess, cheesemaking Trnic | © www.slovenia.info Photographer Jošt Gantar

Bivouac under the Skuta Mountain

Bivouac under Skuta Mountain | © www.slovenia.info Photographer Jacob Riglin

Bivouac under the Skuta Mountain

A new shelter was built in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps with the participation of OFIS architects and with students from Harvard University under the direction of Rok Oman and Špela Videčnik.

Due to harsh conditions such as wind, snow, landslides, rough terrain, scorching sun, and wild storms, projects in the mountains present a special challenge for architects. The bivouac is intended as a temporary shelter from inclement weather or as a resting place after exceptionally strenuous climbing or hiking trips. It provides shelter and protection for those who seek refuge in it.

The new bivouac under the starry sky is indispensable for mountain lovers. The input module is designed for the entrance, storage of equipment and with a practical counter for the preparation of a small meal. The central part offers space for socializing with its benches. The last part has a sleeping area. The windows at both ends allow a magnificent panoramic view of the valley and Skuta Mountain.

From the region

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