KAMNIK – STARI GRAD (577 m) – KAMNIK (cestno)

You’ve almost certainly noticed the steep, rocky, and wooded hill rising above Kamnik. This is Krniška Gora, home to the remnants of the Old Castle, the oldest castle in Kamnik. The site is also accessible to cyclists, thanks to a moderately winding road leading up to it. From there, you can enjoy stunning views, and the Grajsko Gostišče provides refreshments.

On clear days, you can enjoy the panoramic view at Stari Grad (Old Castle). The vista stretches from the Kamnško-Savinjske Alps, to the Karavanke Alps and Triglav’s Julian Alps, to thenearby valley of Tuhinjska dolina and the hilly world on the outskirts of Ljubljana, as well as the nearby towns on the plain and Ljubljana itself. Interpretive boards will tell you what you are looking at.

The tour starts in the old town of Kamnik, in front of the Tourist Information Centre (TIC). It takes you across the main road through the town and soon starts climbing. The serpentine road, which climbs gently but steadily, leads you to a fork where the signpost for the Old Castle leads you onto a slightly narrower but still comfortable road. From here to the Old Castle, the road ascends and descends alternately, leading to a short, very steep ascent just below the finish.

But the effort is more than worth it. The beautifully preserved, almost thousand-year-old ruins of the castle, a magnificent view, and the Grajsko gostišče inn famous for its local delicacies.