Many Slovenian rivers with clear emerald water and breathtaking gorges offer also spectacular views of the mountains around them. Besides Bled Vintgar Gorge, Tolmin Gorges and Mostnica Gorge in Bohinj, Kamniška Bistrica is the closest to Ljubljana, surrounded by the Kamnik Alps. It springs under the Kamnik Alps mountains from among the rocks overgrown with moss creating a small pool.
How to get there?
Not too far from Ljubljana, upper Kamniška Bistrica valley is a perfect spot to visit on a hot summer day. From Ljubljana you drive towards Kamnik and than you continue towards Velika Planina, a famous mountain plateau with shepherds’ huts and cows all around you. You continue driving on that road to the Kamniška Bistrica mountain hut where you can park your car. If you do not have a car, take a local bus from Kamnik.
What is there to see?
On the other side of the parking place, you can admire the source of Kamniška Bistrica and its crystal clear water. The water is very cold, but refreshing and you can even walk half way around the pool to admire this peaceful spot. If you walk further up the dry stream you can see the rocks overgrown with moss in summer but covered with water when the snow is melting in the mountains.
Heading back across the bridge and another 700 m down the road (or you look for a path by the river), you will get to the Mali and Veliki Predaselj Gorges, the narrowest part of the Kamniška Bistrica riverbed. The highest is about 30 m deep. The most beautiful view is from the bridge, but there is a small path going down to the river if you want to take some close up photos. If you make an appointment in advance, the local mountain rescuers can lower you to the bottom of the gorges and you can admire the view attached to the steel rope. Quite adventurous 🙂
Orglice waterfall is about 30 m high but it can be dry in summer. You can get there from Predbela, the starting point for Ojstrica mountain. There is also a Memorial Park of all casualties in the Kamnik Alps and Plečnik mension (named after the most known Slovene architect Jože Plečnik).
Hiking and cycling in the area
The valley is known to the cyclists coming from as far as Ljubljana as well as to the hikers as a starting point to the Kamnik Alps peaks. The most know is probably Grintovec 2558 m high. Easier and shorter walk takes you to Velika planina and Mala planina, but you can also take a cable car instead.
