Cerklje na Gorenjskem – Culture, Cycling Routes and Krvavec

Cerklje na Gorenjskem is the starting point for numerous hiking and cycling routes, as well as ascents to the Krvavec ski resort. Krvavec is a mountain ski resort about ten minutes from an international airport and is considered the ski resort closest to Ljubljana.

Culture

At the Cerklje Municipal Museum, archaeological, ethnological and historical exhibitions showcase the different layers of the town’s history. Regular guided tours of the museum exhibitions take place on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; advance registration is required. The centre of Cerklje gained a special archaeological significance through excavations in 2019: the remains of an anti-Turkish camp and, during the same works, a large Old Slavic cemetery from the 10th century were discovered.

The Hribarjeva Villa in Cerklje was opened as a municipal museum and is dedicated to the history of the town and Ivan Hribar. Its permanent exhibitions explore Ivan Hribar’s political, social and personal legacy, as well as the significance of Cerklje. Petrovčeva hiša in the centre houses the tourist information centre, a gallery, a museum and a library. The museum displays archaeological and ethnological collections, while the gallery hosts art exhibitions. Guided tours of the centre also include the Baroque Church of the Assumption of Mary.

Other historical sites include the memorial park in the centre of Cerklje, with busts of six notable figures. Following conservation restoration, the Borštnik House preserves original floors, wall paintings, carpentry and heating elements. Exhibition panels there provide information about Ignacij Borštnik and about the way of life in such a house more than 100 years ago.

Cycling and Mountains

The Cerklje–Jezerca–Cerklje cycling route starts in Cerklje, is 27.2 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 1,020 metres, reaches Planina Jezerca and returns along the same route. A shorter local connection is provided by the Cerklje–Brnik–Cerklje cycling route: it also starts in Cerklje, leads to Zgornji Brnik and returns to Cerklje via farm tracks through Vašca.

Cerklje’s cycling network comprises eight marked routes in the lowlands and hills. An overview map is available in the centre of Cerklje in front of Petrovčeva hiša. In addition, Krvavec Bike Park has 27 kilometres of marked cycling trails and downhill tracks for different ability levels. Krvavec Summer Park offers an adventure park, as well as rides on mountain go-karts, micro-scooters and bicycles.

Nature

Češnjevek Pond is part of the Natura 2000 site. The forest stream at the pond provides a habitat for the large goldenring dragonfly, Europe’s largest predatory dragonfly. Together with the forest and other near-natural vegetation, the Lahovče and Češnjevek ponds form a refuge for various animal species. At the same time, they are used for fish farming and fishing by beginners and experienced anglers alike.

Ribja avantura is an interactive educational trail with six stations in the area around Cerklje. Along the route, visitors learn about the importance of fishing, fish farming and fish cuisine in connection with the region’s cultural and natural heritage. The educational trail is approximately 14 kilometres long and is best experienced by bicycle in pleasant weather.

The themed walking trail Under the Forest Canopy runs through the Municipality of Cerklje and allows visitors to experience the municipality’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and other attractions. Large parts of this culturally rich area are protected as natural assets and are included in Natura 2000.

Regional Traditions

In the wider area around Cerklje, the Beekeeping Farm Museum takes visitors through the history of beekeeping. The museum shop offers local honey, propolis, pollen, honey brandy and beeswax products.

Events

Večer folklore takes place in Cerklje every year and presents traditional dances performed by folklore groups from various parts of Slovenia. Zaigrajmo v pomlad z Godbo Cerklje is a concert held in Cerklje every spring. The Šenčur Godlarer carnival parade is also presented annually in the centre of Cerklje. The Barletov Memorial is an annual firefighting competition held in Cerklje in memory of France Barle.

Every year before Easter, Petrovčeva hiša in Cerklje hosts a traditional exhibition of Easter and spring decorations. This exhibition passes on knowledge and traditions from one generation to the next.

Other Places

Other places: Zgornje Jezersko, Mlaka pri Kranju, Kokra, Žabnica, Stiška Vas, Šenčur, Žerjavka, Naklo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Kranj.