Kranj: Old Town, Gorge and Culture
Accommodation in Kranj
Rocks, Rivers and a Protected Old Town
Kranj features a historic old town in a striking topographical setting. The historic old town of Kranj lies on a 30-metre-high rock between the Sava and Kokra rivers. Kranj’s old town is situated above the 30-metre-deep Kokra Gorge. The historic old town of Kranj is protected as a cultural monument. For travellers with different interests, the choice between history, photography, nature, events and cuisine may be the main focus.
City Wall and Khislstein Castle
Of the eight towers that once formed Kranj’s city wall, three remain today. All three surviving towers serve as venues for cultural experiences. Khislstein Castle has an open-air stage for concerts and theatre performances. The Museum of Gorenjska is located in Khislstein Castle and tells the 6,000-year history of Kranj. The city wall and Khislstein Castle therefore represent different historical and cultural points of interest.
Janez Puhar and Photography
In 1842, Janez Puhar made history as a pioneer of world photography when he invented photography on glass. The Cabinet of the Inventor Puhar is a memorial house in Kranj’s cultural district. At the memorial house, visitors can learn more about Janez Puhar, the first Slovenian photographer, as well as about his life and inventions.
Tunnels Beneath the Old Town
The tunnels beneath Kranj’s old town extend for 1,300 metres. The tunnels beneath Kranj’s old town were built during the Second World War and initially used as shelters for the population of Kranj. The tunnels beneath Kranj’s old town contain two permanent exhibitions featuring minerals and fossils, as well as a reconstruction of a Second World War bunker. In the reconstruction of a Second World War bunker, visitors can experience an air-raid simulation.
Stalactites and Rare Cave Species
The tunnels beneath Kranj’s old town also contain genuine stalactites. The tunnels beneath Kranj’s old town are home to rare cave species such as cave crickets and cave orb-weaver spiders. The underground themes therefore include geological formations and unusual cave species.
The Kokra Gorge as a Habitat
The diverse and dynamic Kokra Gorge provides a habitat for many animal species, as well as for trees, shrubs and herbs. During a guided tour of the Kokra Gorge, visitors can hear stories about the river and the Kokra Gorge from a local guide and observe the diversity of biotopes in and along the water. Those who plan their visit thematically can distinguish between historical, nature-related and culinary interests.
Events and Local Flavours
Numerous events take place in Kranj throughout the year. The chefs in Kranj preserve culinary traditions, use local ingredients and work with farmers from the surrounding area to introduce guests to flavours and ingredients typical of the city.
Other Places
Other places: Šenturška Gora, Vopovlje, Zgornje Jezersko, Šenčur, Žabnica, Preddvor, Stiška Vas, Mlaka pri Kranju
To the higher-level travel overview: Kranj.
