Medvode – Hotel Between River Landscapes and History

Medvode is located at the confluence of the Sava and Sora rivers. This particular location brings the landscape and local history together in a compact area: the confluence of the Sava and Sora is suitable for a short break or an evening walk. There are also specific opportunities to enjoy the water. Visitors can rent rowing boats and electrically powered boats on Lake Zbilje for trips on the lake. A rafting trip on the Sava runs from Medvode to the Skok Sports Centre.

Water and Trails

Those exploring Medvode by bicycle will find a clearly described connection on the Medvode–Pirniče–Vikrče cycle route: the route crosses the Sava over a bridge and continues to the centre of Medvode. Sora Beach is located at the Sora weir in Goričane. In summer, an asphalted and illuminated cycle path also runs across the grassy plateau of the Bonovec Nordic Centre.

Nature and Landscape

The Polhograjski Dolomiti Landscape Park, an area of hilly ecological diversity, lies within the Municipality of Medvode. From the Medvode side, hiking routes lead into the Polhograjski Dolomiti via Golo Brdo or Žlebe. The Žlebe educational trail is 4,800 metres long, climbs 290 metres and features 22 information boards. The guide to the educational trail covers the ethnological characteristics, everyday culture, architecture and farming activities typical of the village of Žlebe.

Another type of landscape can be found in Hraše. The Hraše wetlands consist of two ponds and cover five hectares. They provide habitat, wintering grounds or resting places for many bird species. Also in Hraše, the Janhar farm offers dressage demonstrations and riding lessons.

History and Culture

The historic sites of Medvode date back to prehistoric times. Medvode was first mentioned in border documents in the 10th century. Towards the end of the 15th century, Medvode developed further after Emperor Frederick III approved the construction of a bridge at the confluence. The town’s transport history has also been preserved: Medvode had a railway station in the 19th century, and a special summer bathing train between Ljubljana and Kranj stopped in Medvode.

The Way of the Cross below Smlednik Castle was built in the Baroque style in 1772. It has fourteen chapels and three crosses at the top. The ruins of Smlednik Old Castle are among the most significant castle ruins in Slovenia. Smlednik Old Castle offers panoramic views; from there, the view extends to Mount Šmarna gora, the peaks of Lubnik and Ratitovec, the Julian Alps with Triglav, the Karawanks, the Kamnik–Savinja Alps and the Polhograjski Dolomiti.

The historic buildings also include the Pri Dolinčku farmhouse. It is one of the few well-preserved examples of a 17th-century farm building in the wider Ljubljana area and was built partly of stone and partly of wood. The knight’s hall and chapel at Lazzarini Manor are decorated with frescoes by the German painter Eustachius Gabriel.

Goričane Manor was converted into a museum from 1962 onwards. An external unit of the Slovene Ethnographic Museum was housed at Goričane Manor from 1964 to 2001. Goričane Manor is currently closed to the public.

More Destinations

More destinations in this directory: Rob, Gradišče, Ljubljana, Smlednik, Preserje, Škofljica, Skaručna, Rakitna.

To the main travel overview: Ljubljana.