Hotels in Žiri: Culture, Crafts and Sport

Žiri combines a clearly recognizable shoemaking tradition with historic sites, geological features and diverse opportunities along the Sora River. Those wishing to get to know the Slovenian town better will find exhibitions and cultural monuments as well as sports activities for different seasons.

Culture and Crafts

At the Žiri Museum, the exhibition on shoemaking covers, in two parts, the period up to the Second World War and the development of the Alpina company. The museum’s collections can be visited on Sundays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. or by prior arrangement. The permanent exhibition “Žirovski slikarji” at the museum also displays selected works by important visual artists from Žiri. Another permanent exhibition, “Pozdravljeni, ljubitelji utrdb!”, focuses on the heritage of the Rapallo border.

The Stare Žiri Cultural Centre, a cultural and historical complex, is located in the old part of Žiri. It includes the permanent exhibition “Klekljane čipke, "špice" na Žirovskem“. The Čipkarska šola Žiri is another educational institution; founded in 1906, it is important for preserving the town’s cultural heritage.

The nearby Church of St. Anne in Ledinica is included in the Ema pilgrimage route. The nearby Matevžkova House consists of a double hayrack and a dwelling with a traditional Alpine ground floor; the furnishings and open fireplace kitchen have been preserved. In 1999, it was declared a cultural monument of local importance. The Rupnik Line is a system of underground fortifications and smaller bunkers in Žirovski vrh. An exhibition with remains from the construction period can also be visited in the underground fortification at Goli vrh.

In the direction of Stare Žiri, by the Sora River, stands the parish church of St. Martin, built in 1912, with two bell towers, a main altar, an organ and stained-glass windows. The Tomaž Kržišnik Garden is open for guided tours, public events, auctions, weddings and culinary experiences.

Nature and Landscape

The nearby Lukač Geological Profile is of national importance as a natural asset. Its limestone layers represent a typical profile of the Permian–Triassic boundary for the entire Dinarides. The nearby Kamnita miza consists of two superimposed rocks made of dolomite and dolomitic limestone.

A nearby natural attraction is a site where traces of Neanderthals, stone tools and bones of cave bears, wolves, bison, deer and Ice Age marmots have been found. Thus, alongside the historic buildings, the surroundings of Žiri also offer geological and prehistoric evidence.

Exercise and Sport

At the Nordic Centre Poclain Žiri in Nova vas, there are ski jumps covered with synthetic surfaces measuring 8, 15, 26, 35 and 60 metres, which can be used year-round. In winter, the nearby Nordic Centre Žiri in Nova vas also has cross-country skiing trails. The Žiri Cycling Tour runs around Žiri and can be started at any time.

At the Pristan Sports and Recreation Centre, visitors can rent a canoe or cross the Sora River on a raft. The nearby path to Ledinica runs along the riverbed of the Sora, serves as a popular promenade for locals and is a starting point for hikes to Mrzli vrh.

Market and Regional Cuisine

The market in front of the cooperative centre, the Zadružni dom, takes place on the first and third Saturday of every month. Homemade baked goods, cheese, dairy products, Slovenian honey, natural cosmetics and local handicrafts can be sampled or purchased there. Žiri’s culinary specialties include a “shoemaker’s meal”, “crackling bread” and Štruklji, rolled pastries filled with chives.

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Further destinations

Davščica, Poljane Nad Škofjo Loko, Javorje, Spodnja Sorica, Fužine, Podlonk, Železniki, Robidnica

To the higher-level travel overview: Škofja Loka.