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When planning my trip to Slovenia, I was ecstatic about exploring Logar Valley – one of Europe’s most beautiful Alpine glacier valleys carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago. Tucked in the foothills of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, leaps away from city life, this quiet retreat has something for nearly every traveler. Logar Valley, also known as Logarska Dolina, is surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks soaring over 7,800 feet and deep green-shaded meadows, forming a tranquil postcard experience.

Logar Valley
Tomo Jeseničnik, Logarska Dolina, Slovenija

Wildly, just 5 days before my visit in late April, the area was covered in several feet of snow, which you’d never know unless a local told you. The vibrant blooms of spring were on full display when I arrived. 

Logar Valley is one of 34+ landscape parks in Slovenia – designated recreational areas showcasing the country’s natural beauty. It’s a playground for all ages – those wanting adventure or relaxation. A trip to Slovenia means visiting Logar Valley. You cannot miss the natural beauty of this area!

Where is Logar Valley?

View of Logar Valley from Panoramic Road

Northeast of Ljubljana, the capital, is a glacial valley with one narrow road in and out, the epitome of a small town. It’s located only minutes from the Austrian border, which you’ll most likely cross when traveling onward towards Bled.

From Ljubljana, the drive is less than 2 hours.

When to visit?

I loved my visit in mid-to-late spring after the snow had melted, leaving mild temperatures. From speaking with locals, much of the area is inaccessible in winter, and sometimes without power for weeks – therefore, I don’t recommend visiting when winter is in full swing. My favorite time to visit Europe is during shoulder season – April/ early May or September since school is in session and the number of travelers drops off but the perks of good weather remain.

Biking along Logar Valley

How to get to Logar Valley?

I rented a car once I landed in Ljubljana, which I highly recommend for traveling in Slovenia. Public transportation is not as readily available and does not run as frequently. Roads are easy to navigate and well-maintained. And yes, you drive on the ‘right’ side of the road.

I used GreenMotion car rental and had no problems. The vignette, needed for highways in Slovenia, is an additional charge of approximately €2.46 per day and because I drove into Croatia, there was an additional cross-border fee of €32.79. In all, my 11-day car rental for a Peugeot 208 Automatic cost me less than $260. 

How long should I visit Logar Valley for?

I admit I’m a non-stop traveler – I love moving around from place to place. For Logar Valley visit, I stayed 2 nights which I’d say is a minimum. I arrived the first night around dinner time, then explored Logar Valley the following day by bike and foot. The following morning, I drove onwards to Bled area. I loved the area so much I would have gladly spent at least one more night. If you plan on several hiking trails in the area, a minimum of 3 nights would be your answer. 

What is there to do? What are the best stops in Logar Valley?

Inside the valley, these were the stops on my itinerary, in order:

Spring of Črna (Izvir Črne)

At the end of Logar Valley is the famous Rinka Waterfall (Slap Rinka). The Savinja River flows through Rinka Waterfall, and shortly after disappears underground, where it reappears close to the entrance of Logar Valley at the Spring of Črna. Here is the beginning of a trail that leads all the way to Rinka Waterfall. A trail map with stops can be found here. This path will take 2-3 hours and is approximately 4.35 miles one way.

Rastovški Waterfall (Slap Rastovški)

Located a 10 minute walk from the Logarska Dolina road, at first it seems as though you’re walking through someone’s farmland. Keep heading towards the wooded area and soon you’ll see a path leading along the stream of a waterfall. I have to admit, the waterfall wasn’t the highlight for me; it was the handful of fire salamanders we spotted during the short walk by the water. Key note – do not touch them or get too close! Fire salamanders have skin glands that release toxins, along with specialized glands behind their eyes that can spray poison.

Palenk Waterfall (Slapišče Palenk)

Also a short walk away from the main road is Palenk Waterfall, located behind Hotel Plesnik. This is a nice and quick stop that would also be a good place to lay a blanket and enjoy a snack. 

Rinka Waterfall (Slap Rinka)

Rinka Waterfall is the second-highest free-falling waterfall in Slovenia with a nearly 350-foot drop. This is the last stop in Logar Valley, with the road dead ending at the entrance. At the beginning of the short hike is a small hut, Bar Pod Slapom with snack and beer options, along with another hut, The Eagle’s Nest Bar, at the waterfall. Both accept cash only.

Palenk Waterfall

There are several hikes from this area, with the most popular being an additional hike from Rinka Waterfall to the Okrešelj Glacial Amphitheater, taking a little less than 2 hours (1 hour up, 45 minutes back). The trail is only about a mile each way but is steep with a lot of variation in terrain. 

Okrešelj Glacial Amphitheater
Jan Godec, Logarska Dolina, Slovenija

Your day can be extended even more by continuing to:

• Ledinski Vrh – A mountain peak on the Savinsjo Saddle that takes 2 hours.
• Kamnik Saddle and Planjava Peak – A mountain hut on the Kamnik Saddle that takes 1.5 hours.
• Turska Gora – A mountain for only experienced hikers with proper equipment. This hike takes a minimum of 2.5 hours.
• Skuta – The third-highest peak in the Kamnik Alps at 8,330+ feet. This hike takes a minimum of 4 hours and also must only be hiked by experienced hikers with proper equipment.

What about outside the valley?

Inside the valley, these were the stops on my itinerary, in order:

Driving Solčava Panoramic Road

I drove the panoramic road on my way into the town of Solcava. This mountain road is absolutely stunning, with incredible landscape views everywhere you turn. (For reference, I drove the panoramic road from east to west.) Some of my favorite spots along this 23-mile scenic drive were:

Church of Saint Ghost (Cerkev Sv. Duh)

I had to pull over to take this scene in when I came around the corner near Turistična kmetija Rogar (Tourist Farm Rogar). The mountain backdrop of the Church of Saint Ghost was incredible.

Church of Saint Ghost

Lookout Point at the Klemenca Homestead (Razgledna točka pri Klemenči domačiji)

10 minutes further down the road is a viewpoint of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps – one of the three mountain ranges in Slovenia. The name comes from the city of Kamnik and the Savinja River. I parked about 250 feet before the actual viewpoint, where there was a designated pull-off (although to be fair, it’s only a few extra inches of road. Don’t look for a real pull-off).

Lookout Point at the Klemenca Homestead

Pastirkovo Lookout Point (Razgledna točka Pastirkovo)

A short 2-minute drive around the corner brought me to another jaw-dropping lookout point, Pastirkovo Lookout Point. If you know anything about Slovenia, you know that dragons are a symbol of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital. The interesting mascot is represented throughout the country, which can also be noticed at this lookout point.

Pastirkovo Lookout Point

Homemade Goat Milk Ice Cream at Klemen Matk

Our B&B Hosts recommended a stop here after my Logar Valley adventure for the day and could not say enough great things about it. The ice cream is homemade – and even from the goats on their farm. At first, I missed the spot because we were only told it word of mouth and had no address. After realizing I must’ve passed the shop, and making a nice 8+-point u-turn due to the narrow dirt road, I finally found it! Be sure to bring cash for the amazing ice cream!

After enjoying ice cream out on the picnic tables with gorgeous mountain views, one of the owner’s got home and showed us around the farm. Across Slovenia, and particularly in the Logar Valley area, I constantly felt a warm sense of welcome and genuine care from every stranger I met. The kindness of the people is truly remarkable! Even though his English was somewhat limited, and my German extremely basic, we were able to have a wonderful interaction.

Address: Logarska Dolina 21, 3335 Solčava, Slovenia (Appears as Klemen Matk – Nosilec dopolnilne dejavnosti na kmetiji in Google Maps)

Biking Logar Valley?

I rented an electric bike from TIC Solčavsko to explore Logar Valley. The price was €45 per bike, with 7 AM – 3 PM hours at the end of April. You can make a reservation by emailing info@solcavsko.info. I’ll throw out one warning though, the bike seats are extremely uncomfortable! I’m not a regular biker so I really struggled with the pain from the seat. 

TIC Solčavsko Bike Pick-Up Address: Solčava 29, 3335 Solčava, Slovenia

During peak season, bike rentals are also available throughout Logar Valley, including at TIC Logarska Dolina, Hotel Plesnik, House Ojstrica, and Eko House Na Razpotju.

View of Logar Valley from my bike

Where should I stay?

My absolute favorite place – I can not give it high enough marks – is Guesthouse Planinski Dom Majerhold. This is a family-run lodge and restaurant with stunning views of the region and traditional homemade food. The owners are amazing! Truly some of the nicest folks you’ll ever meet.

Guesthouse Planinski Dom Majerhold Address: Logarska Dolina 30, 3335 Solčava, Slovenia

Book your stay here

View from the garden area of Guesthouse Planinski Dom Majerhold
TripAdvisor

Logar Valley Entry Fees

Since Logar Valley is a protected area, there is a small entry fee that goes towards the preservation of the region. Only motorized vehicles are charged the entry fee. I rode a bike into the valley, therefore, I did not have to pay the entry fee. If you take a motorized vehicle, you’ll see this small hut on your right where payment is collected:

Logar Valley Payment Hut

Entry Fees:

Entry fees are also only charged at certain times and points in the year. If you arrive outside these dates or times, entry is free.

When entry fees are charged:

Map of Stops