Logar Valley in the afternoon
Highlights
Useful information and tips in visiting Slovenia’s magnificent Logarska Dolina or Logar Valley.
Time of Visit: August 2025
Duration of Visit: Four Nights
Description
Logar Valley (Logarska Dolina) is one of Slovenia’s most stunning valleys, tucked away in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in the northern part of the country. Shaped by glacial activity, the valley stretches for about seven kilometers, flanked by dramatic limestone peaks that rise steeply on both sides.
Its floor is a patchwork of meadows, forests, and traditional farmsteads. Crystal-clear streams weave their way through which eventually lead to the impressive Rinka Waterfall at the valley’s end. The landscape has been carefully preserved and protected as a landscape park to ensure its pristine beauty and ecological balance remain intact.
Logar Valley is flanked by two other valleys which are Robanov Kot and Matkov Kot. Both are also glacial valleys though not as popular as Logar Valley. Robanov Kot offers a peaceful, less-crowded alternative to Logar Valley. The Robanov family still farms the land and grants access to hikers who want to explore the area’s peaceful setting and hike some of the mountain trails.
Unfortunately, we cannot describe Matnov Kot as we were not able to explore the valley. Though a quick Internet search indicates that it is known for its unspoiled alpine beauty and tranquil natural surroundings. It bursts with wildflowers in summer and becomes a serene snow covered haven in the winter. Matnov Kot is one of Slovenia’s hidden gems that offers an authentic glimpse into the country’s rural mountain life and breathtaking natural heritage.
Activities
Described below are the activities that we were able to do during our stay. We would have done more had it not rained for a full day during our four night stay.
Hiking
There are several trails to choose between the three valleys and surrounding area. Most of the hikes are in Logar Valley. There are only a few easy and intermediate hikes. The rest require expert level as the trails are steep once it hits the mountain slopes. We skipped the expert level hikes as those would require equipment for safety reasons.
Frishauf Lodge at Okrešelj
This hike took us to a small mountain hut where drinks can be bought. It uses the same path and trailhead to the Rinka Waterfall. The trail is 1.6 km (1 mile) one way and is estimated to take 1 hour. It involves 368 m (1,200 ft) of vertical ascent. In some places, you will need your hands to grab on to something.
Besides being able to see Rinka Waterfall, the hike does offer some nice views of the mountain peaks. The path actually crosses the stream that feeds the waterfall. The last third of the hike is through the forest. There were no views at Frishauf Lodge because the area was fenced off due to construction. So if it is only views you are after, you can head back once you hit the forest.
Robanov Kot
This is an easy 8 km (4.8 mi) out and back hike to a mountain hut that is owned by the Robanov family. Actually, part of the trail goes through the family’s property so please respect the area so that public access continues.
The trail has a gradual slope to cover the roughly 240 m (800 ft) of elevation gain. Most of the trail is through the forest but there are some sections that pass through meadows with nice views of the mountain peaks. You either do not have a pulse or do not know the famous John Denver song “Country Roads” if you do not find yourself humming or singing as you head on over to the hut. This place is truly special.
Drive The Panoramic Road
The Panoramic Road is a mountainside road that has three viewpoints of the valleys below and the mountain range. It is about 20 kilometers long and takes about an hour to drive. About half of it is unpaved, winding and wide enough for just one vehicle in some places. We learned about the Panoramic Road by visiting the information center at the village of Solčava.
Enjoy The Scenery
If you just want to relax, then you should just spend your time at Logar Valley and enjoy the scenery. Nowhere in our travels have we seen such a picture perfect valley where time seems to stand still. It just calls out to you to just grab a chair, sit and enjoy your favorite drink or food while admiring the scenery.
Eat Traditional Food
House Ojstrica
House Ojstrica offers some traditional Slovenian food at a reasonable prices. The food is actually good and you will be happy with the portions. As a bonus, House Ojstrica has an outdoor dining area that faces the mountains. Do not wait too long to eat dinner here. The kitchen closes at 7PM and sometimes there could be a line of people waiting for a table to open.
Tourist Farm Govc – Vršnik
Tourist Farm Govc – Vršnik is a family owned and operated hotel and restaurant located just before Robanov Kot. The restaurant serves home cooked Slovenian food. It is a set menu at a fair price. The scenery is not bad either.
How To Get There
We drove ourselves to Logar Valley so that we could use our time efficiently. It is about a one and half hour drive from Ljubljana.
The gateway to Logar Valley is the village of Solčava. We saw buses, though not often, passing by the village. We also saw a bus with the NOMAGO (www.nomago.sl) parked by Hotel Plesnik in Logar Valley..
Where To Stay
We stayed in Hisa Plesnik which is a pension almost across the information center at the village of Solčava. Their rooms are not all the same size so make sure you pay attention to which one you select before booking. It is only a 10 minute drive to the Logar Valley entrance.
Within Logar Valley there is Hotel Plesnik and House Ojstrica. You would not be complaining about the location but you may have second thoughts about the price. Tourist Farm Govc – Vršnik is another alternative if you have your own transportation.
How To Get Around
Having your own car is the best way to get around the area. We saw a bus stop sign at Hotel Plesnik and near the trailhead to Slap Resnik but do not have any information about the schedule. It is about a five kilometer walk on a slight uphill to reach the Slap Resnik trailhead from Hotel Plesnik.
Expected Expenses
The only expense you will encounter is the entry fee to Logar Valley which is 10 Euros per day. For our case, House Ojstrica and Hisa Plesnik are owned by the same company. We paid the entry fee once, kept our receipt and had it validated by our accommodation to allow us unlimited entry to the valley.
Summary
Logar Valley is a must visit simply because of its breathtaking scenery. It is one of those special places where you would not get tired of looking at it no matter how many times you have seen it. The scenery appears to change as the mountains are lit by the sun at different times of the day.
Hotel Plesnik and House Ojstrica are both located in Logar Valley and make an excellent base for short hikes, cycling, or simply leisurely strolls. The Rinka Waterfall is one of the highest in Slovenia and is an easy short hike. Hiking through Robanov Kot is also scenic and is a less crowded alternative to Logar Valley.
The Logar Valley area offers a slower, restorative travel experience that appeals to those looking to escape crowded tourist hubs. Small guesthouses, farm stays, and family-run restaurants provide authentic local hospitality while serving traditional Slovenian cuisine in serene settings. Logar Valley blends natural grandeur with cultural authenticity, making it a destination that balances relaxation with exploration.