The Kamniške Savinjske Alps & Pohorje Massif

In the west of this rugged region lies Kamnik, a very pretty and well preserved medieval town with castle, just a stones throw from Ljubljana and the gateway to the wonderful Kamnisko Savinjske Alps, stretching East to as far as Slovenj Gradec. Less visited by foreigners than other mountains in Slovenia, but popular amongst Slovenians, the Kamniško Savinjske Alps have more than their fair share of attractions with picturesque towns such as Kamnik, Mozirje and Slovenj Gradec and alpine villages such as Šentanel, excellent hiking and cycling trails, a number of thermal spas, skiing at Golte and Velika Planina and the exceptionally beautiful Logar Valley in the far north – one of the most perfect valleys in the Alps. The Pohorje Massif is an easterly extension of the Kamniško Savinjske Alps. A little lower than its westerly neighbours the area is a lovely natural environment peppered with lakes, including the small but beautiful Lovrenc & Black lakes, criss-crossed by a multitude of hiking and cycling trails and home to 2 main ski resorts – Rogla and Mariborsko Pohorje. Rogla is accessed from the small spa town of Zreče and is a relatively small resort good for beginners and intermediates. Mariborsko Pohorje is a larger resort, with plenty for beginners and more advanced skiers. One of its major benefits is its accessibility just at the edge of Maribor, with city buses going directly to the lifts. Maribor itself is Slovenia’s second city with a very pretty Austrian influenced old centre overlooking the Drava river and surrounded by a number of attractive wine roads.