The lesser-known area of the Logar Valley in Slovenia is definitively worth the detour: sharp summits, rock walls, green pastures, charming farms…
Also known as Logarska Dolina, it offers some of best landscapes in Slovenia including those on the Solcava Panoramic Road.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit with things to do, tips, map and photos.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Slovenia:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Slovenia: DiscoverCars
My favorite adventure from Bovec: Kayak on the Soca River
My favorite excursion from Ljubljana: Postojna Cave and Predjama castle
My favorite places to stay:
- Lubljana, central – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Lesar Hotel Angel
- Bled, iconic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Vila Bled
- Bovec, outdoorsy – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Dobra Vila
- Piran, historic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Hotel Piran
Best things to do in and around the Logar Valley
Why visit the Logar Valley in Slovenia?
A picture is probably worth anything I could tell you. It is hard to describe why this valley in particular is so impressive. Probably because it is just the right size (not to narrow and not too large), because it displays magnificent shades of green and because it ends with an amphitheater of bare summits with very steep slopes.
Plus, it has remained quite pristine, only shaped by the historical farms of the region.
Let me show you what I mean in one picture – Can you understand why I think it is one of the Most beautiful places to visit in Slovenia?
What is nowadays called the Logar Valley is actually the whole region which includes glacial valleys and scenic roads. A large part of it is protected as a landscape park. It is actually the Solcava Region around the town of Solcava.
5 Best things to do in and around the Logar Valley
- Drive to the end of Logarska Dolina itself to enjoy the mountain views
- Walk the Trail through the Logar Valley Nature Park
- Hike to the Rinka Waterfall
- Enjoy the different style of the nearby glacial Valleys of Robanov Kot
- Drive the Solcava Panoramic Road to admire magnificent views and visit historical farms
Video – Virtual Tour
Do you really need more convincing? Probably not, but here comes my short video to give you an idea of the views in the Logar Valley region:
Note: This Logar Valley is at the border between Slovenia and Austria. But, there is also a Logar valley and province in Afghanistan. Don’t get mixed-up when looking at pictures…
More photos after the planning tips.
Planning tips & Map – Logar Valley, Slovenia
Where is the Logar Valley location? Map
The Logar Valley, called Logarska Dolina in Slovene, in located in the North of the country, in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, close to the border with Austria.
It is not far away, but the roads are not highways, so it still takes quite some time:
Efforts are currently made to develop tourism in this magnificent area.Below is a map to help you get oriented:
These locations are included (with GPS coordinates, map and planning info) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Slovenia road trip:
Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- 16+ extra ideas
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 190+ original photos to help you choose
How to get to Logarska Dolina
The easiest way to visit the Logar Valley is on a road trip, self-drive. The roads from Ljubljana are in very good conditions and it will allow you to explore the area more easily.
Note that there is a tollbooth at the entrance of Logarska Dolina itself and you must pay a daily permit to enter with your car.
Logar Valley Day Trip – If you are not road tripping through Slovenia, you can still see the Logar Valley. There are not many public transportation options, but a company is running a tour to the area departing from Bled or Ljubljana.
Logarska Dolina Map and information at Rinka Center in Solcava
If you are staying several days, you can stop in Solcava on the way to the Logar Valley to get information at the tourist office (Rinka Center) as well as maps, including the one of the Solcavksa Panoramic Road (Solcava Panoramic Road).
How long to visit the Logar Valley?
You could only drive through the valley and enjoy the views over a half day.
However, I recommend at least 2 days to enjoy the magnificent regions. The mountains are beautiful, and I think you should take the time to visit all the glacial valleys and drive the Panoramic road.
Logar Valley Accommodations
Where to stay in the Logar Valley?
A few Guesthouses and farms are providing accommodation in the region. But the main Logarska Dolina hotel is Hotel Plesnik. It is located where there is the best view of the valley. This is why I booked there, just to be able to see that view (the one on the first photo in the next section) all the time while staying and even swimming whilst enjoying it. I like the decor of the rooms and the staff was nice. The only annoying thing was the high quantity of lights and buttons to turn them on and off. I was always trying to find the right one LOL.
Check out hotel photos & availability
But if you want a more personalized experience, check out the best rated guesthouses and farms around the Logar Valley.
Inside Logarska Dolina – Drive or Nature Park Trail
The advantage of Logarska Dolina (or not depending on your perspective) is that you can drive all the way to the end of the valley. The road is in good condition. It is a very easy drive.
So, there are 3 main ways to explore the Valley:
- Drive and stop at the different carparks
- Walk the whole trail (mostly flat)
- Bike through the valley
The first section is open with fantastic views, and the second part is under the trees all the way to the parking of Slap Rinka Hike.
Below are a few pictures taken along the way:
Need to rent a car in Slovenia?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Logar Valley Natural Park Facts
- It was created by a glacier during the last ice age
- It is 7km long and 260m wide on average
- It is surrounded by mountains over 2000m high (such as Ojstrica, Brana, Rinke…)
- Along the valley you can see sources, huts, meadows, Scottish cattle, and many trees
Nature-Ethnographic Trail
A walking trail has been set up with explanatory boards about Nature.
It is a 7km long path and takes 3h one-way. It is mostly flat until the climb to the waterfall.
It takes you through the “Fairy-Tale forest” and all the way to the waterfall.
Logar Valley waterfalls – Slap Rinka Waterfall and Palenk
Slap Rinka Waterfall
There are several hikes in the region and 6 waterfalls. One of the most famous is the one to the Rinka Waterfall, which is quite different from all the other waterfalls in Slovenia. Here it is, a straight 90m drop:
Logar Valley Hike to Rinka Waterfall
The Rinka waterfall is a single 90m drop against the grey and orange rock wall. It is often said that it is the tallest in Slovenia but apparently, it is not the case.
To reach it you have to drive all the way to the end carpark in the valley. There is a bar and facilities.
From there it is a 15 min hike uphill. It is quite steep, and the rocks are slippery so wear good footwear and make sure you are fit enough.
There are more hiking opportunities in the area. Check with the visitor center in Solcava.
Palenk Waterfall
If you want to see a waterfall that is more easily accessed, you can check out Slap Palenk right behind Hotel Plesnik.
When I visited, there was almost no water falling, so it was just a big rock wall. But when water is flowing it must be nice, especially when it is freezing in Winter.
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The other glacial Valleys – Robanov Kot and Matkov Kot
Robanov Kot
Just South of the Logar Valley, is Robanov Kot Glacial Valley. It is also a protected nature area that leads to Mt Ojstrica.
It is a lot less touristy and there is a nice trail through the valley (not possible to drive all the way): 1h walk.
It takes its name after the ancient Roban Farms which have been inhabited for more than 800 years.
As you can see on the photo above there was not much water when I visited.
Don’t hesitate to enter the Govc-Vrsnik Tourist farm to learn more about the region and taste local produce.
Matkov Kot
This valley is only 5km in length. It is the smallest of the Solcava Region.
It is named after the ancient Matk farm.
Its main attraction is Matkov Skaf (at 1480m in elevation). It is a snow pit full of snow in Winter, but turning into a funnel and waterfall in Summer. Access is via a difficult trail that is 3.9km long.
Drive the Solcava Panoramic Road (or Solcavska)
Another highlight of the region is the Solcava Panoramic road they have been developing, one of the most beautiful drives in the countries (along with the VRSIC pass road).
Its local name is Solčavsko.
About the drive – Solcava panoramic road Map
Let me start by describing the drive before showing some of my favorite viewpoints.
There are 3 sections of the Panoramic road, the main one being the green line on the map. It starts at the entrance of the Logar Valley and finishes at Solcavska (or the opposite).
It is not the easiest to drive.
The road is often narrow and there is even a section that is not yet paved.
This means you have to drive slowly.
Plus, there are many stops to enjoy. So, plan at least 2 hours for the green circuit (more if you visit all the farms)
The Panoramas
The main attractions are the various nature viewpoints along the way. They are clearly indicated but parking can be sometimes a bit complicated. If it becomes a lot more popular, I don’t know how they will manage.
Let me show you some pictures taken along the way:
This is not the best view, but it is an intriguing location because it is wetland where more than 50 species of plants grow!
It is considered the best lookout point of the whole road. Above is the view on one side, with the Logar Valley. Loved the giant loungers to enjoy the place. Would you love to sit there?
And below is the view on the other side with the most photographed farm in Slovenia.
And a last one (it is difficult to pick only a few…). Below is Stop 5 with the Holy Spirit Church. Simple but elegant with the surrounding Kamnik Alps!!!
Dragons and Farms
The Solcavska Panoramic Road is not only for the views. You can follow stories and explanations about the region and its tradition. Each stop has explanations and is near a farm where you can taste delicious local produce.
Logar Valley Hikes
The area is also fantastic for hiking.
Some of the best trails include:
- Slap Rinka waterfall (as listed above)
- Matkov Skaf in Matkov Kot (as listed above)
- Koca na Klemenci jami (short easy hike) or continue to Strelovec or to Ojstrica (but only for experienced hikers)
- Frischaufov dom na Okreslju (Moderate short hike) to a mountain hut
- Kamnik Saddle Lodge – Difficult uphill hike (3h one way from Slap Rinka)
- …
Stops on the way from Ljubljana to Logar Valley
Between Ljubljana and Logarska Dolina there is more to explore. Below are 2 stops to consider.
Kamnik
Kamnik was one of my favorite little towns in Slovenia. I fell in love with the view from the ruins of the old castle. The contrast of the red roofs with the deep green of the trees. The bare summits and the church tower.
And when I visited, it was very quiet with hardly any tourists, another reason why I found it very charming 🙂
Velika Planina – Cable Car + farms
Another very famous location is Velika Planina (a lot more touristy). It is an area in the mountains where herders have installed their small farms.
A cable car followed by a chairlift allow you to easily reach the area.
However if you are afraid of heights the cable car might be a problem. It is quite steep and old… but the views are breathtaking!
Want to see more of the best Slovenia has to offer?
- Best things to do in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful landscapes in Slovenia – read article
- Best castles in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia – read article
- Best off the beaten path attractions in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful towns in Slovenia – read article
These locations and many other beautiful places, are included in my eBook with maps to make planning a road trip easy:
Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- 16+ extra ideas
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 190+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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Hi Claire! Loved your tips about Logar Valley so much that me and my husband decided to add the place to our trip in May 🙂
We will take the car at Ljubljana airport and drive there, so I have a quick question about it… I saw some drive directions on google maps and it’s only recommending paths that go through the Austrian border. Do you know if is there any issue with crossing the border by car? like any kind of authorization or fee for this? Thank you in advance!
Warm regards,
Bianca
Hi Bianca.
It is really beautiful and worth the detour, but there is no need to go through the Austrian Border.
I just checked on Google Maps from the airport to Solcava, the main village near the valley and it shows a road via Slovenia only… and if I enter Logarska Dolina, the first proposal is via Austria but the next 2 are Slovenia only (and only 3min longer).
Plus the drive through Slovenia is via Kamnik a really cute village at the foot of the mountains.
However if you do plan to cross the border, you just need to check with your rental companies if you insurance covers you there.
Have a great trip!
Claire