• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to footer

ZigZag On Earth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

  • FRANCE
    • CORSICA
    • NORMANDY
    • PARIS
  • EUROPE
    • ANDALUCIA
    • CANARY ISLANDS
    • GREECE
    • ICELAND
    • ICELAND WINTER
    • PORTUGAL
    • SCOTLAND
    • SLOVENIA
  • REST OF WORLD
    • NEW ZEALAND
    • OMAN
  • EBOOKS
  • TIPS
  • PUZZLES
  • ABOUT

Skofja Loka (Slovenia) – Guide + Photos of charming town and castle

Last updated on September 26, 2019 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

Considered the best preserved medieval city in the Slovenia, Skofja Loka is worth the short detour between Ljubljana and Lake Bled. Take the time to stroll in the old streets of the center and climb to the castle to visit its interesting museum. Below is my travel guide to help you plan your visit.

s Castle Skofja Loka Slovenia Travel Guide
Quick Navigation
Skofja Loka in Video
Why visit Skofja Loka Slovenia
How to get to Skofja Loka
Skofja Loka old town -  bridge, houses and a river
Castle of Skofja Loka from Outside (Skofja Loka Grad)
Skofja Loka Castle Park 
Museum of Skofja Loka (castle interior)
Where to stay in Skofja Loka

Navigate back to the complete Slovenia Travel Guide

Share0
Share +10
Tweet0
Pin0

This article contains affiliate Links (info on the Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.


Skofja Loka in Video

Let's start with a short video to give you an idea of what it is like to visit the charming town of Skofja Loka in Slovenia:

In Slovenian there are accents: škofja loka.


Why visit Skofja Loka Slovenia

The Charm of a medieval town...

When people visit Slovenia, they tend to rush to get to the famous Lake Bled, its castle on the cliff and the Julian Alps.
But in the lower part, where the mountains start appearing, is the medieval town of Skofja Loka, dominated by its castle.
Away from the crowds, it gave me a fantastic first impression of Slovenia.

The old center has very little car traffic, so it is really enjoyable to explore the streets, admire the houses with medieval history and sit under a giant tree to taste delicious ice-creams,  🙂

Why visit Skofja Loka Slovenia - Castle

Skofja Loka Castle

About Skofja Loka - Facts

  • Mentions of the town date back to 973
  • It is considered to be the best preserved medieval town center in Slovenia
  • The name means bishop's meadows
  • The old center is located at the confluence of the  Selska Sora and Poljanska rivers
  • The castle was built to protect the town and later became the governor's residence
  • The town was destroyed in 1511 by the Idrija earthquake and rebuilt by the bishop
  • It also has a deep history during world war II as a strategic location
Why visit Skofja Loka Slovenia - Town

Skofja Loka old town


How to get to Skofja Loka

Skofja Loka Location

  • North west of Ljubljana
  • Easy access via motorway
  • South of Kranj
  • Ljubljana to Skofja Loka - 30min drive
  • Bled to Skofja Loka - 40min drive
How to get to Skofja Loka Slovenia

Getting to Skofja Loka

  • SELF-DRIVE - The best solution is to rent a car and go on a self-drive road trip around Slovenia. It is very easy to drive and roads are in excellent conditions. You can compare car rental prices on RentalCars.com 
  • ORGANIZED TOUR - To get an overview of the Bled region, you can also join a day trip from Ljubljana which include the magnificent Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bled. On the return trip, you will stop at Skofja Loka - Check out program and price

This location, along with many other beautiful places, is included in my eBook: 

small Slovenia ebook cover

Plan your perfect trip to Slovenia!

  • 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
  • 100+ selected locations so you don't miss the most beautiful places
  • GPS + info to make the most of your time
  • 190+ original photos to get inspired

LEARN MORE


Skofja Loka old town -  bridge, houses and a river

First stop the town center. 
You can park quite close to the river. Don't forget to pay for parking!!!!

To access the medieval center, you can cross on one of the bridges: the historical one (Capuchin bridge) or the modern one. Views are charming with the green hills and orange roofs.

Medieval city Skofja Loka Slovenia 1

Always look up to spot the castle protecting the town!

Medieval city Skofja Loka Slovenia 2

The medieval town is organized around 2 main squares. The Town square with the church of St Jacob:

Medieval city Skofja Loka Slovenia 3

Skofa Loka church of St Jacob

But even before

Medieval city Skofja Loka Slovenia 4
Medieval city Skofja Loka Slovenia 5

At the upper square the ambiance is a bit difference. The colorful houses are in better shape. It is a very enjoyable places to stroll.

Why visit Skofja Loka Slovenia - Town

At one end is a 16th century house with a giant tree. It is called the Homan House, a civil manor which was restored in Gothic architectural style (and with some renaissance element) in  the 16th century after the 1511 earthquake. You can see a stone with the date engraved.
I really recommend sitting in the shade here to taste the delicious ice-creams or have a quick lunch.

Medieval city Skofja Loka Slovenia 6

Castle of Skofja Loka from Outside (Skofja Loka Grad)

From various roads around the town, you can get clear views of the castle and its square shape.

Although the town was mentioned in the 10th century, the castle was first mentioned in 1202. Although it has been established that it dates back to the 11th century.

Skofja Loka Castle Slovenia 1

Today we can't admire the central square tower because if was brought down in 1892 by the Ursulines who bought the castle. Significant alteration were made to the plan.

Skofja Loka Castle Slovenia 2

During the second world war the castle was occupied by the German.


Skofja Loka Castle Park 

Skofja Loka Castle Park Slovenia 1

How to get to the Skofja Loka Castle

  • Your first option is to walk up hill to the castle entrance - note the path includes some steps and slope 
  • Or you can take your car back and drive up there. There is a parking inside the fortifications.

Exploring the park 

You don't have to visit the museum (even though I recommend it). You can simply enjoy a stroll in the park, sit at the Gazebo.

Skofja Loka Castle Park Slovenia 2

A path has been set up departing from the castle through the forest. It leads to abysses, small monuments and the ruins or an old castles.

But you don't have to complete the whole loop. You can just walk 2 minutes to see the Skopar House, its hayrack and farm tools. Hayracks are typical in Slovenia, and you will see many as you drive around. They were intended to dry hay, grain, beans... They began to be used in the 16th century.

Skofja Loka Castle Park Slovenia 3

Museum of Skofja Loka (castle interior)

About the castle

The Skofja Loka Museum is a general museum which covers local information about archeology, history, culture, ethnology and natural history.

It was one of my favorite museums and overall things to do in Slovenia. I must admit that normally I am not a big fan of museums. But I have been pleasantly surprise by many of them in Slovenia especially at Idrija, Bistra and here.
They have gathered and present to the visitor, artefacts and documents about the rich history of the town and the region.

I am not going to share pictures of all the exhibits because there are many. But I am giving you a small taste here of what there is to see.

Castle Opening

  • Closed on Wednesdays
  • Skofja Loka Opening hours - 10 am to 6pm
  • Small fee to enter

Chapel

One of the first stops is the renovated chapel. The roof is quite elegant.

Skofja Loka Castle Museum Slovenia 2

Museum exhibits

Throughout the many exhibits you can learn a lot about the history of the town, the castle and the region with paintings, documents, pieces of furniture...

This oil painting represents the 1698 fire in the town.

Skofja Loka Castle Museum Slovenia 1

There is a representation of the castle as it use to stand with the central square tower:

Skofja Loka Castle Museum Slovenia 3

However my favorite parts of the museum, were the section introducing many of the old manual work and their tools. As you can see in the picture below, you can get information in English about most of the scenes you see..

Skofja Loka Castle Museum Slovenia 4
Skofja Loka Castle Museum Slovenia 5

Where to stay in Skofja Loka

If it was a detour on your way to Lake Bled, I recommend you head to my Bled travel Guide to find out about accommodations.

However, because it is less touristic, you can find some good deals and quieter places to stay in Skofja Loka. For example:

  • OLD TOWN - right by the river, Hotel garni has a convenient location - Check out photos and prices
  • MODERN - a little big further (but not far) is the Turisezm Koka B&B with sauna and jacuzzi - Check out photos and prices
  • GREAT FOR FAMILY - The Mini Hotel is built on hight grounds, offering a garden and clear views of the region - Check out photos and prices
  • or check out all accommodations in Skofja Loka on Booking

Planning a road trip in Slovenia? Check out my eBook to easily plan your itinerary:

small Slovenia ebook cover

Plan your perfect trip to Slovenia!

  • 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
  • 100+ selected locations so you don't miss the most beautiful places
  • GPS + info to make the most of your time
  • 190+ original photos to get inspired

LEARN MORE


Want to see more of SLOVENIA?

PREVIOUS: 

LOGAR VALLEY

NEXT: 

CELJE CASTLE SLOVENIA

Slovenia Travel Guide - Slovenia Tourism

Charming town isn't it?

Share0
Share +10
Tweet0
Pin0

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Slap Pericnik Waterfall Slovenia – Hike + Photos + Tips (Walk behind!)
Read More 
15 Best Slovenia Castles – Photos + Video (On and Off the beaten path)
Read More 
Visiting Predjama Castle Slovenia (Cave Castle) – Video + Photos + Tips
Read More 
Things to do in Lake Bled Slovenia (Map + Attractions + Photos)
Read More 
Share0
Share +10
Tweet0
Pin0

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Footer

Search

Follow us on Facebook

Follow up on Pinterest

Website in French: ZigZagvoyages.fr

Website in German: ZigZagreisen.de

Privacy / Terms of Use / Disclosure Policies / Refund policy

Become an affiliate for the ZigZag road trip guide

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ZigZagOnEarth.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.uk and Amazon.ca

Copyright © 2021 ZigZag On Earth · Log in