CENTRAL LOCATION

KRANJ

Kranj is the location of the great Hostel Curkrarna, that I decide to stay at for three nights and explore the city and surrounding region via day trips. This hostel is perfectly located in Kranj’s historic downtown, and is owned and operated by a young couple with two children. The parents work in shifts sometimes with kids in tow - a real family run business. I love their pastries… it is a true delight to have warm štruklji for breakfast! And… around the corner is an Italian restaurant with a great spinach and cheese salad.

FOODIE TOWN

On Saturdays Kranj has a farmer’s market and pop-up food stalls in the center of Old Town. My favorite find was the mushroom sandwich.

AROUND KRANJ

I spend a day exploring old town Kranj. In the center is the Church of St. CantianusIt which is the most important work of Gothic architecture in Slovenia. The arches and fountain at the top of the Plečnik Stairs are designed as a grand entry feature by the internationally acclaimed architect Jože Plečnik. The largest Prešeren statue in the world is next to the theater - because this country values their poets! A cool depiction of maiden, mother and crone also caught my eye.

A BEE MUSEUM

Yes! In the nearby town of Radovljica an entire museum is dedicated to our very important pollinators! I learned that the Carniolan Bee (Apis mellifera carnica) is the predominant species in Europe, and now the second most widespread in the world after Italian bees. Here in Slovenia, they have a tradition of painting scenes on one side of the bee boxes - making it easy for the owners to identify which ones are theirs.

SKOFJA LOKA

A day ride takes me to Skofja Loka - known as the most beautiful oldest settlement in Slovenia. I visit their landmark castle, and in a town square along my way, there was a Red Cross event to teach people about CPR. I join in and have fun practicing CPR on a dummy. Further along my route to the hilltop castle, I pass a wedding photo shoot. When I get to the castle, I discover a beer tasting event. This is a very busy town!

These three days have been great for basking in the local culture.

Now… on to some waterway touring.