A HIDDEN GEM AMID THE ALPS
Vila Planinka is seamlessly woven into the unspoilt nature and tranquillity of Slovenia’s first mountaineering village. Surrounded by the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Karawanks mountain range lies the village of Zgornje Jezersko with its crystal-clear Kokra river. This enchanting village, which boasts a one-of-a-kind architecture and a responsible attitude to nature, offers countless possibilities for leisure time in all seasons.
A heart-shaped world
Vila Planinka is situated amid a picturesque landscape, which was filled by a glacial lake during the last glacial period. After a massive earthquake in the 14th century, the water drained away, leaving behind the heart-shaped Planšar Lake (Planšarsko Jezero), whose shape reflects the locals’ attitude towards the mountains, nature, and life in this unspoiled corner of the world.
Beautiful all year around
Jezersko offers peace, quiet, and relaxation for travelers looking to get away from hectic everyday life and is a playground for outdoor aficionados. Autumn is all about peaceful walks along forest paths and winter is the season when the snow-covered landscape turns into a winter wonderland. Spring entices the first admirers of wild orchids and those who love views from the sunward-facing alpine mountain tops. In summer, the splendor of nature offers all sorts of enjoyable activities, from a refreshing dip in the Kokra River to a romantic stroll along Planšar Lake’s shore, hiking, cycling, climbing, and meditating in the great outdoors.
A paradise for outdoor activities
As Slovenia’s first village to be included in the prestigious Bergsteigerdörfer mountaineering village chain, Jezersko offers wonderful experiences for all mountaineering and mountain adventure enthusiasts. Well-maintained mountain trails of varying difficulty levels, natural climbing areas in summer and challenges for ice climbing fans. The landscape is ideal for cycling, walking, outdoor yoga, and forest bathing. Winter entices visitors with adrenaline-fuelled ski touring and relaxed snowshoeing, while the snow at the foot of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps beckons cross-country skiers to head down a 17-kilometre trail.
Activities
Indigenous flora
Jezersko is home to more than one thousand different types of herbs, many of which are used in Vila Planinka’s restaurant kitchen. Also, the locals have managed to preserve 17 species of wild orchids in a sustainable way, including the finest of all – the lady’s-slipper orchid. And did you know that part of the Italian city of Venice is built on stilts made from Jezersko’s high-quality wood?
Wildlife
It is not uncommon to catch sight of a fawn in the nearby forest through the window while relaxing in Vila Planinka’s sauna. Or you might get to see a squirrel trotting into the hotel’s courtyard. Jezersko’s centuries-old forests and unspoilt nature are home to animals that you won’t get to see anywhere else but in this part of the world. One of the native animals you’re bound to love is the indigenous Jezersko-Solčava breed of domestic sheep with its distinctive black patch around the eyes.
The enchanting Alps
The mountain tops of the Kočna, Grintovec and Storžič make for an enticing sight whenever you look out of Vila Planinka’s windows. The Karawanks and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps can be visited in all seasons and are suitable for different difficulty levels. An especially unforgettable mountain experience is the sunrise, which – paired with the playful ibex – heralds an even more beautiful day.