Water Trails of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps

Discover the Kamnik–Savinja Alps through one of their greatest natural treasures – water. The Water Trail of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps is a long-distance hiking trail that links springs, streams, rivers, lakes and waterfalls, leading through the varied Alpine landscape of Slovenia and Austria. The Kamnik–Savinja Alps are a true natural water tower. The area has more than 100 springs, 100 streams, four rivers, three lakes and numerous waterfalls. As part of the Network of Water Trails project, experts repeatedly analysed 55 water sources, paying particular attention to water quality and to the importance of preserving this wealth of water.

11 stages around the Kamnik–Savinja Alps

The circular trail starts in Stahovica and leads through the Kamniška Bistrica valley towards Krvavec. It continues through the Cerklje area, Preddvor and Jezersko, crosses Austrian Carinthia and returns to Slovenia over the Pavličevo sedlo pass. It then leads through the Logar Valley (Logarska dolina), Solčava, Luče and Podvolovljek, before returning towards Stahovica below Velika Planina.

The whole trail is divided into 11 day stages; the average stage is 17.2 kilometres long, or about 4–5 hours of walking.

Link: Kamnik–Savinja Alps – Water Trails

ksalps.com/vodne-poti (opens in a new tab)

The Water Trail through Cerklje

Stage 2 of the Water Trail crosses the Municipality of Cerklje na Gorenjskem: Kriška Planina–Strmol Castle–Olševek–Preddvor.

21.7 km | about 6.5 h | 187 m of ascent | 1,223 m of descent

From Kriška Planina, the trail descends towards Ambrož pod Krvavcem, where a spring by St Ambrose's Church awaits walkers. It continues via Šenturška Gora down into the valley to the source of the Pšata, where groundwater from beneath Krvavec rises to the surface.

The trail then crosses the Reka stream and leads past Strmol Castle, home to another of the springs along the route. It continues past the Češnjevek Ponds and Adergas, and then through Olševek towards Lake Črnava in Preddvor.

Link: Kamnik–Savinja Alps – Stage 2

Following the trail of pure spring water

What makes the Water Trails special is not just the hiking routes but also the stories of water and its importance for life beneath the Alps. Metal cups have been placed at selected analysed springs with drinking water, and QR codes give walkers access to data on water quality. The trail is therefore not only a hiking experience but also an invitation to learn about and protect one of the most precious natural resources of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.

Set off with a map

The route of all 11 stages is shown on the Water Trails of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps hiking map, which is also available at the TIC Cerklje na Gorenjskem (Tourist Information Centre).

Link: PDF Water Trails of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps

Water Trails of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps (PDF)

The entire trail, together with descriptions, is also available in the maPZS mobile hiking app, which you can use free of charge on your phone.

Link: maPZS – Alpine Association of Slovenia

mapzs.pzs.si (opens in a new tab)

More information

For detailed descriptions of the individual stages, maps and further information, visit the official website of the Water Trails of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.

Link

ksalps.com/vodne-poti (opens in a new tab)