Old castle above Kamnik (577 m)

Q: Where is the starting point for the Stari Grad hike?

Kamnik bus station , which also has a parking lot (paid on weekdays); there are several other parking options in Kamnik. You can also reach Kamnik from Ljubljana by train (stations Kamnik mesto or Graben); check the Slovenian Railways timetable .

Q: Points of interest along the Stari Grad trail

Kamnik Volčji Potok Arboretum Kamniška Bistrica Valley Terme Snovik Thermal Spa , Tuhinj Valley

Remnants of an old gray wall overgrown with greenery.

Short Climb to a Scenic Hilltop with “Castle” Cuisine

Just a stone’s throw from Kamnik’s charming old town centre rises the mountain of Krniška gora. At the top of this hill lie the ruins of the Old Castle (Stari grad), the oldest castle in Kamnik, dating back to the early 13th century. A pleasant and short forest path that’s steep for a good part of the way leads you there, and on clear days you’re rewarded with breathtaking views and excellent local food.

In the past, the castle’s strategic position was vital for controlling the medieval trade route through the town. Today, it’s a popular spot for both hikers and cyclists.

To reach the waymarked trail to the Old Castle, start from Kamnik’s main bus station. You won’t miss the life-sized sculpture of a mammoth nearby, erected because in 1938 one of Europe’s best-preserved mammoth skeletons was discovered in the nearby village of Nevlje.

Cross the bridge over the Kamniška Bistrica River, whose source lies close by in the picturesque Kamniška Bistrica Valley. Then turn right along the pavement to the first set of traffic lights. The hill you’ll climb is on the other side of the road, where you’ll see a green signpost marking the start of the trail. Cross the road and proceed via a narrow lay-by to reach it.
The trail quickly climbs steeply along a well-made forest path, first along the forest edge, then deeper into the woods on comfortable forest trails for most of the ascent. There are a few flatter sections along the way.

The end of the climb is truly impressive: you enter the viewing platform next to the castle ruins through well-preserved tall castle walls. The views from the top are even more stunning – on clear days you can see the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, the Karawanks, the Julian Alps, including Triglav, and all the way down to the plains and towns on the outskirts of Ljubljana, as well as the capital itself with its surrounding hills. Helpful panoramic boards are located at the summit to help you identify the landmarks.

At the top, you’ll find the Stari grad inn, where you can enjoy excellent dishes made using local ingredients and traditional recipes.

Descent: via the ascent path.

Photo highlights from the trail to Stari Grad

A white building with a red roof peeking through the fog in the valley.

Bird's-eye view of a town surrounded by greenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the starting point for the Stari Grad hike?

Kamnik bus station, which also has a parking lot (paid on weekdays); there are several other parking options in Kamnik. You can also reach Kamnik from Ljubljana by train (stations Kamnik mesto or Graben); check the Slovenian Railways timetable.

Is the trail to Stari Grad suitable year-round?

The trail to Stari Grad is accessible year-round. In winter, some sections, especially after snowfall, can be icy, so crampons and trekking poles are recommended.

Dining options along the trail to Stari Grad

Gostišče Stari grad

Points of interest along the Stari Grad trail