Jamnik is an ordinary village located in the pre-alps on the eastern side of the Jelovica Plateau. The village has just over 40 inhabitants. However, the church just outside the village is situated in an exceptionally beautiful location, with Gorenjska (Upper Carniola), the Karawanke mountain range, the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, and the Julian Alps as a backdrop. To the south, on the opposite side, the view extends across the pre-alps stretching for miles.
My Visit
Going to Jamnik and seeing the church has been on my bucket list for a long time. However, it is only worth visiting when the weather is really good, so you can fully take in the incredible view. On the morning of January 8th this year, the time had finally come: it was cold, and the sky was clear and blue after three days of snowfall. I arrived just a little too late and missed a fantastic sunrise, according to others who were there.
The view itself was incredible. A thin veil of fog had formed in the valley below, while the mountain peaks, trees, and surrounding landscape were beautifully covered in freshly fallen snow.
Even on this day, which is as off-season as it can be, I was joined by several long-distance tourists who had made their way up to Jamnik to photograph the church. The place is popular among both professional and amateur photographers. Someone had also brought a drone—the church must be the perfect subject for aerial photography.
The Church
The church is called the Church of Saints Primož and Felician. It belongs to the Roman Catholic Church and serves as a branch church of the parish of Besnica, near Kranj.
Both the village and the church were first mentioned in writing in 1501. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the peak on which the church stands was used to light warning fires against attacks by Turkish forces, as it is visible from a large part of Gorenjska (Upper Carniola).
Views
From the lookout point featured in the app, you can see the church exactly as it appears in the first picture at the top of this blog post. Behind the church, from left to right, the Karawanke mountain range and the peaks Storžič (2,132 m), Jezerska Kočna (2,540 m), and Grintovec (2,558 m) in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps are visible. Below these peaks, the valley spreads out, encompassing a large part of Gorenjska. To locate the lookout point, select Show on map in the upper-right menu of the app.
If you hike up the path to the church, you are rewarded with a fantastic view: to the north, the Karawanke mountain range with its highest peak Stol (2,236 m); to the south, the pre-alps; and to the east, the church itself, set against the backdrop of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.
How to get to Jamnik
It takes about 55 minutes to drive from Ljubljana to Jamnik. Take the A2 motorway toward Jesenice/Villach, exit at Naklo, and continue toward Kropa. From there, a narrow and steep serpentine road leads up to the Jelovica Plateau and Jamnik. If you are using our app, you can select Show on map in the upper-right menu for help with directions to Jamnik.
Hiking
In addition to looking at the church and the view, Jamnik is a good place for some easy hiking. There are several hiking trails in the area.
- Bela Peč (White Stove) - Is a peak above the village of Jamnik and the Jelovica plateau. From the parking lot at Jamnik it takes about an hour to hike up to the peak. From the peak there are beautiful views in several directions. The peak is 1,158 meters high.
- Jamnik circular route - A round trip of approximately 11 kilometers that takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. The climb is approximately 500 meters in total. If you are reading this blog post in our app, select Hiking Directions in the top-right menu to view a map with the trail marked.
Where to Stay
Jamnik is located in a remote area, and there are few hotels, villas and apartments for rent in the immediate vicinity. However, several good options can be found in the surrounding valleys. The nearest towns—Radovljica, Naklo, and Škofja Loka—are all about 17–20 kilometers away and offer a good selection of places to stay.
- Hotel Loka - This apartment hotel, which has very good reviews, is located in the old part of the town of Škofja Loka. Škofja Loka has been an important trading hub since the Middle Ages, and its long history creates a unique blend of culture, architecture, and natural surroundings.
- Hiša Linhart - A one‑star Michelin restaurant where you can also stay for a few nights. It is located in the old town of Radovljica.
- Villas and apartments - There are few villas and rooms to rent in the immediate vicinity. However, a wider range of accommodation is available a little farther away, closer to the main tourist resorts. The blog recommends looking for places to stay near Radovljica.
Where to Eat
As with hotels, there are few restaurants in the immediate vicinity. With a few exceptions, the nearest good dining options are in the towns of Radovljica, Škofja Loka, and Naklo.
- Brunarica Dražgoše - Located only 6 kilometers from Jamnik, this is the closest restaurant. It serves typical Slovenian dishes at very affordable prices. The menu includes dishes such as goulash, jota, various types of steaks. Pizza is also on the menu. Book a table by emailing brunarica.drazgose@gmail.com or calling +386(0) 4 514 68 35
- Restaurant Danilo - A high-quality restaurant in Reteče, just outside Škofja Loka, offering modern interpretations of local dishes made with ingredients from nearby farms and producers. The menu reflects both contemporary Slovenian cuisine and the food traditions of the Škofja Loka area. A well-stocked wine cellar and wine bar feature an excellent selection of Slovenian and international wines, many available by the glass.. You can book a table here.
- Baffi House of Pizza - A great Pizza place located in Radovljica. It features fresh ingredients from local growers and farmers, along with a selection of good craft beers.
