Zgornje (Upper) Jezersko is a charming village on the northern side of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. Located in a high alpine valley, it lies between the Karawanke mountains to the north and the Kamnik–Savinja Alps to the south. This lesser-known alpine paradise, much like the Logar Valley and Robanov Kot on the eastern side of the range, offers a genuine and authentic mountain environment. Here, you can immerse yourself in unspoiled nature and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, surrounded by beautiful scenery and peaceful landscapes.
Jezersko
It is impossible to describe Jezersko without mentioning the Karničar family, who have played a central role in the history and development of the region.
The most famous member of the family is Davo Karničar (1962–2019), the first person in the world to ski down Mount Everest. He also skied down the highest peaks on all seven continents, achieving the extraordinary “Ski the Seven Summits” feat and breaking new ground in modern alpinism.
Tragically, his death was not related to mountaineering. He passed away in Jezersko when a tree fell on him while he was working on his property. His legacy remains strongly connected to the mountains that defined his life.
His brother, Drejc Karničar, is also a prominent alpinist. Together with Davo, he skied down Annapurna — one of the world’s most challenging eight-thousanders.
Today, Drejc serves as the mayor of Jezersko and runs the Šenkova homestead together with his family. The homestead is strongly rooted in the region’s history and traditions. You can read more about the story behind Šenkova homestead here.
My Connection to Jezersko
I have visited Jezersko many times both by myself and with my relatives who took care of the land in the Ravenska kočna valley. I have also hiked and climbed several of the peaks above the valley.
My father had a special relationship with Jezersko and the mountains rising above the Ravenska Kočna valley. In 1960, he and his climbing partner became the first to ascend the Trikot (Triangle) route in Dolgi Hrbet. It took them three days to master the wall — a real achievement at the time. My father is unfortunately not alive anymore. Today, most climbers complete the same route in around seven hours.
The Mountains above Jezersko
Above Jezersko, many of the peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps tower.
- Jezerska Koĉna 2,540 m - Located just next to the highest peak, Grintovec, with a small saddle separating the two mountains. Jezerska Kočna is visible across the entire Zgornje Jezersko Valley, which is reflected in its name.
- Skuta 2,532 m - The third-highest peak in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps and a popular hiking destination, visible rising above the Ravenska Kočna valley.
- Dolgi Hrbet 2,473 m - Its name, Dolgi Hrbet, means “Long Shoulder” in Slovenian, referring to its extended rocky ridge. The northern wall rises 1,000 meters and features the famous Trikot (Triangle) climbing route.
- Grintovec 2,558 m - The highest peak in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, Grintovec, lies on the southern side and is visible from the far end of the Ravenska Kočna valley. The ascent is technically straightforward, requiring no climbing—just a hike uphill.
The Valleys around Jezersko
The high valley of Zgornje Jezersko has two side valleys that are worth mentioning.
- Ravenska Kočna Valley - Situated in the far north of Zgornje Jezersko, this beautiful valley offers scenic views of the Dolgi Hrbet (Long Shoulder) mountain wall and the peak of Skuta. It is a perfect destination for hiking. At the entrance to the valley lies the charming Pasture Lake.
- Makekova Kočna Valley -The valley directly below the peak Jezerska Kočna.
Other Points of Interest
- Češka hut - Located above the Ravenska Kočna Valley, this hut serves as a popular starting point for hikes to many of the peaks surrounding Jezersko.
- Parish church St. Oswald - Situated just above Zgornje Jezersko, the church offers a fantastic view of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps from its rear.
- Austrias southernmost point - Austria’s southernmost point is located just next to the Ravenska Kočna Valley.
Food You Can Try
Typical dishes from Jezersko can still be enjoyed in local restaurants, but they are especially authentic when tried at the many farms and homesteads in the area.
- Ajdovi Žganci - A buckwheat mush, traditionally hard-boiled. This old, calorie-rich dish was essential for the hard work in the valley and is often served alongside soups.
- Masunjek - Corn & buckwheat porridge and sour milk.
- Žlikrofi - Dumplings
How to Get There
From Ljubljana, Zgornje Jezersko is about 55 km away, roughly a 50-minute drive. The first part of the route follows the A2 motorway to Kranj, where you turn off toward Preddvor. The final stretch winds through the beautiful Kokra Valley. In our app choose Show on map in the upper right menu to see driving directions from your current location in Slovenia.
Explore the Area
Jezersko is an ideal destination for an active holiday, offering everything from outdoor sports to local food experiences and farm stays. The most important sport activities in the area include:
- Hiking - Jezersko is a key starting point for hikes to the many peaks of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps above the valley. From Pasture Lake, you can hike to Češka Hut, located above the Ravenska Kočna Valley. The trail is 5.7 km long and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. In the app, you can select Hiking Directions in the top-right menu to view the route on a map. Additional hikes will be covered in separate posts.
- Bicycling - Cycling in the surroundings of Jezersko is a fantastic nature experience.
Where to Stay
- Šenkova Homestead - The perfect place to stay if you want to combine outdoor activities with an authentic experience of local life and cuisine. Run by the Karničar family, the homestead features traditional Jezersko architecture and offers a genuine connection to the region’s culture.
- Guesthouse Jezersko - Stay near Pasture Lake, with fantastic views over the Ravenska Kočna Valley and the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.
- Boutique Hotel Vila Planinka - Located in the village of Zgornje (Upper) Jezersko, this boutique hotel offers comfortable accommodations and great views of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.
Dining Options
- Inn and Pizzeria Kočna Jezersko - A restaurant and Pizza place where many locals go. Call them at +386(0) 8 20 08 025 to book a table.
- Guesthouse by the Lake - This guesthouse is located next to Pasture Lake, offering fantastic views of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps and the Ravenska Kočna Valley. In the summer, the outdoor terrace is a perfect spot to enjoy traditional Slovenian dishes in a beautiful alpine setting. You can reserve a table by emailing gostisceobjezeru@siol.net or calling +386(0) 41 762 636.
- Vila Planinka - Located in Zgornje Jezersko, this top-class restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide and focuses on organic ingredients from local producers. Specialties include bear prosciutto, hazelnut cream with pear, and chamomile-flavored skimmed milk. The wine cellar features 250 Slovenian wines to choose from. You can reserve a table by emailing unplug@vilaplaninka.com or calling +386(0) 4 255 97 50.
