Kranj, Slovenia

The city of Kranj is situated in the geographical center of Gorenjska region. It spreads towards Ljubljana basin on the South, while the Alps round up its final image on the North. The 4th biggest city of Slovenia stands on a rock, above the confluence of the two rivers, and has kept its piramidal structure ever since. Kranj is an old Roman settlement, today boasting some finest gothic and baroque architecture. Lovely old town core boasts numerous cultural monuments, bars, shops, restaurants and theatres making the place constantly vivid. If you prefer nature you are at the right place. Go horseback riding, hiking numerous paths and hills, mountaineering, swimming some lakes or skiing at the nearby resorts like Krvavec. Tourist farms and cottages with domestic food and hospitable hosts will never keep you hungry. It is a matter of moments to get to Ljubljana Airport, only half an hour to Ljubljana, not much more to Austria or Italy, Bohinj and Bled lakes or to Kranjska Gora - a skiing resort with the highest mountains around.

History
First settlements at the territory of today's Kranj date way back to Stone Age. During the Roman times Carnium was a fortifed base for Roman conquests on the other side of the Alps. It was a center of Carniola province, which later in the 8th century became an independent Slovene principality. The golden ages of Kranj date from 5th to 7th century when Kranj remains the only walled town on the territory of today's Slovenia. For superb geografical position it becomes an important trading center during the Middle Ages. Known as Creina in 11th century the town from the Spanheims in the 13th comes to hands of the Habsburgs in the 14th century. For the invasions of the Otoman Turks the city defense walls erected. In 16th and 17th century the town spreads, while railway in the 19th century brings economic growth and industrializaton to the city. Liberated on the 9th of May 1945, the city of Preseren became part of Yugoslavia and in 1991 part of independent Slovenia.

What to see
Most of the best sights are to be found in the old town core which has been declared as a historical and cultural monument. See the gothic church of St. Kancijan, city walls and Khislstein castle with museum. Find Pavslar and Mitnica house, the city house and don't forget about the Plecnik's staircase and the well. At the edge of the old town you can stroll the Presren park with monuments dedicated to poets Preseren and Jenko and the oldest antifascist monument in the world can be seen as well. On the main square there is a city well with gilded ball and eagle on the top, which stands as a symbol of the city today.

Just below the old town find a canyon of Kokra river. Climb Smarjetna or Jost hill to see locals relax and witness a remarkable view of the city, Alps and Ljubljana basin. Swim the nearby lakes, go skiing, hike hills and mountains and when in some cottage, don't forget to order the world famous Kranjska saussage with cabbage and ajdovi zganci.

Nearby Brdo castle is a center of protocol meetings when Slovenia is president of EU in the first half of 2008. The Brdo mansion was a residence of family Karadjordjevic and marshal Tito.

How to get there

By plane
Kranj is only 7 km away from Aerodrom Ljubljana (aka Brnik Airport; Joze Pucnik Airport), where flights to all major European cities can be taken from. Regular daily busses and taxis connect the airport with the city. Car renting is possible as well.

By car
European highway A2 – E61 passes the city. Kranj is connected to all main cities around and leads the way to Italy and Austria. From the end of 2007 Slovenia is inside the Schengen territory thus borders with neighbouring countries have been canceled, excluding Croatia.

By train
Regular everyday trains run from Ljubljana and other cities to Kranj. Trains are comfortable and cheaper than busses thus recommended. Kranj is a stop for international trains also, since it lies on the railway Istanbul – London.

By bus
Bus lines connect Kranj to north Gorenjska cities and to Ljubljana thus consequently to all major European cities. International buses to ex Yugoslavian republics are especially frequent.

Accommodation in Kranj, Slovenia

Accommodation is possible in hotels, apartments or private rooms. These are plenty just a bit outside the city close to the airport or to ski resort Krvavec.

Hotel Creina
Creina, named by the old city name, is situated in the very center of the city and at the very start of the old town. Parking place assured.
Address: Koroska cesta 5, 4000 Kranj
Tel.: +386 (0)4 281 7 500
Fax:+386 (0)4 281 7 599
E-mail: info@hotel-creina.si

Hotel Bellevue
This hotel is situated above Kranj at the top of Smarjetna gora. If you like nature, fresh air and amazing view, this is the place for you. The hotel is reachable by car in any time of the year.
Address: Smarjetna gora 6, 4000 Kranj
Tel: +386 (0)4 270 00 00
Fax: +386 (0)4 270 00 02
E-mail: bellevue@bellevue.si

Pension Zaplata
Zaplata is located in a small village just under the Alps, 3 km away from Kranj. Fully equipped rooms, traditional Slovene cuisine and beautiful and peaceful nature will offer you the ultimate alpine experience.
Address: Tupalice 32, 4205 Preddvor
Tel.: +386 (0)4 255 62 50
Fax: +386 (0)4 255 16 11
E-mail: pension.zaplata@siol.net

Rooms Markic
Rooms are located just 5 minutes driving from the city in a nearby village of Naklo.
Address: Turisticna 8, 4202 Naklo
Tel.: +386 (0)4 257 12 47, +386 (0)31 365 021
Fax: +386 (0)4 257 78 70
E-mail: sobe.markic@siol.net

Useful information

Kranj Railway station: +386 (0) 4 294 41 33; http://www.slo-zeleznice.si
Kranj Bus station: +386 (0) 4 201 32 10; http://www.alpetour.si
Ljubljana Airport: +386(0) 4 206 19 81; http://www.lju-airport.si
Police: 113
Emergency: 112

Detailed info about Kranj, accommodation, sights and events, please find on the official tourism web page of the city: www.tourism-kranj.si