Hiking to the hill of St. Jost above Kranj

Sveti Jošt is a hill with a height of 845 meters above sea level and a popular excursion point for residents and visitors of Kranj. It is an excellent opportunity for recreation, for experiencing nature or simply enjoying the wonderful view and excellent food.

Kranj – the city in the heart of nature

The medieval town centre, one of the most charming ones in Slovenia, rises over the Sava and Kokra rivers. This is a perfect sign of how closely the city has always been intertwined with the nature that surrounds it. Kranj has a rich history of more than 6000 years, so it is perfect for people who are enthusiastic about history and culture, while those who are attracted by nature will not be disappointed by the magnificent views. One of the biggest advantages for visitors to Kranj is that here you can have one foot in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city and the other one in nature and in the mountains. Kranj is the only city in Slovenia from which you can see Triglav, Stol and Grintavec, the highest peaks of the three Slovenian mountain ranges that make up our part of the Alps.

Kranj’s medieval cobbled streets and cozy cafes are a must for every visitor.

How to get to the top of St. Jost?

Many trails are leading to the summit, one of them called Sodar’s path, named after a barrel-maker. We recommend this route because along the way you will come across beautiful wooden sculptures of a snail, a bee, a crocodile, an eagle, and a chamois. At the foot you will see a parking area where you can turn right onto a path that will lead you under the power lines or you can walk along the asphalted road that climbs to the top until you see the sign “Sodarjeva pot” on the right hand side of the road, which turns into a small meadow. Continue along the marked trail to the top. For those who like cycling and sporting challenges, you can test your fitness by cycling to the top. The road is quite appropriate for that.

The hike to St. Jost is one of the most popular hiking trails among locals in Kranj.

At the top

At the very top, in addition to the Dom na Joštu restaurant, the Krek house, the Finžgar house, the chapel of Our Lady of the Snows and the Scouts’ house, there is also the Church of St. Jost. The church is popular among pilgrims and famous for its Holy Stairs, built from the pebbles of the Holy Stairs of Rome.

Where to have lunch?

You won’t go hungry, as you can choose from the great cuisine of Dom na Joštu or Gostišče Pr’ Končovc. At Dom na Joštu, you will be served stews and other delicacies such as house-made pasta, pork ribs with potato salad, meat and vegetable dishes, salads, soups, and desserts. Other food can be prepared to order. The Pr’ Končovc holiday farm will delight you with the authentic flavours of Slovenian cuisine with a modern twist. Another reason to visit is the fact that most of the ingredients offered to guests are produced at the farm itself. Reservations are recommended.

Enjoy lunch at Pr’ Končovc holiday farm where they serve traditional Slovenian dishes with a fresh, modern flair.

Make your trip sustainable and nature-friendly

In Kranj, they are committed to green policies and have joined the Slovenian Tourism Green Scheme. They urge visitors to visit the hill in the most sustainable way possible. If you arrive in Kranj by bus or train, it is only a half-hour walk from the train station to the foot of the mountain. If, for whatever reason, visitors are unable to use public transport, use as few cars as possible. There are car parks at the foot of the hill and along the road leading up to the summit.

Visit the cultural, active, green, and healthy capital of the Slovenian Alps.

Where to go next

Make sure you make the most of your visit to Kranj by exploring the city centre. Don’t miss Prešeren’s House, the Town Hall, Khislstein Castle, the Gallery of Prešeren Award Laureates, the bell tower of the Church of St. Cantianus, the Kokra River Canyon and the Tunnels under Old Town of Kranj. After a day full of experiences, let your body rest at the Elegans Wellness in Brdo pri Kranju.

Learn more about Slovenia Green destinations and get access to Hike Slovenia Green routes here.