Holiday apartment in Cerklje Na Gorenjskem: culture, nature and Krvavec

Cerklje na Gorenjskem is a starting point for numerous hiking and cycling routes, as well as for ascents to the Krvavec ski resort. In the town, archaeological traces, historic houses, museums and guided tours come together with signposted cycling routes, natural areas and recurring events. This gives the municipality many different facets: it is a starting point for active days, a place of historical discovery and a setting for living traditions.

Culture

The Cerklje Municipal Museum presents archaeological, ethnological and historical exhibitions. Regular guided tours of the museum exhibitions in Cerklje take place on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; advance registration is required. The excavations in the centre are of particular historical significance: in 2019, the remains of an anti-Ottoman camp were discovered there. The same excavations also revealed a large Old Slavic cemetery dating from the 10th century.

The Hribar Villa in Cerklje was opened as a municipal museum and is dedicated to the history of the town and to Ivan Hribar. Its permanent exhibitions explore Ivan Hribar’s political, social and personal legacy, as well as the significance of Cerklje. In the centre, Petrovčeva hiša houses a tourist information centre, a gallery, a museum and a library. The museum presents archaeological and ethnological collections, while the gallery hosts art exhibitions. Guided tours of the centre of Cerklje also include the Baroque Church of the Assumption of Mary.

Further stops add to the historical picture. The memorial park in the centre of Cerklje displays busts of six prominent figures. Following conservation restoration, the Borštnik House preserves original floors, wall paintings, joinery and heating elements. Information panels there provide details about Ignacij Borštnik and about the way of life in such a house more than 100 years ago.

Active pursuits

Cerklje offers several different routes for cycling tours. The Cerklje–Jezerca–Cerklje cycling route starts in Cerklje, is 27.2 km long, has an elevation gain of 1,020 m, reaches Planina Jezerca and returns along the same route. The Cerklje–Brnik–Cerklje cycling route also starts in Cerklje, leads to Zgornji Brnik and returns to Cerklje via farm tracks through Vašca.

The Cerklje cycling network comprises eight signposted routes across the flatlands and hills. An overview map is available in the centre of Cerklje in front of Petrovčeva hiša. In addition, Krvavec Bike Park offers 27 km of signposted cycling trails and downhill tracks for different ability levels. Krvavec Summer Park features an adventure park, as well as rides on mountain go-karts, micro-scooters and bicycles.

Krvavec is a mountain ski resort located about 10 minutes from an international airport and is the closest ski resort to Ljubljana.

Nature

Češnjevek Pond is part of the Natura 2000 area. The forest stream at the pond provides a habitat for Europe’s largest dragonfly predator, the large golden-ringed dragonfly. Together with the forest and other semi-natural vegetation, the Lahovče and Češnjevek ponds form a refuge for various animal species. The bodies of water are also used for fish farming and fishing by beginners and experienced anglers alike.

Ribja avantura is an interactive educational trail with six stations running through the surroundings of Cerklje. Visitors learn about the importance of fishing, fish farming and fish cuisine in connection with the region’s cultural and natural heritage. Ribja avantura is approximately 14 km long and is best experienced by bicycle in pleasant weather.

The themed Under the Forest Canopy walking trail leads through the municipality of Cerklje and allows visitors to experience the municipality’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and other sights. Large parts of this culturally rich area are protected as natural assets and included in Natura 2000.

Events

Večer folklore takes place in Cerklje every year and presents traditional dances performed by folklore groups from various parts of Slovenia. The concert “Let’s Play into Spring with Godba Cerklje” takes place in Cerklje every spring. Every year, the Šenčur Godlar carnival parade is also presented in the centre of Cerklje.

The Barle Memorial is an annual firefighting competition held in Cerklje in memory of France Barle. Every year before Easter, Petrovčeva hiša in Cerklje hosts a traditional exhibition of Easter and spring decorations, where knowledge and traditions are passed down between generations.

Culinary experiences

In the wider Cerklje area, the Beekeeping Farm Museum takes visitors through the history of beekeeping. The museum shop offers local honey, propolis, pollen, honey brandy and beeswax products.

Further destinations: Šenčur, Stiška Vas, Zgornje Jezersko, Žerjavka, Preddvor, Kranj, Mlaka pri Kranju, Naklo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Kranj.