A family weekend in Radovljica

Follow the tips from the Family Trips team for how to spend a family weekend in Radovljica and the surroundings, to make sure the weekend is ideal for all members of the family.

Are you wondering where to go for your next family outing? Visit Radovljica! This wonderful town with its interesting surroundings offers numerous opportunities for outdoor relaxation and recreation, which the whole family will enjoy. In the blog below, you can read some tips and what not to miss.

In Radovljica, the capital of Slovenian beekeeping, you can set off on the fun and educational Follow a ‘bee’ Through Radovljica family adventure, during which children will learn about the world of bees. Before you start, visit the Radovljica Tourist Information Centre to pick up a booklet containing tasks to be done along the way. The booklet contains a map, together with fun and educational tasks, which acquaint children with the wonderful world of bees. Children can solve the tasks as they go along or save them to do later at home. Having successfully completed the adventure, we coloured, finished and solved the tasks whilst having a drink in the old town centre.

Tip from the Family Trip team: The Museum of Apiculture, which is housed in Radovljica Manor, exhibits the biology of the Carniolan bee, its place in the eco system, and its threats in nature. Children can also search for stamps in the museum, which are hidden in exhibition rooms, and which additionally reinforces their desire for new knowledge. We give it a thumbs up!

If you enjoy exploring the past, then you will love our next suggestions. Start the new day with a walk to Lipnica Castle, which is located near Radovljica, on a scenic mound above the right bank of the Sava River. The trail climbs continuously and slowly, so is also suitable for young walkers (aged 3 upwards).

The marvellous views from the trail mean you will soon forget you are on a hike. Lipnica Castle is situated on the edge of woodland and has wonderful views of green hillocks and further to the forests of the Lipnica Valley and the Jelovica Plateau. The Lipnica Castle Natural Science Trail leads from Radovljica to the castle ruins, starting in the old town centre of Radovljica, from where you can follow the signs (Pusti grad), and before you know it, you’ll be there!

In close proximity to Lipnica Castle there is another suggestion for a walking-themed trip – The Grabnarica Waterside Trail. The circular trail leads through an area known for its exceptional flora and fauna, as it is home to rare river crabs (which are the symbol used to mark the trail), white-throated dippers and other rare bird species. Part of the trail is within the protected Natura 2000 area, and it makes an ideal add-on to the Lipnica Castle Nature Science Trail. The Grabnarica Waterside Trail is particularly pleasant during summer, as it mostly leads through the cool of the forest, and across numerous small wooden footbridges. We stopped frequently along the way to explore the variety of flora and fauna. The children found leeches, marvelled at the fish and various snails. It was early spring when we visited, but nevertheless we admired snowdrops, Christmas roses, primroses and crocuses. We spent some time exploring the ruins of the Grabnar mill and the pond in Stare Vošče.

If you reached the start of the trail by car, after visiting Lipnica Castle and/or the Grabnarca Waterside Trail, you can continue your journey towards the old iron settlements of Kamna Gorica and Kropa; the latter is home to a wealth of exhibits at the Iron Forging Museum.

We headed northwards on the second day of our weekend, first setting off towards the Avsenik Museum in Begunje na Gorenjskem, continuing with a hike to St. Peter’s Church above the village, and ending a great weekend at the ruins of Kamen Castle.

The exhibits at the Avsenik Museum are a journey through the time in which Vilko and Slavko Avsenik were at their creative best. Music and video recordings on touchscreens depict the golden era of Avsenik. While listening to their music through headphones, you can also sing along with them. Exhibits include original musical instruments, national dress, personal objects, the first Avsenik records, unpublished photographs from the background of recordings and photographs of the Avsenik family. Does your heart skip a beat when reading this? Give in to your yearning. He who sings means no evil, as the saying goes. We spent the day singing and jubilantly yodelling their evergreen hits! Fancy seeing the area from a higher perspective? If time allows, don’t miss our next suggestion – visit St. Peter’s Church above Begunje na Gorenjskem.

Park at the large car park by the Krpin recreation centre. Starting your hike here means your little ones will be delighted, as there is play equipment along a large part of the trail. Guaranteed motivation! At the top, alongside St. Peter’s church, there is a take-off point for parachutists, and wonderful views of Bled, Radovljica, Mt. Triglav and other mountain peaks.

 After your hike, treat yourself to a short rest and some sustenance – there’s certainly no lack of good restaurants in the Radol’ca area! Then continue your outdoor exploration. Just a few kilometres away, there is a ‘don’t miss’ attraction that simply must be on your list of things to do while in the area. The magnificent ruins of Kamen Castle stand at the end of the village of Begunje na Gorenjskem. Parents and children can get a feel for life in the past and learn about the history of the castle knights.

A trip to Kamen Castle can be as long or short as you like, depending on how much time you have available, as well as your children’s age and walking ability. For a short stop, park directly in front of the castle and take a short tour of the castle ruins. If you would like to find out more about the castle and its history, you can always set off on the longer and very interesting Lamberg Trail, which will take around 2 to 3 hours.

On a fine, sunny day, don’t miss a visit to the Lesce Sports Airfield, where you can admire the goings-on in the sky, while sitting on the terrace of the airport restaurant, reminiscing about your great weekend in Radovljica over a late lunch, delicious cake or just a well-earned drink.

Our weekend went too quickly, and we all agreed that we’ll visit Radovljica again soon!

Blog author: Family Trip Team