Pokljuka Plateau
Bled, Slovenia
This alpine plateau in Triglav National Park is covered in pine forests, grazing cattle, and shingle cottages straight out of a Slovenian mountain postcard. Pokljuka Plateau is a short distance from the famous Lake Bled and offers peaceful escapes into picturesque farmland and nature, which are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, winter cross-country skiing, and exploring traditional alpine pastures.
The basics
Pokljuka Plateau is among Slovenia's most beautiful forested mountain areas and is a popular outdoor activity destination. Mountain biking tours, guided hiking excursions, and paragliding experiences are great ways to explore this lovely region. Guided day trips from Bled and Ljubljana sometimes explore Triglav National Park and parts of the Pokljuka Plateau, but you can also easily visit on your own from Bled, which is only 25 minutes from the heart of the plateau by car.
Things to know before you go
- Pokljuka sits 3,600–4,600 feet (1,100–1,400 meters) above sea level, so be prepared for cooler temperatures.
- The plateau is accessible by car from Bled, with several parking areas available near popular trailheads.
- Mountain huts and guesthouses provide cozy stays on the plateau.
- Visit shepherd shingle cottages to buy sour milk, cottage cheese, and cheese.
How to get there
The Pokljuka Plateau is in Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia. It's roughly between Bled and Bohinj; from Bled and Krnica, it's a scenic 20–25-minute drive through picturesque alpine scenery along highways 634 and 905. Organized tours from Bled tend to include transport and guided hikes.
When to get there
The best time to visit the Pokljuka Plateau depends on your interests. For hiking in the alpine meadows, visit during the late spring, summer, and early autumn months (May–October). If you’re interested in winter sports such as cross-country skiing, the snowy season typically lasts from December to March. From late fall to mid-spring, you can only reach higher elevations using skis or snowshoes.
Pokljuka Plateau’s traditional dairy products
Picture-perfect shepherd huts dot Pokljuka Plateau’s alpine pastures. Some have been converted into tourist and hiker lodgings, while others are still cared for by shepherd families. If you’re hiking through the area in summer, stop by the huts to enjoy cheeses, sour milk, local cured meats, and štruklji (traditional Slovenian cheese dumplings) for a delightful break along the long trails of Pokljuka.
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