This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you are better prepared for what to expect, what not to expect and can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Kranj. To help you make friends with Kranj before you visit, we've included a few helpful and fun things you should know about the area. Enjoy!
Kranj is the fourth-largest city in Slovenia and the center of the Upper Carniola (Gorenjska) region. Located around thirty kilometres north from the capital city of Ljubljana, Kranj is mainly an industrial city with a population of just over fifty thousand, making it a relatively small central European city, although still the closest major town to the main international Slovenian airport.
Even though Kranj is not a spot that most of the international tourists come to visit in Slovenia, it is considered a historic town with some significant sights. While taking a walk through the old city centre, you can admire magnificent historical architecture and visit a thirteenth-century Kieselstein Castle, also known as Khislstien, which amongst other things houses the Upper Carniola Museum nowadays.
However, the arguably biggest tourist attraction of Kranj does not lie in the old city centre, but underneath it. These are the tunnels, used as shelters during the World War II that were opened for public somewhat recently. Ticket prices are not expensive and the tunnels are known for holding various exhibitions throughout the whole year, which definitely makes them worth visiting if you are exploring Kranj and its history. Other points of interest are the canyon of river Kokra, Pungert Tower, the ossuary at the Church of St. Kancijan, Ski Jumping Hill, and two museums (located a little bit outside of Kranj) -- Museum of Hostages (in Begunje na Gorenjskem) and Iron Forging Museum (in Kropa).
Kranj provides a decent bus transportation service throughout the city and connections with the surrounding villages. There are also good train connections with the capital city of Ljubljana and nearby towns, as well as with Austria and Germany. If you want to stay in a Kranj hostel, look for one in the ancient centre of town. What you can find there is modern, not expensive, and certainly a good starting point for exploring the city.
Written by local enthusiast for Kranj hostels
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