Škofja Loka, a small and charming medieval town nestled in the foothills of the Julian Alps in Slovenia, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With a rich history dating back to the 11th century, Škofja Loka is a must-see for travelers eager to explore the beautiful Upper Carniola region and its cultural heritage. But what are the best things to do in Škofja Loka?
This easy guide will give you all the information you need to better explore the old town with its narrow streets and well-preserved houses and the Loka Castle, standing proud on a hill overlooking the town. Also you will be able to discover the best places to stay and the best traditional restaurants.
Some Interesting Facts about Škofja Loka
Škofja Loka is a small town located in Slovenia, in the countryside of the region called Upper Carniola. With a rich history dating back to the 11th century, Škofja Loka has played a significant role in the cultural and economic development of the country and is now a charming and intimate destination, famous for its castle and its small old town, surrounded by a quiet and sleepy countryside.
The town is rich in history, with roots dating back to the 11th century when it was founded by the Bishop of Freising. Its main attraction is the Loka Castle, which was built in the 13th century and now serves as a museum. The castle was once the seat of the bishops and has been beautifully preserved over the centuries, with a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.
In the 14th century, Škofja Loka experienced a period of prosperity, thanks in large part to its thriving trade and craft industries. The town was home to a number of skilled craftsmen, including blacksmiths, carpenters, and weavers, who contributed to the growth and development of the town. The town is also home to several old churches, ranging between different styles of the era and they preserve ancient paintings, frescoes and even ancient manuscripts of inestimable value.
One of the most unique and interesting aspects of Škofja Loka is its traditional folk architecture, which can be seen throughout the town. The old town center is filled with narrow streets lined with charming houses and buildings built in the traditional Slovenian style, with painted facades and wood-shingled roofs.
In addition to its cultural and historical attractions, Škofja Loka is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, which offer a range of activities such as hiking, climbing, and skiing. This makes it a good stop for visitors heading to the nearby town of Bled, to Lake Bohinj and to Triglav National Park.
Best Things to Do in Škofja Loka
Škofja Loka Old Town
The best way to explore Škofja Loka is to wander through its Old Town, a compact ensemble of cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings, gathered around a square and nestled along the course of the Selška Sora River. In less than an hour you will be able to see all the main attractions of the Old Town, just by walking through its streets.
The walk through the old town begins at the Capuchin Bridge, a 14th-century stone structure built by Bishop Leopold. Legend has it that the bishop met his untimely demise when his horse stumbled and he fell into the water from the unrestricted bridge. Today, the bridge has been renovated and features railings, as well as a statue of St. John of Nepomuk with the coat of arms of Škofja Loka on its plinth.
One of the first stops on any tour of the old town should be the Homan House, an ancient civic building with wonderfully preserved traditional architecture, that dates back to the 16th century. The building, which overlooks the Selska Valley, now serves as a café and restaurant (Kavarna Homan), offering guests the chance to enjoy home-cooked food in the shade of an old lime tree.
As you make your way through the old town, be sure to stop and explore the granary, one of the most important architectural heritage sites in Škofja Loka. Built into the city wall, the granary was originally used to store crops collected as taxes from peasants. Today, it houses an exhibition of works by the Slovenian painter France Mihelič, as well as a pizzeria, winery, and restaurant in the basement.
The heart of Škofja Loka’s old town is the main square, called Mestni trg. Most of the buildings in the square are in the late Gothic style, with many of them having been built after a devastating earthquake in the mid-16th century. One of the most striking features of the Mestni trg is the Holy Trinity Column, erected in gratitude to the Virgin Mary after the plague of 1571. The square is not actually a real square, but is an avenue lined with historic buildings, shops and some cafes.
Škofja Loka Castle
Škofja Loka Castle (also called Loka Castle) is one of the most beautiful and valuable medieval castles in Slovenia. With a history dating back to the 12th century, this castle has undergone several renovations and rebuilds over the years, making it a unique blend of different architectural styles.
Originally built by the Diocese of Freising in 1202, the castle was almost completely destroyed in an earthquake in 1511. It was then rebuilt by Bishop Philip, and today it stands as a testament to the rich history of the region. Visitors to the castle can explore its beautiful courtyard, which once featured a mighty square tower, the foundations of which have been restored.
The castle houses an interesting museum which boasts various collections, ranging from archeology to local history and culture, from art to ethnology and the natural history of the region. But the castle isn’t just a museum – it’s also home to a very well-preserved peasant house dating back to the 16th century, known as House Škopar or Škoparjeva hiša. Located in the castle park, this house offers a unique glimpse into the life of a peasant in the region during this time period.
From the castle, located on a vantage point on a hill just west of the old town, you also get a nice view of Škofja Loka, the valley and the surrounding countryside.
Škofja Loka Castle is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm during the summer months (May to October), and from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm during the winter months (November to April). The last entry to the museum is half an hour before closing time. Admission for adults is €5.00, and €3.00 for students.
Other Castles in Škofja Loka
In addition to the more famous Loka Castle, this pretty little town is home to a number of other stunning castles, most of which are only visible from the outside as they are not open to visitors.
The most notable of these is the Tavčar Manor in Visoko (GPS: 46.12700, 14.20835), a 17th century rural building that is surrounded by hills and woods. This was once an estate owned by the Kalan family, a wealthy local family who owned several lands and farms. Only in the early 1900s did this estate become known as Tavčar Manor, given that this manor and its former owners were a source of inspiration for the historical novel “Visoška Kronika” (The Visoko Chronicles) by the Slovenian writer and politician Ivan Tavčar.
Today, the palace hosts exhibitions, events and ceremonies, and also features a large agricultural complex with a typical hay drying room. Visitors can also tour the chapel built by Tavčar himself, which contains the family tomb and the writer’s final resting place. The surrounding nature is perfect for a bike ride or a leisurely walk. Part of the stunning Visoko estate now houses a beautiful guesthouse surrounded by greenery, the Apartments Cvetje v Jesen, which offers good and inexpensive apartments for families and couples.
Another castle worth visiting is the Stara Loka Castle, a cultural monument of national importance that dates back to the 1400s. The castle features round defensive towers and a southern wing with cantilevered corbels, and was once surrounded by a moat that has now dried up. This old palace is located in the heart of the village of Stara Loka, just north of the old town of Škofja Loka. It’s worth going there, even just to see the village.
Another notable palace is Puštal Castle, a Renaissance fortress with two one-storey wings that was built in 1220. The castle is adorned with a round corner tower and an arched inner arcade, and its chapel contains a beautiful fresco by Giulio Quaglia depicting the Deposition from the Cross. Unfortunately, despite its historical interest, this palace almost seems to be in decline. The Puštal Castle is also part of the Pot v Puštal path, an easy path that allows you to explore some of the main historic houses of Škofja Loka on foot.
Church of the Capuchins and its Ancient Library
Going north from the old town and crossing the Capuchin Bridge you reach the Capuchin Square, overlooked by the Capuchin Monastery with its church. This is one of the most important places in the cultural heritage of the town. The Capuchin Church is a stunning example of 18th century architecture and features a beautiful main altar, adorned with a picture of St. Ana from the Venetian School.
But the real treasure of this church is its library, home to over 30,000 books, including 5,200 rare and ancient volumes. Among these are copies of Jurij Dalmatin’s Bible, Plato and Aristotle, and the Škofja Loka Passion Play, a manuscript dating back to 1721 and considered the oldest completely preserved Slovenian dramatic text.
This timeless piece of literature is brought to life every few years through the Škofja Loka Passion Play, a traditional open-air theater production held on the streets of the Škofja Loka Old Town. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this captivating performance (unfortunately not held every year) is not to be missed.
Other Interesting Churches
Škofja Loka is home to several interesting churches that are worth a visit. The most prominent of these is St. Jacob’s Church, which was built in 1471 on the foundations of an older church. The exterior of the church is adorned with reliefs of guilds and altar patrons, while the ceiling is decorated with frescoes painted in the 16th century by Jernej from Loka. The interior of the church has been remodeled according to a plan by the famous architect Jože Plečnik, with a black marble Renaissance altar dedicated to St. Catherine, as well as a painting of Christ on the Mount of Olives dating from the end of the 17th century.
Another interesting church in Škofja Loka is St. George’s Church, located in the nearby village of Stara Loka. This church is one of the oldest in the region (believed to have been built around the 10-11th century) and has undergone several renovations and rebuilds over the centuries, with the most recent taking place in 1863. Inside the church visitors will find tombstones from the 16th and 17th centuries.
St. Volbenk’s Church (GPS: 46.13064, 14.22166), a pilgrimage church located above the Poljane Sora river, is another worth a visit. Built in the second half of the 17th century, it has fortified walls and two bell towers. Its beautiful three Baroque altars feature paintings by the Šubic, a notable family of local painters. From the church, looking towards the valley below, you will be able to see the Tavčar Palace with its gardens and green meadows.
Another beautiful pilgrimage church near Škofja Loka is the Church of the Annunciation of Mary (GPS: 46.19988, 14.31260), located in the tiny village of Crngrob, a few kilometers north of the old town. This church was built over a period of time from the end of the 13th century to the mid-19th century. Its bell tower is adorned with a fresco of St. Christopher from 1863, while the interior of the church is filled with frescoes and has a golden altar.
Right in the heart of the old town, between Studenec street and Spodnji trg (the parallel to the main street) you could take a look at the Špital Church of Our Lady of Sorrows (Žalostna Mati Božja v Špitalski) located within a former workhouse that was built in 1547 to house the town’s poor and lame. The church, which was built in 1710, is a simple Baroque structure with a richly decorated interior.
Best Places to Stay in Skofja Loka
Škofja Loka is a small town, located in the middle of the peaceful Slovenian countryside, so you shouldn’t expect a huge choice of places to stay, but still you can find great places for a relaxing stay. In fact, in Škofja Loka there are several guesthouses and small hotels that offer quaint and peaceful accommodations, perfect for experiencing local life and food.
In our opinion, the best hotel in Škofja Loka is the Hotel Zamorc, a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the old town, which boasts excellent rooms furnished in a traditional style, a nice garden, free parking and serves a hearty and good breakfast included in the price.
Another good option is the Hotel Garni Paleta, located a step away from the Capuchin Bridge. This small hotel offers good value for money accommodation, a good breakfast in the morning and free parking.
A few kilometers from Škofja Loka, in the peaceful village of Kranj, there is one of the best hotels in the area, the Hotel Actum. This small 4-star boutique hotel boasts elegant rooms, a good restaurant serving regional cuisine which also boasts a good selection of Slovenian wines and a small spa.
Furthermore, in Škofja Loka and nearby surrounding countryside, there are several guesthouses and bed & breakfasts. Among the most popular options are the Tourist farm Megušar and Turizem Loka Hotel Loka, both excellent and charming family-run B&Bs located in the nearby village of Stara Loka. Another excellent guesthouse is Na Vasi Restavracija, located in the nearby village of Zminec, which boasts modern and comfortable rooms, a good restaurant and free private parking.
Nature lovers could instead opt for the quiet and comfortable accommodations of Guest House Kveder, immersed in a bucolic scenery in the countryside about 10 minutes drive from Škofja Loka, near the Sveti Tomaž Church which is a popular destination for photography enthusiasts.
Places to Eat in Škofja Loka
Škofja Loka is also home to a variety of delicious local specialties that are worth trying during a visit. One of the must-try dishes in Škofja Loka is štruklji, a type of rolled dumpling filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, potatoes, or meat. These dumplings are often served as a main course and are a popular choice for tourists and locals alike.
Another local specialty to try in Škofja Loka is kranjska klobasa, a type of sausage that is made with pork and spices. This sausage is often served as a topping on a sandwich or as a side dish with potatoes or sauerkraut. Also, be sure to try some of the local pastries and desserts. One popular choice is potica, a sweet bread that is filled with a variety of ingredients such as nuts, poppy seeds, or honey. Another sweet treat to try is pogača, a type of soft, round bread that is often served with butter and jam or cheese.
Among the best restaurants in Škofja Loka, it is worth trying Gostilna Starman, which serves traditional cuisine at reasonable prices, and Gostilna Kašča, located in the heart of the old town, which serves excellent regional specialties and good local beers and wines.
Another good place to try local cuisine is Pr’ Pepet, also located in the heart of the old town. While if you’re just looking for a place for a quick and cheap meal, head to Das Ist Valter, a down-to-earth place serving čevapčiči and other Balkan meat specialities. For a burger, a salad, a dessert or other Western fast-food style specialties, you might want to give a chance to Kaos Okusov, located along the road leading to Stara Loka.
No matter what you decide to try, be sure to wash it all down with a glass of local wine or beer. Slovenia is known for its excellent wine, and Škofja Loka is home to a number of wineries that produce high-quality red, white, and sparkling wines. The town is also home to several small breweries, so be sure to sample some of the local craft beers as well.
What to see around Škofja Loka
The region around Škofja Loka is bursting with natural beauty and cultural attractions, making it a perfect destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation. Located in the heart of Slovenia, this region offers a range of activities for all types of travellers.
One of the main attractions in the area is the stunning Bled Lake. The crystal clear waters, the solitary island in the middle of the lake with its iconic church, and the picturesque setting make it a perfect spot for a romantic getaway, a few moments of relaxation and a wealth of opportunities for easy hikes. Bled is also known for its excellent restaurants, café and pastry shops. The nearby Vintgar Gorge is also a popular spot for hikers, with its stunning views of the Radovna River and the surrounding landscape.
For those interested in history and culture, the town of Radovljica is a must-visit. Its charming old town is home to a variety of small museums and excellent traditional restaurants. The town is also known for its beautiful architecture, and for a wonderfully preserved medieval old town.
Nature lovers will also find plenty to see and do in the region. The nearby Triglav National Park is home to a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. The park is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a perfect spot for wildlife viewing.
For a more laid-back experience, the region’s many wineries and breweries offer tastings and tours, allowing visitors to sample the local flavors and learn about the region’s rich culinary history.
How to Get to Škofja Loka
If you’re coming from Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana, the easiest way to reach Škofja Loka is by car. The journey takes about 45 minutes and follows the A2 motorway. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Ljubljana’s main bus station. The ride takes about an hour and tickets can be purchased at the bus station.
If you’re arriving from abroad, the nearest airport is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, which is located about 30 minutes from Škofja Loka. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the town. There are several good car rental companies both at the airport and in the city center of Ljubljana. To find the best deals from the best car hire companies you can take a look at Discovercars.com or Rentalcars.com. A car is a great choice for exploring Slovenia, so you can fully enjoy its landscape dotted with tiny old villages, and visit its wonderful attractions at your own pace.
If you prefer to travel by train, Škofja Loka has a train station with regular service to Ljubljana and other nearby towns. The train ride from Ljubljana takes from 25 minutes to 1 hour.
