Begunje na Gorenjskem is a small town close to Bled. It offers many natural and cultural attractions to visit. There are not many tourists so experience Begunje na Gorenjskem before the crowds explore it! Avoid the hustle and bustle of charming Bled and experience Begunje na Gorenjskem.

Castle Kamen

Castle Kamen was already mentioned in 12th century. It was best known as a stronghold protecting the ancient cargo route over the Prevala pass to Carinthia (nowadays in Austria). A walk through the ruined castle is very pleasant and spectacular. Admire preserved Romanesque tower.

Avsenik Museum and restaurant

Avsenik Museum is dedicated to Avsenik Brothers Ensemble, the beginner of oompah-oompah music. They put Slovenian popular folk music on a world music map. Despite the fact that we were too late for visiting a museum, we indulged our taste buds with traditional Slovenian cuisine at Avsenik restaurant (tasting buckwheat dumplings is a must!!!). If you are traveling with a kid, check their innovative toboggan. 

Opening hours

Tuesday – Sunday and Holidays from 11am – 5pm
January, February closed (opened for pre-booked groups)

Price

• Museum, Children 5-15 years: 3,00 EUR
• Museum, Adults: 4,00 EUR
• Museum+Movie, Children 5-15 years: 3,50 EUR
• Museum+Movie, Adults: 4,90 EUR
• Museum, Film and guided tour, School groups: 3,50 EUR
• Museum, Film and guided tour, Adults: 5,00 EUR
• Museum, Film and guided tour and listening to vinyl records on a vintage record player : 6,50 EUR
• Guided tours are organized for pre-booked groups of at least 20 people.

Museum of hostages

While Lucija was enjoying her time at the playground just across the Avsenik Museum and restaurant, I visited a museum of hostages. Needless to say, Begunje na Gorenjskem have a dark story too. During the WW2 Katzenstein mansion hosted a Gestapo prison for hostages of Gorenjska resistance movement. There were 11,477 hostages and many of them were shot and buried in a cemetery in Draga valley. You can visit 10 prison cells. Pay a special attention to prison’s walls where you can read (unfortunately only in Slovenian language) their last words. Close to Katzenstein mansion you will admire a pavilion Murke and Brezjanka, two masterpieces done by famous architect Jože Plečnik.

Opening hours

Price:

• Children: 1,50 €
• Adults: 2,00 €
• Family Ticket: 7,00 €

Elan Alpine Skiing Museum

Are you into skiing? Elan ski company is a Slovenian producer world famous for high quality and innovations. They opened the museum in 2018. The Elan Alpine Skiing Museum shows great exhibitions about the development of skis and skiing. It is a perfect indoor activity for the whole family. Try to hold balance on skis and snowboard. Probably the best part of the museum a simulator where you can spend the whole day trying to beat the best result.

Opening hours:

Tuesdays – Sunday from 10am – 6pm.

Price:

Adults: €4
Families (parents and one or more children of school age): €10 
Students and pensioners: €3
Children aged 7–18: €2.50
Children up to the age of 7: free
Groups of over 10 people: €3 per person (prior reservations are advised)

Where to sleep?

If accommodations in Bled area are already booked, check Trlej guesthouse situated in the countryside of Begunje na Gorenjskem. It is a family-run country-style boarding house offering double rooms and apartments with balconies. We stayed in the apartment with a balcony overlooking a busy parking place. Staying in the apartment that caters all of our needs (small kitchen, clean bathroom, comfy bed), is a perfect solution if you are traveling with a kid! Lucija had a privilege to stay at her own bed this time J. Nice hostess Ana welcomed us and offered a homemade apple juice. She provided information about things to do in the neighborhood and places to visit. What was more, we loved evening concert provided by a local duo who played ethno oberkrainer music and taking a short walk to admire their horses. In the morning we were treated like kings with a huge breakfast (salami, muesli, homebaked bread, eggs, cheese, lots of apple juice). Lucija just felt in love with Dzeki little dog. She even finished her breakfast beforehand which is unusual for her ;). Slovenian Traditional Guesthouse at the outskirts of Bled is a great accommodation option for anyone who wants to enjoy the countryside spirit.

In case the guest house is booked, check Apartments Ladka, Guesthouse Draga.

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If you crave some more local experiences, join my local experiences! What is more, if you need help with your travel planning to Soca valley and/or Slovenia beyond the usual tourist menu , do not hesitate to contact me. Welcome/Dobrodošli!