This is a picturesque medieval town which makes for a really interesting visit if you have free time. Without a doubt, it is a perfect getaway for a day from the capital. By bus it takes only 37 minutes (from the central bus station), with a frequency of one every hour (even less), so the conditions are ideal not to miss it.
Date of the visit: October 2021
I start writing this post right on the bus back to Ljubljana. It has only been a few hours in the city but I leave with a very pleasant feeling. Unfortunately, and as previously known, it rained today, therefore, I could not enjoy the visit in the same way as on a sunny day. However, I have to say that despite the weather conditions, the day was well worth it.
First of all, from Ljubljana station, the bus left from platform 28 (be careful because this is right behind the ticket office building, not where the rest of the platforms are). The ticket costs 3.10 €. Please, remember that the bus station is right outside the train station.
Škofja Loka bus station is right at the entrance to the old town. I stood for a few minutes on the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Selca Sora river where you have one of the most iconic views of the city. In the distance, you can see the beautiful Capuchin Bridge, which is the oldest in the country.
Afterwards, I made my way to the castle, located at the top of the hill. It is a fortress of medieval origin surrounded by a wall (of which only a part remains, as it loses the importance of its use over the years). It is built at the brink of a natural terrace. It takes around 10 minutes from the city center. The slope is not actually hard to walk.
Although the property has been private over the years, today, since 1959, it houses the Loka museum. The entrance costs 5 €. Although it is possible to climb the tower and see the entire city from there, I preferred to skip it and spend my time walking around instead to explore the surroundings, seeing that the rain had given me a little respite. There is a park and recreation area in the vicinity, as well as a zone for walking.
A restaurant was recommended to me at the fortress store, and I headed there. Home cooking, very well prepared and with more than reasonable prices, considering the standards that I had observed in the previous days in Ljubljana and Bled. Without being a tavern, it has a similar style with a retro touch. Highly recommended experience. (For further information, check the links below).
After my lunch, raining lightly but steadily, I made my way to St. Cross’s Church. Situated on a nearby hill, on the opposite side of the old town, and again, on the other side of the river, it has excellent views of the city. Technically, the place is located in another settlement, called “Puštal“.
View from the bridge that separates Puštal and Škofja Loka
It takes about 10 minutes to get there from the old town. Along the climb, there are numerous religious monuments that remind the traveler of the country’s Catholic tradition. On a rainy and foggy autumn afternoon is a very pleasant sensation for the traveler. In addition, the solitude and the smell of wet earth gave a very pleasant sensation to the traveler. Perfect to relax.
From the top, you will find really beautiful views, probably the best ones in the city, including the castle.
Looking back, you will find a typical Slovenian countryside landscape.
After going down the hill again, I passed the Puštalski grad building, which currently houses a culture house, and where I was able to observe through the window how private music classes were given.
On the way back to the old town, crossing the bridge, and again in Škofja Loka there is a cheese dairy called “Loška mlekarna” and I could not resist the temptation to take a look in the store. I could see that they had more than reasonable priced cheeses, and I bought two small pieces. Just at that moment I started to concern whether on my return I would be able to put all the merchandise inside the suitcase or not.
It was when I got out of there that I was able to walk along the picturesque “spodnji trg” street, which is parallel to the main square. However, in this case it is not a pedestrian street.
Returning to the old town, I got lost in its streets, and I could see that many of the facades still need restoration. If we add to this that some streets need good asphalt, it can be concluded that the city is still in the process of becoming a first-rate tourist destination. However, I think it is already on the right track.
There are two squares in the old town. The first one, called “Cankarjev trg“, it is where St. Jacob church that I had previously seen is located.
The second one, called “Mestni trg“, is more traditional, in the shape of a wide street that narrows like a funnel, where there is an obelisk that was under reconstruction (possible to see in the images below).
After wandering around for a while longer, I came to the Capuchin Bridge, mentioned above. There are good views, but in my opinion the landscape is better from the new bridge.
With night falling, I went to have a hot chocolate in the main square, in a place called Kavarna Homan (previously recommended by the staff of the store in the cheese factory). After resting for a while, going out and seeing that the rain had stopped and the temperature was not cold, I decided to tour the old town again at night.
At night the visit is even more interesting, with the empty streets it is a perfect time to take night photos. However, to avoid getting late, I later returned to the train station in order to return to Ljubljana.
I have no doubt that the popularity of this place will grow over the years. I’d like to go back (who knows, maybe 10 years from now) and see how much things have changed. I’d like to believe that one day Škofja Loka will be something like Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic (in fact, it reminded me a lot).
There is a place in the surroundings, about 8 km from there, where you can contemplate a magical landscape. It is the church of Saint Thomas (Sveti Tomaž). However, the remoteness of the place makes it difficult to arrive by public transport. The exact location is here: 56MR+GG Selca, Slovenia
Despite this, I looked for information, and the nearby town of Bukovica can be reached by bus, and then after a 45-minute walk through the fields, there is the church. However, the constant rain that fell throughout the day, as well as the fog that did not quite lift, made me dismiss the idea immediately.
Traveler, if you have a day to spare in Ljubljana, do not hesitate to stop by, it is well worth it and it will not leave you indifferent.
Related Links
Tourism Official Sites
Škofja Loka Tourist Information
https://www.visitskofjaloka.si/en/
Loka Museum
https://www.culture.si/en/Loka_Museum,_%C5%A0kofja_Loka
Places to see in the city
https://www.slovenia.info/en/places-to-go/regions/ljubljana-central-slovenia/skofja-loka
Slovenia Travel Information
Slovenia Bus Information
Useful Information
While looking for Škofja Loka at the bus site, take into consideration the special character “Š” at the beginning.
Where to Eat in Škofja Loka
Restaurant Pr’Pepet
I had some homemade meatballs with sauce and a craft beer. Small place, with a retro decoration, which makes it very cozy.
Kavarna Homan
https://www.kavarnahoman.si/en
Perfect for a tea, coffee or hot chocolate after the visit.
Loška Mlekarna Dairy
Did you know that…
… Jan Oblak, the current Atlético de Madrid goalkeeper, and considered one of the best in the world, was born here?
… that the emblem of the city recognizes a crowned head of someone of color? This is due to a legend, which says that Bishop Abraham was saved by his black companions from the attack of one of the many bears that still remain in the forests of Slovenia nowadays.
Map of Locations
Credits
All photos taken with Motorola One Vision.
Natalija
I live near Škofja Loka. 10km away. Really good description of the city. Just the way it is. Very nice photos. Worth seeing.
jlrmar
Thank you Natalija for your feedback. I am happy to hear it from a local, appreciated it!