Exploring the Rich History and Legends of Kranj
We stopped in Kranj on our way from Ljubljana to Bled Lake. It was not on our itinerary, but our friend eddiehedgehog lives here, so we wanted to check out the city. He was not at home, but we met up later in Bled. Now, the charming town of Kranj invites you to explore. As the fourth-largest city in Slovenia, it offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern amenities, allowing you to get an authentic experience.
A Little Bit of History about Kranj
Kranj’s history dates back to the Roman era, which is evident in its well-preserved architectural treasures and ancient city center. Waddling through the old town’s cobblestone streets, you feel transported back in time. The city center has various medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the iconic St. Cantianus Church and the Town Hall. Although we didn’t catch on, Kranj has numerous festivals and events celebrating its heritage over the years. The annual Kranj Carnival, one of Slovenia’s oldest and most colorful events, fills the streets with vibrant costumes, lively music, and joyful celebrations. The Kranj Jazz Festival, held every summer, attracts renowned musicians and jazz enthusiasts worldwide.
One of the most fascinating historical sites in Kranj is the Khislstein Castle. This 13th-century castle, originally a defense fortification, now serves as a museum showcasing the town’s history and culture. You can explore the castle’s exhibits, enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape, or attend various cultural events and concerts hosted within its historic walls. Again, we couldn’t waddle inside as the castle was still closed. We came too early.
The Legend of Kranj’s Dragon
Of course, we had to find a local legend, and Slovenia’s legends always revolve around dragons. According to Kranj’s local legend, a fearsome dragon once resided in the caves near the town, terrorizing the town’s inhabitants. The dragon was said to breathe fire and had a taste for livestock and, occasionally, humans. The townspeople lived in fear until a brave knight named Valentin decided to confront the beast.
Valentin entered the dragon’s lair with a spear and shield. After a fierce battle, he slayed the dragon, freeing Kranj from its tyranny. Today, the legend of the dragon is commemorated in various forms, including statues and murals around the town.
The Kokra River Canyon
Kranj is also a paradise for nature lovers. The town is located at the confluence of the Sava and Kokra rivers, offering stunning views and numerous outdoor activities. The Kokra River Canyon, a natural wonder in the city’s heart, is perfect for a waddle or a more adventurous hike. The canyon’s lush greenery and cascading waterfalls create a serene atmosphere that captivates visitors of all ages. We waddled down to see the bridge from the bottom, which was great. We even found an elf house there.
Prešeren Monument
A highlight of Kranj’s main square is a tribute to Slovenia’s greatest poet, France Prešeren. On December 28, 1952, a 5-meter-tall bronze statue of Prešeren was unveiled between the church of St. Cantianus and the Prešeren Theatre. This statue, the largest of Prešeren in the world, was crafted by sculptors Frančišek Smerdu and Peter Loboda. The placement of the statue was orchestrated under the guidance of the renowned architects Jože Plečnik and Josip Slavec, who were designing the arcades on the theatre’s façade at the time.
Although we didn’t manage to try any of it, we saw that the town’s restaurants and cafes offer an array of traditional Slovenian dishes, including kranjska klobasa (Kranj sausage), štruklji (rolled dumplings), and potica (sweet rolled pastry).
We really enjoyed our short stop at this charming town, especially the alleys we waddled through and also the view of the Julian Alps from the city center. We recommend stopping here for a drink or simply waddling down to the canyon to enjoy nature.
