Kokra River Canyon

The Kokra River Canyon cuts a deep, green slot through the middle of Kranj, running right beside the old town. Kranj sits on a rock terrace above the point where the Kokra meets the Sava, and the narrow canyon of the smaller river forms a natural moat on one side of the historic centre. From the streets above you would hardly guess it is there, yet a few minutes' walk takes you to the edge, where the walls drop away and the water runs far below. Its steep rock faces, rising several storeys above the stream, are impressive for a canyon within a city, and the place has been described as one of the deeper urban gorges in Europe.

A waymarked trail runs through the canyon and returns to the town in a loop that is short and mostly easy, so it suits families, casual walkers and anyone who wants fresh air between sights. The path is surfaced in parts and has bridges and railings where the slope is steep, and it can be walked all year. Each season gives a different picture. In spring the forest floor is covered with wild garlic, in summer the shade and the cool water attract people to the riverbank, autumn brings fallen leaves and fruit to the path, and in a cold winter the rock faces can ice up.

Along the way you can see the remains of old mills and sawmills that once used the river for power, a reminder that the fast-flowing water here drove small industry in the town for centuries. The forest around the canyon is home to a good variety of plants, birds and small animals, and information boards along the educational trail explain the habitats and the history of the site. Some stretches cross private forest, so keep to the marked paths and respect signs.

The canyon is a natural companion to Kranj's old town, and you can fit it into a half-day on foot. Khislstein Castle, the Prešeren Theatre Kranj and the Gothic Church of Saint Kancijan and Ossuary, also known as St. Kancijan's Church, stand close by on the old town edge, and the Underground Tunnels beneath the town, built as shelters in the twentieth century, add another unusual stop. Cafes in the old streets offer a place to sit afterwards.

There is no admission fee to walk the trail, and it is accessible at any time of day, though it is best in daylight. Wear shoes with grip because the path can be slippery after rain, and take care near edges, particularly with young children. It is one of Kranj’s best hidden treasures.