Planina Loka

Planina Loka is a high alpine pasture on the southern side of Raduha, one of the best-known peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, in the northern part of Slovenia. Raduha rises to just over 2,000 metres above the Upper Savinja valley, near Luče and the Logar Valley, and its southern slopes are open, grassy and sunny, which makes them one of the most popular routes in the region. The pasture of Loka lies partway up, at roughly 1,400 metres, where the forest gives way to meadows, and it is used for summer grazing, as high pastures have been in the Alps for centuries.

The approach is straightforward. A forest road and marked footpaths climb from the valley to the pasture and to the mountain hut at Loka, which serves traditional Slovenian meals and drinks and is a natural place to rest before the final climb. The hut is used by walkers, families and visitors from the valley, and its terrace has wide views over the slopes. In late spring and early summer, the surrounding meadows burst into bloom with wild flowers, including gentians, orchids and many others, and in autumn the larch and beech turn to gold.

From Planina Loka, the path to the summit of Raduha continues across open slopes with some rocky stretches. It is a moderate walk of a few hours there and back, with a height gain of several hundred metres, and it is suitable for walkers with reasonable fitness and good boots. Trekking poles help on the descent, and the weather should be checked beforehand, since afternoon storms can develop quickly in summer. From the top, the view takes in the ridges of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the Karavanke and the Pohorje hills in the distance.

Even those who do not plan to climb can enjoy the pasture. It makes a pleasant destination for a family picnic, a short stroll and some time in the peace of the high meadows, with cattle bells and the sounds of nature in the background. Hiša Raduha, nearby, provides further refreshments and local products. The surrounding region of Solčava and the Logar Valley is among the most scenic in Slovenia, with panoramic roads, farms that sell cheese and honey, and walks of every length. The best season for Planina Loka is from June to October, and the road may be closed or snowy at other times.