Things To Do
in Naklo

Naklo is a tranquil town in northern Slovenia, nestled in the hills of the Upper Carniola region just north of Kranj. It blends rural charm with convenient access to larger towns, making it a quiet base for exploring the Ljubljana Basin. The area is dotted with green meadows, forests, and small rivers that invite easy outdoor strolls.

In Naklo you’ll find friendly local cafes and traditional gostilnas that showcase Slovenian hospitality.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Naklo
morning
:

Arrive in Naklo and check into your cozy accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with local delicacies and freshly brewed coffee. Spend the morning wandering through the charming village streets and soaking in the serene atmosphere.

afternoon
:

After lunch, take a guided tour of the nearby cultural sites, including the beautiful St. Matthew Church. Engage with local artisans and learn about their crafts, potentially even trying your hand at one. As the sun dips, relax at a local café with a view of the Julian Alps.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a traditional Slovenian restaurant, savoring local specialties. After your meal, take a stroll under the stars, appreciating the peaceful surroundings. End your day with a nightcap at a local bar, enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals.

day 2
Lake Bled Excursion
morning
:

Set out early for a day trip to Lake Bled, one of Slovenia's most iconic destinations. Enjoy a picturesque boat ride to the island and visit the charming church at the center. Take in breathtaking views of the castle perched above the lake as you explore the area.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a lakeside café, relishing the stunning scenery. Spend your afternoon hiking around the lake to absorb the natural beauty and perhaps indulge in a slice of the famous cream cake. Capture unforgettable photographs as you bask in the tranquility.

evening
:

Return to Naklo for dinner at a local eatery. Share your experiences from Lake Bled with fellow travelers and locals. Enjoy a leisurely evening walk, reflecting on the beauty of the day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$2-5
🛒Groceries for a week$40-70
🚆Public transport ticket$2-4
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Peaceful base with access to the Alps and nearby towns
  • Value-oriented travel with hearty regional cuisine
  • Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
  • Smaller choice of international dining options in Naklo itself
  • "Dober dan" - Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Prosim" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Kje je ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Koliko stane?" - How much is it?
  • "Govoriš angleško?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Naklo

Visit one of these nice places.

Naklo Riverbank at sunrise

Soft morning light over the river and meadows, with reflections of willows and small boats.

Kranj Old Town and Dragon Bridge

Medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and the iconic dragon statue make for atmospheric street photography.

Hill viewpoints near Naklo

Farmland, forests, and rolling hills provide wide landscape panoramas during golden hour.

Culinary Guide

Food in Naklo

Naklo sits in a region where Alpine, Mediterranean, and Central European influences meet; the cuisine is hearty, seasonal, and anchored in fresh local produce.

Naklo Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage)

A prized smoked sausage typically served with sauerkraut, potatoes, and mustard.

Must-Try!

Žganci

A rustic corn- or buckwheat-based porridge often paired with cottage cheese, cracklings, or rich stews.

Žlikrofi (Idrija dumplings)

Delicate potato-filled dumplings served with herb butter or ragout; a regional specialty enjoyed in many gostilnas.

Potica

A nut- or raisin-filled rolled pastry that is a staple at festive tables and bakeries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Kranj Farmers Market

Seasonal produce, cheeses, honey, breads, and ready-to-eat snacks; a great place to taste local flavors.

Seasonal street food stalls

Pop-up grills and pastry stalls that appear in town squares during warm months; try grilled skewers and sweet pastries.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is temperate with four distinct seasons: warm, sometimes hot summers; cool to cold winters with occasional snow; and mild spring and autumn periods. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, so a light rain jacket is handy any time.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

A polite hello (Dober dan) and a handshake are common; address adults with the formal vi unless invited to use ti. Punctuality is valued.

Safety Guide

Safety

Slovenia is generally very safe for travelers. Use common-sense street-smarts, keep valuables secure, and follow weather advisories when hiking in the Alps. In emergencies, call local emergency numbers or visit hospitals in Kranj or Ljubljana.

Tipping in Naklo

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service is usually included in larger establishments; otherwise a tip of 5-10% or rounding up the bill is appreciated for good service.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with occasional thunderstorms; great for outdoor markets, lake swims, and long evenings on cafe terraces.

Autumn

Colorful foliage, harvest-time produce, and fewer crowds; ideal for countryside drives and mountain hikes.

Winter

Cold, sometimes snowy. Cozy indoors, seasonal pastries, and nearby alpine activities in higher elevations.

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; perfect for open-air markets and gentle hikes.

Nightlife Guide

Naklo at Night

Naklo’s nightlife is low-key, with cozy bars and cafés in Naklo and nearby Kranj. Expect relaxed evenings, occasional live music, and conversations over local beer (Laško) or wines. In warmer months, riverside terraces come alive with social crowds.

Hiking in Naklo

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Storžič (Kamnik–Savinja Alps)

A classic alpine hike with forest trails, culminating in panoramic views from the summit.

Velika Planina

High-altitude pasture with easy to moderate hikes, meadows, and traditional herders’ huts.

Kamnik foothills trails

Gentle forest paths and scenic viewpoints just a short drive from Naklo.

Airports

How to reach Naklo by plane.

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)

Main international gateway to Slovenia; about a 20–40 minute drive to Naklo depending on traffic.

Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport (MBX)

Smaller regional airport; longer drive to Naklo but serves some European routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center and riverside are walkable on foot, with pleasant pedestrian routes. For hilltops and alpine areas, a short drive or bike ride is typical, followed by rewarding views.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Slovenes

Predominant population with a growing number of seasonal visitors and some expatriates.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely played and watched at local grounds and clubs.

Skiing and snowboarding

Popular in nearby Alpine resorts during the winter.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate; regional buses connect Naklo with Kranj, Ljubljana, and other towns. Car travel is convenient, with parking available in town centers.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Naklo.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most gostilnas offer vegetarian options such as žganci with mushrooms, seasonal vegetable dishes, salads, and cheese plates; ask for simple vegetable soups or pasta with olive oil and herbs.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Slovenia provides solid healthcare; in Naklo you’ll find local clinics and dentists, with hospitals nearby in Kranj and Ljubljana. EU visitors should carry the EHIC; private clinics and travel insurance cover emergencies for non-EU travelers.

Discover Slovenia

Read more in our Slovenia 2025 Travel Guide.

Slovenia Travel Guide