The heart of Slovenia is a heart lined with some incredible valleys, none more so than the Kamniška Bistrica valley. A hike, cycle or even just a stroll through the valley presents the prospective visitor with a vast array of sights and sounds. Right next to Planinski Dom Kamniška Bistrica (Kamniška Bistrica Alpine hut), the Source of the Kamniška Bistrica River springs to life out of moss-covered rocks, the cold water as clear as water can be. It then stops in an artificial lake, before continuing its journey to meeting with the Sava and the Ljubljanica. On a bright sunny day, with the sun peeking through the trees and the lake glistening, this is worth a visit to the valley all in itself.

Nearby to the lake we find Plečnik’s Mansion. Formerly known as the Royal Hunting Lodge of King Alexander I, it was designed by Plečnik in 1932 and frequently used by Josip Tito himself during the Yugoslav years. There is also a Memorial Park, dedicated to all the lives lost in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. The park was established in the 1970s.

At the narrowest part of the Kamniška Bistrica riverbed are the two Predaselj gorges. Imaginatively named Veliki Pesadelj (Big Presadelj) and Mali Presadelj (you guessed it, Small Presadelj), the larger of the two is 30m deep at its deepest point. The gorge opens up, giving you a delightful view of the pure river below. Believe us, it is stunning. Those with a sense of adventure who wish to get a closer look can arrange so, and with the local mountain rescue team’s assistance you can be lowered down into the gorge. Not for the faint hearted.

Everyone loves a waterfall, the valley doesn’t disappoint in the shape of Orglice Waterfall. Some 30m high, it can run dry if the weather has been particularly hot, but it is also rumored to give a sound not dissimilar to that of someone playing a harmonica. Orglice is the Slovene word for harmonica, so maybe there is something there. To reach the falls, enter from Predbela. Mills frequent the many streams hidden within, and there is also a great selection of hiking options for the hiking-minded, with Grintovec (2559m) arguably the most popular. Cycling paths are also readily found throughout.

As for accommodation, two options really stick out. We’d be foolish not to mention the worlds first free of charge eco-campsite, Kamp Alpe (+386 (0)31 2267 63, matjaz@kamp-alpe.com, www.kamp-alpe.com for more information). Run on a donation basis and with no reception, perspective campers (in groups of less than six) are welcome to stay for up to four nights all for the cost of whatever you want to donate and for looking after yourself during your stay. The camp is open from June 1st until September 15th.

Open from mid-April until mid-October, Planinski Dom Kamniška Bistrica (mentioned at the top of this feature) offers something a little more traditional. In the upper part of the valley near to the artificial lake and source of the Kamniška Bistrica, this delightful alpine hut has everything you need to regenerate yourself after a long hike, or to prepare yourself for a forthcoming one.