Krnica Valley is a stunning alpine valley located south of Kranjska Gora and is one of the most picturesque starting points for exploring the central peaks of the Julian Alps. Its distinctive amphitheatre-like shape is created by the towering, dramatic mountains that surround the valley and form a natural scenic backdrop.
Krnica is a glacial valley, shaped during the last ice age. In the past, glacial tongues slid down the slopes, carving, grinding, and reshaping the rock with their immense weight. This slow process resulted in a wide and deep valley with a characteristically rounded floor and steep sides, giving it the appearance of a natural amphitheatre. Today, the valley stands as an important example of glacial relief in Slovenia.
The valley is surrounded by some of the most majestic peaks of the Julian Alps. Most prominent is Škrlatica (2,740 m), the second-highest mountain in Slovenia. To the west, Razor (2,601 m) dominates with its sharp ridges, while to the east rises Prisank or Prisojnik (2,547 m), recognizable by its natural rock window. Among the lesser-known but equally impressive peaks are Goličica (2,394 m) and Dovški Gamsovec (2,427 m), which round off the mountainous amphitheatre above Krnica and together create a powerful alpine panorama that captivates in every season.
At the heart of the valley stands Koča v Krnici (1,113 m), a mountain hut that is open mainly during the winter and spring months. It is a popular stop for hikers, ski tourers, and snowshoers. Nestled at the forest’s edge, the hut offers beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and a cozy rest with a warm drink or a hearty traditional stew.
In winter, the valley transforms into a fairytale snowy landscape, ideal for snowshoeing thanks to its accessibility and safe terrain. The route follows a wide valley path, mostly along a snow-covered gravel road that runs beside the Pišnica stream. Due to its relatively gentle terrain and moderate ascents, snowshoeing in Krnica is also suitable for less experienced visitors, offering a peaceful escape into winter silence, broken only by the crunch of fresh snow underfoot.
In favorable conditions, more experienced snowshoers can venture higher towards Kuhinja or even beneath Razor, but this requires proper equipment and knowledge of winter mountain conditions.
First, we drive to Kranjska Gora, and then continue driving in the direction of Bovec. Just a little after the Jasna guesthouse, we will come to the bridge over the Pišnica River, next to which we park in a small parking lot. We can also park a few 10 m back in a larger parking lot by the TNP sign or near the former Erika hotel.
Jezero Jasna (850 m) - Koča v Krnica (1113 m) - Jezero Jasna (850 m)
Just before the bridge over the Velika Pišnica River, a macadam road branches off to the left, leading to the Krnica Valley. We head towards the aforementioned road, which first takes us along the edge of the river, then passes into a forest belt, where it gradually begins to climb. The road quickly leaves the forest and leads us again along the ever-narrowing Velika Pišnica. The relatively winding path is eventually joined by the path from the 3rd serpentine of the Ruska or Vršiška road, and we continue straight in the direction of Krnica on an increasingly steep road, which slowly passes into the forest. This is a relatively steep road in the last part, then we follow it all the way to Koča v Krnica, which we reach after a few minutes of further walking.
