Skofja Loka is Slovenia’s oldest and most carefully preserved medieval town, with a central castle and a great set of old town walls. This is a great place to explore and spend some time – it is about 35 minutes drive from Bled. The old town centre is composed of an upper square called Mestni Trg, and the lower, Spodnji Trg, both of which are dominated by the Skofja Loka Castle, which is well worth a visit has a beautiful view over the old town the Slovenian Alps and the surrounding forests and field. The climb up to the castle is very manageable by all with railing and gradual up climb. The castle museum is very well assembled and gives a full and diverse overview of Slovenian history, culture, art, and natural history. Behind the town walls, but not far from the town centre, you can also visit some nice natural attractions including the Lubniska Jama cave system and Mary’s Chasm.
Skofja Loka is worthy of a visit any time of year, but it is an especially great choice if you’re travelling to Slovenia in winter or shoulder season when your options for other day trips are a little limited.
Considered one of the most beautifully preserved medieval towns in the country, Skofja Loka is well worth a day’s visit. The Capuchin Bridge (in the background), lovely semi-circular stone bridge, greets visitors as they cross the Sora river into town from Skofja Loka’s small bus station. (photo: Jost Gantar / slovenia.info)
The historic town’s centre is lined with buildings dating from medieval times. (photo: Jost Gantar / slovenia.info)
Medieval Skofja Loka is a fantastic place to visit for anyone who’s interested in history and architecture. (photo: Jost Gantar / slovenia.info)
The historical town’s centre is mainly for pedestrians and opens a window on the Slovenian architecture and history of ages gone by. (photo: Jost Gantar / slovenia.info)
Considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Slovenia, Skofja Loka’s upper and lower squares were proclaimed a National Cultural Monument in 1987. (photo: Jost Gantar / slovenia.info)
The old center has very little car traffic and it’s really enjoyable to explore the streets, admire the houses with medieval history. (photo: Jost Gantar / slovenia.info)
Take the time to stroll in the old streets of the center and climb to the castle to visit its interesting museum. (photo: Jost Gantar / slovenia.info)
Skofja Loka offers a bit of everything: history, gorgeous architecture, a castle and top-notch museum, and also a few lovely cafes and restaurants. (photo: Jost Gantar / slovenia.info)
Skofja Loka is a great choice for culture and history lovers—and anyone who enjoys exploring small towns on foot. (photo: Jost Gantar / slovenia.info)
Skofja Loka’s main tourist attractions include Loka Castle, its museum, and the historic Old Town. (photo: Jost Gantar / slovenia.info)
Skofja Loka still retains its original town plan: an Upper Square is separated from a Lower Square with the Old Town’s narrow alleys neatly contained, and the hilltop castle standing guard from atop a small hill. (photo: Jost Gantar / slovenia.info)
Skofja Loka lies snugly in the confluence of the Poljanska Sora and Selska Sora rivers. The first written records of Skofja Loka date to 1248, when it was a bustling market town. (photo: Jost Gantar / slovenia.info)
Location:
Skofja Loka Address: Kapucinski trg 1, 4220 Skofja Loka, Slovenia
Skofja Loka Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 46.16718, 14.30473
Skofja Loka GPS coordinates: 46° 10′ 1.8732” N 14° 18′ 17.0424” E
Traditional region: Upper Carniola (Slovene: Gorenjska)
Municipality: Skofja Loka
Directions from Apartments Fine Stay to Medieval town of Skofja Loka (drive 41 km, 35 min)
Directions from Apartments Fine Stay Bled to Medieval town of Skofja Loka (drive 38 km, 33 min)
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Skofja Loka is a magic little medieval town with different coloured buildings. The castle situated on the top of the hill is lovely and very informative of the area but seemed more like a museum than a castle. Worth going up the steps to view the panoramic scenery.
Skofja Loka is located roughly halfway between Ljubljana and Bled, making it very easy and inexpensive to visit using public transport.
Skofja Loka is one of my favorite towns in Slovenia, and I think I’ve visited all of them It's so picturesque and pretty, and there are some really nice hike options around – like a hike to Lubnik