In Mlaka pri Kranju, the pine forest reaches right up to the houses. The village lies on the eastern side of Udin boršt; from Mlaka, you can access the landscape park. Nature trails and local history offer two distinct focuses for a stay: the park is about outdoor activities and observing nature, while Mlaka and its surroundings are about archaeological finds, memorial heritage and past activities. This lets you shape your trip around your interest in the forest, a particular route or the village’s historical connections.
Forest Landscape and Protected Natural Features
Udin boršt Landscape Park lies on a glacial terrace of calcareous conglomerate and is one of the last remaining continuous lowland forest areas in central Slovenia. Mlaka lies on its eastern side, and the pine forest reaches right up to the houses. The park has numerous trails for hiking, cycling and jogging. Hišarjevo brezno, within Udin boršt, is also protected as an underground geomorphological natural feature. The park’s landscape thus includes both the forest and the underground.
Walking and Cycling Routes
The Mammoth Trail reaches Mlaka and leads from there into Udin boršt Landscape Park. Along the forest trail, you can observe birds and other animals and plants. The shorter option is 7 km long in total and runs from the Mercator store via Bobovek directly to Mlaka. This figure covers the entire route option, not just the section between Bobovek and Mlaka.
Cyclists can choose from routes with different profiles. The Preddvor–Kranj–Preddvor gravel-bike route is of moderate difficulty, 25.9 kilometres long and passes through Mlaka pri Kranju. The Karavanke Cycling Loops run through Udin boršt and Mlaka; they are also suitable for families because they mostly follow cycle paths, cart tracks and roads with less traffic. The gravel-bike route can be assessed by its length and difficulty, while the main points of comparison for the loops are the types of paths they mostly use and their suitability for families.
The Rokovnjaška Route offers another option. It passes several farms that visitors can explore in more detail with a guide. If you would like to learn more about the farms, a guided tour is part of this route option.
Archaeological Finds and Local History
Two early Slavic graves were discovered on a hill near Mlaka. Mlaka’s memorial heritage includes the Obveščevalna točka Poljana. The find in the surrounding area and the heritage site in the village offer distinct historical perspectives.
A report published in 2014 describes the unveiling of a memorial plaque at Pestotnikova ulica 3. It commemorates a secret weapons and ammunition depot used by militia units. Another episode involves the Klemenčič couple: in 1990–1991, they stored weapons and ammunition belonging to militia units in their home in Mlaka.
The winter history is also specific: in Mlaka, thick ice was sawn into pieces and taken to dairies and a brewery in Kranj.
Discover more destinations: Cerklje Na Gorenjskem, Preddvor, Žabnica, Kranj, Šenčur, Kokra, Žerjavka, Vopovlje.
Back to the main travel guide: Kranj.
