Green City

Protected area of Kokra river canyon

Protected area of canyon includes many special natural features – gathered into a natural monument spreading along Kokra river, deep under city of Kranj.

Old City of Kranj stands on a conglomerate rock and rises above the 30-meter-deep canyon of the river Kokra and river Sava on other side. The green canyon in the middle of the city offers rest and relaxation in nature just a few meters from the hustle city, so the people of Kranj like to say that “we stand with one foot in the city and the other in nature.”

Natural monument is protected by the local municipality, and is subject to special regimes and prohibitions.

On-the-spot nature protection in the middle of the city

Animal, plant or inanimate nature, we want to preserve natural figures where they are (in situ). That is why we protect their special living spaces, as they are crucial for their survival in the future as well.

Slovenia is one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity in Europe. This is the result of special natural circumstances, such as the diversity of geographical, climatic and other specific factors, All protected areas have been designated by Slovenia state and are managed following regulations on nature conservation, which we also follow in our city.

Welcome to the beautifull Kokra River Canyon!

The city of Kranj lies just above a canyon carved by the Kokra River into a narrow gorge, 30 meters deep and 2 kilometers long, with steep conglomerate walls. The northern part of the canyon has preserved much of its natural environment, featuring boulders, sandy beaches, and steep conglomerate walls covered with diverse thermophilic vegetation, as well as natural passages and undercuts. This area is protected primarily to safeguard local plant and animal life. The southern (downstream) section of the natural monument welcomes visitors with well-maintained yet still natural walking trails, offering stunning views of the vibrant green and blue elements. A special attraction can also be found near the steps – tunnels under old Kranj – revealing the underground secrets of Kranj (LINK!).

Fragility of Natural Values

Over time, the river gravel deposits of the Kokra River have compacted into a more or less solid rock known as conglomerate, which dominates the canyon area.

The canyon is shaped by water erosion, visible in features such as undercut banks and picturesque meanders of the river, with gravel bars, isolated rock formations, and pools. Due to the fractured and unstable nature of the conglomerate, sudden landslides of both small and large rock blocks into the Kokra riverbed may occur.

As a typical torrential river, the Kokra overflows onto the floodplains on both sides of its riverbed several times a year, depositing fine sand that you can also feel under your feet.

The features of the canyon that you will see along your walk – and that we aim to protect – include:

• steep conglomerate walls, the fragile canyon edge, rock blocks, and undercut rock formations;
• the striking visual character of the landscape and other relief features (such as gravel areas);
• diverse riparian vegetation, rare habitat types, and a variety of plant and animal species (including nesting sites, shelters, etc.), contributing to a high level of biodiversity.

When entering this protected area, designated as a natural monument, please note that rules of conduct are clearly defined, outlining what is permitted and what is not.

Take your time – you are entering a fascinating green and blue world.

After an almost 30-metre descent, you will reach the level of the Kokra River. Having travelled 34 kilometres along its lively course, the river narrows into a canyon, continues for another 2 kilometres below the city of Kranj, and then flows into the mighty Sava River.

As you make your way down, don’t rush – look up at the treetops, through which your view extends all the way to the water below. The river supports nine species of fish, including trout and rudd. Thanks to this abundance, the canyon also attracts many birds, such as mergansers, kingfishers, and swifts. At least 36 bird species can be observed along this short stretch of the river – enjoy!

Text: Špela Planinšek, MSc, City of Kranj, and Špela Premelč, Institute of the RS for Nature Conservation.

Design: GEAart, vizualne komunikacije, d.o.o., 2026.