Covering some 577 hectares of pastureland, Velika planina is the catchall name for a number of plateaus that are home to one of the oldest shepherd settlements in Europe still in use today. Just a short drive outside of Kamnik, hordes of herdsmen cottages sit at an altitude of over 1500 metres surrounded by pine forests. It is a remarkable place, and one that truly is a must-see when in Kamnik or Ljubljana. As May comes around green becomes the overwhelmingly dominant colour on the highland, along with the blossoming of the purple Kamnik flower. The Herdsman's Settlement comes alive in summer, maintaining traditions that are centuries old. Along with the 63 huts there is a parliament building (the main social centre for the shepherds) and an open-air dance floor. Visitors can also spend the night on Velika Planina, there's numerous mountain lodges available to rent and also a wonderful gostilna, Gostišče Zeleni Rob, where you can enjoy refreshments and a good meal after a long day of walking.