Heritage of the Water Canals

A characteristic feature of Kamniška Bistrica are the numerous mills (mlinščice), which once powered many mills and sawmills. About 200 km of drainage canals and mills were laid along the 33 km long riverbed, of which about 60 km are still active today.

Jašovec Mill (Pr' Mlinarju)

The homestead (EŠD: 12602) is located at Prešernova ulica 40, next to the Radomeljska Mlinščica. This mid-19th-century site includes a mill with a water wheel, a water saw, a forge, and a stone bridge. Built in 1825 and later owned by the Jašovec family, the mill was modernized with a dynamo that provided lighting and powered agricultural machinery. The Venetian sawmill here operated regularly until 1959.

Hydrology and the Gorges

The Kamniška Bistrica river originates in karst springs at 623 m. Its torrential nature is evident in the Veliki and Mali Predoselj gorges. Historically, Predoselj was famous for a waterfall formed by logjams and gravel, which remained for 60 years until a massive 1953 flood swept the material away. Today, natural stone bridges and wooden footbridges allow visitors to reach the bottom of these narrow troughs.

Environmental Evolution

Once heavily polluted by industry (slaughterhouses in Kamnik, Količevo paper mill, Lek pharmaceuticals), the river has visually cleared since the 1970s. However, challenges remain with agricultural runoff and unauthorized discharges. A central sewage treatment plant at Študa now serves the Domžale and Kamnik municipalities, though "subversive" pollution still occurs during high water levels.

The Confluence of Three Rivers

Near Podgrad lies the meeting point of the Ljubljanica, Sava, and Kamniška Bistrica. Around 2,000 years ago, the Romans recognized this strategic spot by building the Sava Fluvia fortress. In the 18th century, the confluence was moved to Zalog during river regulations intended to facilitate large-scale navigation.

Boštjan Burger, February 15; January 3, 2023