Kamnik is located at an altitude of 483 m on the Kamniška Bistrica and Nevljica streams
in the north of the Osrednjeslovenska (Central Slovenia) region.
Kamik was first mentioned in 1229. At that time was prosperous strong in economy and even had its own mint. At the time it was protected by two castles (Stari grad and Mali grad) overlooking the town. In 1501 the town obtained the privilege for an annual fair. During the times of the Austrian monarchy, Kamnik was the site of a large gunpowder factory. In order to set up another such facility that was located farther away from the fron lines, a new factory was set up in Trofaiach (Styria). Through history Kamnik has been successful in keeping its old idyllic look with many medieval and Baroque façades. The old town features medieval buildings under the castles on the hill. Mali grad ('small castle') with its three-storey Romanesque chapel is still preserved, while only ruins are left of Stari grad ('old castle'). A tourist attraction is the arboretum Volčji potok, a permanent exhibition of flowers and trees under the nearby Kamnik Alps.