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Highlights
Discover the immaculate scenery at every bend in Slovenia’s Julian Trail
Row a boat out across glassy waters to the island church of Lake Bled.
Explore the dreamy alpine meadows of the Pokljuka Plateau.
Relax on the peaceful shores and among the crystal-clear waters of Lake Bohinj.
Sleep at the foot of twelve mountain peaks in the settlement of Log pod Mangartom.
Slovenia is one of Europe’s true hidden gems just waiting to be discovered! On this 15-day self-guided hiking trip, you’ll explore the best of Slovenia’s mountainous northwest where the Julian Alps dominate the landscape.
Kick off the adventure in Kranjska Gora, about an hour northwest of the capital city Ljubljana. Hike east through the foothills of the Karavanke mountain range as you overnight in settlements known for their ironworks and beekeeping. Then turn west and overnight on the shores of Lake Bled, Slovenia’s most popular natural feature. From here, ascend into the alpine pastures of the Pokljuka Plateau before descending onto the spectacular coastline of Lake Bohinj. Continue through hilly meadows and twisting mountain trails, spotting old military fortifications being reclaimed by nature. Hike through the upper flanks of the Baška grapa before descending the valley and strolling along the delightful Soča River, its aquamarine colour enchanting all who visit. Overnight in Kobarid and marvel at the rugged gorges cut over thousands of years by the river. Log pod Mangartom is a spectacularly scenic enclave nestled at the foot of snow-capped mountains – an amazing place to stay! A crossing of the Predil Pass brings you into Italy for a brief visit, the town of Tarvisio as your host. Your final day takes you back across the border to Kranjska Gora, completing the loop.
Every day on this trail offers new spectacular scenery far from the summer crowds. It’s a true European alpine experience!
Slovenia is one of Europe’s true hidden gems just waiting to be discovered! On this 15-day self-guided hiking trip, you’ll explore the best of Slovenia’s mountainous northwest where the Julian Alps dominate the landscape.
Kick off the adventure in Kranjska Gora, about an hour northwest of the capital city Ljubljana. Hike east through the foothills of the Karavanke mountain range as you overnight in settlements known for their ironworks and beekeeping. Then turn west and overnight on the shores of Lake Bled, Slovenia’s most popular natural feature. From here, ascend into the alpine pastures of the Pokljuka Plateau before descending onto the spectacular coastline of Lake Bohinj. Continue through hilly meadows and twisting mountain trails, spotting old military fortifications being reclaimed by nature. Hike through the upper flanks of the Baška grapa before descending the valley and strolling along the delightful Soča River, its aquamarine colour enchanting all who visit. Overnight in Kobarid and marvel at the rugged gorges cut over thousands of years by the river. Log pod Mangartom is a spectacularly scenic enclave nestled at the foot of snow-capped mountains – an amazing place to stay! A crossing of the Predil Pass brings you into Italy for a brief visit, the town of Tarvisio as your host. Your final day takes you back across the border to Kranjska Gora, completing the loop.
Every day on this trail offers new spectacular scenery far from the summer crowds. It’s a true European alpine experience!
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Julian Alps Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Departure from Kranjska Gora
Set off from the popular tourist enclave of Kranjska Gora on your first day of hiking. Today’s route takes you into the Sava Dolinka Valley, which leads you to Mojstrana, your destination for the evening. The valley acts as a connector between these two beloved tourism towns, Kranjska favoured in the winter and Mojstrana in the summer.
After the hike, you can cycle to the nearby Peričnik Waterfall in the Vrata Valley if you’re looking for extra sightseeing!
Overnight Location: Lodge in Mojstrana
Distance: 5-6 hours, 18.2km, 275m of ascent, 448m of descent
Meals: None
Day 2 The Industry of Jesenice
Continue east through the foothills of the Karavanke range as you follow the Sava River. Your route leads you through an old mining trail as you approach your destination of Jesenice, known for its ironworks. This was an important town for industrial production during the World Wars.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Jesenice
Distance: 4-5 hours, 20.6km, 690m of ascent, 785m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 In the Shadow of Stol
After breakfast, set off and continue along the Sava River, eventually crossing it in your way to Begunje na Gorenjskem. Along the way, you’ll pass through a handful of villages that lie under the watchful gaze of Stol, the tallest mountain in the Karavankes. Beekeeping is a prominent trade in these parts.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Begunje na Gorenjskem
Distance: 4-5 hours, 16.7km, 464m of ascent, 460m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 The Jewel of Lake Bled
Today’s route is relatively flat as you work back towards the west and the renowned resort town of Bled. Visit Radovljica, known as the cultural capital of the Julian Alps, before arriving at the breathtaking Lake Bled.
This beautiful setting is Slovenia’s most popular attraction, and for good reason. The aquamarine waters hold a tiny island with an even smaller church, and Bled Castle overlooks the entire scene from high atop a cliff. It’s an endlessly photographic spot!
Overnight Location: Lodge in Bled
Distance: 3-4 hours, 15.1km, 95m of ascent, 160m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 The Pokljuka Plateau
It’s an ascent into a series of mountain plateaus today, as you bid Bled goodbye and head west. Work through the narrow walls of the Pokljuka Gorge, then start to hike upwards as you cross the Kranjska Planina and Planina Javornik pastures. Some of these ascents are steep, but the views are more than worth it!
Overnight Location: Lodge in Goreljek
Distance: 6-7 hours, 21km, 866m of ascent, 95m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Descend to Lake Bohinj
From the dreamy alpine plateaus, set off on a descent through the meadows and forests of Pokljuka. Reaching the Upper Bohinj Valley, continue your walk through the settlements of Češnjica, Srednja vas and Studor before reaching Lake Bohinj. As Slovenia’s largest lake, this gorgeous environment is a popular place for locals who enjoy its clear waters and peaceful shores.
Overnight Location: Lodge near Lake Bohinj
Distance: 4-5 hours, 22km, 315m of ascent, 1038m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Stroll Through the Dobrava Meadows
It’s a relatively short day today as you leave the shores of Lake Bohinj behind and hike towards Bohinjska Bistrica, the administrative centre of the region. Your route brings you along a series of unpaved roads and paths, crossing the broad Dobrava meadows with lovely vistas of the open green landscape.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Bohinjska Bistrica
Distance: 2-3 hours, 11km, 105m of ascent, 152m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Crossing the Vrh Bače Pass
Make the most of today’s breakfast– a nice long day of hiking awaits! Head out onto a trail that leads through the Vrh Bače Pass. Old military paths and strategic fortifications can be seen on this route, which provides stunning alpine vistas at every turn.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Podbrdo
Distance: 7-8 ½ hours, 13.5km, 770m of ascent, 785m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Through the Baška Valley
A lovely day of hiking through the higher reaches of the Baška grapa, a 30-kilometre valley that rises on either side of the Bača River. Pass through dreamlike tiny villages perched upon its slopes, hidden away from travellers who take the main roads and railways through the valley’s lower flanks.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Grahovo ob Bači
Distance: 5-6 hours, 17.2km, 1110m of ascent, 1208m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Stories of the Soča River
Continue through the lower reaches of the valley today as you head towards the nearby Soča Valley and its breathtaking river. Its beautiful blue-green colour is unreal! The storybook town of Most an Soči makes an excellent visit, boasting a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. Your overnight location is just up the river from here.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Tolmin
Distance: 6-7 hours, 20.2km, 856m of ascent, 969m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Walking the Sunny Side of the River
It’s a flat and easy walk today along the valley floor. Your route is entirely (as the locals say) on the “sunny side” of the Soča River. Stroll through a number of picturesque villages until you reach Kobarid, where a WWI battle was famously documented by Ernest Hemingway in A Farewell to Arms.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Kobarid
Distance: 3-4 hours, 16.1km, 126m of ascent, 78m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 A River Runs Through It
Today’s hike continues along the Soča River, passing through the settlements of Kobarid and Trnovo. Explore the rugged features of the gorge which the water cuts through. This stretch shows the river at its wildest and most dramatic!
Overnight Location: Lodge in Bovec
Distance: 6-7 hours, 20.4km, 412m of ascent, 198m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 Surrounded by Mountains
This shorter hike brings you to Log pod Mangartom, one of Slovenia’s most scenic little settlements. Home to a handful of tiny villages and hamlets, this area is surrounded by no less than 15 mountains with over 2,000m of elevation to their name. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into another world!
Overnight Location: Lodge in Log pod Mangartom
Distance: 3-4 hours, 11.3km, 340m of ascent, 151m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 An Italian Overnight
Conquer a final mountain pass on today’s hike, which takes you up and over the Predil Pass into Italy. Spot the monument of a dying lion erected in remembrance of Austrian soldiers lost during the Napoleonic wars. Descend into the town of Tarvisio for a quick taste of Italy!
Overnight Location: Lodge in Tarvisio
Distance: 4-5 ½ hours, 17.6km, 664m of ascent, 558m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 Return to Kranjska Gora
After a tasty Italian breakfast, head back on the trail for your return trip to Kranjska Gora, completing the loop. Pass through numerous charming villages and alpine centres before saying goodbye to the brilliant Julian Alps.
Depart the region via your own arrangements, or book your own accommodation to spend the night before departing the next day.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 4-5 ½ hours, 19km, 181m of ascent, 129m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
2024 Departures The departures are available daily, from April 15th to November 15th.
- Single room: from EUR1775*
- Sharing a double room: from EUR1195*
Accommodation on the Julian Alps Walking Tour Hiking Tour
This tour is based in comfortable lodges. Each property offers warm rooms with an ensuite washroom and daily breakfast. You can upgrade the accommodations for an extra charge if you are willing to stay in 3-star hotels instead.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a single room where available. Solo travellers are required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Julian Alps Walking Tour?
Meals
14 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 14 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
No transportation is included in this tour. Luggage transport from hotel to hotel can be added for an additional fee (there are two options, either 3 transfers between main towns (every 4 days), or full day-to-day transfers. Please inquire for more information.
Also Included
- Introductory briefing with welcome drink on Day 1
- Complete booklet with daily itineraries, route descriptions, and all necessary vouchers
- Detailed maps with marked routes and GPS marked route
- Emergency contact number and 24/7 support
- Main luggage storage (for luggage not brought on the hiking trip)
- Tourist tax & VAT
Not included
- Flights
- Guide services
- Airport transfers
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Fees for any optional activities
Optional Extras
- Private airport transfers
- Additional nights before/after the tour
- Accommodation upgrades to 3-star hotels
- Luggage transfers
- GPS device rental
- Walking equipment (walking poles, small backpack, basic rain jacket)
- How hard is the Julian Alps Walking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Slovenia?
- Are meals included on the Julian Alps Walking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Kranjska Gora to start this tour?
- Is the Julian Alps Walking Tour guided?
- Where does the Julian Alps Walking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Slovenia?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Slovenia?
- When is the best time to travel to Slovenia for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. The trail is well-maintained and the surfaces are not particularly difficult to navigate. However, some of the days require relatively long hikes and certain portions involve considerable elevation change, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Good boots are essential, and previous hiking experience is recommended.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
14 breakfasts are included as part of your accommodation bookings.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into the Ljubljana Airport (LJU), the international gateway to Slovenia. From here, Kranjska Gora is roughly 45 minutes by private car or two hours by bus, depending on your arrival time. Please check schedules for the best option.
No, you will be provided with all necessary information to complete your self-guided tour. Self-guided tours offer great flexibility in your day-to-day, but you should be comfortable with a higher degree of independence.
The trail loop closes in Kranjska Gora, where you started. However, you can do the tour in smaller “sections” if you have less time, with options to start/end in Bled or Bohinj. day-to-day
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Slovenia for this tour is the warmer months of June through September, which also give the best chance of snow-free trails.
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Life Adventures was founded in 1998 and has since become a go-to for adventure holidays in Slovenia and Croatia. With an energetic, young at heart team with experience in each location they operate in, Life Adventures is an expert in revealing the best of these countries to travelers from all walks of life.
