Best of Alpe-Adria Trail

Day 1: From Kranjska Gora to Vrsic Pass

In the morning the guide will pick you up at your accommodation in Ljubljana or Bled and head northwest to the town of Kranjska Gora, where our hike begins. The starting point is located super close to the three-country border of Slovenia, Austria, and Italy. It boasts spectacular mountain backdrops wherever you look, but it’ll leave you breathless at the tiny green Jasna Lake.

From the beginning, the trail is fairly flat and wide as you approach the Krnica valley and are surrounded by white limestone walls on some of the highest Slovenian peaks. As the trail becomes a bit steeper, we will reach the Russian chapel. It was built in remembrance of the Russian prisoners who built the road over the Vrsic mountain pass during World War One. As we walk the Russian road we’ll make a side trip to a jaw-dropping viewpoint to feel the dramatic yet warm embrace of the mountains.

In the afternoon we reach our cosy mountain hut, where we’ll leave the Alpe Adria Trail stage and overnight.

Hiking: 12 km / elevation +900 m, -150 m / approx. 5 hours Elevation profile.
Overnight: mountain hut in shared rooms 1/4, 1/6, and 1/10 and shared bathroom
Meals included: /

Day 2: From Vrsic Pass to Trenta Valley

Starting on a fresh morning, we will offer an extra hike: early risers can add a climb to a stunning peak above Vrsic Pass to enjoy the solitude and morning light over the Julian Alps.

We will rejoin the rest of the group on Vrsic Pass and head down to nature’s paradise, Trenta Valley. This horseshoe-shaped valley used to be mined for iron ore. Yet today it is still a fine example of the most unspoiled countryside in Slovenia, where time stands still. The trails take us from the highest mountain pass in the Eastern Julian Alps through the foothills of Mt. Jalovec to Trenta Valley. After a long descent, you’ll reach your place for the night – a mountain hut at the source of the emerald Soca River.

You’ll love how the mountains change color as the stars come out at the end of the day.

Hiking: 12 km / elevation +470 m, -1000 m / approx. 6 hours Elevation profile.
Overnight: mountain hut in shared rooms 1/4, 1/6, and 1/10 and shared bathroom
Meals included: breakfast

Day 3: AlongThe Emerald Soca River

Today you’ll hike a part of the Soca Trail, taking in the most beautiful section along the 138km-long Soca River. You’ll absolutely love its verdant green landscape.

All around you, water will sparkle in the sunshine and you’ll have lots of chances to swim in turquoise ponds along the way. The lionhearted can jump into the Great Soca Gorge, the biggest canyon on the Emerald River. The 750m-long canyon is also home to the marble trout fish, which is endemic to Slovenia. You’ll find the fish mysterious, chilling in the cold water. Yet they swim well, as should you because, on the first jump in, you’ll want to rush out as never before. Stay in a little longer to become cold-blooded too.

After reaching the Great Soca Gorge late afternoon, you can return to Bled or Ljubljana with your guide or spend a few extra days in Bovec, our outdoor sports capital, for world-class outdoor adventures, such as rafting on the Soca, canyoning, kayaking, zip-lining, and more.

Hiking: 16 km / elevation +200 m, -650 m / approx. 5 hours
Elevation profile.
Overnight: /
Meals included: breakfast

Price per person:

1 traveler: 1,920 €
2 travelers: 1,040 €
3 travelers: 820 €
4 travelers: 710 €
5 travelers: 610 €
6 travelers: 560 €
7 travelers: 520 €
8 travelers: 490 €

Inclusions

• 3 guided days with a licensed English-speaking guide.
• 2 nights with breakfast in a mountain hut. Private rooms with 2-4 beds per room. Shared bathrooms.
• Transfer from Ljubljana or Bled to the start of the hike (Kranjska Gora).
• Transfer from the end of the hike back to Kranjska Gora, Bled, or Ljubljana.
• Organization, 24-hour holiday service & support.

Exclusions

• Arriving to and from Ljubljana or Bled.
• Drinks.
• Meals not specified in the Inclusions.
• Travel insurance.
• Guide gratuities.
• Personal expenses.
• Other services not specified in the Inclusions.

Optional

• Luggage transfer between accommodations: 150 € per trip.

MODERATE hiking

How difficult is the walking?

Expect to walk about 4-6 hours per day within a distance of 12-16 km (8-10 miles). On the most challenging day, you’ll gain 900 m (2900 ft) of elevation. Most of the time the trails are easy and well crafted, however, there are also some narrow and steep downhill sections. Sometimes they are rocky and on a rainy day can be slippery. A hiking experience and a reasonable fitness level are necessary to fully enjoy this trip. If the hike turns out to be more difficult than you expected, you almost always have an escape option and can get a transfer to the next accommodation.

What are the trails like?

The hiking trails are mostly well maintained and fairly easy to walk on, yet you can expect to walk along some steep sections with occasional slippery roots and rocks. The terrain is uneven, sometimes rocky and narrow, covered with gravel, grass and forest soil. Mostly the trails are in the shade of the forest, but be prepared for sun exposure too.

Our Best of Alpe Adria Trail multi-active trip can be done anytime between May and October. There can still be some snow on Vrsic pass in May. October serves with amazing fall colors. July & August are the hottest (best for swimming) and busiest months.

What is the weather usually like?

In summer (from June to early September) the weather is usually hot, with temperatures around 20-30 deg C (70-90 deg F). In peak season (August) you can expect a heatwave with temperatures likely exceeding 35 deg C (95 deg F) as well as a significant temperature drop in the mountains on a cloudy, windy, or rainy day.

Of course, don’t forget your swimsuit and a small towel! Lakes and rivers are calling for a refreshing swim!

Essential read: our Best time to hike in Slovenia blog post.

You will spend two nights in typical Slovenian mountain huts.

What are the mountain huts like?

Huts in the Slovenian Alps are quite basic, but they offer everything a hiker needs: food, drinks, and accommodation. Food supply is limited, therefore expect simple menus of mountain food like different stews (vegetable or meat), pasta, and sausages. They also sell chocolate, soft drinks, water, beer etc. The usual breakfast would be eggs, ham, cheese, butter, jam.

Expect to share a room, toilets, bathrooms, or washrooms. Rooms are from 4 to 12 beds.

Barbara Podlesnik
Slotrips guide

My everyday job used to be in finance. But since I am also a very keen mountaineer and potter, I left the corporate business a few years ago and switched my focus to the mountains and clay shaping – becoming a renowned Slovene potter. Besides the mountains, I adore the sea, sailing, and diving. This drove me all around the Adriatic, to The Red Sea, Polinesia, and The Great Barrier Reef. Together with my husband Bostjan we also run a small B&B near Bled.

Meet the team

“Our expectations were exceeded, for sure.

All accommodation, logistics etc were perfect. The range of scenery was really overwhelming and I really hope to return someday! Triglav National Park seems like a magical place that demands more time to explore. Thanks so much to you and your team for all the organization etc, it was a great trip and we would not hesitate to recommend it to others”

Sam & Ruth Collins
from Ireland

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How big are the groups?

Our shared group departures are limited to 8 hikers + 1 guide. Please contact us for bigger private groups.

What if the weather is too bad to do the tour?