1,340 €
per person
Guided walking trip
BEST WALKS IN SLOVENIA
Duration: 8 days
Difficulty: 
- guided
- 8 days
- moderate-difficult
- July & August
- 1,340 EUR
- Group departures 2020
-
July 11-18 & 23-30
August 11-18 & 23-30
or go private
- Highlights
- Visit Ljubljana, one of Europe’s cutest, greenest capital cities.
- Swim in crystal clear rivers & glacial lakes framed by alpine peaks.
- Experience 3-day hut-to-hut hiking in the Julian Alps.
- Discover the charming Soca valley; the Garden of Eden.
- Walk in the valley of the Seven Triglav Lakes.
- Traditional food and wine in the rolling hills of the Slovenian Karst.
- Visit Skocjan caves, a UNESCO world heritage site carved deep into limestone.
- Discover the cultural and historic heritage trails of western Slovenia.
- Good to know
- Fully guided group hiking trip.
- Shared group tour with like-minded fellow hikers.
- Fixed departure dates.
- Small groups, max 16 travellers and 2 guides.
- Accommodation: 3* hotels and remote mountain huts.
- Expect to hike from 4 to 8 hours per day. Be a keen hiker to fully enjoy this tour.
- Prefer a private trip? Let us know!
Overview
Discover the Slovenian Alps is an 8-day group hiking adventure along some of Europe’s most scenic hiking trails. This tour is for all who wish to experience a variety of hikes in rugged high mountain terrain, which will reward your efforts with the beautiful natural sights of western Slovenia.
It’s a combination of a technically easy 3-day hut-to-hut tour, day hikes and walks in the foothills of the Slovenian Alps. On this trip, you’ll hike the lush Triglav National Park and the garden of Eden – Soca valley, stroll around Ljubljana, one of Europe’s smallest and greenest capitals, visit charming lakes Bled and Bohinj, and taste great food and wine in Slovenia’s best wine region. Additionally, adventure lovers can experience outdoor adventures in Slovenia’s adventure capital, Bovec.
It’s also possible to extend the tour for a day to discover the caves of the magical Slovenian Karst and soak your tired feet at the lovely Adriatic coast.
Some sections will include the best trails in Slovenia, like the Via Alpina Trail, Slovenian Mountain Trail, Alpe Adria Trail, Soca Trail and the Juliana Trail.
With our friendly hiking guides, you’ll meet interesting people and savour some first-class Slovenian food, beer and wine. At the same time, you’ll discover our national heritage of honour, pride and courage!
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Ljubljana
In the afternoon, our cheerful trip guide will meet you in your hotel in Ljubljana.
From there you’ll go for a welcome drink on the banks of the Ljubljanica river. While sipping excellent wine or beer, you’ll first get to know your fellow hikers and then the guide will present the details of the trip, as well as answer any questions you might have. Afterwards, you’ll be able to explore the city on your own and enjoy its vibrant old centre with green parks and outdoor cafes on the curvy banks of the Ljubljanica river.
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Ljubljana
Meals included: /
Day 2: Hiking in Triglav National Park
In the morning you’ll head off on a three-day hut-to-hut hike, the best summer hike in the Julian Alps. The trail will take you off the beaten track, along forest paths and rocky mountain trails just beneath Slovenia’s highest mountain – Mt. Triglav.
First, you’ll cross lovely alpine pastures in the hills near Lake Bohinj, where you can taste and buy fresh cheese and sour milk at the small working farms you’ll pass. Further on, you’ll start ascending mountain passes on the rugged slopes of the surrounding mountains. Even if you have travelled the best of the Alps and other world-famous destinations, you’ll still find these views breathtaking.
Onwards, your feet will feel a bit lighter as you’ll have gained your highest elevation. From hereon the trail keeps to the side of the mountains before it finally turns downhill. A short descent later, you’ll find yourself crossing wildflower-strewn mountain meadows dotted with lazing cows. Hardly any people trek in this part of the Triglav National Park. As the mountain hut appears on the hillside, you’ll notice the highest mountain in Slovenia, Mt Triglav (2864m). For a closer look at the mountain that was bought for a coin over a hundred years ago, climb the neighbouring summit (extra 1 hour) and enjoy the evening light over the jagged peaks of the Julian Alps.
Today we will provide a picnic lunch for the hike.
Hiking: 9 km / elevation +900 m, -250 m/ approx. 6 hours Elevation profile.
Accommodation: mountain hut with shared rooms 1/4, 1/6, and 1/10, shared bathroom
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 3: Trekking in the heart of the Julian Alps
Today, the most challenging day of the trip, takes you through the heart of the Julian Alps.
First, you’ll warm-up by walking along a hillside path through a dwarf pine forest. From here a gravel path will take you over rocky terrain through stunning alpine scenery to a high mountain pass. It’s just the place to relax for a while and enjoy the best view of Mount Triglav on this tour. Here you’ll have the chance to climb a fantastic peak (extra 1 hour and 250 metres altitude gain), at the top of which you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the highest summits of the Slovenian, Italian and Austrian Alps.
As the gravel path turns downhill, you’ll join the Via Alpina Trail and Slovenian Mountain Trail leading through the valley of the Seven Triglav lakes. This is a more relaxed walk along an easy and very popular valley of geological and biological importance, where you’ll spot some karst mountain formations, fossils and endemic flowers. Here you wont be able to miss the lumps of fur dotting the landscape around the trail. These are marmots relaxing on the sunny side of the rocks. If you don’t see them, you surely hear their whistles.
As the day turns to late afternoon, you’ll reach the mountain hut at the Triglav lakes and enjoy some relaxation time.
Lunch is available at a mountain hut along the way, or you can get a picnic lunch from the hut at breakfast.
Hiking: 12 km / elevation +700 m, -750 m / approx. 7 hours Elevation profile
Accommodation: mountain hut in shared rooms 1/4, 1/6, and 1/10 and shared washroom
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Day 4: Hiking in the land of the alpine pastures
In the morning you’ll head across the scree to a little mountain saddle between two peaks, a doorway to the land of alpine pastures. The fitter ones among you will have the option to hike to a lonely summit. Your effort will be more than rewarded with a grand landscape panorama over the Seven Triglav lakes valley and the Julian Alps.
After returning from the peak, you’ll leave the highest and most extensive mountain range in Slovenia behind for a while. From hereon you’ll trek along a limestone pavement surrounded by sinkholes and dwarf pines, leading to lush green forests and alpine pastures. It’s just the place to try some fresh, homemade food.
Soon after you’ll join a dirt path; time to get your camera ready. This is because you’ll reach a picture-perfect setting of cabins on a green meadow by a glass-like lake reflecting a rock wall. It’s the last natural feature before reaching the Bohinj valley.
Because ‘an empty sack doesn’t stand tall’ we’ll take you for a delicious traditional lunch, then we’ll round up the three-day hike with an unforgettable swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest permanent lake.
Afterwards, you’ll still have some time to explore Bohinj Lake and have dinner on your own.
Hiking: 8 km / elevation +200 m, -800 m / approx. 4 hours Elevation profile
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Bohinj
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 5: Hiking at Lake Bled and the Vrsic mountain pass
For the next stage we will continue by van to starting points for day hikes.
First, you’ll visit the most popular must-see place in Slovenia, Lake Bled. It’s just as beautiful in real life as it looks in photos. So to give you a chance to take the perfect photo, we’ll hike to a popular viewpoint and photo spot of the lake, island church and clifftop castle with the Karavanke Alps in the backdrop. Since later on we’ll head more north-west, this is the only time to visit the church on Bled island. However, if relaxing on the lakeside sounds more appealing, you are also welcome to kick off your shoes and do just that.
Our next quest is a scenic drive on a winding road among the limestone walls leading to Vrsic mountain pass. The road was built by Russian prisoners during World War One and makes for a perfect starting point for our day hike. The forest path leads to a solitary mountain shoulder, with a lonely peak in the middle of a mountain arena with captivating high walls.
If you thought Slovenia couldn’t get any prettier, wait until you descend to the other side of the pass, the Soca valley. This is the most biodiverse place in the country with emerald waters, dense forests and the biggest variety of outdoor adventures in Slovenia. The perky little town of Bovec is its centre, as well as the country’s outdoor adventure capital. Our place for the next two nights.
Today’s lunch is in a cosy mountain hut.
Hiking: 10 km / elevation gain +650 m, -650 m / approx. 5 hours split into 3 different hikes
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Bovec, Soca valley
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 6: Hiking and adventures in the Soca Valley
Today brings many different options. Given the elevation difference, you can choose a relatively short hike to Mt Mangart, the third highest peak in Slovenia and the highest in the Soca Valley. If you’re looking for more of a thrill, opt for adventures like kayaking, rafting, zip lining, and even canyoning.
Hikers will start the day early, winding up the curvy Mangart road to Mangart saddle, stopping on Slovenia’s highest mountain road. Just after a short warm-up walk, a steep rocky trail with handlines will quickly take you from the mountain base to a world of rocks and stones. You’ll find the rope aids handy for climbing the tall steps. At the top, a 360-degree mountain panorama, encompassing the western Julian Alps stretching from Slovenia to Italy and Austria, will not fail to capture your attention. If you think climbing Mangart is too much, the guides will recommend an easy hike with jaw-dropping views at the top of Mangart saddle.
After the descent, the group will get together over a delicious local lunch.
In the afternoon you’ll still have enough time for some outdoor adventures, have a massage or explore the town on your own. As there is a good variety of restaurants, inns and bars, you’ll easily find options to pamper your taste buds.
Hiking: 8 km / elevation gain +650 m, -650 m / approx. 5 hours
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Bovec
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 7: Experience the Goriska Brda wine hills
This morning you’ll head further south from the untamed alpine terrain, and by late afternoon end up on the border of the mild Mediterranean basin.
First, you’ll walk along part of the circular trail around the Julian Alps, known as the Juliana Trail. It’s one of the most spectacular sections of the Soca trail, following one of the most beautiful alpine rivers in the world, the Soca River.
The hike will end in Kobarid, a town of rich historical heritage with numerous relics from the First World War and a couple of excellent restaurants; hence a perfect spot for a great lunch.
From Kobarid, we will drive to the rolling hills of Goriska Brda, a tiny wine region separated by the Slovenian Italian border that was established after the Second World War. Here vineyards, orchards and olive grove terraces cover the landscape, where a moderate climate, long tradition and hard-working farmers make the region extremely charming in every season.
In the evening we will treat ourselves to a great final dinner.
Hiking: 8 km / elevation gain +100 m, -160 m / approx. 2.5 hours
Accommodation: 3* hotel in Goriska Brda
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Extension to Piran or End of the trip
After a hearty breakfast, your hiking adventure in western Slovenia ends. But please note that you might have helplessly fallen in love with Slovenia by this time. So join the following one-day extension to explore Skocjan Caves, the karst vineyards and coastal town of Piran and only leave when you feel you must.
EXTENSION: After breakfast, you’ll visit the Skocjan Caves; a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest cave canyon in Europe and many amazing underground karst formations.
After that, we’ll visit a local winemaker and have a fabulous lunch with wine tasting at their vineyard.
Finally, you’ll visit the most beautiful town in Slovenian Istria, Piran. It’s nicely situated on the edge of a narrow peninsula. We will explore the town’s narrow streets and squares, have a final gelato and maybe go for a swim in the Adriatic Sea.
The guide will finish the tour in the evening in Piran and will then return to Ljubljana. You are free to overnight in Piran or return to Ljubljana with the guide.
Walking: 7 km / elevation gain +150 m, -150 m / approx. 3 hours
Accommodation: of your own choice.
Meals included: breakfast. The optional extension includes lunch with wine tasting as well.
Trip price: 1,340 EUR per person
- Included
- 5 nights bed & breakfast in comfortable 3* hotels. Double or twin rooms.
- 2 nights bed & breakfast & dinner in mountain huts. Shared rooms with 4-10 beds per room. Shared bathrooms.
- 6 guided days with English speaking hiking guide, who is also the driver.
- All transfers listed in the itinerary. Starting in Ljubljana and ending in Goriska Brda.
- Van with 8+1 seats is always available to the group, except for 3-day hut-to-hut hike. In the case of more than 8 guests, we will have 2 vans and 2 guides.
- Welcome meeting over a drink in Ljubljana.
- All meals specified in the itinerary.
- Excluded
- International flights.
- Airport transfers to Ljubljana and from Goriska Brda or Piran.
- Drinks.
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Guide gratuities.
- Other services not specified under “Included”.
- Optional extras
- Single room supplement: 215 €.
- Extension to Piran and Skocjan caves: 115 € per person (includes guiding, transport, Skocjan Caves entrance fee and lunch with wine tasting).
Expect to walk 5-7 hours per day, with 10-15 km (6-10 miles) in distance and up to 1000 m (3300 ft) of elevation gain on the hardest day. It might not sound much, but so far no one has ever said that is was too easy. Therefore you must be in reasonable shape and have some hiking experience to fully enjoy this tour.
The trails are uneven, sometimes rocky and narrow, moreover you will need to overcome several steep sections on the uphills as well as on the downhills. On some days you will hike partly in the shade of a forest, on others above the treeline, but mostly without any shelter along the way.
Weather can change a lot. On the highest peaks it can snow even in summer (although it is not very common). If the weather is nice it can be very hot. Even above 30 deg C (90 deg F), which is a must for sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (for shade)! If the weather is bad and windy you will need really warm clothes. Be prepared for temperatures as low as 0 deg C and 32 deg F. This does not mean you have to bring a thick down jacket and thermal pants, but just keep in mind that it can get cold and unpleasant.
We also recommend having a thin (lightweight) layer to cover your arms, legs and the back of your neck to prevent sunburns.
Of course, don’t forget your swimsuit and a small towel! Lakes and rivers are calling for a refreshing swim!
In the case of the weather being so bad, that the three-day hut-to-hut hike can’t be done, we will change the hikes to those less conditioned by the weather and if necessary move to the trailheads by van. To keep the price of the tour the same, we will stay two nights in mountain huts that are accessible by van.
Depending on the departure date, maximum group sizes are of 8 or 16 travellers. In the case of more than 8 travelers on the tour, there will be 2 guides guiding the trip with two 8-seater minivans for the transfers along the way. This will allow you to join either the faster or more leisurely walking group. Therefore, everyone can enjoy the pace they feel most comfortable with. The more physically fit hikers can add some extra miles while others take more time to rest and relax. By doing so we keep the feeling and flexibility of a small group tour, so you can have the best of this trip.
You’ll stay in selected nice and clean centrally located 3 star hotels, in double or single rooms with en-suite bathroom.
Please note that different departure dates may include a different selection of hotels. Feel free to ask for accommodation details for your preferred departure dates.
We sleep 2 nights in mountain huts (see next section).
The huts in the Slovenian Alps are quite basic, but they offer everything a hiker needs: food, drinks and accommodation. Most of the huts are accessible only by helicopter (no roads). Thus food supply is limited, so expect simple menus of mountain food like different stews (vegetable or with meat), pasta and sausages. They also sell chocolate, soft drinks, water, beer etc. The usual breakfast would be eggs, ham, cheese, butter, jam…
The huts we use on this hiking tour have normal flush toilets, running (drinking) water and sometimes even hot showers.
Expect to share a room, toilets, bathrooms or washrooms. Rooms are from 4 to 12 beds.
Unfortunately, this is not possible.
Not necessarily. The huts provide blankets and one-time-use paper sheets. However, we highly recommend bringing a lightweight cotton sleeping liner (travel sheet), because you’ll sleep better on it and avoid making unnecessary waste and help preserve some trees.
Food in mountain huts is quite basic. There are options for vegans and vegetarians, but the selection is very limited. If you have any special dietary restrictions or needs, we recommend bringing your own snacks and treats.
No. You will need to carry your belongings throughout the entire hiking tour. Yet your main luggage will be stored at the hotel in which you’ll stay after the hiking tour.
No! The lakes are fairly small, especially during the summer drought. The water in and outflow is super small and the water barely changes. The lakes’ micro-ecosystem is very fragile and we must not endanger it with our sweat, sunscreen etc. Moreover, it is considered an offence by the Triglav National Park organisation.
Here, see below. 🙂
- Sturdy high cut hiking boots
- Long hiking pants/trousers (preferably fast dry fabric)
- Short pants/trousers
- Warm jacket (fleece)
- Another long-sleeve layer
- Rain and wind protection (lightweight rain and windproof jacket)
- Gloves and hat to keep you warm
- A hat to protect you from the sun
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Personal items (personal hygiene, medicine, towel etc.)
- Hiking poles (highly recommended, especially if you regularly use them for hiking)
- Lightweight cotton sleeping liner (travel sheet)
- A 1.5-litre water bottle
- A backpack to carry your equipment throughout the 3-day hike
- Swimsuit and a small quick-drying towel
- Travel insurance card/details
We require a 20% deposit to confirm your booking. The balance is to be paid 45 days before the trip. Both payments are non-refundable.
Purchasing travel insurance is recommended, as anyone can encounter unforeseen circumstances while travelling. So you don’t lose your money, we suggest including trip cancellation, medical coverage, baggage loss, loss of passport or wallet, etc. in your insurance policy.
Reserve your spot now!
Meet our guides
Aljaz Zupan
Guide
A passion born in mountain summer camps nurtured through adolescence and enhanced by different courses brought me to the point of making my hobby a profession. With like-minded friends, I had spent many fun days and starry nights tramping the mountains. Therefore I love spending every day in nature, where I eagerly share my knowledge about Slovenia. So if you wish to experience a fun hike, taste some amazing food, perhaps just spend a few days outdoors or enjoy a debate over a beer, you can count on me! When I'm not in the mountains, you will find me working on various non-profit projects, or maybe sleeping...
“This was an incredible trip for me and it is all down to Miha and his team at Slotrips. His passion made our experience unforgettable. We did so much swimming in lakes, rivers, waterfalls. We saw incredible views on our various hikes. We ate amazing local food and stayed in excellent accommodation (the mountain huts are actually very cosy and comfortable!) Everything we did was of the highest standard. It's going to be difficult to do an organised trip again as Miha has set the bar very high and I don't think others tours could match this one!”
Kathryn from Ireland
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