Explore the Alpine Foothills

Day 1: Experience Ljubljana, the green capital

*Reach Ljubljana independently or fly into Ljubljana Airport. We’ll arrange your airport transfer.

Explore one of the greenest, safest, friendliest, and cleanest capital cities in Europe on foot. Stroll along the leafy banks of the Ljubljanica River and crisscross it via its many footbridges between the older and newer parts of the city. Check out the famous Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge before hiking up the hill to the magnificent Ljubljana Castle, which overlooks the old town. You’ll enjoy its many little markets and its biggest park Tivoli with one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe.

Ljubljana is packed with great places to eat and drink, therefore have a food expert introduce you to the best local bars, bistros, and cafes, in order to experience exceptionally good Slovenian food.

Hiking: 10 km / elevation +600 m / approx. 4-5 hours
Overnight: nice 3* hotel in Ljubljana

*Let us know if you are arriving with your own car or prefer renting a car and we will adapt the itinerary & pricing.

Day 2: Walk the natural treasures of Lake Bohinj

Upon a morning transfer (1 hour) from Ljubljana to Lake Bohinj, where walking in the foothills of the alps begins, you’ll dig into natural treasures through several easy yet beautiful walks to stunning viewpoints, through gorges, and to waterfalls. Since the major part of the region is located within Triglav National Park, you’ll get slightly off-the-beaten-track too.

A nice easy trail will take you to the most fascinating view of the lower Bohinj mountains mirror in the lake. Heading north from here you’ll find the Mostnica river carving a narrow gorge with dark sparkling walls rising about 20 m above the trouts’ playground. The 2 km long canyon ends at Devils Bridge, the subject of a tale including a local farmer, devil, and a dog.

Above the head of the canyon, you’ll walk along the lush lea of the Voje Valley where you’ll find a perfect spot to refresh and recharge at a nice local café.

Hiking: 10 km / elevation gain +250 m, -250 m / approx. 3-4 hours, easy walk + optional extension
Overnight: 4* hotel at Lake Bohinj

Day 3: Walk around lovely Lake Bled

A visit to Lake Bled is a must for all first-timers! With its island, church, and cliff-top medieval castle all providing a picturesque foreground to the beautiful Karavanke Alps, it’s no wonder this natural gem is Slovenia’s main attraction. So catch one of the frequent buses to Bled and spend the day walking through its forests, gorges, and traditional villages.

You’ll walk the scenic trails and leisurely paths from the town promenade beneath the 1000-year old castle, followed by the shore away from the traffic and noise, to find pleasant swimming spots under the shade of trees. Make a detour up to the castle’s fine restaurant overlooking the lake to dine or taste the famous local cream cake. Onwards explore the small villages and meadows slowly, to take in the sweet smell of wildflowers of the season. Onwards head towards the lush green canyon of the Radovna River, to get deeper into the wild nature. Stroll along the wooden walkways by the vivid green water following the 1.6-km long Vintgar Gorge, which recently became one of the most popular attractions in the vicinity of Bled and a refreshing respite from the summer heat as well.

Finally, head back to Bled via the green meadows and forests, where squirrels or a deer might catch your eye. Return to Bohinj by bus.

Hiking: 17 km / elevation +380 m, -380 m / approx. 5 hours (shorter options are, of course, available as well)
Overnight: 4* hotel at Lake Bohinj

Day 4: Hike alpine meadows, pastures, and woodlands

Short transfer along a narrow winding road will get you high above Lake Bohinj, for an enchanting trek along unmarked, yet well-trodden path through the high alpine terrain, through marvelous woodlands to several gorgeous alpine meadows and pastures.

You’ll cross alpine farms situated upon the rolling hills of this idyllic landscape by following one of the less-visited trails in Triglav National Park. Therefore, you’ll only meet a handful of people and have the chance to interact with local shepherds and taste their delicious mountain cheese & yogurt.

Finally, you’ll reach yet another postcard-perfect pasture with the greenest and most captivating scenery of sprawling meadows dotted with little wooden shepherds’ cabins and grazing livestock, located beside a fervent green lake at the foot of a mountain with a row of spruce trees reflected in the water. Just a short walk on you’ll be picked up and taken back to your hotel.

Round up your day with a delicious dinner made from locally grown ingredients.

Hiking: 12 km / elevation +650 m, -650 m / approx. 4-5 hours
Overnight: 4* hotel at Lake Bohinj

Day 5: Panoramic views from Mt. Ciprnik

A morning transfer (approx. 1 hour) will relocate you to Kranjska Gora, from where you’ll complete a hiking loop, which takes you to a panoramic peak above the town. During the ascent, your eyes will keep wandering to mountain peaks so beautiful they’ll make your heart sing.

Start from the stunning Lake Jasna, gain elevation quickly and admire the views from the Austrian Grossglockner to the Italian Dolomites and spot the magnificent Planica Nordic Centre with one of the two largest ski flying hills in the world. On the way down you can opt for a chair lift ride or a summer toboggan and slide back down to the valley.
For hikers who would prefer a more relaxing day, an easier valley hike along the Sava river and under the Karawanken Alps is also possible.

Since Kranjska Gora is close to the triple border of Slovenia, Austria, and Italy, a popular ski town makes an excellent spot for an active getaway and authentic culinary experience.

Hiking: 12 km / elevation +890 m, -890 m / approx. 5 hours (easier option available)
Overnight: family-run hotel in Kranjska Gora

Day 6: Hike Vrsic, the highest mountain pass in Slovenia

Enter the forests of the Triglav National Park again today. You’ll hike along the Alpe Adria Trail towards the central Julian Alps. On the way to Vrsic Pass, the highest mountain pass in Slovenia, you’ll walk by the Russian Chapel. Together with the Russian Road, it serves as a memorial to the deceased Russian POWs who built the road during World War One.

On this absolutely beautiful historic trail, you’ll be surrounded by some of the highest and most scraggly Slovenian peaks along with their impressive limestone walls. Moreover, you’ll walk through magnificent beech, spruce, and larch forests until you reach the top of the pass. Since it’s quite a long hike, we will provide several alternatives to extend or cut the hike short.

Return from the top of Vrsic Pass to Kranjska Gora by bus or call a taxi. Once back in town, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for a traditional mountain meal, like our famous Carniolan sausage.

Hiking: 13 km / elevation +900 m / approx. 5 hours
Overnight: family-run hotel in Kranjska Gora

Day 7: Bike through gorgeous alpine valleys

Today you’ll explore the ultimate north-western corner of Slovenia and even across the border with Italy by *bike, following a lovely and fairly flat cycle lane with a few optional ‘walking pit-stops’ along the way.

You’ll take a minute to explore the source of the Sava river, its gorgeous green lake, and swamp – a pristine nature reserve. Here the spring water emerges from the ground and feeds the Sava river, the longest river in Slovenia. Wheels will turn then to the last alpine valley in Slovenia, Planica, the cradle of Slovenian eagles with the ski jumping and flying hills. Here you can climb the ski hill of the Ponce mountains, try out the steepest zipline in the world to experience the sensation of the ski jumpers’ run down the hill.

The next stop is the valley Laghi di Fusine in Italy, where you’ll reach two adorable green lakes at the foot of the mighty north wall of Mount Mangart. Fans of romantic settings will melt here, therefor find the softest spot on the greenest grass and memorize the perfect view of this mountain panorama and fresh mountain air.

Since it’s so beautiful here, you’ll return the same way to love it some more.

Biking: 24 km / elevation +290 m, -290 m / approx. 4 hours
Overnight: family-run hotel in Kranjska Gora

*If you don’t like biking, we’ll provide an alternative.

Day 8: End of the trip

There’s nothing like waking up in the Alps knowing there is absolutely no other place in the world you need to be in that moment. Therefore, grasp on to it and take it with you, as it’s the feeling of Slovenia you’ll remember long after the memories fade. Also, you’re always welcome back for more!

Inclusions

• 7 nights with breakfast in nice centrally located 4* hotels or cozy family-run B&Bs. Double or twin rooms.
• All passenger transfers mentioned in the itinerary are private.
• Bike and helmet rental in Kranjska Gora on Day 7.
• Detailed information for self-guided activities in a personalized smartphone app with uploaded GPS tracks for easy navigation.
• Information pack about other local sights, restaurants, and activities.
• Planning, organization, 24-hour holiday service & support.

Exclusions

• Arrival to Ljubljana and departure from Kranjska Gora.
• Meals and drinks not specified in the Inclusions.
• Vintgar Gorge entrance fee.
• Travel insurance.
• Personal expenses.
• Other services not specified in the Inclusions.

Optional

• Single traveler supplement: 810 €
• Single room supplement: 720 € – if booking in a group

Activity Level 2 – EASY to MODERATE hiking

Expect to walk about 3-6 hours per day within a distance of 10-18 km (6-11 miles) and 600 m (1900 ft) elevation gain. However, on the most challenging day, you’ll gain up to 900 m (2300 ft) of elevation.

We will offer several different hiking options and you can choose the one which suits you best. Everything can be adapted to your fitness level and wishes.

What are the trails like?

Most of the trails are comfortable and wide. However, they are also uneven, sometimes rocky and narrow, with gravel, grass and forest soil surfaces. You can expect to walk over some short, steep, sometimes slippery sections, especially when wet. Most of the trails are in the shade of a forest. However, be prepared for sun exposure too.

Our Explore the Alpine Foothills hiking trip can be done anytime between April and November. There can still be some snow on Vrsic Pass in April & May and in this case, we will slightly adapt some of the day hikes. 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 25-30 deg C (75-90 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’ll stay in hand-picked nice and clean 3-4* hotels or cozy family-run guesthouses, in double or single rooms with en-suite bathroom.

Miha Gantar
Slotrips founder, trip designer & guide

I was born in Slovenia’s lovely capital city of Ljubljana but had set the avid hiker and biker in me aside for a while to study civil engineering in Germany. It was there where I met my wife, my cute Spanish girl. Together we traveled the world and finally settled in my homeland, Slovenia in 2007. Since then I have been (re)discovering the hiking trails, biking backroads, hidden natural treasures, and best dining spots all over the country. I am in love with Slovenia’s landscape, diversity, and cultural variety and will proudly show you my “backyard”.

Meet the team

“I experienced an incredible Slovenian adventure with Slotrips.

Miha is a fabulous, knowledgeable guide; taking us on unique, well-planned adventures each day. Enjoyed it all from the breathtaking alpine scenery, waterfalls, unique caves, river rafting, stunning limestone peaks, delightful vintners, gorgeous gorges, and charming Ljubljana. The highlights were the treks in this hiker’s paradise. A perfect trip, can’t wait to take another adventure with the Slotrips group.”

Laurie Baxter
from USA

More reviews

How do your self-guided tours work?

You will be surprised! We have done (and are still doing) a ton of work to make sure your independent active holidays in Slovenia (and across the borders) are flawless, fun, and hassle-free. With the implementation of modern technology and our extensive local knowledge, we believe we are on the right way of delivering exceptional hiking & biking experiences that you are able to enjoy at your own pace. Read more about our “self-guided added value”.

Are the animals dangerous?

You can expect to encounter cows, goats, sheep and perhaps even wild animals, like deer, squirrels, marmots, birds and more. Usually, all livestock and wild animals are shy and afraid of people but sometimes you might meet a more domesticated or curious one. It might just want to get a really good smell or taste of you or your sandwich, but there is nothing to be afraid of. Sometimes they’ll stand in the middle of your trail, just staring at you without showing any interest in letting you pass. Then try to find a different place to pass them, but don’t scare them. 

In case you encounter snakes, which are just as afraid of you as you might be of them, in no case try to catch them as they might be poisonous. 

Can I add more adventures?

Sure! Do you like rock climbing, rappeling down amazing waterfalls, horse-back riding across lovely meadows, kayaking on turquoise rivers, paragliding with stunning views of the Julian Alps, climb a via-ferrata to one of the jagged peaks in Triglav National Park? Let us know and we will deliver your adventures!