Explore the Alpine Foothills

Day 1: Experience Ljubljana, the green capital

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: 11 km / elevation +240 m, -240 m / approx. 4-5 hours
Overnight: nice 3* hotel in Ljubljana

Day 2: Walk to Lake Bohinj

Begin your day with a morning transfer from Ljubljana to Lake Bohinj, where your journey through the Alpine foothills begins. Arrive at Bohinjska Bistrica, the largest settlement in the valley, and start your walk through picturesque meadows and charming villages before reaching the serene shores of Lake Bohinj.

Check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon by the lake. You can rent kayaks or canoes, to explore the tranquil waters, or opt for an extended hike around the lake.

Hiking: 9 km / elevation gain +180 m, -150 m / approx. 4 hours + optional extension
Overnight: 4* hotel at Lake Bohinj

Day 3: A day trip to the 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, before returning back to the calm embrace of Lake Bohinj.

We’ll provide details for various activities to help you tailor your day based on your preferences. Choose to rent a bike, take a walk or hike around the area, rent a boat or a stand-up paddleboard, visit all of the highlights, or just select a few gems. You’re the creator of your adventure.

Hiking: Your millage and elevation will depend on the activity you decide on. It can be anything from a leisurely walk to a moderate hike and bike combo. 
Overnight: 4* hotel at Lake Bohinj

Day 4: The trails of Lake Bohinj area

Today you’ll dig into natural treasures through several easy, yet beautiful walks to stunning viewpoints, gorges, and 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 trail will take you to the most fascinating view of the lower Bohinj mountains mirroring in the lake. From there on, it heads towards Mostnica Gorge. If you want to see what is at the end of Voje Valley – go and explore. Otherwise, make a loop back to the lake’s shore and use the afternoon to visit some other points of interest in the area, go for a swim or opt for some adventure activities.

Hiking: 10 km / elevation +250 m, -250 m / approx. 4 hours
Overnight: 4* hotel at Lake Bohinj

Day 5: Walk to Kranjska Gora

A morning transfer will take you from Bohinj to Kranjska Gora. Begin your hike at the trailhead in Gozd Martuljek, choosing between easy or moderate routes. Both options lead to your accommodation in Kranjska Gora and showcase the magnificent views of the Julian Alps and the region’s pristine natural beauty, each offering its unique perspective. After arriving at the cute alpine town take a break, have lunch and stroll towards Lake Jasna where you can admire more spectacular views of the highest mountains of Triglav National Park while sipping a refreshing drink and dipping your feet into the ice-cold water. 

Hiking: 6-11 km / elevation +120 to 400 m, -80 to 360 m / approx. 3-5 hours
Overnight: 4* hotel in Kranjska Gora

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

A quick morning transfer will take you closer to the central part of Triglav National Park. 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.

Use the opportunity and have a traditional meal in one of the mountain huts around the pass. Return back to the valley by public bus or private transfer.

Hiking: 6 km / elevation +300 m, -100 m / approx. 4 hours
Overnight: 4* hotel in Kranjska Gora

Day 7: Bike into Italy

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

The first stop is at 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 ski jumping and ski flying, surrounded by spectacular mountains.

Cross into Italy and make a final stop at Laghi di Fusine, 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: 4* hotel in Kranjska Gora

*If you’re unsure about e-biking, we encourage you to give it a try! For those firmly saying “no”, we offer an alternative walk or hike.

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. Double or twin rooms.
• All 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: 920 €
• Single room supplement: 780 € – if booking in a group

EASY 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 4* hotels or cozy family-run guesthouses of the same category, 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!