Trekking the Karawanks

4-day self-guided hut-to-hut hiking tour with Slotrips

Preparations

Your tour: Trekking the Karawanks, 4-day self-guided hiking trip

Detailed information with a day-by-day itinerary will be sent to you approx. 1 month before the start of your trip. Make sure you install the apps and prepare the tracks etc. for offline use beforehand as there’s limited cell service in the mountains.

Read all the information carefully to ensure a smooth and enjoyable hike.

Get in shape! This trip is not a walk in the park!

Our contact details: hello@slotrips.si & +386 6 982 6433

Pre/Post Hike Logistics & Transfers

Arriving to Slovenia: Fly to Letalisce Jozeta Pucnika (Ljubljana Airport) or choose from nearby airports: Trieste (Italy), Venice (Italy), Klagenfurt (Austria) or Zagreb (Croatia).

The hike starts with a transfer from Bled and finishes with a transfer back to Bled. Here are some useful links on how to get to/from there:

GoOpti – a reliable shuttle transfer company (to/from the airport and between other destinations)
Arriva.si – public bus
We can also organize private transfers for you on demand, don’t hesitate to reach out (the surcharge depends on location).

Pick-up time is usually at 9:00 AM. Make sure you let us know at least two weeks before the hike where you’d like to be picked up and if you would like to change the pick-up time. The drive to the trailhead takes approx. 40min.

Don’t forget to send us the phone number you’ll be using on your vacation so our driver is able to reach you in case of any delays etc.

The hike finishes back in Bled and you’re free to organize your travels from there on. You can check the bus schedules here or ask us to arrange you a private transfer if necessary!

If you’re arriving with your own car, you’ll take it to the end of the trail on the first day with the help of our driver. He’s then taking you to the start of the hike. That way you’ll reach your car directly on your last day and you’re more flexible with your timing and ongoing travels.

Luggage & Gear

No Luggage Transfers: Luggage transfer between mountain huts is NOT possible due to terrain limitations. You’re carrying everything you need for the hike!

Extra Luggage: You can ask your pre-trip accommodation if they’re willing to store your extra luggage during the hike. The Tourist Info Center at Lake Bled offers luggage storage for a few euros per day.

NOT TO MISS! Essential equipment: Proper hiking boots are a must! Choose sturdy, well-worn footwear that offers excellent ankle support and reliable grip. If you are an experienced hiker and used to hiking in low-cut shoes, approach shoes are acceptable as long as they feature a stable sole and good grip. Due to the very rocky terrain, soft running shoes are inappropriate.

NOTE: Your safety is our priority, make sure you prepare for the trip responsibly.

Packing List:

Comfortable hiking boots/shoes. A pair that fits you well; protects your feet, provides good traction, is durable, light, and breathable.
Hiking pants. Preferably fast dry fabric. Long, short, or both – up to you.
Upper layers. Fast-drying short and long-sleeved shirts, warm jacket, or fleece.
Rain & wind protection. Lightweight rain jacket or poncho.
Sun protection. A hat, sunscreen & sunglasses.
Cold protection. Gloves and beanie hat.
Backpack. Medium-sized 30 to 40 liters.
1.5-2l water bottle or hydration reservoir. On most days it is not possible to refill water during the day. Your water bottles should be big enough to refill at the mountain huts for the whole day. You can also buy water in the huts but we think it’s more sustainable to filter it.
Cotton or silk sleeping liner for the huts. You can also buy disposable ones at the huts – not really sustainable!
Toiletry kit
First aid kit. Medicine, blister treatments, tape, etc.
Earplugs. For all the light sleepers.
Fast-dry towel
Snacks. In case you likely get “hangry“. You can find a wide selection of local and international trail snacks and energy bars in the country also suitable for people with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Travel Insurance
Passport or ID
Cash. In most places you can use a credit card, but sometimes the system is not working. To be on the safe side, have some cash – 50€ per person per day on you as well.
Power bank and chargers, electricity converter. There are NOT enough electricity sockets in the huts to ensure phone charging for everyone.
Headlamp
Hiking poles. Most people find them extremely handy on Slovenian trails. The poles are available for rent with us.

Optional:

Long-sleeve layer for sun protection
Umbrella
Knife
Garbage bag to carry out trash
Bandana or Buff
After-hike footwear. Tewa’s, sandals, or crocs type of shoes. Huts usually provide just indoor footwear.

Activity Level & Trail Info

Difficulty level: Difficult

Daily hikes: 5–7 hours / 10–15 km (6–10 miles) / up to 1000 m (3300 ft) elevation gain on the hardest day.

Terrain: Expect steep uphill and downhill sections, uneven terrain, and sometimes narrow trails with loose gravel. Stamina and prior hiking experience are essential, but no technical climbing knowledge is necessary. 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.

NOT TO MISS! The daily distances may not seem demanding to some hikers, but no one has ever said this tour was too easy. Slovenian trails can be more challenging than expected or compared to hikes in other countries. Short distances or modest elevation gains often involve rugged and uneven terrain. For this reason, you should be in good physical condition and have some hiking experience to fully enjoy the adventure. Rest assured, the breathtaking views make every step worthwhile!

Slotrips Difficulty Levels

Weather

Unpredictable weather: The weather at high altitudes in the Karawanks is highly unpredictable and can change rapidly, even when the forecast appears favorable. Hikers should be prepared for a wide range of conditions, including sunshine, rain, thunderstorms, and, in extreme cases, even snowfall.

Temperatures during the hike can vary significantly, ranging from 30°C (90°F) to as low as 0°C (32°F). While it is never cold inside the huts during the summer, conditions can become quite chilly during the hike, especially in windy weather. Packing appropriate layers, along with gloves and a beanie, is essential to stay comfortable and safe.

Afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence in the mountains. To minimize the risk of getting caught in severe weather, it is highly recommended to start your hikes early in the day.

Always check the latest weather forecast before setting out. The closest reliable weather station is at Zelenica Mountain Hut, located at the beginning of your hike, above the Ljubelj Pass, at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. Note: higher up the conditions might already be different.

Webcam Roblek Mountain Hut

Webcam Belska Planina meadow

Webcam Koca na Golici Mountain Hut

Meals & Snacks

Breakfasts and dinners at the mountain huts are included. Remember to bring snacks/lunch for the first day!

Be sure to pack some trail snacks for the other days as well. You can also purchase simple snacks or packed lunches (e.g., sandwiches, chocolate) at the huts.

Expectations: The ingredients (food) diversity in the mountain huts is limited, so menus are typically simple, featuring options like stews, pasta, sausages, and bread. Vegetarian options are available, and the hutkeepers will do their best to accommodate your preferences. However, if you have specific dietary needs, it’s a good idea to bring some diet-friendly foods with you. Honestly, after three nights in the mountain huts, you’ll surely appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a more varied meal back in the valley!

Mountain huts

Room size: The room sizes in mountain huts can vary a lot (from 2 to 30-bed rooms). We always book the smallest available room, but we can not guarantee what room you will be in.

Sleeping Bags: Are not allowed in the huts. Bring a thin sleeping liner or you will need to buy single-use paper sheets. The huts provide blankets and pillows.

Water: Water in Slovenia is abundant and of the highest quality, however, hut-to-hut hikes are a different story as there is very little surface water in the high-mountain areas. Some huts have a drinkable water source, in others, you’ll have to filter the water or buy bottled water.

Charging: There is a limited number of sockets in huts (220V like this). Bringing a power bank is more reliable.

Payment: Most of the huts have the option to pay with a credit card. However, technical issues do occur every now and then. Therefore bring some extra cash with you. We suggest 50€ per person per day to be on the safe side (for lunch, snacks, water for the next day).

Cell Reception & Wi-Fi: Limited in the mountains. Some huts offer paid Wi-Fi.