Slovenia: Hiking Tour
Seven nights; seven days. Challenging, spectacular hikes with mountain scenery, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and rivers.
“Small groups, excellent guides, you listen and react to all requests…” Janis B.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Swim and relax on the Adriatic shore of the Mediterranean.
- The pristine Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps.
- The Bohinj Lake countryside.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The terrain on the Slovenia: Hiking Tour is a mix of forests, lakeside trails, and mountainous paths. These are full-day hikes, requiring moderate fitness and good footwear.
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions, ~4 h
- DAY 2: ~6-7 h
- DAY 3: ~6-7 h
- DAY 4: Variable
- DAY 5: ~3-4 h
- DAY 6: ~5-6 h
- DAY 7: ~1 h & Farewells
Slovenia: Hike – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Elevation Profile
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Ljubljana, Vander Hotel, 16:00, day one.
Finish: Ljubljana, 16:00, day eight.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions in Ljubljana
Meet in Ljubljana at your hotel on the edge of the vibrant old city. Galleries, museums, and other entertaining and historical sites are pleasant distractions for those who arrive early. Most notable of these include Ljubljana Castle, the Triple and Dragon Bridges, and the fashionable Stari trg. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Vander Hotel, Ljubljana
Ljubljana to Velika Planina, ~4 hours of hiking, transfer to Lake Bohinj
You will begin and finish your hike at 1030m, climbing and descending 350m before the day’s end. You start with a warm-up through the land of shepherds and dairymaids – the Velika Planina in the Kamnisko-Savinjske Alps. You will then climb to the Great Highlands, where 50 or so uniquely designed wooden mountain huts dot the landscape and attest to the history of the people and their herds who perennially inhabit these isolated mountain pastures. You will have the chance to visit with the friendly shepherds and if you’re up for it, taste their homemade curds and sour-milk. In the late afternoon, you’ll drive to the glacier fed Lake Bohinj, a perfect base for the following days’ hikes into Triglav National Park. BLD
Hotel Jezero, Bohinj
Hike of Seven Triglav Lakes, ~6-7 hours of hiking, altitude gain of 800m.
Start early in the morning trekking high above Bohinj, striding uphill through pine forests into the heart of the Julian Alps. Passing the cottages of shepherds and lush green meadows, you will reach the valley of Seven Triglav Lakes. This area of the Alps is a source of pride to all Slovenians, and is also renowned as the mystical kingdom of the Goldhorn, a magical white chamois with golden horns and healing powers. Return to Bohinj in the afternoon, with time to explore the lakeside town. BLD
Same lodging
Pokljuka Plateau hike, ~6-7 hours of hiking, altitude gain of 700m.
A slightly more demanding hike today will take you to the Pokljuka Plateau at the foothills of the Julian Alps. You will ascend Brdo, a tough climb that will reward you with stunning views of Slovenia’s highest peak Mt. Triglav (2864m). Stop for a break in a charming mountain hut, where the hospitable Mr. Joze serves his extraordinary blueberry brandy and delicious herbal teas. On your way back to Bohinj, you will visit Bled, the most often photographed lake in all Slovenia. BL
Same lodging
Free day in Bohinj
Today is a free day to explore the area of Bohinj, or to rest and recoup from yesterday’s big climb. We recommend a caving and canyoning excursion, and can help make arrangements for those who are keen. You may also choose to hire a canoe and explore the lake, including swimming and sunbathing at some of its secluded beaches. Others may wish to explore more by mountain bike. Your guides will help make plans to suit your desires. B
Same lodging
Hike Vrsic Pass and Sleme with an afternoon transfer to Kobarid, ~3-4 hours of hiking, altitude gain of 350m.
An early morning transfer around the Julian Alps to the valley of the Soca River, including the crossing of the Vrsic Pass (1611m), which used to mark the border between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. From the pass you will hike to Sleme and enjoy a picnic lunch next to a small unknown glacial lake while basking in the breathtaking scenery. Following your hike, you will transfer along a beautiful winding road into a delightful small town. Tonight we dine at the casual restaurant in town, known for keeping thier original recipes alive. Alternately, you can opt to indulge, independently, in gourmet extravaganza of tasting menu at Casa Franko. Listed among the top 50 restaurants of the world in 2018, Casa Franko boasts celebrated chef Ms. Ana Ros, along with wines selected from Valter’s Cellar. BLD
Hotel Hvala, Kobarid
Lakes Krn, ~5-6 hours of hiking, altitude gain of 700m.
The upper Soca Valley is one of Slovenia’s most exquisite tracts of wild alpine beauty. You will hike through the western most area of Triglav National Park. This is where the battles of World War II took place, as vividly described in Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. You will walk on the Old Italian path that takes you to the Krnska Lakes at 1385m. The three hour climb is not too demanding, yet provides you with impressive views over the white limestone peaks. Return to Kobarid to enjoy your final night in mountains in comfortable surroundings with good food and fine wine. BLD
Same lodging
Kobarid to Goriska Brda, farewell in Ljubljana, ~1 hour of hiking, altitude gain of 120m.
Before returning to Ljubljana you will take a brief walk to the hidden waterfall at Kozjek, followed by a picturesque route across the Gorisha Brda. This area, so close to the Italian border, is becoming famous for its bountiful fruit orchards and vineyards that produce Slovenia’s best wines and liqueurs. After visiting some of the area’s wine makers, you’ll return to Ljubljana, pleasantly rejuvenated by the mountain air and local delicacies. BL
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- Contact Us
2024 Guided:
- Contact Us
New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 4795 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 5 dinners, guide support, ground transportation, entrance fees to Velika Planina cable car, Blejski Vintgar Gorge, wine tasting at Goriska Brda, luggage handling, VAT tax.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 1095
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
At the turn of the century, renowned writer and mountaineer Julius Kugy frequently withdrew to Triglav and the surrounding Julian Alps to contemplate the relationship of humans and nature, as well as his dream of the peaceful coexistence of Italian, German and Slavic cultures in the Northern Adriatic. During times of war, these mountains inspired pure happiness in Kugy, and today they offer the same to you. You might feel like a mountain shepherd watching over a flock of chamois as they wander through secluded, lush meadows scattered with alpine flowers. Deep in the Valley of Triglav, you may be lucky enough to see Edelweiss in summer bloom, or perhaps a glimpse of the gracious mountain nymphs who are watched over by the mystical Goldhorn. Highlights of this hiking adventure included the pristine Triglav National Park, the Bohinj Lake countryside, Mt. Brodo and the upper Soca Valley, a beautiful country inn and gastronomic experience at Kobarid, hearty foods prepared from fresh local ingredients, homemade fruit brandies and liqueurs, and the friendly people of the Slovenian Mountains who are eager to share the wild beauty of their homeland. Starting and finishing in Ljubljana, we recommend spending some extra time in the charming capital city before or after your hiking adventure. Slovenia is quickly becoming recognized and appreciated as a spellbinding destination. Join this thrilling hiking adventure to discover for yourself the beauty and majesty of Europe’s largest untrodden tracts of wilderness and natural splendor.
