Slovenia Alps
Slovenia Hiking + Walking Tours
Hike the foothills of the Slovenia Alps, visit Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, & explore Triglav National Park
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1615 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Let the Slovenia Alps be your next hiking destination and experience unspoiled nature, dramatic peaks, gorgeous lakes, and beautiful trails.
You begin in beautiful Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, on the banks of the Ljubljanica River. This city was voted the European Commission's Green Capital of Europe in 2016. It is a vibrant, youthful city with an incredible history, impressive architecture, and diverse culture.
You will hike through vast alpine pastures along the foothills of the Julian Alps to explore Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj and trek the high mountains to Triglav National Park. Discover the sights and sounds of the abundant flora and fauna of the emerald Soca River Valley
Southern Slovenia will add a Mediterranean touch to this walking trip finishing in Piran, on the Slovenian Adriatic Coast.
Highlights
- Ljubljana
- Walking trails on charming Velika Planina
- Lake Bled
- Lake Bohinj
- Spectacular viewpoints within the Triglav National Park
- Soca Valley
- Skocjan Caves
- Piran
- Delicious local food & authentic experiences
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Ljubljana
Day 2: Velika Planina, 6 mi. (10 km)
Day 3: Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj, 9 mi. (14 km)
Day 4: Triglav National Park, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
Day 5: Vrsic Pass and the Julian Alps, 6 mi. (10 km)
Day 6: Soca trail and the emerald Soca River, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
Day 7: Skocjan Caves and Piran, 4 mi. (7 km)
Day 8: DepartureDay 1: Welcome to Ljubljana
In the afternoon, upon arrival in Ljubljana, you’ll meet your tour guide over a welcome drink to discuss all trip details and answer any questions you may have. You will also get to know all the other travelers joining this walking tour.Enjoy your free time in vibrant Ljubljana to taste delicious food and wine in some of the best bars and restaurants on the green banks of the Ljubljanica River. We suggest coming a day earlier so you can explore the picturesque old city center, its historic landmarks, and impressive architecture.
Preferred accommodation: City Hotel
Day 2: Velika Planina, 6 mi. (10 km)
You head towards Kamnik-Savinja Alps, just a short drive north of Ljubljana, where your walking adventure begins. First on the agenda is a visit to Velika Planina (The Big Meadow), Slovenia’s largest and most charming alpine pasture and oldest active shepherds’ settlement.While walking through vast alpine pastures, you’ll be amazed by the unique local architecture of the shepherds' villages and learn about their culture by visiting the oldest hut in the pastures. You will also have the opportunity to participate in preparing and sampling some traditional Slovenian food.
You will return to Ljubljana in the afternoon and are free to enjoy the evening. (B, L)
Elevation gain: +300m / -300m
Approx. duration: 3 hours
Total transfer time: 2 hoursPreferred accommodation: City Hotel
Day 3: Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, 9 mi. (14 km)
The day will start with a one-hour transfer to the foothills of the Julian Alps to explore Slovenia’s stunningl Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, considered two of the world's most beautiful lakes.The walking trip at Lake Bohinj will take you through typical villages, crystal-clear streams that feed the lake, and its gorgeous shores and deep gorges with spectacular mountain scenery. Don’t forget your swimsuit!
After lunch, you head to Lake Bled and walk to its viewpoint to enjoy views over this lovely lake with its iconic island and a medieval castle perched on the edge of a rocky cliff. The Karavanke Alps in the backdrop provide the final ingredient for the perfect photo.
If you prefer, you can skip the viewpoint walking trip and instead relax by the lake and swim in its fresh waters. (B,L)
Elevation gain: +400m / -400m
Approx. duration: 4 hours (split into two hikes)
Total transfer time: 1.5 hours
Preferred accommodation: Hotel AstoriaDay 4: Triglav National Park, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
Experience the most challenging day of this walking holiday in Slovenia. After a short drive, you will walk in the high mountains to Slovenia’s only national park, the Triglav National Park. Here, mountain trails of easy to medium difficulty levels lead to magnificent vistas over the Triglav National Park and its glacial alpine valleys.To begin. you’ll enjoy walking through the dense and magical spruce forest on Pokljuka Plateau. The forest path will take you to one of the 2000-meter peaks, with spectacular views of the jagged glacial valley and Mt. Triglav himself! A short walk along the single track later, you’ll experience lunch in a typical Slovenian mountain hut.
You’ll return to your hotel late afternoon so that you can enjoy some free time too.
Alternatively, you can skip the summit ascent by cutting the hike short at the lovely mountain hut, where you can enjoy some downtime or take the rest of the day off instead. (B, L)
Elevation gain: +700m / -700m
Approx. duration: 5 hours
Total transfer time: 1 hourPreferred accommodation: Hotel Astoria
Day 5: Vrsic pass and the Julian Alps, 6 mi. (10 km)
Enjoy a series of shorter walks and admire the rich diversity of the landscape, passing rivers, lakes, forests, trees, colorful flowers, & unusual rocks.You first hike the spectacular Pericnik Waterfall in the Vrata Valley. In summer the cold water spray will compel you to walk behind the water curtain and freshen up, before heading towards the heart of the Julian Alps along the high mountain road. This road was built during World War 1 by Russian POWs. It winds upwards to the highest mountain pass in Slovenia and the eastern Julian Alps, Vrsic pass (1611 m), where you’ll enjoy a great hike, highlighting the beautiful Julian Alps.
You’ll be treated to a well-deserved and tasty lunch at the mountain hut on top. Later, you’ll end the day with a transfer to the lush Soca valley.
Time permitting you can stop for a refreshing swim in the inviting pools of the Soca River. (B, L)
Elevation gain: +400m / -400m
Approx. duration: 4 hours
Total transfer time: 2 hoursPreferred accommodation: Hotel Mangart
Day 6: Soca Trail and emerald Soca River, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
The natural beauty of Slovenia is on full display on the western side of the Triglav National Park. While you’re out on shorter walking tours in the beautiful Soca Valley, exploring its hidden spots, you’ll learn about World War 1 history and its influence on north-western Slovenia.Lunch will feature delicious local specialties of the Soca Valley. The allure of the emerald Soca River will tempt you to swim in its turquoise waters, for which the river is well known all around Europe as Slovenia’s most beautiful river.
The afternoon is reserved for water and other adventure activities, such as rafting or canyoning on the beautiful Soca river and its tributaries, paragliding, or zip-lining!
If such adventures are not your cup of tea, you’ll be able to do some more walking, find a perfect spot by the river to rest your feet, and enjoy Soca Valley’s pure nature! (B, L)
Elevation gain: +250m / -250m
Approx. duration: 4 hours
Total transfer time: 1 hourPreferred accommodation: Hotel Mangart
Day 7: Skocjan Caves and Piran, 4 mi. (7 km)
Southwestern Slovenia, its karst landscapes and phenomena, and the northernmost arm of the Mediterranean Sea, the Slovenian Adriatic Coast is your focus today.In the morning, you visit the spectacular subterranean chambers of the Skocjan Caves, a UNESCO Natural and Cultural World Heritage Site, known for having the longest underground canyon in Europe. Later on, discover the wine region of southwestern Slovenia by tasting its strong wines and local food, as you visit a local winemaker in the karst vineyards.
You will explore the loveliest town on the Slovenian coast, Piran in the afternoon. You will love exploring this tiny peninsula, with its narrow streets and tiny squares. Sea lovers, however, will be enchanted by the luminous waves along the coast at night.
Your guide leaves the group tonight and returns to Ljubljana. (B, L)
Elevation gain: +150m / -150m
Approx. duration: 3 hours
Total transfer time: 2.5 hoursPreferred accommodation: Hotel Piran
Day 8: Departure
After a hearty breakfast, this unforgettable walking adventure in lovely western Slovenia ends. Treat yourself to a final swim in the Adriatic Sea. (B)Map
Accommodation
You will stay in selected centrally located 3 or 4 hotels. You will find the name of the preferred accommodation listed in each day’s details. Please note that different group departure dates may include a different selection of hotels. Feel free to ask for accommodation details for your preferred departure date.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights in conveniently located 3-star hotels
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
- Support vehicle (driver provides guidance & information as needed). In the case of more than 8 guests, an additional van & driver will be added
- All transfers listed in the itinerary
- Welcome meeting & complimentary drink upon arrival
- Wine tasting
- Skocjan Caves entrance fee
- 24-hour holiday service & support
What’s Not Included
- Airport transfers
- Drinks
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Guide gratuities
- Other services not specified in the Inclusions
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
June 17, July 22, August 5, August 12, August 18, September 1, September 8 & September 16, 2023
You can request a private date anytime between April & October. A supplement may apply.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2023
Twin/double $ 2723 £ 1433 $ 2,364 € 1615 kr 239349 ₪ 6679 ¥ 260374 Mex$ 32300 NZ$ 2945 NOK 18860 kr 19510 $ 1,754 Single supplement $ 489 £ 257 $ 425 € 290 kr 42979 ₪ 1199 ¥ 46754 Mex$ 5800 NZ$ 529 NOK 3387 kr 3503 $ 315 Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
On most days, the walking is fairly easy (3-4 hours) with an elevation gain of 300-400 m (1,000-1,300 ft). However, on the most difficult day, the hike is steeper and longer (5-6 hours), and you will traverse approx. 700 m (2,300 ft) of elevation. Luckily, there are options to cut the hike short. We recommend a reasonable fitness level to enjoy your walking holidays in Slovenia fully. The trails vary from comfortable, even, and wide paths to rocky and (occasionally) steep trails. You can expect to walk over some short, steep, sometimes slippery sections on the up and downhills. Most of the trails are in the shade of a forest. However, be prepared for sun exposure too.
Airport Info
The closest international airport to your tour start in Ljubljana is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) and to your tour end in Piran, Venice Airport (VCE). If you prefer, you can fly into and out of LJU.
Local Travel
Arrival:
Public transportation: You can take a bus from Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) to the city of Ljubljana. The bus station is located near Passenger Terminal A.
Taxi:The taxi station is in front of Terminal B. Contractual taxi providers can be identified by special permits, which must be placed under their windscreens.
Shuttle service: Gooptiprovides door-to-door shared or private transfers.Departure
Whether flying out of LJU or VCE, you can use Goopti. Shuttle time from Piran to LJU is approx. 1 hr 30 min. Shuttle time to VeniceClimate
This walking tour in Slovenia can be done anytime between April and October. The best time for walking with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists is May, June & September. October is still very nice, the colors are spectacular, but the days become shorter and the temperatures lower
Important to know
Travel Documents
Before you travel, please check your passport expiration and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Extra Stay
Will you be extending your time in Slovenia or elsewhere? Booking.com is an excellent resource for researching and reserving your extra nights. You can read a detailed description of hotels, a clear listing of amenities, and see customer reviews and ratings
Tour Operator
This tour is run by SLOTRIPS.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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