The first day includes your transfer from the airport or your previous accommodation to Cerkno. In this small town on the southern doorstep of the Julian Alps, you will prepare the equipment needed in your next 5 days and relax in the thermal baths of your hotel.
From the hotel next to river Cerknica, we will set off towards the waterfalls of the Pasice Gorge and the Franja Partisan Hospital, hidden in the shelter of the woods and the canyon. After the tour around this World War 2 resistance hospital, we will head towards Podnjivč and Poljane, and continue towards Velbnik and Porezen mountain. The hike to the top of Mt. Porezen is characterized by large pastures and rich flora. From the 1630 metre high peak, we descend into the warm embrace of the mountain hut at Petrovo Brdo.
The day will start with the largest climb of the holiday, with the ascent to Mt. Črna Prst, through village Bače Pri Podbrdo and across the Kobla ski resort. We replenish our energies with lunch at Dom Zorka Jelinčiča on the top, and continue our way across the gorgeous and panoramic ridge of the Lower Bohinj Mountains, towards Mt. Rodica. Soon after, we descend across the ski slopes of the Vogel ski resort, towards our hut at the edge of the plateau overlooking Lake Bohinj.
The day begins with a re-ascent of the ski slopes, back on the ridge we left the afternoon yesterday, where we follow it across Vrata to the Komna plateau. After we arrive at this high-altitude karst plateau, the trail becomes more flat and easy until we finally reach the Triglav Lakes Valley and the hut there. This is the end of the most mountainous day of the trip, full of amazing views of the Julian Alps around us.
The day consists of a nice walk through the lower Triglav Lakes Valley, from the Double Lake to the Black Lake. The path then takes us past many alpine pastures with traditional dwellings, some still producing homemade cheese that can be also bought. We end our day at Planina Blato, where a shuttle will take us to Stara Fužina at Lake Bohinj to spend the night.
The last day will be spent relaxing our muscles in the refreshing waters of Lake Bohinj. On the way of our transfer back to Ljubljana, we will also stop at Lake Bled, the pearl of the Julian Alps, for a well-deserved cream cake (“kremšnita” in Slovenian) and a view of the small church island and the Bled Castle.
You might already know the Via Alpina as a long-distance hiking trail going through 8 countries and the entirety of the Alps. It is 5000 kilometres long and has 342 stages that go all the way from Monaco to Trieste in Italy. Out of the 22 in Slovenia, we chose 4 stages for this walking holiday.
Not to worry, even though Via Alpina can be pretty adventurous in some parts, the stages we chose are more easy-going. Trails never get too difficult, while also leading you past some tourist attractions. We gradually get into a more mountainous environment with each next stage, the last two taking place exclusively around 2000 metres of elevation. Some basic hiking experience and caution are recommended here, but the gorgeous views outweigh it manyfold.
During this 6-day walking holiday, you will be sleeping in cosy mountain huts. Even though they don’t offer any luxury, their authentic hospitality will make you feel at home. And whenever you’ll arrive there in the evening, you will be able to restore your energy with traditional homemade stews that will warm up your belly.
The walking holiday is suitable for everyone that can do 5 hours of daily hiking with breaks. It is the closest thing to traditional hut-to-hut hiking you can get without moving into more difficult mountainous terrain. If you’re up for an adventure, check out the hut to hut tours you can do in Slovenia.
Our guided walking tours are led by UIMLA or IMFGA internationally licensed guides who have completed many years of training to make your walking holidays both safe and enjoyable. They are enthusiastic individuals who are ready to share their passion for Slovenia and its rich culture and nature with you, and make your walking holiday one to remember.
We are always looking for the perfect fit for you. We use a few different accommodation providers that fit our standards but they are subjected to availability, especially in the high season. We can also adjust the holiday, keeping in mind your preferences and budget and can always find a more suitable solution for your taste.
We recommend booking as early as possible. Slovenian mountain huts are very popular and get booked up several weeks in advance, especially on weekends. If your booking is late, we will try our best to find a suitable alternative. Sometimes, last-minute spots open up. However, we cannot guarantee a free spot.
All of the huts offer vegetarian options and usually at least one vegan option. Still, kitchens high up are basic, so don’t expect too many choices. Huts generally serve authentic meals like stews, soups, and sausages. If you have strict dietary restrictions, consider bringing your own food as they can’t make a special meal per request.
If you want to, sure! We are well aware that some people love to stay in groups while others prefer some more alone time on their trip. We wanted to give you the opportunity to do things your way. It is your holiday, after all! As long as you respect the group timings and locations designated by your guide, please feel free to customize your itinerary and create your own adventure!
Depending on the tour, some of our tours go through high mountains and there is still snow in spring (sometimes as late as early June) and autumn (sometimes as early as October). Other tours don’t go as high and are suitable for spring and autumn as well as summer. Read more about hiking seasons in Slovenia.
Most of the tours can be done even in light rain, as long as you dress accordingly. It is not unusual in the summer that there are afternoon thunderstorms, so early starts are advisable. If the weather looks really bad, we will try to reschedule or propose an alternative tour.
Some of our tours are hut-to-hut tours, with overnights in authentic mountain huts. Try to pack light, only take what you really need. You need your passport or ID for check-in, and some cash is advisable if the internet is down. Bring your sleeping liner and earplugs for the night, and toothbrush and body wipes for hygiene. You don’t need slippers, they are in the hut already.
Pack light and only take what you need, so your backpack will not be too heavy. You need to count on chilly mornings in the mountains and wind, so always have an extra layer. Pay special attention to shoes, as they must be worn in, comfortable, and have a reliable grip!
The Via Alpina walking tour is suitable for most people that enjoy around 5 hours of hiking per day. There are only a few parts where the terrain is a bit exposed or technical, but mostly the trails are easy, however, you will walk on uneven surfaces most of the time. Basic hiking experience is recommended for the tour!
For solo hikers or hikers who wish to meet other like-minded souls, don’t want to stress about tour-planning and other annoying details. You will be hiking in a group of maximum 8 people plus our guide, who will make sure the hike is safe and enjoyable. A minimum of 2 people is required for guaranteed tour departures.
For solo hikers, who want a hike suitable to their needs and desires and want to also spend some time alone. You will be accompanied by a personal guide, who will take care of your safety and adjust the tour according to your needs and abilities. You don’t need to worry over the route-finding or your next move, and at the same time, you can enjoy the hike at your own pace and take as much time on your own whenever needed.
For a more private experience hiking with your own group and those who want a holiday based on their preferences and needs. You don’t need to worry about route planning or your next move, and at the same time, you can enjoy the holidays at your own pace. The tour is highly customizable and can be also modified during the hike itself.
