Juliana & Alpe Adria Trail Highlights

Your journey begins in the magical town of Kranjska Gora, an all-year-round sports hub. Nestled in the valley of the Sava Dolinka River amidst the towering peaks of the Julian Alps, it’s the perfect place to start your hike through the Slovenian Alps. After getting checked in at your hotel, you’re welcome to explore the charming streets of this Alpine town and get ready to start your adventure the following day. Have dinner at one of the local restaurants and enjoy a restful night in a valley between the Julian Alps and the Karawanks.

You’ll start your day by heading toward Lake Jasna and enjoying the panorama of the first sunlight hitting the peak of Mt. Prisojnik. Passing the lake, you’ll follow the path beside the Pišnica stream in the direction of Krnica Valley. That’s where you’ll start climbing towards Vršič Pass, one of Slovenia’s most famous alpine attractions, connecting the Sava and Soča valleys on the opposite sides of the Julian Alps. The path weaves through the shade of the forested slopes, passing the Russian Chapel before reaching the Erjavčeva mountain hut, your accommodation for the night just below the top of the pass.

In the early morning, you can ascend to the top of the pass and enjoy the views to each side. Then, you’ll catch the bus to Bovec. You can get off the bus at any stop in the Soča Valley, from where you’ll follow the Soča Trail. The later you decide to leave the bus, the less distance you’ll have to cover to Bovec. You’ll pass the Small and Great Soča Gorge, cross wooden bridges over the river, and follow scenic forest paths before emerging into the fields where the Koritnica River flows into Soča. Now, you’re only a short way from Bovec, where you’ll check into your hotel.

Today, you’ll keep following the Soča River as it flows south. Soon after leaving Bovec, you’ll pass by Slovenia’s largest waterfall, Boka. You can stop for a minute and stand in awe of this pearl of nature. As you continue your journey downriver, you’ll pass some rapids where kayakers and rafters love to challenge the river’s strength. The surroundings start slowly transitioning from the rugged mountains of the Julian Alps to the pre-alpine hills of the northern Primorska region. You’ll finish the day in Kobarid, a town steeped in World War I history, where the Kobarid Museum narrates the poignant tales of the Isonzo Front.

Another long stage follows today. Journeying from Kobarid, you’ll traverse fairy-like forests and age-old, moss-draped stone structures, reaching the historic Church of St. Lawrence, a muse to the poet Simon Gregorčič, who immortalized the Soča River in his writings. The path will lead you through quaint villages beneath the southern slopes of the Julian Alps, reigned over by the magnificent Mt. Krn. After reaching Tolmin, you can explore the famous Tolmin Gorges, cut into sheer rock by the flowing water throughout centuries.

There’s a long day ahead of you today. First, you’ll follow the Soča River from Tolmin to Most na Soči, where you’ll finally leave Soča Valley behind and board a train for a 40-minute ride through a tunnel to Bohinjska Bistrica. After getting off the train, you’ll steer towards Lake Bohinj, passing through the lower Bohinj valley through quaint hamlets with views of Mt. Triglav opening up from time to time. Once you reach the shores of Lake Bohinj, you’ll follow the coast to Stara Fužina, one of the villages by the lake, where you’ll find your hotel.

Leaving Lake Bohinj behind, you’ll wander through quaint Alpine villages where traditional farming life is still prevalent. The Juliana trail then starts slowly climbing to the vast Pokljuka Plateau. There’ll be multiple chances to enjoy spectacular views of Lake Bohinj behind you before you reach the Goreljek peat bog. Following the educational route to learn about the fascinating peat mosses and carnivorous plants, you’ll reach your destination for the night, Sport Hotel Goreljek.

Your final day on the trail begins in the woods of Pokljuka, where you’ll follow the path leading you through Pokljuka Gorge. The descent has some steep and narrow parts where caution is advised. It will take you to the small villages of Zgornje and Spodnje Gorje, slowly easing you into the more bustling area surrounding Lake Bled. The first views of this Slovenian pearl are something to memorize forever. Upon reaching it, you’ll follow its northern shore and conclude your journey in the center of the Bled town.

There’s no better place to reflect on the journey behind than the magical Bled. The day is yours to enjoy, and you can spend it exploring the surroundings of the lake, taking a “pletna” boat ride to the lake’s island, buying yourselves some souvenirs, or trying a piece of the famous cream cake, Kremšnita. There are also tons of opportunities for gastronomical exploration, be it the wonderful local restaurants or booking a wine-tasting experience. After that, you’ll head to the airport. We can also arrange a transfer for you to ease you on your way.