Lakes and Valleys Self-guided Walking Holidays

After you arrive, spend a chill day exploring the beautiful lake town. If you are early enough, you can even take a traditional “pletna” boat ride to the cute island, go for a bike ride, or try any other activity in the area.

Lake Bled and its immediate surroundings offer so much it would have been a shame if you just explored it for half a day. The must-do activity of the day is the classic hike to Ojstrica, one of the most spectacular views of the lake, and a regular on postcards and calendars. After that, you can also visit the Vintgar Gorge and breathe in the fresh air on the wooden walkways above the bustling pools and cascades of the Radovna river. There is no shortage of things you can do around here — Visit the Bled castle, or just relax on a bench and watch the local rowing team train.

On the third day, drive to the Pokljuka plateau, one of the most popular weekend destinations for many Slovenians. It is covered in a magical spruce forest, the biggest in the Triglav National Park. Combined with its higher elevation, this makes the summer temperatures on the Pokljuka milder than in the valley. It is one of the more popular hiking starting points since it also has a lot of easily reachable peaks nearby. You will hike to one of them, which will reward you with an up-close look at Mt. Triglav and panoramic views of the Julian Alps. The walking tour can also be extended to neighbouring peaks for those still full of energy after bagging the first peak.

Lake Bohinj is a short drive from Bled and is the largest natural and permanent lake in Slovenia. This crystal clear lake situated in the heart of the Julian Alps is a more relaxing alternative to Lake Bled and is perfect for swimming and hiking. This day’s hike will take you through the scenic Voje Valley and the Mostnica Gorge, where you will see many waterfalls, pools and an interesting rock called “little elephant”. The relatively flat but diverse path continues past authentic grass pastures and traditional shepherd dwellings, with high mountains in the background. Back to the lake, you will be able to spend the second half of the day relaxing by the lake or even renting a SUP or a canoe. If hiking is your favourite activity, walk to the Savica Waterfall.

Time to move your base! You will drive through the pristine valley of Radovna, after which the high mountain world of the Triglav Valleys opens up. The first stop will be the Krma Valley, where you’ll have a chance to take a few pictures and take see where most people start their hike to Triglav. Then you’ll continue into the Vrata Valley and park at the Peričnik waterfall, where you can even walk behind its 52 metres of dropping water. 

Continue your hike on the path of the Triglavska Bistrica stream, past “the Galleries” and up the Vrata Valley. It is the most famous one of the three Triglav Valleys, not only for the awe-inspiring Triglav north face at its end but also for its mountaineering history of the highest mountains around it. There you’ll also have a chance to eat an authentic hiker meal in the Aljaž Hut at the top of the valley. When back in your car, drive to Mojstrana and maybe visit the Slovenian Alpine Museum. If not, you’ll continue driving along the Upper-Sava Valley that is full of stunning views of the mountains, to your next base in Kranjska Gora. You’re gonna probably want to stop for a photo every few minutes.

You will start this day with a walk to Lake Jasna and maybe take a photo beside the proud bronze ibex with the sharp rocky peaks behind. Next, you will follow the beautiful trail along the Pišnica stream, which is as cold as it looks. It flows from the glacial valley of Krnica, steeply surrounded by some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps. Your hike will take you through the valley and then back past the Russian Chapel of the Vršič road. On your way back, take your time to chill at Lake Jasna with a refreshing drink in hand. If you later still have time, take a short drive to the Zelenci Natural Reserve, with its emerald green spring of the Sava Dolinka river.

On the last day, you will drive on the scenic road across the Vršič Pass, the highest road pass in Slovenia. On the way to its 1611 metres of elevation, you will see the natural window in the Prisank mountain and the face of the “Heathen Maiden”. When you reach the 50th hairpin turn down on the other side (“serpentine” in Slovenian), you’ll be in the Soča Valley. 

The valley of River Soča amazes every visitor by the emerald green and turquoise blue colours of its iconic river surrounded by the magnificent peaks of the Julian Alps. Your hike will take you along the Alpe Adria Trail, which follows the river in its most beautiful upper part. The ending destination is the Great Soča Gorge. There, the Soča river carved up deep pools surrounded by smooth rocks that look so magical it’s often a filming location for international TV shows or movies. The hike is only one way, so a local shuttle will take you back to your car, with which you’ll return to Kranjska Gora.

The last day is reserved for relaxation in the alpine village of Kranjska Gora until it’s time for you to depart to the airport.