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.
Is there any better place to do a walking holiday than in one of the most diverse parts of the world, where there is something worth seeing behind every corner? Join us on the ultimate self-guided walking holidays in Slovenia, taking place in the most beautiful part of our diverse country, the Julian Alps.
With awe-inspiring peaks and picturesque valleys full of crystal clear rivers and lakes running between them, the Julian Alps are the go-to part of Slovenia to visit for both locals and foreign visitors. The area is full of natural and cultural jewels, most of it protected under the only national park in Slovenia, the Triglav National Park.
Even though the self-guided walking tours take place in the mountainous region of Slovenia, they are not in any way demanding. It is a perfect choice for those who want to do some easy hiking enabling them to explore the landscape, discover the culture, taste the food, and experience the destination to the fullest.
The holiday is also for those of you who would like more autonomy in your daily planning. The self-guided aspect of the holidays makes your visit to Slovenia less touristy and more adventurous. And don’t worry, we provide you with all the necessary instructions, making it as easy as possible for you to navigate through a perfect holiday.
Your accommodations will be at two different locations since that makes your holiday more diverse and shortens the drive to particular destinations of the day. The base for the first few days will be the town of Bled, the pearl of the Julian Alps. The famous lake with photo-worthy views of its cute small island with a church in the middle makes it a top holiday destination in itself. You will spend the second part of the week in the alpine village of Kranjska Gora, Slovenia’s hub for mountain-related activities. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, Kranjska Gora offers a more sporty but still relaxed vibe, perfect for you outdoor-loving people.
Even though public transport options in Slovenia are plenty and sufficient for getting from town to town, they are not the best to discover the Julian Alps. For the most autonomy and flexibility, we advise you to rent a car, which makes every location more accessible and your Lakes and Valleys Self-Guided Walking Holidays that much more enjoyable.
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.
The Lakes and Valleys Self-guided walking holidays are suitable for most people that enjoy a couple of hours of activity per day. Most of the walks can easily be shortened and there are no technical parts requiring hiking skills.
It is important to dress comfortably and according to the season and the weather forecast. Always have extra layers with you in case of the wind or temperature drop and we highly recommend comfortable hiking shoes with good grip. If you have doubts, consult with us prior 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.
