Slovenia is still one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Hiking the spectacular Julian Alps, you will be mesmerized by beautiful emerald lakes, medieval villages tucked away in deep valleys, and stunning trails, which allow for views out to the Dolomites and the Adriatic Sea. Completing this quintessential alpine experience is, of course, the hospitality of our Slovenian hosts. The hiking trails in Triglav National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) wind below snow-capped mountains, through deep gorges and around mountain lakes.
Lying at the heart of central Europe, Slovenia has benefited from numerous influences, which can be seen in its architecture, culture, food and its people. Our trip starts in charming Ljubljana, the ancient capital of Slovenia. We will have ample time to explore the city before we transfer to Kranjska Gora, Slovenia's best known ski resort. The start of our hut trek is the Tamar Valley, where we begin the traverse of the Julian Alps, following trails built during the Great War, stopping overnight in several of the outstanding Slovenian mountain huts. Our journey comes to an end in Bled, nestled below a fairy-tale castle on the shores of a turquoise lake. Bled, known for its curative waters, tranquil setting and excellent hospitality will be the icing on the cake of your Julian Alps discovery.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Ljubljana sightseeing. Arrival at Ljubljana Airport. Transfer to the town centre, where we take a walking tour of the old town. Ancient buildings and monuments are nestled in the heart of this medieval city. Due to its strategic situation in central Europe, Ljubljana has witnessed many cultural and architectural influences over the centuries.
Day 2: Ljubljana/ Kranjska Gora/ Jezerca/ Tamar/ Kranjska/ Gora. Our introduction to the Julian Alps will begin only a short distance from Kranjska Gora. Located at 1611m, Vrsi pass is a very convenient starting point to access the surrounding peaks. Our path leads to the north, approximately 200m to Vratca Pass, which meanders around the Mojstrovka Range. Surrounded by sharp peaks and steep faces, our trail follows a more natural line, descending to a lush, lower plateau before making the final ascent to Mount Slemenova Spica (1900m). The Tamar valley comes into view with the unmistakable gem-like shape of Mount Jalovec, rising high above it. The descent towards Tamar valley takes about 2 hours before the cozy mountain hut (1100m) is reached. Altitude gain 300m, descent 800m. Total time 4 hrs. From there we transfer back to our hotel in Kranjska Gora.
Day 3: Kranjska Gora/ Mount Mangart/ Kranjska Gora. The second highest mountain in Slovenia shows many faces and offers numerous routes of access. The most straightforward, yet scenic and interesting route leads from Mangart Pass (2000m). The pass is reached in an hour’s drive from Kranjska Gora, taking a very scenic road that ends on the highest Slovenian road. From the saddle, a trail ascends gently, and soon becomes rocky, but never exposed or very steep. Some in-situ protection allows us to negotiate the trickiest parts. Views are stupendous, and get better as we leave the valley. As we ascend, we get glimpses of the Julian Alps, Carnia, Tyrol, the Dolomites, and off in the distance the Adriatic, weather-permitting. Return via the same trail, afternoon transfer to Bohinj. Altitude gain: 650m, time: 3hrs ascent, 2hrs descent.
Day 4: Gondola transfer to Vogel, trek to Mount Rodica, return to Bohinj Lake. The shuttle transfers us into the heart of the Julian Alps – the Bohinj basin. The idyllic glacial lake is nestled amidst steep hills, exuding tranquility. A gondola takes us from 580m to 1520m, to the Vogel plateau, from where we have a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. In about an hour’s walk, we reach Sija peak (1800m). The South East ridge leads towards Rodica, a scenic grassy summit (1960m), known for its rich alpine flora. The descent is done through Suha valley, which reaches Bohinj Lake at Ribcev Laz village (540m). Altitude gain: 450m, descent: 1400m, total time: 5-6 hrs.
Day 5: A day off in Bohinj. A day off or a relaxed day-walk in the Bohinj area.
Day 6: Bohinj/ Komna plateau/ Valley of the seven lakes. Hidden behind the Bohinj Mountains is a beautiful glacial basin. We take the winding trail towards the Komna plateau – the largest karst plateau in Slovenia. This area was infamous for the Isonzo front during the WW I. Present-day trails were constructed in that time to help transport huge quantities of war material to inaccessible outposts. From the plateau, we turn northeast, until we reach the valley of the seven lakes near the Double Lake. Adjacent to the lake, at 1700m is a lovely mountain hut, welcoming us after a day on the trail. Altitude gain 1100m, total time: 4hrs
Day 7: The seven lakes valley/ Planika hut (or Triglav hut). From the hut, the trail follows the valley floor, passing other lakes along the way. Reaching the Green lake at 2000m, our path ascends to the Hribarice pass (2300m). The views broaden and our destination comes into view – the grand Triglav (2864m). A long, but scenic traverse still lies ahead with a short descent at first, and then the gradual climb towards the Doli; Hut. (2400m). Alternatively, the Triglav hut (2500m) lies another hour ahead. Altitude gain: 900m, descent: 100m, Total time: 5-6 hrs.
Day 8: Triglav hut/ Mt Triglav (optional)/ Krma valley/ Bled. Ambitious walkers have the option to summit Mount Triglav (2864m) on this day. A short but steep ascent from either Planika or the Triglav hut brings us to the famous steel tower in about an hour. From the summit, on a clear day, one can see as far as the Adriatic Sea, the Dolomites and East Tyrol. The descent via the northeast ridge is exposed and steep, but well protected. Cautiously, we reach the highest mountain hut in Slovenia, the Triglav hut on Kredarica (2500m). The descent from Kredarica follows the most common approach route – towards Krma valley.
The rocky alpine terrain and scree slopes change slowly to larch and pine trees. The Krma valley is lined by the great Mount Rjavina to the north, and the steep rocky north face of Draski Vrh to the south. In the winter, these are the prime ski-touring terrains. The descent ends in the lush Krma valley (1000m). Descent: 1500m, total time: 3-4 hrs. Transfer to Bled is an easy extension of the day trip, that leads us through scenic and scarcely populated Radovna valley and ends in one of the most well know alpine gems of the Eastern Alps – the Bled resort with its famous lake and fascinating surroundings. Overnight in hotel***, dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 9: Bled sightseeing. After breakfast optional sightseeing of the lake & island. An excursion to the scenic nearby Vintgar gorge is also possible. Bled has a lot to offer. From relaxing strolls, charming bars and restaurants, to medieval churches and an assortment of art galleries, and museums. Afternoon transfer to Ljubljana.
Day 10: Departure Day. All clients will be transferred to Ljubljana airport.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Two certified guides
- All accommodation
- All breakfasts
- Lunches and dinners on hiking days
- All local transports
- All luggage transfers.
Price Excludes:
- Beverages
- Personal expenses.
Note: If you can't make the date of our group departure, but would be interested in a private, customized trip (any length and difficulty), please contact us for a quote.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Slovenia
Outdoor: Land Rambler
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Cultural Journey
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