Slovenia Hiking – The Julian Alps
8 days
from Zovnesko jezero to Julian Alps
From
$ 3699
Duration8 days
Our 8-day Slovenia hiking adventure takes us deep into the quiet solitude of this sublime alpine destination. The rugged Julian Alps in the tiny gem of Slovenia are just as awe-inspiring and beautiful as their Swiss and French cousins, with one very big difference: far fewer hikers. Tucked between Italy and Austria, the Julian Alps are comprised of towering peaks that plunge to the Adriatic coast, alpine villages, gothic castles and abundant wilderness. With a broad variety of climates and landscapes, Slovenia brings a surprising amount of range to the adventure. We begin in the storybook landscapes of Triglav National Park. Here, we find soaring mountains, shimmering alpine lakes and historical evidence of the Iron Age. Explore the exquisite Lake Bled region, the gorgeous Soca River valley and the Venetian-influenced, seaside city of Piran. Enjoy a stay in a traditional Slovenian mountain hut in Trigav's high country—a high point for many travelers on the trip. With the help of our exceptional guides, we go off the beaten path into this alpine wilderness.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 8 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: Zovnesko jezeroPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: Julian AlpsAges: 18+
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Itinerary
Day 1: Starting in Ljubljana, visit Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj.
Start place: Zovnesko jezero
Arrive at the airport in Ljubljana, Slovenia, by 12pm today. We provide one group-pickup from a downtown hotel at 1pm, and a second pickup from the airport at 2pm. A short transfer brings us to Bled, a picturesque blue-green lake with an 11th-century castle—the oldest in Slovenia— built on a precipice overlooking the lake and town. In the middle of the lake, a 17th-century baroque church is perched on a tiny, tear-shaped island. We'll stroll a section of the pathway that surrounds the lake to take in the remarkable views. Next we continue to Lake Bohinj, the largest lake in the country and our home for the next two nights. Located in the heart of the Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj is surrounded by steep mountain peaks including Mt. Vogel (5,905') and Mt. Triglav (9,396'). Dinner included.
Transfers: 2+ hours; Walking/sightseeing: 1.5 hours; Terrain: Paved pathways and lakeside road.
Transfers: 2+ hours; Walking/sightseeing: 1.5 hours; Terrain: Paved pathways and lakeside road.
Meals: D
Day 2: Hike Mostnica Gorge or the ridgeline toward Mt. Rodica.
Depending upon factors such as weather and group makeup, your guide will recommend two hiking options. The first is a hike up the narrow canyon of Mostnica Gorge to a cascading 200' waterfall. The path here winds through beech forest and past interesting rock formations such as the "elephant's head." We are almost always within view of the aqua-marine river below. There's time after the hike to visit the quaint villages of Studor (famous hay racks), Srednja Vas (known for making some of the best Slovene cheese) and Stara Fuzina at the southern end of the lake. The second hiking option is more rigorous but offers one of the most spectacular views over the whole Bohinj area and the Julian Alps. After a short ride on the gondola-cable car followed by another ride on a ski-lift to the Mt. Vogel ski area , we enjoy a stupendous ridge hike toward Mt. Rodica. This is an uphill trail with huge views of mountains in all directions. We return to Bohinj for the evening. All meals included.
Transfers: 20-50 minutes depending on selected hike; Hiking: 6-10 miles, 4-6 hours, elevation gain up to 2,000'.
Transfers: 20-50 minutes depending on selected hike; Hiking: 6-10 miles, 4-6 hours, elevation gain up to 2,000'.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Trek from Lake Bohinj to our rustic mountain hut near Mt. Bogatin.
An early breakfast, a full daypack, and securely tied boots add up to two days of rugged hiking in Triglav's breathtaking high country. Much of our trail takes us along exposed and rocky terrain, and our hike is dependent on favorable weather conditions. Commencing at the end of Bohinj Lake, we hike west toward the Mt. Bogatin area made famous by Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms”. A series of switchbacks takes us up out of a box canyon and into alpine country. We stop at a mountain hut for a picnic lunch before continuing our hike to another traditional mountain hut where we spend the night. The hut has electricity and hot water as well as beautiful mountain scenery in all directions. All meals included.
Transfers: 20 minutes; Hiking: 11 miles, 5-6 hours, elevation gain 3,000'; Terrain: Forested pathways, open meadows and rocky trails.
Transfers: 20 minutes; Hiking: 11 miles, 5-6 hours, elevation gain 3,000'; Terrain: Forested pathways, open meadows and rocky trails.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Summit Mt. Krn, offering views of the Dolomites and Austrian Alps.
We depart for the summit of Mt. Krn (7,365’), an impressive peak that rises more than 6,000 feet above the Soca Valley to the west. This is a steep, strenuous and open hike on a rocky trail leading to the summit from where, weather permitting, we enjoy a stunning view of the Gulf of Trieste to the southwest, the Dolomites in Italy and the Austrian Alps. We stop for lunch in a small hut about 10 minutes short of the peak before winding our way down the rocky, switchbacked and sometimes steep western slopes of Triglav park. We definitely want our hiking poles here. At the end of the trail, we meet up with the support vehicle and transfer to a family-owned lodge near historical Kobarid, where we spend the next two nights. Enjoy the hot showers and the sauna! All meals included.
Transfers: 45 minutes; Hiking: 9 miles, 7-9 hours, elevation gain 3,100'/loss 4,000'. Terrain: Dirt and rocky trails.
Transfers: 45 minutes; Hiking: 9 miles, 7-9 hours, elevation gain 3,100'/loss 4,000'. Terrain: Dirt and rocky trails.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Explore the Iron Age town of Kobarid or raft the Soca River.
There are several options for this day. Take it easy and explore picturesque Kobarid, a town with a history that reaches back into the Iron Age. Be sure to visit the Kobarid Museum (voted Best European Museum in 1993), which displays exhibits of the events that occurred during World War I on the Soška Fronta - Isonzo Front. A pleasant stroll takes you across a Napoleonic bridge to the lovely Kozjak waterfalls and further along the scenic Soca River. For something completely different, there is also an option of trying the water sports on the unbelievably clear, emerald-blue Soca River. There are few rivers as wildly lovely as the Soca cutting through the Julian Alps. Breakfast and lunch included.
Transfers: 30 minutes; Activity level based on various options; Optional rafting: Class III-IV, 2.5 hours.
Transfers: 30 minutes; Activity level based on various options; Optional rafting: Class III-IV, 2.5 hours.
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Hike the vast meadows from Livek to Mt. Matajur ending in Piran.
We transfer to the small village of Livek and hike through flower-filled meadows to Mt. Matajur, located on the border of Italy. Mt. Matajur offers incredible views to the Krn ranges of Slovenia as well as the plains of Friuli and the Gulf of Trieste in Italy. Our day ends in Piran, one of the most beautiful towns on the Adriatic Coast. This delightful medieval town is located on the tip of a peninsula on coastal Adriatic. Our next two nights are spent in Piran. Breakfast, lunch and dinnerincluded.
Transfers: 3 hours; Hiking: 6.8 miles, 4 hours, elevation gain 2,600'/loss 2,600'; Terrain: Meadows, dirt and rocky paths.
Transfers: 3 hours; Hiking: 6.8 miles, 4 hours, elevation gain 2,600'/loss 2,600'; Terrain: Meadows, dirt and rocky paths.
Day 7: Enjoy a beach walk and an Istrian picnic on a traditional fishing boat.
We stroll the beaches along the coast from Piran, passing through a pedestrian tunnel that takes us to the charming little town of Portoroz. Nearby, the Sečovlje saltpans and their natural elements – salt, brine, Fango mud – are prized for their healing properties. Later this morning we board a traditional fishing boat and spend the afternoon cruising the Slovene coastline. We take time for a swim in the Adriatic and enjoy an authentic Istrian "fish picnic" on the boat. The food is delicious and it is great fun! The remainder of the afternoon and dinner are on your own. We gather in the evening for a final dessert together, and raise a toast to a wonderful week of mountain adventures. Breakfast and lunch included.
Transfers: 15 minutes; Walking: 4 miles, 2 hours; Terrain: Seaside promenade with a mix of paved, sandy and pebbled sections.
Transfers: 15 minutes; Walking: 4 miles, 2 hours; Terrain: Seaside promenade with a mix of paved, sandy and pebbled sections.
Meals: B, L
Day 8: Our Slovenia hiking adventure in the Julian Alps ends in Ljubljana.
After breakfast we transfer to Ljubljana in time to meet afternoon flights or train departures. Or, extend your stay to explore the city's Old Town, baroque cathedrals and vast, colorful marketplace. Breakfast included.
Transfers: 1.5-2 hours.
Transfers: 1.5-2 hours.
End place: Julian Alps
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Double occupancy accommodations at hotels for 6 nights
- dormitory-style bunks in a mountain hut with shared facilities for 1 night
- meals as noted in the daily itinerary
- one group airport transfer on Day 1
- private transport throughout
- bilingual guide(s)
- park and entrance fees to sites as noted in the daily itinerary
- one group transfer to Ljubljana airport or train station on Day 8
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Accommodation
Hotels/Inns, 6 nights, Mountain hut, 1 night