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Hiking in Slovenia's Julian Alps
Slovenia
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Intermediate
Type:
Activity
Transfers
Duration:
9 Nights
4 - 8
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Walking tour of Ljubljana
- Hiking & Refuge stay in Triglav National Park
- Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj & Krn Lakes
- Wine tasting in Brda
- Small group (max 8)
- Sabotin Hill Peace Park
- Authentic and comfortable boutique hotels & guesthouses
Discover the wonderful Julian Alps hiking trail, on this Slovenia hiking tour
Discover the wonderful Julian Alps hiking trail, on this Slovenia trekking tour. From hiking in Triglav National Park to wine tasting in Brda and staying in comfortable boutique hotels & guesthouses, this experience is one you'll never forget.
The shimmering emerald waters of the glacial lakes of Slovenia's Triglav National Park, in the Northwest of this beautiful country, reflect the towering limestone peaks in a perfect mirror image. This guided, small group (max 8) sustainable adventure immerses you in this beautiful region. We focus on the quality and authenticity of each experience, so you can truly understand the history, traditions and feel of this green 'heart of Europe'.
(Available as a small group tour or tailor-made holiday)
Our trails take you around the lakes, through the valleys and up into the higher mountains, for a wonderful variety of walking routes, landscapes and cultural visits. This includes a two-night escape into the heart of the park, staying at serene and stunningly situated mountain refuges.
Although this is a hiking adventure, the itinerary is also packed with opportunities to learn more about the local traditions and history, with a guided walking tour of charming Ljubljana, a boat trip to Bled Island, a visit to Bled Castle, wine tasting in the famous Brda region and a visit to Sabotin Hill Peace park to pay homage to the complex WWI history of the area.
Day 1: Arrival into Ljubljana
Flights
Boutique Hotel
Arrive in Ljubljana and head to your excellently located 3* hotel to freshen up and relax (we are staying here for 2 nights). It is a short taxi journey (cost €40) from the airport to your hotel so we have chosen to avoid a group transfer that would limit options on flight choices and arrival times. Settle into the hotel and take time to relax or explore the area around your hotel independently.
You will formally meet the rest of your group and your English-speaking Slovenian guide tomorrow morning, so you have the freedom to eat where you wish this evening, but we can make recommendations should you need some ideas.
Overnight: Hotel BB Park 3*
Day 2: Tour of Ljubljana
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
After breakfast this morning we enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Ljubljana with time to explore the main sites situated along the Ljubljanica River which divides the city's old town from the modern commercial hub. Our tour includes the scenic Tivoli Park and the short climb up to Ljubljana castle which is a great viewpoint. We pause for lunch in central restaurant and absorb the relaxed vibe of this small capital city.
Overnight: Hotel BB Park 3*
Day 3: Bled
Transfer
Breakfast
4 star hotel
This morning we leave the city and head into the majestic Julian Alps (1hr 30). Our destination is the lakeside town of Bled in Northwest Slovenia that lies within Triglav National Park, named after the highest peak in the country: Triglav at 2863m. Bled must be one of the most iconic and photographed lakes in the country, easily recognisable thanks to Bled island with its Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria, steep staircase and bell tower.
We find our mountain legs in a gentle walk up to Ojstrica above Bled (2hr round trip with 300m ascent), for wondrous views of the glacial lake and town behind us before returning to Bled to enjoy a boat ride and visit to Bled island. Also not to be missed is a visit to the 11th century Bled castle, precariously perched atop a cliff overlooking the lake, and where we will have lunch.
We stay tonight in Bled, enjoying the reflection of the town on the still waters of the lake.
Overnight: Hotel Park 4* or Similar
Day 4: Circular hike: Rudno Polje to Visevnik summit
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
4 star hotel
After transferring just 20 minutes or so to the start of our walk today, at Rudno polje, we set off for a wonderful circular route of around 9kms with just under 800m ascent that takes us to the summit of Visevnik (2050m). Walking on forest paths, you will enjoy the scent of the dwarf pines and the clear mountain air. The paths are generally defined, but we ascend a slightly crumbling slope up to and descending from Srenjski preval (1959m) before we join the ridge pathway leading to Visevnik (short exposed area just before the summit).
We take a packed lunch along with us to munch whilst enjoying one of the many fantastic views of the day.
Descending back to our transport, we drive to the second stunning lake of the holiday: Lake Bohinj. The jury is out as to which is the most beautiful, but the waters of both are bright and inviting and perfectly mirror the peaks surrounding them.
Overnight: Hotel Bohinj 4*
Day 5: Rest day in Bohinj
Transfer
Breakfast
4 star hotel
After breakfast we take a walk alongside the lake from Ukanc to Slovenias most famous waterfalls: Savica, renowned for its A shaped pool of bright emerald hue. At 78m high, its watercourse is fed from Arno Lake, one of the seven lakes in the Triglav mountain valley and continues its flow into Lake Bohinj.
After lunch in town there is some free time, though your guide can give you plenty of ideas of things to do and help you may any reservations. Options may include paddle boarding or kayaking on the lake, a panoramic boat ride, or jumping on the cable car up to Mt Vogel for a short hike.
We spend our second night in Bohinj this evening.
Overnight: Hotel Bohinj 4*
Day 6: Triglav Lakes Valley Hike
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Mountain refuge
Heading a little deeper into Triglav National Park today, our destination is the Double Lakes hut (Koča pri Triglavskih Jezerih), one of the most scenic huts in the National Park. It gets its name from the fact that it is situated next to two of the seven lakes in the Triglav Lakes Valley. Our walk is around 13kms with a chunky 1300m of ascent, taken gradually, at the pace of the group and with plenty of stops to breathe in the views! Ond through a typical Alpine valley, surrounded by towering peaks.
We start with a beautiful ascent from Bohinj to a wonderful spot above the northern shore of the lake; Mt Vogar (1054m). It is a peak ridge that affords tremendous views in all directions with two popular viewpoints, and is well worth the 500m ascent on a fairly steep trail in places. Found at the top of the first viewpoint, is Kosijev dom na Vogarjua hiking cottage serving drinks and snacks (weather dependent). After we have gained height during this first half of the walk, the latter section is most flat, along defined trails across Dedno Polje, a picturesque plateau and through a typical Alpine valley, surrounded by towering peaks. From Kanjavec we get to see Triglav, Slovenia's highest mountain, up at 2864m. Our mountain lodge tonight, Double Lakes, is renowned for its fabulous cooking: we will enjoy a hearty meal with traditional dishes such as Carniolan sausage and other mountain recipes.
Accommodation tonight will be in dormitories but it is likely our group will have their own room or 2 depending on the group size. Blankets and single-use sheets are provided but you need to bring a towel with you. A limited number of showers are available each day, so may not be an option for our group.
Overnight: Mountain Huts
Day 7: Hike to Krn Lakes
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Mountain refuge
Leaving the beauty of Double Lakes hut this morning, we strike out towards Krnsko Jezero Lake, Slovenia's largest high Alpine lake (over 300m long and 150m wide), situated at 1391m. Our route is around 14kms with just a 500m ascent; The terrain today is undulating but we maintain the height we gained yesterday.
After lunch at Komna hut we follow the paths trodden by soldiers during WWI. Our path takes us towards Krnsko Lake and past an open-air museum. Lake Krn is overlooked by Mt Krn (2244m), the 'king' of the Krn Mountains in this southwestern area of the Julian Alps. To protect the many animal and plant species in the water ecosystem, bathing in the lake is not permitted, but you can enjoy the astounding views.
We sleep in dormitory accommodation again tonight.
Overnight: Mountain Huts
Day 8: Krn Lakes to Bovec
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
After breakfast, it is time to descend back down to the valleys today, with a wonderful 18km hike (200m ascent, 1100m descent) down to Bovec, in the Soca Valley, a charming and well-served town situated at the base of Mount Kanin. Heading from Lake Krn towards Lepena, we enjoy a fantastic path alongside the emerald waters of the Soca River.
Reflecting the intense WWI history of the area, where Italian forces confronted Austro-Hungarian forces in many a bloody battle, the town offers three war heritage collections, namely the Small Museum of the Isonzo Front, the Museum Collection of Ivo Ivančič and the private military collection “Farewell to Arms” (Ernest Hemingway's book was set in the area). There is also a large military cemetery to the east of the town with the graves, many unmarked, of over 600 soldiers who died during WWI.
Overnight: Hotel Boka 3*
Day 9: Wine Tasting in Brda
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Journeying south from Bovec, we break our 2hr 30 journey to the vineyards of Brda at Sabotin Hill Peace Park (609m) on the border between Slovenia and Italy, for incredible far reaching views over both countries. The walking path we take (4kms, 100m ascent) has many points of interest on the way: the church of Saint Valentin, and remains from World War I. The hill itself is arranged as a memorial park / open air museum where you can see the caverns and pyramids that denoted the front lines during the many First World War battles and tragic losses for which this area has become known.
This afternoon we enjoy something a little different - some wine tasting at a local vineyard. Slovenia has a 2400 year old wine tradition and produces arguably some of the best wines in the world. The unique climate in the Brda region combines the cool air of the Alps and the warmth and sunshine of the Mediterranean, producing top quality wines. The 'taste' of Brda is due to a quality soil called 'Opoka' and the main grape varieties are Rebulea, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Savignon Vert . Grapes are hand harvested, thanks to the steepness of the terraces that prevent the use of machinery.
We stay this evening in a picturesque local village, surrounded by the fertile vineyards.
Overnight: Hotel San Martin or Similar
Day 10: Return to Ljubljana to depart
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
We transfer as a group back to Ljubljana airport for flights home (1hr 10mins)
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- International Flights & taxes
- Comprehensive Insurance
- Visas if required
- Arrival transfer (40€ taxi)
- Tips
- Dinners 6: Day 1,3,4,5,6 and 7
- Lunch 5: Day 1,2,3,5 and 9
- Drinks & Snacks
- Souvenirs
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice, Responsible Tourism, using hotels run by locals. The accommodation on this adventurs is comfortable and welcoming hotel accommodation offering rooms with ensuite facilities. We put time and effort into building our relationship with accommodation suppliers to ensure you have a great trip;
We choose accommodation based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel) and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Wherever we can we will choose smaller, more characterful, individual hotels, but in areas where tourism is still developing, or in remote areas (like the mountains), we may not have a wide range of options. An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things with are exciting and memorable and reflects the countries we are visiting.
The list below gives information on our first choice of accommodation for this adventure. Where hotels and guesthouses are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard, and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodation, with contact information to leave with relatives, prior to departure on your adventure.
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be a local, English speaking Slovenian guide who is qualified to lead walkers in the mountains and knows the trails like the back of his hand as well as the history and heritage of the area. This ensures you are in excellent hands and that you have access to local knowledge.
We work jointly with our Slovenian Tour Operator partners both before and during your adventure to ensure that they understand your needs and the standard that YellowWood Adventures expects. We believe that it is a very important positive aspect of Responsible Tourism, to employ the expertise of local suppliers, as well as offering you a much more informative and authentic experience.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 8 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Am I Fit Enough?
Your itinerary involves hiking over passes and traversing mountain slopes. You will encounter some rough terrain, with some steep gradients in places. The paths are generally defined but may be narrow and rocky at times. You will be walking for up to 5 hours / day, and on consecutive days (though not every day of the adventure).
To get the most of out of this adventure, you need to be a regular walker with experience of walking in the mountains, and be in good physical condition.
Any hiking is undertaken at the natural pace of the group, with regular stops for photos, snacks etc. Walking boots that have already been worn in are essential on this adventure.
You will be carrying just a day pack with camera, spare layers and a bottle of water.
For convenience, peace of mind, and to reduce the purchase of single use plastic water bottles, we highly recommend a filtration water bottle such as Aquapure Traveller (offer available - see section on Water)
Training
As with all active holidays, the fitter you are, the more you can relax and enjoy the stunning route, and the better you can cope with challenges such as the outside elements.
You are advised to get into a regular walking & or running pattern before the trip as convenient.
Travel
Your YellowWood adventure starts in Ljubljana. We understand that arriving at an unfamiliar airport can be daunting, so we aim to give you as much information here as possible to help you prepare.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, the responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool when searching for flights, such as Skyscanner or www.momondo.co.uk.
We will send you a Flight Information Sheet with further pointers on which flights to book for your adventure.
Please note that if you do wish to depart on the 7th July, morning flight departures should be avoided due to the group transfer timings.
Travel by Train
Although the most timely way to get to Slovenia is to use a low cost airline, there is much joy to be found in incorporating your travel into your adventure and choosing the lower carbon footprint option of the train. You can travel from London to Paris, across France into Southern Germany, down through Austria and into Slovenia. Rome2Rio suggests the journey would take around 18hours and cost between £250 & £550.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. As the situation in our destination countries can change, please do ensure you check regularly before your adventure.
We also receive notifications direct from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Arrival
For those of you who choose to fly into Ljubljana, it is a fully functioning, international airport welcoming domestic flights and those from Europe. Airport services include Duty Free, ATMs and Currency Exchange. On arrival at the airport, you will go through passport control to baggage reclaim and onwards to Arrivals where you will be met by a driver/guide with a YellowWood Adventures sign.
All group specific, final details on where to meet your guide will be sent to you prior to the start of your adventure.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend sorting your insurance when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered, particularly in the light of effects that the pandemic has had on travel.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hr emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
Your insurance needs to cover you for hiking /trekking with the following fairly standard inclusions:
- Medical Expenses
- Coronavirus linked expenses (these may be country specific, so please ensure you know what the requirements are relating to the country you are visiting)
- Repatriation
- Helicopter rescue & Air ambulance
We would also recommend that you have cover for the following optional items:
- Cancellation
- Loss or damage to property
General information on Slovenia
For general information on Slovenia, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specific information.
Reviews
Nicola
Slovenia is a combination of the best parts of Alpine and Mediterranean Europe. Mountains, lakes, churches, history, gorgeous scenery and tranquil but compact so no long travel days. And did we mention the wine?! Our trip was personalised to our needs. Katia and Sam at YellowWood kept us informed through out the planning and even phoned us in NZ (not just email) to make sure they understood our trip goals! Our local guide Damien was excellent. Looking forward to our next trip with YellowWood.
May 2023
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- € currency, or US$ or £GB to exchange
- Passport & insurance documents
- Credit / debit card for ATM use
- Antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser (70% alcohol) & min of 2 reusable & 10 disposable face coverings
- Washbag & usual contents - small travel bottles please! Biodegradable multi purpose soap can be used for washing clothes & self.
- Flannel & Towel (ideally quick drying travel towel)
Items for walking / sightseeing
- 20-30L daypack for hiking / sightseeing, with waist and ideally, chest strap
- Waterproof jacket (GoreTex or similar quality)
- Comfortable walking shoes / boots - already broken in...
- Sunglasses and high factor suncream
- Sun hat / baseball cap
- Water-to-Go filtration water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
Clothing
- General socks / underwear, including walking socks
- Suitable clothes / pjs for sleeping in at night
- Light clothes for day time - long & short sleeved tops. NB technical fabrics dry quickly in hot or wet weather.
- Lightweight trousers (or skirts) and shorts for walking & sightseeing
- Sandals / trainers
- Warm jacket & fleece - Down or synthetic insulated jacket & light fleece recommended.
- Warm hat & gloves
Optional
- Waterproof stuff sacks & liners to keep kit dry.
- Torch with spare batteries / charger
- Buff or neck gaiter for cold weather / sun protection. Light scarf useful for church visits
- Lightweight waterproof over trousers
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Phone & charging cables / plug
- EU plug adaptor
- Money belt or grab bag
- Walking poles
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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