Walking the Slovenian Alps

Begin your adventure in the tranquil mountain town of Kranjska Gora, a hub for hikers and adventure seekers. Around 6pm, say živijo (hello) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather for the first time to hear more about the days ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Slovenian welcome by arranging a group dinner. Want more time in Kranjska Gora or Ljubljana? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Setting out directly from our hotel, we head to Krnica Valley. Surrounded by dense forests and dramatic mountain peaks, the valley offers a perfect introduction to Slovenia’s alpine landscape and provides an excellent first walking day of the tour. Following a forest trail, we gradually make our way towards Krnica Lodge, enjoying the tranquillity and mountain views. The route is relatively gentle, allowing everyone to settle into the rhythm of the week and become familiar with the hiking conditions of the Julian Alps. We then continue to the crystalline waters of Lake Jasna. Relax on the shore and admire the mountain peaks, enjoy a drink at one of the lakeside cafes, or, for the bravest, take a refreshing swim in the lake. A short walk then brings us back to our hotel.

Route: This moderate mountain hike mainly follows forest trails, mountain paths and alpine meadows, with uneven, occasionally rocky ground and gradual ascents and descents. Suitable footwear and sure-footedness are recommended. The guide may adjust the route according to conditions and ability.

Travel to the village of Gozd Martuljek for a hike beneath the triangular spire of Špik mountain. Two waterfalls plunge dramatically here: the lower cascades through a rocky gorge, while the upper drops more than 360ft (110m) over a sheer white cliff. After returning, the afternoon is free to relax or explore Kranjska Gora.

Route: This moderate mountain hike includes forest paths, rocky ground, stairs, wooden bridges and steeper sections near waterfalls. A short exposed stretch has a drop beside the path. Confidence with heights, sure-footedness and good hiking shoes are recommended throughout the route.

Travel to Vintgar Gorge, where the Radovna River has cut a narrow course through limestone cliffs. The route through the gorge runs for 1mi (1.6km), following wooden walkways and bridges above the water, with pools, small falls and rock formations shaped by the river over thousands of years. The walk leads towards Šum Waterfall, a 43ft (13m) drop that gives the gorge a fitting finale. Later, we continue to Bled, where you have free time for lunch and your own choice of lake time. You might visit Bled Castle, walk part of the lakeshore, or take a traditional pletna boat to Bled Island, rowed standing up by a pletnar. After time to enjoy Bled at your own pace, we return to Kranjska Gora for the night.

Route: Vintgar Gorge’s established route follows wooden walkways, bridges and steps beside the river. Some sections are narrow or uneven, with stairs and changes in elevation. This relatively short hike requires care, sure-footedness and confidence hiking on uneven surfaces and steps.

We’re off to Italy today! Our destination is the beautiful Fusine Lakes, a pair of glacial lakes nestled beneath the towering peaks of the Alps. En route, we stop at Planica Valley, birthplace of ski flying, to admire one of the world's most iconic ski-jumping centers before continuing across the border into Italy. Arriving at Lago Superiore, we enjoy a leisurely walk along the shoreline, where crystal-clear waters reflect mountains and forest.

We then continue to Lago Inferior, a quieter lake offering equally impressive scenery and excellent photo opportunities. After exploring the lakes, we return to Slovenia and head towards the Soča Valley, one of the country's most scenic regions. Upon reaching Možnica Gorge, we follow an easy trail through this hidden natural gem, crossing wooden bridges and passing alongside emerald waters, dramatic rock formations and lush alpine vegetation. In the late afternoon, we return to Kranjska Gora.

Route: This easy to moderate hike combines forest trails, lakeside paths and gentle mountain tracks, with occasional uneven or rocky ground. Možnica Gorge includes wooden bridges and riverside sections requiring care and sure-footedness. There are no particularly steep ascents or descents.

Our bus takes us up the switchbacks of the Vršič Pass, the highest road in Slovenia. From here, we set out for Slemenova Špica, a grassy summit known for its photogenic view of Jalovec, sometimes called the Matterhorn of Slovenia. The hike isn't long, but the rewards are immense, with alpine flowers and panoramic ridges surrounding us throughout. We return to Kranjska Gora in the afternoon.

Route: This more challenging mountain hike involves sustained ascents and descents, rocky, uneven ground and rough paths. A short exposed section has a drop beside the trail. Fitness, sure-footedness, good hiking shoes and confidence with heights are recommended. Altitude requires care.

We’re off to Rudno Polje on the Pokljuka Plateau, a vast forested area within Triglav National Park. From here, we hike through fragrant spruce forests and open mountain pastures towards Zajamniki, one of the most photogenic mountain pasture settlements in Slovenia, famous for its traditional wooden shepherds huts.

We then continue to Uskovnica, another idyllic alpine pasture surrounded by meadows and forests. Here, we have free time to relax at the mountain lodge, enjoying lunch or a traditional homemade dessert while soaking up the tranquil mountain atmosphere. After our break, we complete our circular trail back through the forests and alpine meadows to Rudno Polje, where we meet our transfer back to our hotel.

Route: This moderate hike follows forest trails, mountain paths and alpine meadows, with uneven ground, rocky sections and gradual slopes. Fitness, sure-footedness and good hiking shoes are recommended for several hours’ hiking. The guide may adjust routes to conditions.

You've walked to waterfalls, traced rivers through narrow gorges, and stood at viewpoints high in the Julian Alps, but now it's time to begin your return journey home. Alternatively, if you'd like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.