8-day Hiking the Julian Alps tour will show you around this alpine destination by taking you some of the most magnificent mountains on the way!
What will we hike?
The Julian Alps in Slovenia are simply one of a kind! Known to be similar to their French and Austrian cousins, but a little less crowded. Pristine nature and quiet solitude are likely to be found on every corner!
We will explore the area of the Triglav National Park, where we will find impressive mountains, intact nature, deep blue alpine lakes, and cozy mountain huts. A stop by Lake Bled will add to the experience and satisfy all those looking for that perfect picture! We will continue to hike around Soča valley with its emerald Soča river. During the trip, we will also stay in a traditional Slovenian mountain hut near Triglav mountain, which will be a truly special experience. We promise you have not seen soo many stars in your life yet!:) We will finish our tour in the coastal town of Piran and spend the last few days relaxing on the beach.
All along our trip, you will be accompanied by professional guides and expert hikers. Therefore, every step and every path will be chosen very carefully, depending on various conditions. Just relax and let us take you off the beaten path to explore the wilderness!
NOTE: This trip is rated moderate plus. While most days are moderate hiking days, there are two long days (6+ hours) with elevation gains of more than 900 m. This trip is for active people with experience in mountain hiking and are capable of trekking up to 20 km on uneven, steep terrain. Regular conditioning prior to the trip is essential so that you can fully enjoy both the beauty and ruggedness of this country.
Also, we do our very best to stick to the schedule, however, its itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
| TOUR DATES 2019 | Aug 2019-Oct 2019 | ||||||
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Ljubljana airport/train station, Slovenia (also Trieste, Venice or Zagreb airports at additional charge) | ||||||
| GROUP SIZE | 4-15 people | ||||||
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Additional information
| Duration | 8 days |
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| Location | Slovenia, Julian Alps |
| Dates | Aug 2019-Oct 2019 |
Day 1 - Arrival to Ljubljana and drive towards the Alpine region
- Arrival in Ljubljana, Slovenia by 12 am. Pickups: at 1 pm from the hotel or at 2 pm at the airport.
- Short transfer to picturesque Lake Bled with the famous island and medieval castle on the side. Time for sightseeing and the cake!
- Another short transfer to Lake Bohinj, the largest lake in Slovenia located in a pristine natural environment.
- Stop for the night.
Transfers: 2+ hours
Walking/sightseeing: 1.5 hours
Terrain: paved pathways and lakeside road
Meal: dinner included
Day 2 - Hike up the river gorge or the highest summit on the south side of Lake Bohinj
- Depending on the weather conditions, two hikes will be possible this day.
- Hike 1: the narrow canyon of picturesque Mostnica Gorge with waterfalls, pools and other natural creatures, such as the “Little Elephant”. If there is time after the hike, we will go to visit the traditional 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.
- Hike 2: the ridgeline toward Mt. Rodica (more rigorous but offers one of the most spectacular views over the whole Bohinj area and the Julian Alps!). We will start with the ride on the gondola-cable car, another ride on a ski-lift to the Mt. Vogel ski area and then join an uphill trail with huge views of mountains in all directions.
- Return to Bohinj in the evening.
Transfers: 20-50 minutes depending on selected hike
Hiking: 10-15 km, 4-6 hours
Elevation gain: up to 600 m
Meal: all meals included
Day 3 - Trek to mountain on the west side of Lake Bohinj
- Early morning breakfast and backpack ready for 2-days hike!
- Much of our trail will take us along the exposed and rocky terrain, and our hike is dependent on favorable weather conditions. We will start at the end of Bohinj Lake, and hike west toward the mountain Bogatin. This area was made famous by Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms”. A series of switchbacks take us up out of a box canyon and into the alpine country.
- Hike to the top of the plateau with a picnic lunch stop.
- Hike towards the cozy Dom na Komni hut, where we will stay for the night.
Transfers: 20 minutes
Hiking: 17 km, 5-6 hours
Elevation gain: 900 m
Terrain: forested pathways, open meadows, and rocky trails
Meal: all meals included
Day 4 - Summit the highest mountain in Krn mountain chain
- Early morning departure to the mountain Krn (2244m). This is a steep, strenuous and open hike on a rocky trail, filled with memories and artifacts of WWI battles. From the top of the mountain, if the weather will permit, we will enjoy a stunning view of the Adriatic sea to the southwest, the Dolomites in Italy and all the way to the Austrian Alps!
- Lunch in a mountain hut 10 min short of the peak.
- Hike back down, where a pickup vehicle will await us.
- Drive to the historical town of Kobarid, where we will stay 2 nights!
Transfers: 45 minutes
Hiking: 14 km, 7-9 hours
Elevation gain: 940 m/loss 1200 m (Hiking poles needed!)
Terrain: Dirt and rocky trails
Meal: all meals included
Day 5 - Soča rafting or Kanin hike
- After breakfast, we will take a short transfer to the town of Bovec, also known as “the adrenaline mecca”.
- There are two options for that day. Either you opt for an adventurous rafting tour in the emerald Soča river, or you decide to do one more hike on the mountain Kanin. Kanin is also the highest ski resort in Slovenia with the altitude of 2,587 m.
- After both activities, there will be some free time to relax in Bovec and the surrounding area. On the way back to Kobarid, we will also stop by the road to admire the highest waterfall in Slovenia, Boka Waterfall.
Transfers: 45 minutes
Activity level: based on various options
Optional rafting: class III-IV, 2.5 hours
Meal: breakfast and lunch included
Day 6 - Hike the mountain on the border with Italy and have a relaxed evening by the seaside
- A short transfer from Kobarid to Livek.
- Today’s hike will be through flower-filled meadows to mountain Matajur. Mountain Matajur is located on the border with Italy, between the Soča Valley and the Italian mountainous region known as Venetian Slovenia. The mountain is well known for MTB gurus as well and offers incredible views over Slovenia as well as the plains of Friuli and the Gulf of Trieste in Italy.
- After the hike, we will have a transfer to the coastal town of Piran, one of the most beautiful towns on the peninsula of Slovenian Adriatic Coast. We will spend 2 nights here.
Transfers: 3 hours
Hiking: 9 km, 4 hours
Elevation gain: 800 m/loss 800 m
Terrain: meadows, dirt and rocky paths
Meal: all meals included
Day 7 - Beach walks and an Istrian picnic on a boat
- Today, we will not hike but rather stroll around the coastal towns, from Piran to Portorož. We will also see the Sečovlje salt-pans. Their natural elements – salt, brine, Fango mud – are prized for their healing properties.
- Around midday, we will depart on a traditional fishing boat and spend the afternoon sailing the Slovene coastline. We will take time to swim and enjoy an authentic Istrian “fish picnic” on the boat!
- We will meet again in the evening for a farewell drink and cheer to this awesome hiking week!
Transfers: 15 minutes
Walking: 6 km, 2 hours
Terrain: Seaside promenade with a mix of paved, sandy and pebbled sections
Meal: breakfast and lunch included
Day 8 - Transfer to Ljubljana and departure home
- Morning transfer from Piran to Ljubljana in time to meet the return flights.
Transfers: 1.5-2 hours
Meal: breakfast included
Want to extend your stay?
Contact us, and we will organize it with you!
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary.
Required:
- Day Pack (21L-35L)
- Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
- Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
- Hiking Pants (Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
- Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
- Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
- Water Bottles (Two 1-Quart) or Hydration System
- Waterproof Hiking Boots
Recommended:
- Bandana
- Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic)
- Camp Towel
- Casual Clothing for Travel and Town Wear (Lightweight, Easily Washable)
- Casual Shoes for Travel and Free Time
- Fleece Pants
- Fleece/Wool Gloves
- Fleece/Wool Hat
- Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Liner Socks (Synthetic)
- Luggage (1 Piece)
- Luggage Tags and Locks
- Pack Rain Cover
- Passport/Money Belt or Pouch
- Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
- Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
- Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Sun Block and Lip Balm
- Sun Hat
- Sunglasses and Accessories
- Toiletries
- Trekking Poles
Optional:
- Camera and Accessories
- Ear Plugs
- Electrical Adapter Plug and Converter
- Insect Repellant
- Reading and Writing Materials
- Sleep Sheet/Sleeping Bag Liner
- Swimwear
- Water Shoes (No Flip-Flops)
