Images: Courtesy of Slovenia Tourism
*Note: This Going Easy Slovenia hiking tour is a gentler version of our 8 day Triglav Circuit and features two nights each in the villages of Kranjska Gora and Ukanc, punctuated by an overnight in the remote mountain hamlet of Trenta.
Enchanting, or perhaps intoxicating, might be the best words to characterize the Julian Alps of Slovenia. Tom Longstaff, a renowned climber and president of the Alpine Club in London once wrote, “(The Julian Alps) have become for me, after forty years’ devotion to mountain scenery, the most desirable of all mountains…Triglav reigns over a dreamworld, sundered from time, full of unbelievable hidden nooks, of unsuspected passages, of sudden visions of cliffs which cannot be real. Surely there is no other mountain land like this.”
Indeed, Slovenia is a mountain land all to its own. Bordering Italy, Austria, Croatia and the Adriatic Sea, this rugged country beckons with dominating mountains, sun-drenched seaboards, alluring villages and a captivating culture. Triglav, Slovenia’s tallest peak, reigns supreme, and delights hikers with an elevation change of more than 9,000 feet from mountain to sea.
Slovenia is also a place where time slows down if you want it to. The countryside maintains a raw earthy feel, and it’s a place where families still work the land and grandmothers weave baskets out of corn. We’ll step into this enchanting world during a week of Slovenia’s finest walking.
Tour Highlights:
- The Julian Alps, starting point of the famed Via Alpina trans-Alp footpath.
- Triglav National Park, the heart of the Julian Alps, and Slovenia’s celebrated alpine treasure.
- Ravishing scenery, from the snowcapped peaks of the Julians to the sparkling blue of the Adriatic Sea.
- Easy to moderate village-based hiking.
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Itinerary
Day 1 Travel independently to Kranjska Gora. There is regular bus service from Ljubljana. Kransjka Gora is the Julian Alps most charming village exuding a serenity that makes the visitor feel immediately at home. Overnight in a family run, centrally located hotel considered the most comfortable in town.
Day 2 This part of the Julian Alps is considered by many to be Europe's Yosemite. Today you will hike out of Kranjska Gora to Pec, a high point on a ridge where the borders of Italy, Austria and Slovenia meet. Hike on farm roads through ancient villages which give way to gorgeous single track that takes you high above timberline to this beautiful vantage point. Descend to the magical village of Ratice.
Day 3 Our driver will take you to the famous Tamar Valley. The itinerary begins gently with an ascent to the Tamar hut. Return via the same route to meet Katja, your driver, for return to Kranjska Gora.
Day 4 Transfer by car to the mountain village of Trenta (population 115). Today you are traveling over the Vrsic Pass, the highest in Slovenia that is maintained year round. Trenta is one of the most isolated places in Slovenia, if not all of Europe. Sightsee in the neighborhood. Tonight you are in the Trenta Dom, which is the Triglav National Park headquarters. Dinner is at a nearby restaurant. This restaurant is closed on Tuesdays so please plan your trip accordingly.
Day 5 Transfer to Ukanc and park your bags in your hotel before ascending to the Slap Savica, the most famous waterfall in Slovenia. The Slavica waterfall, source of Slovenia's longest and mightiest river, is one of the Julian Alps'most impressive sights, especially following a heavy rain. Note: Bring something waterproof or you may get soaked by the spray. Return by rapids and streams to the tranquil village of Ukanc.
Day 6 Your final hike begins with a boat ride across Lake Bohinj to the little village of Stara Fuzina. Ascend through farmroads and meadows to the Kosijev Dom for lunch with great views of the previous few days hiking as well as the lake below.
Day 7 Depart. There is frequent bus service to Ljubljana.
Click here to request an expanded itinerary (including distance and elevation gains).
