For a hiking adventure in Europe without the tourist masses, look no further than the jagged limestone peaks of the Julian Alps. The most easterly extension of the great Alpine range contains some of the best scenery and hiking in Europe, with Mount Triglav (the highest peak in Slovenia) at the centre and the glacial lakes of Bohinj and Bled far below. During the week, we enjoy five varied walks, both inside the national park and on the more distant peaks of the Karavanke range, taking in wild meadows, lake shores, thick forest and wild open mountain ridges.
Activity Areas
Centre-Based
Walking & Trekking
Region & Country & City
Europe: Julian Alps, Lake Bled, Slovenia, Triglav
Included in the Price
— All breakfasts and three dinners
— All accommodation
— All transport and listed activities
— Tour leader throughout
— Group arrival and departure transfers available
Not Included In The Price
— Travel insurance
— Single accommodation (available on request)
— Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation Information
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Pension Kunstelj)
— Five days of walking, one free day
— Travel by private minibus
— Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Start Radovljica
Join the group in the early evening at the pension in Radovljica, just 20 minutes' northeast of the capital Ljubljana. This is our base for the week.
Day 2 A day exploring the local area direct from the pension
After breakfast, we leave the front door of the pension to explore our surroundings. The medieval town of Radovljica dates back as far as 1296, sitting on the confluence of the Sava Bohinjka and the Sava Dolinka. The old town is full of traditional inns, galleries, churches and surrounded by the largest medieval moats in the country.
The local area is extremely pretty, dotted with small churches, quaint villages, lush forests and a beautiful river. Our leader will decide the exact route depending on the weather, but walking to Lake Bled is our most likely route, a perfect warm up through gentle rolling farmland and pretty villages.
Day 3 Hike into the Martuljek Gorge, visiting two waterfalls en route
Starting at the small village of Gozd Martuljek, we are rewarded with a panorama of the Špik mountain range. One of the most beautiful mountains in the Julian Alps, Mount Špik (8,110/2,472m) is known at the Slovenian Matterhorn and its pyramid summit dominates the Martuljek range.
Leaving the valley, our forest trail takes us into Martuljek Gorge, where we slowly start our ascent following the stream, arriving at the Lower Fall, which cascades into the valley. The trail snakes through the forest arriving at our rest stop, Lipovceva Hut. From this lovely setting, we can enjoy mountain soups and juices made by local families from the region.
From here we head up to the Higher Falls, passing a monument dedicated to Slovenian climbers. This is a lovely walk into the gorge, suitable in all weathers and offering fine views of two beautiful waterfalls.
Day 4 A picturesque walk in the Karavanke mountains to the peak of Golica
The Karavanke mountains are the natural and official border between central and western Europe and the meeting point of Slovenia, Austria and Italy. The range has a great effect on the climate of Slovenia, hence the soft southern Slovene side in comparison to the harsh northern side in Austria. Here we find an abundance of alpine fauna and flora, with more than 1,200 plant species, plus wonderful views into two naturally contrasting countries. We aim for Golica (6,023ft/1,836m), part of the longest ridge in Slovenia (75mi/120km) and one of the least travelled trails in the area.
Day 5 Free day for optional activities including riding horses, rafting, visiting Bled or the capital Ljubljana
Radovljica itself has plenty of possibilities for the rest day. Alternatively, it's a short bus ride to Lake Bled, where we can hire rowing boats and canoes to explore. Alternatively, take the public bus into the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Another popular alternative is Postojna Cave Park, home to one of the largest cave systems in Europe.
Day 6 A gentle and scenic hike around the shores of Lake Bohinj
Today’s walk is flat but incredibly pretty. This circular route takes in the whole of Lake Bohinj and the pretty village of Ribcav Laz, home to the well-known church of St John the Baptist. There are open views all the way to Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia. Lake Bohinj is also surrounded by a ring of mountains so even though you are in the valley there is plenty to see.
An alternative route today takes us through the Mostnica Gorge; this route is more likely if the weather is poor as it is less exposed.
Day 7 A day walking on the Pokljuka Plateau
The beautiful, forested area of Pokljuka, visible from Lake Bled, is stunning. Virtually uninhabited, it is home to alpine cows, rolling pastures, shepherd huts, forest trails and lovely open views of the surrounding peaks. Time stands still on Pokljuka, enabling wildflowers to flourish; the flora and fauna of the high plateau is unique to this area and bird life is abundant. There is a wide variety of trails with many possibilities for the day’s hike. Our guide will determine the route based on the weather and the group's ability during the week.
Day 8 End Radovljica
Our tour ends after breakfast. We bid a fond farewell to our pension, which may well feel like a second home by now, and begin our return journey home.
