The Julian Alps (Julijske Alpe in Slovene and Alpe Giulie in Italian) is a mountain range that stretches from Northeastern Italy into Northwestern Slovenia.
Forming part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Julijske Alpe is not the highest range in Europe, but it’s certainly one of the most spectacular.
Some hikes reward you with idyllic scenes of high alpine pastures. Other trails spoil you with striking angles of Mt. Triglav and vast karst landscapes.
Hiking in the Julian Alps can also be very challenging. Make sure you have the proper equipment and take necessary precautions as you traverse steep scree and crumbling limestone terrain.
In this Julian Alps hiking guide, we’re presenting our favorite day hikes and hut-to-hut hikes. If you’re interested in long-distance trekking, you’ll find additional resources at the end of this post.
Because these mountains are mostly contained within the borders of Slovenia, this is mostly a guide to hiking and traveling in Slovenia.
- When to Hike in the Julian Alps: June – September (October)
- Highest Peak: Mount Triglav, 2864 meters
- Best Base: You can explore the Julian Alps from many different towns and villages, including Kranjska Gora, Trenta, Kobarid, Bovec, and the Lake Bohinj villages of Ukanc and Stara Fužina.
- Best Guided Hiking Tours in the Julian Alps: Best Walks in Slovenia, Discover the Slovenian Alps, and Best of the Julian Alps Hut-to-Hut
- Trail Maps: Julische Alpen: 1:50K Hiking Map WK141 or Triglav National Park WK5141
- Get the Hiking Guidebooks: The Julian Alps of Slovenia: Mountain Walks and Short Treks, Trekking in Slovenia: The Slovene High Level Route, and Trekking Slovenia’s Juliana Trail: Three-week trek: Bled, Triglav and the Julian Alps
Julian Alps Hiking Map
Rules for Visiting the Julian Alps
Slovenia’s Triglav National Park encompasses most of the Julian Alps range. No permits are needed to hike in Triglav National Park. And, there’s no entrance fee for entering Triglav National Park.
However, there are a few attractions within the park that require a small fee, including Tolmin Gorge and Slap Savica. While you’re visiting the Julian Alps, you’re also visiting Triglav National Park.
So, please keep these important rules in mind:
- Respect the habitats of animals and plants. Picking flowers is prohibited.
- Camping outside designated areas is not permitted. Wild camping is illegal.
- Take all garbage back with you down to the valley. Leave no trace.
- Triglav park trails are only allowed for hiking, not for mountain biking.
- Bathing in mountain lakes is strictly prohibited.
When to Visit the Julian Alps
Late June, July, August, and September are the best months for alpine hiking in the Julian Alps.
Depending on the length of the winter, it’s also possible to hike in mid-late May and early June at lower elevations. We hiked across the Julian Alps in July and experienced great conditions.
We also re-visited in mid-May and experienced unstable weather and lots of snow. In May, we were able to hike to 1500 meters, but there was still a great deal of snow on the trail.
We’ve also hiked the Julian Alps in late October. The fall colors were beautiful, but it rained quite a bit.
Best Day Hikes in the Julian Alps
1. Debela Pec and Brda Hike
Debela peč (2014 m) and Brda (2009 m) are two panoramic peaks along the Lipanca Ridge, between Krma Valley and Pokljuka plateau in the Julian Alps.
The hike begins at the Medvedova konta car park on Pokljuka Plateau and ascends to the Planina Lipanca mountain pasture, home to the managed Blejska koča na Lipanci.
From the Lipanca mountain pasture, it’s a steady ascent through larch forest to the Brda and Debela peč summits.
From the ridge, views extend across Krma Valley to the impressive Rjavina mountain wall. You can even see Kanjavec and Triglav.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Medvedova konta Car Park
Distance | 8.7 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 3:45 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 624 meters
Difficulty | Moderate
Learn More: Debela Peč Hiking Guide
2. Viševnik Peak Hike
Viševnik (2050 m) is a mountain peak, easily accessible from the Rudno Polje trailhead on Pokljuka Plateau.
This popular summit hike in the Julian Alps can be done in 3 hours without breaks.
Viševnik affords spectacular views of Mount Triglav, Bohinj Valley, the Southern Julian Alps, Mali Draški, and the Rjavina ridge.
Hike here early in the morning to see the Bohinj Valley awash in the early morning light.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Rudno Polje (1347 m), Pokljuka
Distance | 6.5 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 678 meters
Difficulty | Easy-Moderate
Learn More: Viševnik Hiking Guide
3. Triglav Lakes Valley
Triglav Lakes Valley, also called Seven Lakes Valley, is a wildly enchanting destination in the Julian Alps.
As the name suggests, this glacial valley is defined by a string of seven lakes.
There are several different approaches to Triglav Lakes Valley, including the route starting at Koča pri Savici, accessible from Ukanc, and the one starting at Planina Blato, high above Stara Fužina. Ukanc and Stara Fužina are two villages on Lake Bohinj.
We recommend hiking to Triglav Lakes Valley from Planina Blato. It’s easier and you’ll amble across some of the loveliest alpine pastures above Lake Bohinj, including Planina pri Jezeru, Planina Viševnik, and Planina Ovčarija.
If you want to extend this hike, here are a few options. You can continue hiking up the Seven Lakes Valley to the lake Veliko jezero (Jezero Ledvicah), 1831 m.
From Veliko Jezero, you can continue hiking up the Triglav Lake Valley to the mountain hut Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih (2071 m). This will take an additional one hour (2.8 km).
If you want to overnight in the Seven Lakes Valley, you can either spend the night in Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (1684 m), or Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih (2071 m).
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Planina Blato via toll road
Destination | Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (1684 m)
Distance | 15.2 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 1040 meters
Difficulty | Moderate
Learn More: Hiking to Triglav Lakes Valley from Planina Blato
4. Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica
Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica are two forested hills, which rise above Lake Bled’s western shore.
These hills serve up the most postcard-perfect views of Lake Bled.
Starting at the Velika Zaka Car Park, follow the boardwalk along the lake to the Mala Osojnica trailhead. The forest trail leads steeply up the hill in zigzags. After hiking up the sloping ladder, you’ll soon arrive at the Mala Osojnica viewpoint, rimmed with a fence.
There’s a bird’s-eye view of oval-shaped Bled Island, dominated by the Church of the Assumption. Beyond the island, you’ll see the medieval Bled Castle, perched on a cliff, backed by the long Karavanke mountain range.
The hike continues through forest to the Ojstrica viewpoint, marked with a bench, and then descends back to the lakeshore.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Parkirišče Velika Zaka / Camping Bled
Distance | 3.7 km
Time Needed | 1:15 – 1:30 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 224 meters
Difficulty | Moderate
Learn More: Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica Trail Guide
5. Vintgar Gorge
Vintgar Gorge is a narrow river gorge wedged between the hills of Hom (843 meters) and Boršt (931 meters) in Triglav National Park.
Located only 4 km northwest of Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge is often called the “Bled Gorge.”
A safe and secure pathway made up of boardwalks and bridges leads through the 1.6 km-long gorge. Beneath the steep walls of the gorge, the trail crisscrosses the rapids and pools of the Radovna River.
The Vintgar Gorge trail starts at the P1 car park in Pondhom village and ends at the Šum river waterfall.
At the end of the trail, you can return to the gorge entrance along the “Green Trail Vintgar – Sv. Katarina,” or along the shorter “Red Trail Vintgar – Blejska Dobrava.”
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Vintgar Gorge P1 Car Park
Distance | 4.9 km circuit
Time Needed | 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 249 meters
Difficulty | Easy
Learn More: Vintgar Gorge
6. Pericnik Waterfall
Peričnik Waterfall is a waterfall in Vrata Valley in the north of Triglav National Park.
Slap Peričnik is formed by the water that flows over a conglomerate cliff in two steep drops.
The lower waterfall, Spodnji Slap, is 52 meters high, whereas the upper waterfall, Zgornji Slap, is 16 meters high.
A short, but steep trail links the upper and lower waterfalls with the Koča pri Peričniku hut in Vrata Valley.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Koča pri Peričniku, Vrata Valley
Distance | 1.1 km circuit
Time Needed | 1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss | 164 meters
Difficulty | Moderate
Learn More: How to Get to Slap Peričnik
7. Bohinj High Alpine Pasture Circuit Trail
This romantic loop trail in the Julian Alps delivers fairy-tale-like scenes that seem too magical to be real. There is some work involved though.
We recommend starting in Planina Blato, which is accessible from Stara Fužina via a toll road. From Planina Blato, follow signs to Planina v Lazu.
You’ll find the clearest trailhead and signage, just down the road from the Planina Blato car park.
Follow the forest trail to Koča na Planini pri Jezeru (1453 m) and then ascend to Planina Lazu (1560 m). Detour to the ridge above the Lazu pasture for the best views.
Descend to Planina Dedno Polje and then follow the forest road back to Koča na Planini pri Jezeru and the familiar track to Planina Blato.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Planina Blato (1147 m)
Distance | 12.4 km loop
Time Needed | 4:30 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 592 meters
Difficulty | Moderate
8. Planica Valley and Dom v Tamarju
This easy walk through Planica Valley to the mountain hut Planinski dom Tamar (aka Dom v Tamarju) is something for everyone.
As you hike along a wide path through the valley, you’ll see info boards explaining various geological occurrences. There are also carved tree trunks that create visual pathways to various peaks in the Julian Alps.
At the managed Tamar mountain hut, you can order a drink and something to eat.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Planica Nordic Centre. There’s a 2.50 EUR fee to park at Planica Nordic Center.
Destination | Planinski dom Tamar
Distance | 7.6 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 2 hours
Difficulty | Easy
Elevation Gain/Loss | 170 meters
9. Slemenova Špica
Slemenova Špica (1911 m) is a meadow and summit set amidst the dramatic Julian Alps. From Vršič pass, follow signs towards Sleme.
After 30 minutes, you’ll reach the Vratica (1799 m) mountain saddle, where the trail splits. To hike to Sleme, head right (45 minutes).
After another 30 min, you’ll reach a junction. You’ll see a path to the right signed Grlo that heads to the Tamar mountain hut. Stay to the left.
Keep your eyes peeled for another trail intersection. You’ll want to head right. If you continue on the main trail, you’ll end up at the Slatnica saddle.
When you arrive in the high grassy meadow of Slemenova Špica, you’ll have panoramic views of the Southern Limestone Alps.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Vršič pass (1611 m)
Distance | 5.9 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 471 meters
Difficulty | Moderate
10. Mount Vogel
Mount Vogel (1922 m) is a popular hiking destination in the Julian Alps, because of its proximity to Lake Bohinj and its accessibility.
The hike to Vogel begins with a swift cable car ascent to Vogel Ski Resort, where you’ll have dazzling views of Slovenia’s largest lake and the high peaks of the Julian Alps, including Mt Triglav.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Vogel Cable Car mountain station (also called Rjava Skala) / Ski Hotel Vogel
Distance | 11.2 km circuit
Elevation Gain/Loss | 732 meters
Time Needed | 5 hours
Difficulty | Moderate
Learn More: Hiking to Mount Vogel
11. Fusine Lakes
If you venture to the Italian-side of the Julian Alps, definitely visit the picturesque Fusine Lakes (Laghi di Fusine), which are a short drive from Kranjska Gora.
You can drive directly to the Upper Fusine Lake, park and walk around both lakes. This is a splendid way to spend half a day.
Learn More: How to Visit Laghi di Fusine
Best Julian Alps Hut-to-Hut Treks
12. Mount Triglav Summit Hike
Mount Triglav (2,864 m), the highest peak in the Julian Alps, is a bucket-list hike for every Slovenian hiker.
If you’re planning on hiking to the summit, read our Mount Triglav Hiking Guide.
There are several possible ascension routes. We recommend using Cicerone’s The Julian Alps of Slovenia to figure out which approach works best for you.
The most challenging route is the Bamberg route up Triglav’s North Face. The easiest approaches are from either Krma Valley, or from Pokljuka Plateau.
We hiked to Mount Triglav from Pokljuka and 90% of the hike was actually quite easy.
The final 1:30 hours from Dom Planika mountain hut to the summit involves some scrambling and hiking along a protected climbing route (via ferrata) with exposed passages.
High alpine hiking experience is a necessity in order to safely summit mighty Mount Triglav.
Guided Triglav Hiking Tour | For the safest experience, we recommend joining this guided 3-Day Best of the Julian Alps Hut-to-Hut hiking tour by Slotrips. This small group tour departs every Monday from July to September. Fit hikers may choose to summit Mount Triglav with an IFMGA-licensed mountain guide, who will also provide all the necessary via ferrata equipment (extra fee applies).
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Varies
Distance | Varies
Time Needed | 2 Days, or 3-Days if you extend the route
Difficulty | Difficult
Essential Gear | Via Ferrata Kit
13. Triglav National Park Traverse
This 4-day hut-to-hut hike across the Julian Alps is a custom route we put together. It strings together many of the hikes outlined above in one really epic trek.
To learn more about staying in Slovenian huts, read How to Visit a Slovenian Mountain Hut and Hut to Hut Hiking in Slovenia.
How to Book this Trek | For a hassle-free and seamless experience, we recommend booking this self-guided Crossing the Julian Alps hiking tour. Slotrips will organize a transfer from Ljubljana to the trailhead on day 2, book all mountain huts plus accommodations for you before and after the trek (Ljubljana and Bled), and transfer your extra luggage from Ljubljana to Bled. Another benefit is that you can add-on the Mount Triglav summit with a certified guide.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Vršič pass
Ending Point | Lake Bohinj
Distance | 43.4 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 4 Days
Difficulty | Challenging
14. Veliko Špičje Hike
This demanding route combines the gorgeous Seven Lakes Valley with the riveting Špičje ridge.
Starting at Planina Blato, follow the undulating trail through pockets of forest and mountain pastures to Koča na Planini pri Jezeru, Planina Dedno Polje, Planina Ovčarija, and then down to Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih, located at Double Lake.
The hike continues up the Seven Lakes Valley for 20 minutes and then branches off to the left. The narrow path steadily ascends to the base of the Veliko Špičje spur. Scramble up to the summit and then follow the thrilling ridge trail north.
Eventually, the trail descends to a vast sea of karst and to the Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih hut.
Overnight here, or continue down the Triglav Lakes Valley, passing the Zeleno jezero (Green Lake) and later on the Jezero v Ledvicah (Kidney Lake). You can spend the night at the Triglav Lakes Hut (second option).
The next day, return to Planina Blato, this time via Bregarjevo zavetišče na planini Viševnik.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Planina Blato
Distance | 27.6 km circuit
Time Needed | 2 days / 12:30 hours without breaks
Difficulty | Challenging
Learn More: Veliko Špičje Ridge Trail
Long Distance Hiking in the Julian Alps
15. Alpe Adria
The Alpe Adria Trail is a 750 km long-distance hiking route that connects Austria (Carinthia), Slovenia, and Italy (Friuli-Venezia Giulia).
The trail is broken up into 43 states. Stages 23 and 24 traverse the Julian Alps of Slovenia.
Those that have hiked the trail in its entirety often declare that the Slovenian stages are the most beautiful.
In this 3-day Best of Alpe-Adria Trail hiking tour, you will tackle the most memorable stages of the Alpe Adria Trail and overnight in traditional mountain huts. You can hike this trail between May and early-mid October. Luggage transfer is available for this trip. Note: this is a private guided tour.
16. Via Alpina
The Via Alpina spans about 5,000 km and is broken up into 352 states. It stretches across seven alpine countries, including Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Italy, and France.
This long-distance hiking route is made up of sub-sections: Purple, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Red trails. The Purple route goes through the Julian Alps.
17. Slovenian Mountain Trail
This 28-stage Slovenian long-distance trail begins in Maribor, crosses the Pohorje Hills, Kamnik Savinja Alps, Karavanke Alps, Julian Alps, and ends at Debeli Rtič on the Adriatic Sea.
It’s marked by Knafelc blazes and the number 1.
We hiked a section of the Slovenian Mountain Trail in the Kamnik Savinja Alps and it was very challenging. Specifically, we hiked this route: Koča na Kamniškem sedlu – Turska gora – Zoissova koča na Kokrskem sedlu – Grintovec – Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh – Zgornje Jezersko.
Buy the Guidebook: Trekking in Slovenia: The Slovene High Level Route
18. Juliana Trail
This new 270 km long-distance hiking route circuits the Julian Alps. The 14-stage Juliana Trail begins and ends in Rateče, at the Slovenian – Italian border.
Buy the Guidebook: Trekking Slovenia’s Juliana Trail: Three-week trek: Bled, Triglav and the Julian Alps
Self-Guided Hiking Tour: In this 8-day Best of Alpe-Adria & Juliana Trail hiking tour, you will sample stretches of the Juliana Trail as well as the Alpe-Adria Trail. Hikers stay 6 nights in 3-4-star hotels and 1 night in a mountain hut. Luggage transfer between stages is included. This is a really comfortable way to hike around the Julian Alps, between May and October.
Guided Hiking Tours in the Julian Alps
Best Walks in Slovenia – 8 Days
Best Walks in Slovenia is a small group walking tour by Slotrips, an excellent local tour operator.
This 8-day guided walking tour is perfect for travelers who want to embark on easy-moderate day hikes, visit Slovenia’s top attractions, experience local culture, and stay in comfortable hotels (3-star, or 4-star).
This guided trip ties together Ljubljana, Velika Planina, Lake Bled, Triglav National Park, Vrsic Pass, Soca Valley, Skocjan Caves, and Piran.
Starting Point | Ljubljana
Ending Point | Piran
Departure Dates | There are fixed and guaranteed departure dates between late May and late September. This is a great option for solo travelers as well as couples. You can also book a private guided tour for your family, friend group, or hiking club.
Hiking Difficulty | Easy-Moderate
Discover the Slovenian Alps – 8 Days
Discover the Slovenian Alps is an 8-day hiking tour, which combines a 3-day hut-to-hut hike in Triglav National Park with moderate day hikes. During this guided hiking trip, hikers will stay 2 nights in mountain huts and 5 nights in 3-star hotels.
This well-balanced itinerary links together Ljubljana, the Seven Lakes Valley, Lake Bohinj, Lake Bled, Vrsic mountain pass, Soca Valley, Mount Mangart, and the Vipava Valley wine region
Starting Point | Ljubljana
Ending Point | Ljubljana
Departure Dates | There are fixed and guaranteed departure dates in July, August, and September. This is a great option for solo travelers. You can also book a private guided tour for your family, friend group, or hiking club.
Hiking Difficulty | Moderately-Difficult
Best of the Julian Alps – 3 Days
Best of the Julian Alps Hut-to-Hut is a small group hiking tour that leads hikers across the heart of the Northern Julian Alps. This guided hiking adventure starts and ends in Lake Bohinj in Triglav National Park.
Over the course of 3 days, you will traverse the forests and alpine meadows above Lake Bohinj and the karst plateaus and glacial valleys surrounding Mount Triglav, including Seven Lakes Valley.
Fit hikers may choose to summit Mount Triglav with an IFMGA-licensed mountain guide, who will also provide all the necessary via ferrata equipment (extra fee applies).
This expertly-crafted route is a fabulous introduction to hut hiking in Slovenia.
Starting Point / Ending Point | Pick-up and drop off in Ljubljana, Bled or Bohinj.
Departure Dates | This guided tour departs every Monday from July to September. This is a great option for solo travelers. You can also book a private guided tour.
Hiking Difficulty | Moderately Difficult / Difficult if you summit Triglav (optional).
Where to Stay in the Julian Alps
Kranjska Gora
Kranjska Gora is an alpine resort town in northwestern Slovenia and a great base for exploring the Northern Julian Alps.
Popular trails include the Slemenova špica panoramic summit, Planica valley, the Martuljek waterfalls, and the Pericnik Falls.
From Kranjska Gora, you can summit the mighty Mala Mojstrovka (2332 m), Prisank (2547 m), Jalovec (2645 m) and Špik (2472m).
Budget | Pri Marusi is a centrally-located guesthouse in Kranjska Gora with exceedingly kind and attentive owners. Rooms are modern and immaculate. Breakfast is included.
Midrange | Hotel Vandot is a cozy and comfortable hotel in the center of town. Breakfast is included.
Midrange | Garni Hotel Miklič is a traditional, family-run accommodation with spotless rooms and raving reviews. Guests love the welcoming hosts, central location, and superb breakfast.
Midrange | Hotel Pino Alpino is an impressive 3-star hotel with an on-site à la carte restaurant and bar, located in Kranjska Gora’s pedestrian zone. Breakfast is included. Free private parking is located behind the hotel.
Midrange-Luxury | Hiša Kosobrin offers modern apartments with fully-equipped kitchens. The property is located on the bank of the Sava Dolinka river, just outside of the town center. Guests have access to a sauna and private parking.
Luxury | Boutique Hotel Skipass is a 4-star, family-run boutique hotel with a wine bar serving Slovenian wines and cold cuts. Stay here for the comfortable rooms, fresh à la carte breakfast, and kind and attentive staff. Parking is available on-site (extra charge).
Luxury | Boutique Hotel Milka perfects the alpine minimalist aesthetic with its elegantly-curated rooms and regionally-inspired design. This flawless boutique hotel at Lake Jasna offers a fine dining Michelin starred restaurant, stunning mountain vistas, and a plentiful, mouthwatering breakfast. Additional facilities: secure bike and ski room, bar, and private sauna (extra charge).
More budget accommodations | Vitranc Apartments, Gostilna Pri Martinu, and B&B Brezov Gaj.
More midrange accommodaitons | Apartma Peček Kranjska Gora and Vila Mojca – Apartmaji Lena
Look for accommodation in Kranjska Gora.
Lake Bohinj
There are three main settlements around Lake Bohinj: Stara Fužina, Ribčev Laz, and Ukanc.
Stara Fužina
To explore the heavenly Seven Lakes Valley and the charming high alpine pastures of Lake Bohinj, we recommend staying in Stara Fužina.
Midrange | Ideal for families, the top-rated Pr `Agotnik apartmaji sobe Bohinj offers spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens, and washing machines.
Midrange | The recently renovated Residence Novak Bohinj offers stylish one-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens in an idyllic area of Stara Fužina. Guests love the idyllic surroundings and mountain views, the proximity to Lake Bohinj, and the kind hosts. There’s a minimum stay requirement of 2-3 nights.
Midrange-Luxury | Apartmaji Triglav is a stylish aparthotel in Stara Fužina with an on-site restaurant and bar and spa and wellness center. Rooms are clean, modern, and feature balconies, kitchenettes and seating areas. Guests particularly love the mountain views and the hotel’s proximity to hiking trails and the lake. Breakfast is included.
Luxury | Hotel Majerca is a lovely boutique hotel with an on-site restaurant in Stara Fužina. The restaurant extends onto a grassy lawn, with views of farmland backed by the Julian Alps. It’s wonderful to start and end your day here. The al fresco breakfast is phenomenal.
Look for accommodation in Stara Fužina.
Ribčev Laz
Ribčev Laz is a settlement along Lake Bohinj, next to Stara Fužina. With its central location and easy access (bus from Bled and Ljubljana), Ribčev Laz is a perfect base.
Midrange | Apartments and rooms Cerkovnik is located in Ribčev Laz, a mere 10-minute walk to the lakeshore (1 km). This sparking clean accommodation offers double and triple rooms as well as well-equipped apartments. Breakfast is available for an additional fee. On-site parking is free.
Luxury | The newly renovated Hotel Bohinj is located in the center of Ribčev Laz, only a few meters from Lake Bohinj. Designed to impress as much as to pay homage to the region’s cultural heritage, Hotel Bohinj is the most striking hotel in the Bohinj region.
All rooms have air-conditioning. Guests are treated to a healthy and delicious breakfast buffet. You can also enjoy dinner at the hotel and indulge in a wellness package.
Look for accommodation in Ribčev Laz.
Ukanc
Alternatively, you can also stay on the other end of the lake in Ukanc. This tiny settlement is a great base for hiking to Mount Vogel and exploring the Southern Julian Alps.
Midrange | Set in a quiet location ringed by forest, the top-rated Bohinj Apartments Goldhorn Kingdom (Apartmaji Kraljestvo Zlatoroga) is a 3-star apartment complex (1-2 bedrooms). Each unit has a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. Extra perk: daily housekeeping.
Midrange | Apartments Ukanc offers clean and functional apartments in Ukanc.
Luxury | Chalet Apartments ALPIK offers cozy 1-3 bedroom apartments with well-appointed kitchens in a fairy-tale-like location in Ukanc.
Luxury | Villa Park B&B – ADULTS ONLY is a bed and breakfast with a large garden situated next to the Savica stream, which flows into Lake Bohinj.
Look for accommodation in Ukanc.
Bled
Lake Bled is located in the Julian Alps, just east of Triglav National Park. There are only a few hikes starting directly in Bled, or nearby (e.g. Vintgar Gorge and Mala Osojnica), but you’re well-positioned to hike to Viševnik and Debela Pec from Pokljuka Plateau, if you’re traveling with a car.
Budget | Guesthouse Marko is a top-rated guesthouse in Bled, walking distance to the lakeshore.
Midrange | Old Parish House is a cozy and clean bed and breakfast, 100 meters away from Lake Bled.
Midrange | Hotel Starkl – Heritage & Unique is a darling lakefront hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar. Breakfast is included. This family-run property stands out with its friendly service, exceptional cuisine, and location.
Luxury | Adora Luxury Hotel is a lakefront boutique hotel with 7 luxurious suites. Stay here for the lake views and dreamy location. Breakfast is available for an extra charge.
Luxury | Vila Bled is a historic lakefront hotel with 33 rooms. Set in a quiet area of Lake Bled, guests can enjoy the historical flair of President Tito’s former summer residence. Breakfast is included.
Luxury | Bled Rose Hotel is a modern, 4-star hotel in the center of Bled. The hotel features an on-site bar, an indoor swimming pool and spa, a fitness room, and private beach area. Breakfast is included in the room rate.
More Bled accommodations: Old Bled House (midrange guesthouse), Vila Alpina (midrange guesthouse), Hotel Lovec (luxury hotel), and Grand Hotel Toplice (lakefront luxury hotel).
Look for accommodation in Bled.
Kobarid
Kobarid is a small town on the Soča River, south of Bovec. It’s the ideal base for exploring the Southwestern Julian Alps and the Soča Valley. You can hike to the summits of Mount Krn (2244 m) and Krasji vrh (1773 m).
Budget | Premium Hostel Kobarid
Budget | Apartments Masera
Midrange | Apartments Pri nas
Midrange | Tourist Farm Kranjc is a welcoming farm stay in Koseč, a small hamlet above Drežnica in the Municipality of Kobarid.
Adults-Only Chalets | Perched high above Kobarid and Soča Valley, the one-of-a-kind Nebesa Chalets are four modern 1-bedroom chalets with floor-to-ceiling windows, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms. The room rate includes breakfast and use of the spa facilities (Finnish, Aromatherapy, and Chromotherapy saunas) and fitness room. Extra perks: free bike rental, meal delivery from partner restaurant Hiša Polonka (when possible), and a friendly resident Bernese mountain dog.
Look for accommodation in Kobarid.
Slovenia Trip Planning Essentials
Use our Slovenia Travel Guide to plan an unforgettable trip.
When to Visit Slovenia
Summer and Fall Seasons. The best time to travel to Slovenia is between late May and October.
The best time to hike in the Slovenian Alps is between June and October. For hut-to-hut hiking, we recommend planning your trek between early July and mid-September.
Winter Season. For skiing and winter activities, the best time to visit Slovenia is between mid/late December and March.
Where to Stay
We’ve summarized our favorite destinations and accommodations in Best Paces to Stay in Slovenia, including Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Logar Valley, Kranjka Gora, and Kobarid.
How to Explore Slovenia
Small Group Guided Hiking Tours
If you’re a solo traveler, or friend group who would love to explore Slovenia’s hiking trails with a knowledgeable and licensed mountain guide, consider booking one of these small group hiking tours.
All of these tours are designed by Slotrips, a trustworthy local tour operator that crafts meaningful and memorable itineraries.
Best Walks in Slovenia is an 8-day hiking tour (day hikes only) with fixed and guaranteed departure dates between late May and late September.
Discover the Slovenian Alps is an 8-day hiking tour, which combines a 3-day hut-to-hut hike in Triglav National Park with moderate day hikes.
Best of the Julian Alps Hut-to-Hut is a 3-day hut-to-hut hike in the heart of the Julian Alps. This guided tour departs every Monday from July to September. Hikers have the option to add on Mount Triglav summit with an IFMGA licensed mountain guide.
Self-Guided Hiking, Biking, and Rafting Tours
If you love hiking independently, but want a professional to handle the logistics of bookings, transfers, and luggage storage (when applicable), then we recommend booking a self-guided trip like Mountains and Lakes Hut-to-Hut, or Crossing the Julian Alps.
During shoulder-season (May and October), you can hike, bike, and raft along the 4-day Alpe Adria Trail Adventure, 9-day Mountains to Sea route, or 8-day Best of Alpe-Adria and Juliana Trail.
Road Trip
Though public transit is very good in Slovenia, some destinations like Logar Valley are not accessible with transit.
If you want to explore more off-the-beaten-path and remote areas of Slovenia, we recommend renting a car.
Check out our itineraries for road trip inspiration:
Use the intuitive Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.
Top Things to Do
- Summit Mount Triglav with an IFMGA-licensed mountain guide.
- Eat Štruklji Borovničevi at Kofce Mountain Hut.
- Trek across Triglav National Park along this epic 4-day Triglav National Park Trek, or this self-guided Crossing the Julian Alps hiking tour.
- Visit an alpine dairy like Koča na planini Dolga njiva.
- Stay in a farm stay like Tourist Farm Šenkova domačija in Zgornje Jezersko.
- Swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Bohinj.
- Watch the sunrise at Mala Osojnica, overlooking Lake Bled.
- Hike to the Kamnik Saddle.
- Glamp in a treehouse like Ribno Alpine Glamping.
- Uncover hidden gems like Solčava panoramic road.
Slovenia Hiking Guides
Slovenia is heaven on earth for hikers. We recommend allocating sufficient time to discover both the Julian Alps and the Kamnik Savinja Alps.
In Best Hikes in Slovenia, we’ve summarized the most thrilling day hikes and multi-day hikes across the Slovenian Alps, ranked by difficulty.
If you’re interested in hut-to-hut hiking, read our guide to Slovenian Mountain Huts and Hut-to-Hut Hiking in Slovenia.
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