Hiking Adventure through Slovenia: The Alps, Lake Bohinj, & the Soča Valley - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana, Transfer for your Hotel

Welcome to Slovenia!

Upon arrival at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, you will get a transfer to your hotel in Ljubljana (30 minutes away).

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, and with a population of around 300,000, it's also the country's largest city. Ljubljana is so old that it even predates the Romans, but its city center was shaped much later, during the Middle Ages. The area is a pedestrian zone and is very easy to walk around. You can explore the narrow streets or stroll along the banks of the Ljubljanica River.

At the top of the hill above the city, Ljubljana Castle is another great place for a short walk with a beautiful view. Have a drink along the riverbanks or take the funicular up to the castle. Then, have dinner in one of the city's many restaurants, which are run by young talented chefs. 

If you arrive early, you can also join a biking tour and explore Ljubljana on two wheels or have a food expert take you around the best local bars, bistros, and cafes to discover the local food scene. 

Day 2: Head to the Mountains (Hut-to-Hut Trek Day 1/3)

In the morning, pick up your rental car and drive to the mountains above Lake Bohinj to begin your trek through Triglav National Park. 

On the first day, you will hike through alpine pastures to reach a cozy mountain hut just below Mount Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia. 

Hiking: 6 miles (10 km) / elevation +3,110 ft (950 m), -985 ft (300 m) / approx. 6 hours

Day 3: Hiking in the Valley of the Seven Lakes (Hut-to-Hut Trek Day 2/3)

This day is the hardest hiking day of the trip. The trail will take you through stunning Alpine scenery with spectacular views. You'll have the option to ascend an extra peak (1 extra hour).

Then, descend down to the Valley of the Seven Lakes, learn about the geological history of this landscape and see if you can spot any fossils in the rock.

If you like, we can also arrange for you to climb Mt. Triglav, either with a guide or on your own. 

Spend the night in a comfortable cabin on the shore of one of the lakes. 

Hiking: 8.6 miles (14 km) / elevation +2,300 ft (700 m), -2,460 ft (750 m) / approx. 7 hours

Day 4: Down from the High Peaks (Hut-to-Hut Trek Day 3/3)

Today, you'll leave the highest peaks behind for the land of peaceful aloine pastures. After about four hours of walking, you will reach your car again and the end of this three-day circular hut-to-hut hike. 

Drive down to Lake Bohinj and celebrate with a swim in its crystal clear waters. 

Hiking: 6 miles (10 km) / elevation +650 ft (200 m), -2,625 ft (800 m) / approx. 4 hours

Day 5: Discover Lake Bohinj

Now that you've settled in Lake Bohinj, take the day to explore the area's pure, unspoiled nature. The main highlight is the lake itself, which is a great spot for water sports. Other options nearby include walks, bike rides, fishing, or visiting the nearby villages. 

• Rent a bike and explore the region. Lake Bohinj is a cycling paradise, all different kinds of trails,  from flat roads to steep mountain biking paths. You can explore alpine villages, waterfalls, viewpoints, and the area's many alpine pastures.
• Jump into the lake and go for a swim. The lake is always a bit chilly; but on a hot summer day, nothing is more refreshing than a dip in Lake Bohinj. There are several swimming spots along the shores, and you'll find plenty of tourists and locals enjoying the shallow waters near the town of Ribčev Laz.
• Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard for a unique view of the lake. Boat and paddleboard rentals are available at different spots around the lake. And with such calm waters, it's a leisurely and enjoyable activity suited for all levels.
• Go on a horseback riding or fly fishing trip. A large local ranch offers horseback riding tours around the lake's alpine pastures. You'll catch views of Lake Bohinj, the surrounding mountains, and some of the nearby villages. Or stay at the lake and try your luck with a fly fishing experience.

Day 6: Hiking around Bohinj 

Lake Bohinj is surrounded by beautiful countryside that deserves to be explored. There are several hiking options nearby of all levels. Choose your hike according to the weather and how much of a challenge you want for the day: the most difficult hikes are around 10 to 30 minutes away from Bohinj by car and easier hikes start directly from town. 

Day 7: Lake Bohinj to Kranjska Gora, Stopping to Explore Lake Bled

Stop at Lake Bled on the way to Kranjska Gora. Located in the foothills of the Julian Alps, this postcard-perfect lake and its island are one of Slovenia's main attractions. Climb up to the castle and tour its smithy, wine cellar, and printing press, then head to the castle restaurant for a delicious traditional meal. 

Here are some other suggestions:

• Choose between a plethora of shorter hikes through gorges (like nearby Vintgar Gorge) or to scenic viewpoints. 
• Rent a bike and explore roads that will take you through typical Slovenian countryside.  
• Rent a stand-up paddleboard or a rowboat and sail to the island, or simply board one of the traditional Pletna boats and let the oarsman take you.
• Visit a local beekeeper and learn about beekeeping tradition.
• Go fly fishing. 
• Drive to nearby Radovljica, which has one of the best-preserved town squares in Slovenia.  

In the afternoon continue towards Kranjska Gora and visit a stunning waterfall or walk to Mt. Triglav's northern slope.

Day 8: Viewpoints on Slovenian-Austrian border

Today, you'll do a nice hike in the Karawanke Mountains. You will walk along the Slovenian-Austrian border ridge, which offers amazing views to rugged limestone slopes of the Julian Alps and across the Austrian hills all the way to the central Alps.

There are different hiking options to choose from, ranging from four to eight hours long

Day 9: Mountains, Valleys, & Waterfalls around Kranjska Gora

There are several easy hikes to choose from around Kranjska Gora. If you want to give your knees a rest, choose from several easier valley walks through smaller hills. You can visit some nice waterfalls or bike to the beautiful Laghi di Fusine, just across the border in Italy. 

Day 10: Drive from Kranjska Gora to Bovec and Hike in the Central Julian Alps

Today, you'll chage locations by driving across the stunning Vršič Pass, the highest mountain pass in Slovenia. Drive along the winding road and admire the nearby limestone slopes. You can also stop to do several short hikes on your way to the Soča Valley. 

You'll also have the option to climb a via-ferrata. If you've never climbed one before, we recommend going with a guide. 

Day 11: Hiking in Soča Valley

The Soča Valley is home to the emerald Soča River. Today you'll go on a nice walk through the valley that includes stops at several historic WWI sites (like cemeteries, forts, and trenches). Then, you will meet a very entertaining local history teacher who will share the WWI history of the region. 

Approx. four to five hour hike, with lots of stops

Day 12: Hiking the WWI Trails on Mt. Krn

If you want more WWI history today, there's a great but quite demanding hike through the mountains nearby, where the fiercest battles on the Soča Front took place. This is a seven to eight-hour circular hike that includes a three-hour ascent of Mt. Krn, where you will see barbed wires, bunkers, craters from explosions and more. It's a great hike that includes beautiful views and lots of history. 

Hiking: 10 miles (16 km) / elevation +4,600 ft (1400m), 4,600 ft (-1400 m) / approx. 7-8 hours

Day 13: Hiking on Mt. Kanin and/or Rafting

Today you have several options. You can go hiking on Mt. Kanin, where you'll find a via-ferrata, amazing views, and a cable car, or go for a guided hike along WWI trails in the mountains above Kobarid. 

A third option is to spend the day on the river. The Soča Valley is known for rafting and adrenaline sports, and Bovec is Slovenia's outdoor sports capital. You can raft, kayak, go canyoning, or zip-line nearby. 

Day 14: Drive from Bovec to Ljubljana, Depart

It's time to say farewell to Slovenia! Spend your last few hours in the country taking in the surrounding scenery as you drive back to Ljubljana for your flight home.