Price
Sale
Share this trip with a friend
From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
In the north western corner of Slovenia, close to Austria and Italy, are the limestone mountains known as the Julian Alps. The range was the stage of bitter fighting during WWI (with relics on the trails to prove it) and Hemingway wrote his book, 'Farewell to Arms', while based in these mountains. More recently they have become famous for the exciting hiking opportunities in what is some of the finest mountain scenery in Europe. Characterised by high mountain lakes, peaceful alpine valleys and rugged limestone peaks, the Julian Alps retain their distinctive identity and originality. The hike ascends thematic paths and passes by beautiful turquoise lakes to complete a memorable journey. There is plenty of time after the walk to soak up the beauty and history of the fairytale town of Bled nestled at the base of the Julian peaks.
This is a challenging alpine trek for experienced hikers with good fitness. The mountain section includes rough and exposed terrain, substantial ascents and descents, and three nights in mountain-hut dormitories. Your main luggage is transferred between the hotels but is not accessible from Days 3 to 6, so you carry the essentials required for the hut-to-hut section. Route descriptions and maps are provided through the navigation app, with backup hotline support throughout the trek and a personal welcome meeting giving you the freedom of self-guided hiking with practical support along the way.
More info about grading system
Expand all | Collapse all
Day 1
Arrive Bled
Make your own way to Bled, the starting point for your Julian Alps hike. Settle into your hotel and take time to explore the lakeside surroundings. Lake Bled, its island church and the castle perched above the water provide an impressive introduction to Slovenia before you head into the mountains.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Begin walk across the Pokljuka Plateau through fir forests and alpine pastures (6hrs)
A short transfer takes you from Bled to the Pokljuka Plateau at approximately 1280m / 4199ft, where your hike begins. Follow mountain paths through pastures and fir forest towards Lipanska Hut before continuing to the Pokljuka biathlon centre. This first walking day provides an introduction to the alpine terrain ahead. Overnight hotel. Distance: 14km / 8.7mi, Elevation: +710m / 2329ft, -640m / 2100ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Climb deep into Triglav National Park to Planika Hut beneath Mt Triglav (7hrs)
Today you enter the high mountains of Triglav National Park. The route climbs steadily past Vodnikov Dom and continues towards Planika Hut, situated directly beneath Mt Triglav (2,864m / 9,396ft). With more than 1,100m / 3,600ft of ascent and very little descent, this is one of the most physically demanding days of the hike. Your main luggage is stored from today until Day 6, so you will need to carry the clothing and other essentials required for the mountain-hut section. Note: if you want to add a guided ascent of Mt Triglav, you will need to request at the time of booking and add an additional night at Planika Hut. Supplement applies. Distance: 12km / 7.5mi, Elevation: +1140m / 3740ft, -110m / 361ft
Day 4
Cross Hribarice Pass (2,358m/7,736ft), descend to the Valley of the Triglav Lakes (6hrs)
Continue through the high alpine landscape, crossing Hribarice Pass at 2,358m / 7,736ft. From the pass, descend towards the Valley of the Triglav Lakes, passing the green waters of Zeleno jezero en route to your next mountain hut. While the overall ascent is relatively modest today, the substantial descent and alpine terrain make this another significant mountain day. Distance: 11km / 6.8mi, Elevaton: +230m / 755ft, -910m / 2986ft
Day 5
Continue past Black Lake to Komna, with views towards Lake Bohinj (3hrs)
A shorter walking day allows more time to enjoy your mountain surroundings. Continue through the Triglav Lakes area, passing Black Lake before making your way to Komna Hut. From Komna, take in expansive views towards Lake Bohinj and the surrounding mountains. Distance: 8km / 5mi, Elevation: +30m / 427ft, -300m / 984ft
Day 6
Descend via Savica Waterfall before following the northern shore of Lake Bohinj (5hrs)
Leave Komna and begin the trip’s biggest descent, following an old military road towards the valley. En route, pass the 78m / 256ft Savica Waterfall before continuing along the northern shore of Lake Bohinj to Ribcev Laz. There is also the option to ride the Vogel cable car for panoramic mountain views; the cable car is not included in the trip arrangements. Distance: 16km / 9.9mi, Elevation: +60m / 197ft, -1050m / 3445ft
Day 7
Walk through the villages of the Upper Bohinj Valley and climb Rudnica hill (5hrs)
Today can be spent relaxing beside Lake Bohinj or completing a final circuit through the Upper Bohinj Valley. The walk passes through villages before climbing Rudnica hill, where you can look back towards the mountain landscapes crossed during the previous days. Return to your hotel in Ribcev Laz for your final night. Distance: 13km / 8.1mi, Elevation: +480m / 1575ft, -480m / 1575ft
Day 8
Trip concludes
Your arrangements conclude after breakfast. Make your own onward travel arrangements (or we can book you a transfer to Bled or Ljubljana) or extend your stay beside Lake Bohinj.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 5 - This is a demanding alpine hike on predominantly mountain and alpine paths, with rough and exposed terrain in places. You should be able to hike for up to 6–7 hours a day, with daily distances of up to 16 km / 9.9 mi. There are sustained ascents and descents, including up to 1,140 m / 3,740 ft of ascent and 1,050 m / 3,445 ft of descent in a day. The route crosses high mountain terrain and passes, and may include scrambling and rock hopping. For the three-night hut-to-hut section you will also need to carry your daily essentials, as your main luggage is not accessible from Days 3 to 6. A good level of fitness and previous mountain walking experience are required. Minimum age: 15 years. As with all of our trips, it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling and jogging – two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Per Person, Twin Share
This is a Grade 5 (out of 5) hike suited to experienced walkers with good fitness. Hiking days are up to 6–7 hours, with sustained ascents and descents and rough and exposed alpine terrain in places. The biggest ascent is 1,140 m / 3,740 ft in one day, while the largest descent is 1,050 m / 3,445 ft.
You’ll spend four nights in comfortable 3- and 4-star hotels and three nights in mountain huts. The mountain-hut accommodation is in dormitories with bed linen provided, offering a simple and practical base while hiking through the high mountains.
Yes. Your main luggage is transferred between the hotels, with a limit of one piece per person weighing up to 23 kg / 51 lb. You won’t have access to your main luggage from Days 3 to 6, so you’ll need to carry the clothing and personal items required for the three-night hut-to-hut section.
Route descriptions and maps are provided through the GUIBO navigation app. You’ll also have a personal welcome meeting on arrival and access to a backup hotline throughout the trek.
The route crosses Hribarice Pass at 2,358 m / 7,736 ft and stays at Planika Hut beneath Mt Triglav (2,864 m / 9,396 ft). An ascent of Mt Triglav is not part of the standard self-guided itinerary; a guided ascent is available as an optional arrangement and requires an additional night at Planika Hut.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|
We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
7Days
Moderate to Challenging