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Hiking in the Julian Alps

Perching on a rock for a pretty picture

Hiking in the Julian Alps with views towards Triglav

Mt Triglav, an optional ascent is possible of Slovenia's highest peak | Srdjan Živulovic

Discover the delightful alpine valleys | Tomo Jesenicnik

From Stare Fuzina to Planika Hut - Julian Alps, Slovenia | Victoria Lindores

Perching on a rock for a pretty picture

Hiking in the Julian Alps with views towards Triglav

Mt Triglav, an optional ascent is possible of Slovenia's highest peak | Srdjan Živulovic

Discover the delightful alpine valleys | Tomo Jesenicnik

From Stare Fuzina to Planika Hut - Julian Alps, Slovenia | Victoria Lindores

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Duration

8 days

Activities

self guided hike

Accommodation

4 nights 3*/4* and 3 nights mountain huts

Meals

7 Breakfasts

Price

$1550USD

Overview

Trip Code: SJA

Trip highlights

Walk through the spectacular landscapes of Triglav National Park
Explore alpine pastures, fir forests, high mountain terrain and villages of the Upper Bohinj Valley
Cross Hribarice Pass (2,358 m / 7,736 ft) into the spectacular Valley of the Triglav Lakes
Spend three nights in traditional alpine mountain huts in the heart of Triglav National Park
Option of a guided ascent of Mt Triglav (2,864 m / 9,396 ft), Slovenia’s highest mountain (additional night required)
Discover the cultural heritage, local cuisine and history of western Slovenia

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 walkers 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.

Trip Grading

challenging

More info about grading system

Itinerary

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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 1,280 m / 4,199 ft, where your hike begins. Follow mountain paths through pastures and fir forest towards Lipanska Hut before continuing to the Pokljuka biathlon center. This first walking day provides an introduction to the alpine terrain ahead. Overnight hotel. 14 km / 8.7 mi, +710 m / 2,329 ft, -640 m / 2,100 ft

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 (2,864 m / 9,396 ft). With more than 1,100 m / 3,600 ft of ascent and very little descent, this is one of the most physically demanding days of the walk. 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. 12 km / 7.5 mi, +1,140 m / 3,740 ft, -110 m / 361 ft

Meals: B

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 2,358 m / 7,736 ft. 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. 11 km / 6.8 mi, +230 m / 755 ft, -910 m / 2,986 ft

Meals: B

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. 8 km / 5 mi, +30 m / 427 ft, -300 m / 984 ft

Meals: B

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 78 m / 256 ft 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. 16 km / 9.9 mi,+60 m / 197 ft, -1,050 m / 3,445 ft

Meals: B

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 for your final night. 13 km / 8.1 mi, +480 m / 1,575 ft, -480 m / 1,575 ft

Meals: B

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.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts - continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee and tea
4 nights in 3-4 star hotels with private facilities on a twinshare basis, 3 nights in multishare rooms in mountain huts (bed linen included)
Luggage transfer between hotels only – one bag per person, max 23 kgs / 50 lb. standard airline dimensions.
Itinerary and maps in navigational App. One download per adult person. Additional downloads are extra.
Tour briefing on day 1
Car transfer on Day 2 (Bled to Pokljuka)
Emergency hotline (we recommend you carry a cell phone during the trip)
Tourist tax and VAT

What's not included

Travel to and from Bled / Bohinj
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room - hotel nights only
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage, cable car on day 6 (allow EUR25 - subject to change)
Items of a personal nature

Grading

challenging

GRADE 5 - This is a demanding alpine walk on predominantly mountain and alpine paths, with rough and exposed terrain in places. You should be able to walk 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. 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.

Departure dates

Daily from 4 Jul to 10 Sep

Notes

Note:

This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tour suggestions.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1550USD

Options & Supplements*

Single supplement (hotels only)USD$480
Solo traveller supplementUSD$570
Guided ascent of Mt Triglav per group of 1-3 people - equipment and IFMGA guide included, Extra night Planika requiredUSD$770

*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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?How difficult is the Julian Alps Peaks Walk?

This is a Grade 5 (out of 5) walk suited to experienced walkers with good fitness. Walking 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.

?What accommodation is used on the trip?

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 walking through the high mountains.

?Will my luggage be transferred?

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.

?How do I find my way on this self-guided walk?

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.

?What is the highest point reached on the walk?

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.

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