Price
Sale
Share this trip with a friend
From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Experience the Julian Alps from a different perspective on this self-guided journey along the northwestern section of Slovenia’s celebrated Juliana Trail. Rather than tackling the high peaks, the trail winds through the valleys and foothills that surround them, delivering impressive mountain scenery while connecting riverside paths, forests, alpine villages and welcoming mountain towns. A highlight throughout is the Soca Valley, where the remarkably turquoise river winds beneath rugged limestone peaks and leads you past hidden gorges and waterfalls. There is plenty to discover beyond the walking too, from the fascinating World War I history of Kobarid and historic Kluže Fortress to traditional villages and the food and hospitality of this fascinating corner of Slovenia. Crossing Predel Pass into Italy adds another dimension to the journey, with views toward Mangart and Jerebica and the beautiful waters of Lake Raibl below. Later, an old railway trail provides a gentler route back into Slovenia, where the emerald Zelenci Springs and mountain town of Kranjska Gora showcase another side of the Julian Alps. With your luggage transferred and comfortable accommodation waiting each evening, you can simply enjoy the satisfaction of traveling through this remarkable landscape on foot. Best of all, the journey finishes at Lake Bled – a fitting finale to a week spent discovering one of Slovenia’s most beautiful regions.
More info about grading system
Expand all | Collapse all
Day 1
Arrive Tolmin
Make your own way to Tolmin, a small town at the southern gateway to the Julian Alps and your starting point for the Juliana Trail. If you arrive early, take the opportunity to visit the impressive Tolmin Gorges, where the Tolminka and Zadlašcica rivers have carved narrow channels through the limestone. Settle into your hotel and prepare for your first day's walk through the Soca Valley.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Follow the Soca River to Kobarid (17km/10.5mi)
Your first walk follows the left bank of the beautiful Soca River, instantly recognizable for its striking turquoise water. Walk beneath the imposing Krn massif as the trail leads north through the peaceful landscapes of the Soca Valley to Kobarid. The town has a fascinating, if sobering, history and was at the center of the fierce battles fought along the Isonzo Front during World War I. Its award-winning museum provides an excellent introduction to this chapter of European history. +180m/591ft, -130m/427ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Walk via Kozjak and Boka waterfalls to Bovec (22km/13.5mi)
Continue north through the spectacular Soca Valley on the longest walking day of the trip. The route passes the emerald pool of Kozjak Waterfall, hidden within a rocky gorge, before continuing through landscapes that formed part of the World War I front line. Later, enjoy views towards the impressive Boka Waterfall before reaching Bovec, a lively mountain town surrounded by the high peaks of the Julian Alps. Often described as Slovenia’s outdoor adventure capital, Bovec is the hub for activities in the Upper Soca Valley, with rafting, kayaking, canyoning, ziplining and other outdoor pursuits available in and around the town. Its relaxed center is also a great place to enjoy a drink or meal after your walk and soak up the atmosphere of this active mountain community. Ascent/Descent: +460m/1,509ft, -230m/755ft
Day 4
Walk through the Kluže Gorge to Log pod Mangartom, transfer to Bovec (11km/7mi)
Leaving Bovec, follow the valley of the Koritnica River through an increasingly dramatic mountain landscape. Pass through the Kluže Gorge and historic Kluže Fortress, strategically positioned above the river and built to control this important route through the mountains. Continue upstream to picturesque Log pod Mangartom, a small alpine village beneath the rugged peaks surrounding Mangart. At the end of the walk, transfer back to Bovec for the night. Ascent/Descent: +250m/820ft, -70m/230ft
Day 5
Cross Predel Pass into Italy and walk to Tarvisio (20.6km/13mi)
Return by transfer to Log pod Mangartom and set out on one of the most rewarding stages of the trip. Climb toward Predel Pass, surrounded by views of the high Julian Alps including Mangart and Jerebica, before crossing the border from Slovenia into Italy. Descend past beautiful Lake Raibl (Lake Predil), whose clear alpine waters sit beneath steep forested mountains, then follow the Rio Freddo valley toward the Italian mountain town of Tarvisio. Ascent/Descent: +690m/2,264ft, -590m/1,936ft
Day 6
Follow the old railway trail from Tarvisio to Kranjska Gora (19km/12mi)
Leave Italy behind today as you follow the route of an old railway line back across the border into Slovenia. The easier gradients make for enjoyable walking through a landscape of forests, meadows and mountain villages. Pass through Ratece, where you can stop to sample local food, before visiting the Zelenci Springs, the remarkable emerald-green source of the Sava Dolinka River. Continue beneath the mountains to Kranjska Gora, one of Slovenia's best-known alpine towns. Ascent/Descent: +210m/689ft, -150m/492ft
Day 7
Walk beneath Špik to Mojstrana and transfer to Lake Bled (17km/10.5mi)
Your final walking day begins amid classic Julian Alps scenery. From the Kranjska Gora area, enjoy impressive views toward the distinctive peak of Špik from Srednji Vrh before joining the old Jesenice–Tarvisio railway route toward Mojstrana. The walking provides a gentler finale after the mountain stages earlier in the trip. From Mojstrana, transfer to Lake Bled, where you can celebrate completing your journey beside one of Slovenia's most recognizable alpine lakes. Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most picturesque alpine destinations and the end point of your Juliana Trail walk. Framed by mountains and forests, the glacial lake is known for its island church, traditional wooden pletna boats and medieval castle perched high above the shoreline. Spend time exploring the lakeside paths, enjoying local cuisine or relaxing in a thermal spa to celebrate the end of a rewarding walking holiday. Ascent/Descent: +240m/787ft, -390m/1,280ft
Day 8
Trip concludes
Your trip concludes after breakfast. If time permits, extend your stay to continue exploring Lake Bled, perhaps visiting Bled Castle before continuing your onward travels.
What's included
What's not included
This trip is best suited to experienced walkers with a good level of fitness who are comfortable walking for up to six hours on consecutive days. There are six walking days covering approximately 107km/66.5mi, with daily distances ranging from 11–22km (7–13.5mi). The route follows river valleys, forest and mountain trails, quiet lanes and sections of former railway trail. While some days are relatively gentle, there are rougher sections underfoot as well as sustained climbs and steeper hills. The most demanding day crosses Predel Pass, with approximately 690m/2,264ft of ascent and 590m/1,936ft of descent over 20.6km/13mi. You should be accustomed to regular hill walking and we recommend preparing with walks of similar distance and elevation before departure. As this is a self-guided trip, you should also be comfortable following route information independently. Luggage transfers are included, so you only need to carry a daypack while walking.
Per Person, Twin Share
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.
8Days
Introductory to Moderate
7Days
Moderate
4Days