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5
challenging
Activities
  • self guided hike
Accommodation
  • 4 nights 3/4 star hotels
  • 3 nights mountain hut - dorm
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

ON SALE

£1190 GBP

8 Days£1130GBP

View Inclusions

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.

Countries:

Slovenia

Starting Point:

Bled

Finishing Point:

Bohinj (Ribcev Laz)

Itinerary

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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

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. 14km / 8.7mi, +710m / 2329ft, -640m / 2100ft

Meals:  B

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 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. 12km / 7.5mi, +1140m / 3740ft, -110m / 361ft

Meals:  B

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. 11km / 6.8mi, +230m / 755ft, -910m / 2986ft

Meals:  B

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

Meals:  B

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. 16km / 9.9mi, +60m / 197ft, -1050m / 3445ft

Meals:  B

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. 13km / 8.1mi, +480m / 1575ft, -480m / 1575ft

Meals:  B

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)
  • Digital information pack including navigational app with maps and roadbook. One download per person. Additional downloads are extra.
  • Luggage transfer between hotels only – one bag per person, max 23 kgs / 50 lb. standard airline dimensions. Excess charges apply
  • Tour briefing on day 1
  • Car transfer on Day 2 (Bled to Pokljuka)
  • Tourist tax and VAT
  • Emergency hotline (we recommend you carry a cell phone during the trip)

  • Travel to Bled and from Bohinj (Ribcev Laz)
  • Optional private arrival transfer to Bled from Ljubljana Airport or City available - supplement applies
  • Optional private departure transfer from Bohinj to Bled, Ljubljana Airport or City available - supplement applies
  • 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)
  • Optional Mt Triglav ascent - supplement applies and requires an extra night (see Day 3 of the itinerary) - must be requested at time of booking
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

challenging

5

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. 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.

Departure dates

Daily from 4 Jul to 10 Sep

Notes

Note:
This trip is not recommended for solo travellers unless highly experienced in alpine hiking

Priceper person from

£1130GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single supplement (hotels only)GBP£360
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£430
  • Guided ascent of Mt Triglav per group of 1-3 people - equipment and IFMGA guide included, Extra night Planika requiredGBP£580
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.

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.

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.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.