At a Glance
Experience an otherworldly adventure in the heart of the peaceful Julian Alps. Encounter scenery that defies reality in this vibrant hub including Mount Triglav and the glacial lakes of Bohinj and Bled. Hike through beautiful meadows and see the exceptional nature embedded in the Triglav National Park and the Karavanke Mountain Range with adventures spread across a detailed itinerary for 8 blissful days in Slovenia.
During the week you’ll enjoy 5 varied walks, both inside the national park and on the more distant peaks of the beautiful Karavanke Range. Taking in beautiful wild meadows, along the shores of the lakes, through thick forest and across wild open mountain ridges. Your adventure begins at Radovljica, the town of beguiling adventures on the doorstep of the Julian Alps. Transverse across the renowned Lake ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All breakfasts and 3x dinners
- 7 nights accommodation in a family-run pension with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis
- 5 days centre-based walking, 1 free day
Itinerary
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Making your own way from the airport, your adventure begins at your hotel in the charming town of Radovljica, located in the upper Carniola region of northern Slovenia. This charming town is located on the Sava River terrace just a few kilometres from the famous Lake Bled, which marks a great base for exploring the nearby Karavanke Alps and the Julian Alps on foot. Meet your tour leader who will give a welcome briefing about the upcoming week and a great opportunity to mingle with your fellow travelers. The remote Pension Kunstelj, a charming hotel in Radovljica, just a short distance to the northeast of the capital, Ljubljana, is a family-run guesthouse, and our home for the rest of the week. Settle in and treat yourself to culinary delights from around the world as well as traditional Slovenian specialties made with ingredients straight from the garden, on-site, or in the local restaurants nearby. Unwind in the garden or take in the breathtaking views of the crystal clear Sava River and the Julian Alps presented right from the comfort of your balcony. All rooms are provided with en suite facilities to ensure we experience utmost comfort throughout our stay. |
Pension Kunstelj or similar, Radovljica
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Approx. 16 km (10 miles), 6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 250 m (820 ft), Elevation loss: 300 m (984 ft) After a hearty breakfast, take a stroll directly from the pension to discover our stunning surroundings. The beautiful village of Radovljica will be thoroughly explored today. Radovljica, a medieval town at the meeting point of the Sava Bohinjka and the Sava Dolinka, dates back to the ancient days (1296). It's prided as the country's sweetest town which is filled with traditional inns, galleries, and churches. It's also surrounded by excellent views of the Southern Limestone Alps Mountain Range and the largest moats found in the country. |
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The local area is extremely captivating, with small chapels, charming villages, thick woodlands, and a lovely river. Our trail will be decided by our leader based on the day's weather conditions, but we are most likely to trail Lake Bled, the only natural island in Slovenia; a perfect warm-up through mild sloppy farmland and pretty villages. Following our thrilling adventure of Radovljica, we return to the guesthouse for a delectable dinner then, we unwind into the evening. |
Pension Kunstelj or similar, RadovljicaBreakfast, Dinner |
Approx. 12 km (8 miles), 5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 450 m (1476 ft), Elevation loss: 450 m (1476 ft) This morning, we continue further to Gozd Martuljek, a village that breathes with the mountains; to hike into the majestic Martuljek Gorge. We are rewarded with a beautiful view of the Špik mountain range as we traverse the small village of Gozd Martuljek. Mount Špik, which rises to a height of 2472 meters and is dubbed the Slovenian Matterhorn, is one of the Julian Alps' most stunning mountains, and the majestic Martuljek range is also dominated by its pyramidal summit. Our forest trail leads us out of the valley and into Martuljek Gorge, where we slowly begin our ascent along the quiet stream until we reach the Lower Fall, which cascades down into the valley. We follow the winding route through the forest to arrive at our resting spot, Lipovceva Hut, where we take in the picturesque scenery of our surroundings. The charming Lipovceva Hut is well-known for its natural open kitchen, which features scrumptious homemade mountain soups and juices prepared from pine, elderflower, and berries. From here, we ascend to the magnificent Upper Falls while passing a monument dedicated to Slovenian climbers. This is an exciting hike into the gorge that can be enjoyed in all weather and provides some lovely views of two stunning waterfalls. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your convenience, you can relax in the solitude of your lodging, go out to treat your taste buds to mouthwatering cuisine, or socialize with other tourists. |
Pension Kunstelj or similar, RadovljicaBreakfast |
Approx. 14 km (8 miles), 6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 650 m (2133 ft), Elevation loss: 650 m (2133 ft) Today, we set out early to ascend into the peak of the mighty Golica through the Karavanke Mountain Range. The natural and official border between central and western Europe, where Slovenia, Austria, and Italy converge, is defined by this Karavanke Mountain range. Together with stunning vistas of two very different nations, this area is also home to a plethora of alpine fauna and flora, including more than 1200 different plant species to discover. In the company of the fresh, alpine air and a small stream following your steps, we aim for Golica (1836 m), which is a portion of Slovenia's longest ridge (120 km) and one of the less-traveled trails in the region. Golica is well-known for its slope covered in daffodils, which when they bloom, astound hikers. This is why the Slovenes regarded it as one of the nation's most picturesque regions. Retreat to the hotel to relax and take in the spectacular views offered by the stunning surroundings of the hotel from the luxury of your doorstep. Meals are on you today, so take the opportunity to sample the many delectable regional specialties on offer at nearby restaurants. |
Pension Kunstelj or similar, Radovljica None |
Today is a free day and the entire day is yours to enjoy at your convenience. There are several eye-catching tourist options available in Radovljica for you to explore throughout the day. (All activities are at own expense). Visit the beekeeping museum (Cebelarski Muzej), which houses a sizable collection of exquisitely decorated beehives; to witness bees in action and learn more about Radovljica's legacy of beekeeping and honey production. If you're up for additional adventures, spend some time in Linhartov Trg imagining life as a local, experience a sense of time travel while exploring Thurn Mansion, do some soul searching, or simply take in the serene atmosphere at the sacred Parish Church of St. Peter. Alternatively, you can explore beyond Radovljica; it only takes a few minutes by bus to reach Lake Bled, where you can rent rowing boats and canoes for leisure. Others might want to continue further to explore Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital. A visit to the Postojna Cave Park, one of Europe's largest cave systems, is also a common option. Unwind back at the hotel, the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day of activities. |
Pension Kunstelj or similar, Radovljica Breakfast |
Approx. 12 km (8 miles), 5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 300 m (984 ft), Elevation loss: 300 m (984 ft) This day begins with an easy but wonderful stroll around Lake Bohinj's shoreline. Trailing this winding route, we cover the entire Lake Bohinj, as well as the charming village of Ribcav Laz and its well-known St. John the Baptist church. Open views extend all the way to Mt. Triglav, Slovenia's tallest mountain, with stunning views of other mountains nearby to take pleasure in. Despite being in a valley, Lake Bohinj is nestled in the middle of a mountain ring, so there are plenty of breathtaking sceneries to admire. On a day when the weather is bad, our alternate route will take us through the Mostnica Gorge; this is considered a favorable trail because it is less exposed. After our descent, we return to our guesthouse where your well-prepared room awaits. Unwind and have a relaxing shower to wash away the tension from today's hike, then stroll just a short distance to any local restaurant for a great treat. |
Pension Kunstelj or similar, RadovljicavBreakfast |
Approx. 12 km (8 miles), 6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 450 m (1476 ft), Elevation loss: 450 m (1476 ft) After a peaceful night's rest, settle in for a delicious breakfast before we set out on a trip to discover the majestic Pokljuka Plateau on foot. Visible from Lake Bled lies the lovely Pokljuka Forest region. It is a largely desolate area that is home to alpine cows, rolling pastures, shepherds' cottages, forest trails, and some magnificent open vistas of the nearby summits. Pokljuka is a place where time stops still, allowing wildflowers to bloom, get to see the high plateau's distinctive flora and fauna and a plethora of birdlife in this region. Numerous routes offer a variety of options for today's hike. The weather and the group's ability during the week will be taken into consideration by our guide while choosing the route we follow. Come evening, we get together for a special farewell meal. Today, we have the option to decide where we will have our final dinner according to our collective preferences. |
Pension Kunstelj or similar, RadovljicaBreakfast, Dinner |
Savour a relaxing breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
The departure and finish point is Radovljica
Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Radovljica. The closest major airport is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport and is 32 km from the center of Radovljica.
Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation in Radovljica making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 3 Moderate
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
Slovenia has a mixed alpine climate with summer temperatures in the range of 18 to 25ºC. In the mountains cool mornings are normally followed by warm pleasant days, with temperatures in the Alps being ideal for walking. During summer months afternoon showers of rain cool down the humidity, giving way to clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
All walks will be on well maintained paths, although some may be have loose stones underfoot. Each day there will be some ascent and descent (maximum of 700m, average of 500m). Generally you should expect to walk between 4 to 6 hours a day, plus stops.
Transfers to and from the walks will be by public transport, where available and practical, alternatively a private minibus will be provided.
