Walking the Slovenian Alps

Name: Walking the Slovenian Alps
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.4 (21 reviews)

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8 Days Excluding Flights

8 Days from

£ 1799

4.4/5 from

Walking & Trekking

Activity Level

Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

TVL

Carbon Footprint :

14kg CO2e per person per day

Discover some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe on a walking adventure in the Julian Alps

For a hiking adventure in Europe without the tourist masses, look no further than the jagged limestone peaks of the Julian Alps. The most easterly extension of the great Alpine range contains some of the best scenery and hiking in Europe, with Mount Triglav (the highest peak in Slovenia) at the centre and the glacial lakes of Bohinj and Bled far below. During the week, we enjoy five varied walks, both inside the national park and on the more distant peaks of the Karavanke range, taking in wild meadows, lake shores, thick forest and wild open mountain ridges.

Highlights

Discover Triglav National Park and the Karavanke mountains
Embark on varied walks over mountains and through forests
Enjoy a free day to explore Lake Bled or historic Ljubljana
Stay at a traditional 19th-century Alpine pension

Key Information

Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Pension Kunstelj)
Five days of walking, one free day
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Altitude maximum: 6,020ft (1,835m); average: 3,280ft (1,000m)
Travel by private minibus
Not recommended for those who suffer with vertigo
Option to travel by train to your adventure

Countries visited: Slovenia

What's Included

All breakfasts and three dinners
All accommodation
Free group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Visas and vaccinations
Single supplement

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Moderate: 3mph-4mph (5kph-6kph)

Terrain:

Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

Day 2

16 km / 9.9 miles

Day 3

12 km / 7.5 miles

Day 4

14 km / 8.7 miles

Day 6

12 km / 7.5 miles

Day 7

12 km / 7.5 miles

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

TRIP

TVL - Walking the Slovenian Alps

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Radovljica Radovljica

Join the group in the early evening at the pension in Radovljica, just 20 minutes’ northeast of the capital Ljubljana. This is our base for the week.

After breakfast, we leave the front door of the pension to explore our surroundings. The medieval town of Radovljica dates back as far as 1296, sitting on the confluence of the Sava Bohinjka and the Sava Dolinka. The old town is full of traditional inns, galleries, churches and surrounded by the largest medieval moats in the country.

The local area is extremely pretty, dotted with small churches, quaint villages, lush forests and a beautiful river. Our leader will decide the exact route depending on the weather, but walking to Lake Bled is our most likely route, a perfect warm up through gentle rolling farmland and pretty villages.

Distance covered: 10mi (16km)

Ascent: 820ft (250m); Descent: 984ft (300m); Activity hours: 6

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Starting at the small village of Gozd Martuljek, we are rewarded with a panorama of the Špik mountain range. One of the most beautiful mountains in the Julian Alps, Mount Špik (8,110/2,472m) is known at the Slovenian Matterhorn and its pyramid summit dominates the Martuljek range.

Leaving the valley, our forest trail takes us into Martuljek Gorge, where we slowly start our ascent following the stream, arriving at the Lower Fall, which cascades into the valley. The trail snakes through the forest arriving at our rest stop where we can enjoy the view. Lipovceva Hut has a lovely setting with an open natural kitchen serving mountain soups and juices made in-house from pine, elderflower and berries.

From here we head up to the Higher Falls, passing a monument dedicated to Slovenian climbers. This is a lovely walk into the gorge, suitable in all weathers and offering fine views of two beautiful waterfalls.

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Ascent: 1,476ft (450m); Descent: 1,476ft (450m); Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast

The Karavanke mountains are the natural and official border between central and western Europe and the meeting point of Slovenia, Austria and Italy. The range has a great effect on the climate of Slovenia, hence the soft southern Slovene side in comparison to the harsh northern side in Austria. Here we find an abundance of alpine fauna and flora, with more than 1,200 plant species, plus wonderful views into two naturally contrasting countries. We aim for Golica (6,023ft/1,836m), part of the longest ridge in Slovenia (75mi/120km) and one of the least travelled trails in the area.

Distance covered: 9mi (14km)

Ascent: 2,133ft (650m); Descent: 2,133ft (650m); Activity hours: 6

Radovljica itself has plenty of possibilities for the rest day. Alternatively, it’s a short bus ride to Lake Bled, where we can hire rowing boats and canoes to explore. Alternatively, take the public bus into the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Another popular alternative is Postojna Cave Park, home to one of the largest cave systems in Europe.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s walk is flat but incredibly pretty. This circular route takes in the whole of Lake Bohinj and the pretty village of Ribcav Laz, home to the well-known church of St John the Baptist. There are open views all the way to Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia. Lake Bohinj is also surrounded by a ring of mountains so even though you are in the valley there is plenty to see.

An alternative route today takes us through the Mostnica Gorge; this route is more likely if the weather is poor as it is less exposed.

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Ascent: 984ft (300m); Descent: 984ft (300m); Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast

The beautiful, forested area of Pokljuka, visible from Lake Bled, is stunning. Virtually uninhabited, it is home to alpine cows, rolling pastures, shepherd huts, forest trails and lovely open views of the surrounding peaks. Time stands still on Pokljuka, enabling wildflowers to flourish; the flora and fauna of the high plateau is unique to this area and bird life is abundant. There is a wide variety of trails with many possibilities for the day’s hike. Our guide will determine the route based on the weather and the group’s ability during the week.

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Ascent: 1,476ft (450m); Descent: 1,476ft (450m); Activity hours: 6

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our tour ends after breakfast. We bid a fond farewell to our pension, which may well feel like a second home by now, and begin our return journey home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

All walks are on well-maintained paths, although some may have loose stones underfoot. Each day there will be some ascent and descent (maximum: 2,295ft/700m; average: 1,640ft/500m). Generally, you should expect to walk between four and six hours a day, plus stops.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Start hotel: Pension Kunstelj, Gorenjska cesta 9, 4240 Radovljica
Phone: +386 4 531 51 78
Recommended arrival time: Check-in is normally from 3pm. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Ljubljana Airport (LJU)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Radovljica
Location end: Radovljica

Vaccinations and Health

Slovenia

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

Slovenia

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Slovenia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and three dinners are included.

The location where the group will have their third dinner will be decided on tour according to the group’s preferences.

Breakfast: Continental with tea, coffee, cereal, bread and a selection of meats and cheeses, jams and yoghurt.
Lunch: Will usually be in a mountain hut. Options can be limited, but all meals are cooked from scratch using fresh local ingredients and will include hearty soups and juice made from wild berries and elderflower.
Evening meal: This will consist of three courses. The main dishes can be risotto, cheese dishes, fish, spaghetti and grilled meat. The guesthouse uses delicious salads and vegetables from the gardens plus other locally sourced produce. Three dinners at the pension are included, for the other nights you’re free to enjoy the restaurants in Radovljica.

Vegetarians are well catered for, but please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements.

Weather

Slovenia has a mixed alpine climate with summer temperatures of 18C-25C (64F-77F). In the mountains, cool mornings are normally followed by warm pleasant days, with temperatures in the Alps ideal for walking. During summer, afternoon showers reduce the humidity, giving way to clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

TRIP

TVL - Walking the Slovenian Alps

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

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Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Pension Kunstelj, a pension in Radovljica

We stay in Pension Kunstelj, which dates to 1873 and is run by the fourth generation of the Štiherle family. The 10-room accommodation sits in the most protected historic town in Slovenia, Radovljica, where there are plenty of restaurants and bars for the nights when dinner is not included.

It has a large terrace with views across the valley to the surrounding peaks, including Triglav in the far distance, and to the rear of the property is a large vegetable plot, where you might see staff picking fruit and salads for dinner in the evening. The family also keep bees, whose honey is sold locally.

TRIP

TVL - Walking the Slovenian Alps

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

anthony zwart

Reviewed October 2024

The hidden gem of hiking in Europe!

Brilliant trip, Slovenia is the hidden gem of hiking in Europe. Far away from the crowds of the Amalfi Coast, Dolomites and Mont Blanc you have uninterrupted days to yourself on the mountains peaks!

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiking along the boarder of Austria and Slovenia was the best day. 360 degree views!

Thoughts on Group Leader

we had 2 Marsha and Hana. Both really passionate about their home country and hiking. Really engaging with the group. Having 2 leaders was essential as some of the group struggled on a couple of the days so one of the leaders would take them a different/easier route to the lunch spot so everyone was well looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes before you go! the walks were harder than what some members of the group was expecting and they struggled a bit. Get in your training before you go!

Angela Jordan

Reviewed July 2024

Not as advertised

The walks were incredibly slow, and the distance covered (especially days 2, 3 and 4) are far less then the plan. 15 miles instead of the advertised +25 and that is being generous. On a day when we started early (830 is not early) to try and beat the rain, in a period of 2hours 30mins covering less than 2.2 miles I was stopped for 1 hour 10mins waiting for others. Hotel was appalling, I had room by road, the binman turned up before 7 on one day and parked under the window!

Most Inspirational Moment

Final day when guides added an extra peak, views amazing (Brda and Debela Pac)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent- both guides did their best and shared that they have informed exodus about the lower mileage

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are active and looking for a walking holiday, don't book this trip. Very disappointed

Marion Tyrrell

Reviewed June 2024

Excellent walking in a beautiful country

A good choice of walks around lakes and up to waterfalls and mountain ridges. Lunches in the huts were variable – we mostly chose soup and bread.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the peak of Golica and admiring the views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alec is very knowledgeable and proud of his country. He swapped days and modified routes to reflect the weather and ensure we had the best views. Good sense of humour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for changeable weather - bring an umbrella! The food in the huts is quite limited - we chose soup and bread most days. Slovenian wine is surprisingly good (mostly) and cheap.

Marin Popa

Reviewed July 2022

an enjoyable walking week in a quiet and green place

Various enjoyable hikes in green and beautiful scenery – lakes, gorges, woods, mountain peaks.
The base was at Kunstelj Pension, a well-run two-star pension situated in the quiet and picturesque Radovljica.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The experience was enhanced by the exceptional leadership offered by Buggy & Rock, our two guides. Professionally, they seamlessly adapted each day’s trip to the changes in the weather and to the ability of the group. With good storytelling, they gave noteworthy information about the geography and the history of the places visited, and they were always calm, helpful, relaxed, good-humoured, and friendly. They love what they do and we felt good in their company.

Helen French

Reviewed July 2019

Hiking in Beautiful Slovenia-don't miss it.

Slovenia is friendly place with unspoilt scenery in the lakes and mountains of the Julian Alps. The group of 15 members of wide age range from UK,USA and Canada gelled really quickly Five days of varied walks including low level at lake Bled and two different mountain ascents to 1800m and 2000m. All at a steady pace and achieved by all the group members. We had hearty soups and delicious strudels at rustic mountain refuges. The base in Radovljica was central family run hotel conveniently located in the old town.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the hill on the Poljuka Plateau with views of Triglav mountain and into Austria.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Katija and Alaj were a great team both with good sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some hiking in your local hills before you do the trip.

Gordon Brown

Reviewed June 2019

Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia

Brilliant walking holiday (my first with Exodus) with some challenging walks and a group of 15 that got on so well with each other.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of BRDA with spectacular views of the Julian Alps

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2 group leaders who were highly professional and experts in their field.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Put your trust in the walk leaders and you will not go wrong.

Jacky Wilson

Reviewed June 2019

Beautiful country

Slovenia is beautiful – clean, green, unspoilt, with beautiful lakes, waterfalls and mountains.

The hotel is great with excellent evening meals and lovely views.Rooms are spacious with a really good shower and comfortable bed. The staff are very friendly.

Radovljica is an excellent base for the week – the old town is pretty with a few decent restaurants, an ice cream shop (!) and regular buses to Bled, Ljubljana etc. Buses are cheap.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing to the viewpoint above Lake Bled and taking in that stunning view. Admiring the thundering waterfalls and flower-filled meadows

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bugy and Aleš were expert mountain guides and a good laugh.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A short city break in Ljubljana before the week’s walking starts is highly recommended - say from the Thursday. You’ll be too tired afterwards! Take poles! If you can fit in two pairs, both lightweight shoes and boots with ankle support are useful. Boots are essential. The easy (lake) walks really are easy and the harder (mountain) walks really are hard, harder than other Level 3 holidays I have been on. Three of the walks aren’t great if you’re not good with heights.

Karla Bascaran

Reviewed September 2018

Slovenia mountain and lakes

Very beautiful nice hikes would rather not have rest day trip to short.

Most Inspirational Moment

Slovenia is a very beautiful country very clean

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mary Bambrough

Reviewed July 2018

A clean, green, mountainous country.

Loved the airy, uncrowded mountain walks with profuse meadow flowers and views of rocky pinnacles. The two lakes were also incredibly picturesque and not spoilt. We enjoyed the family-run accommodation, food and wine as well. The day in Ljubljana was enjoyable (despite pouring rain) but I personally enjoyed the small town with its church, old houses, bee-keeping museum, wine merchant and ice cream parlour just as much.

Most Inspirational Moment

Suddenly coming upon a fabulous mountain view after a steep walk up through meadows.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two very assured and competent leaders. They knew their patch very well. I felt I was in safe hands at all times whether they were leading walks or driving us, and when they suggested a variation to a walk they were right. They also had a good sense of humour. They worked hard at the various huts, taking our orders and bringing them, to avoid potential language problems.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks are not difficult overall in terms of length and terrain, but do be prepared for some steep gradients from time to time on the mountain days. They are well worth it but require quite a lot of puff!

Peter Norris

Reviewed July 2018

Slovenia - yes; Exodus - maybe

This was part of a first trip to Slovenia. I’d definitely return. Whether I’d go with Exodus is another matter.
The pluses: the base (Radovljica) is a very pleasant town. I’m glad we were there rather than Bled, which is on the cusp of getting over-touristed. The hotel (to which we were transferred three days before the holiday) was good (probably better than the first choice). Generally, I liked the food.

Less good: I was a little disappointed with the balance of the walks (though because I was unwell I ducked out of one day that might have been spectacular). Two waterfall walks were pleasant but rather similar to each other. A walk around Lake Bled was taken in the company of hundreds of others. I’d have liked at least one day walking from the hotel rather than driving to somewhere allegedly more spectacular.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing chamois at nearly 2000 metres. Or maybe they were ibex. We asked one of our guides which they were but, rather than taking a dozen steps and looking at them, she asked whether they had long horns. Subsequent research indicates that female ibex and chamois have similar horns.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two leaders. They led us efficently, sorted out lunchtime bills without fuss, were prompt and personable. They obviously have a great love for Slovenia and nature, but what I found frustrating in retrospect is that they said very little about the flora and landscape we were walking through, and the animals and birds we might see. Possibly this is a language issue, though their English was good (and, of course, far better than anybody's Slovenian).

Read All Reviews

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Walking the Slovenian Alps

4.4/5 from

8 Days Excluding Flights

8 Days from

£ 1799

Walking the Slovenian Alps

Discover some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe on a walking adventure in the Julian Alps

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Radovljica Radovljica

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Joining Instructions

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

Slovenia

Visa

Slovenia

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Pension Kunstelj, a pension in Radovljica

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Trip Experts

Vivien Urban

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

The hidden gem of hiking in Europe!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not as advertised

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Excellent walking in a beautiful country

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

an enjoyable walking week in a quiet and green place

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hiking in Beautiful Slovenia-don't miss it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beautiful country

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Slovenia mountain and lakes

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

A clean, green, mountainous country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Slovenia - yes; Exodus - maybe

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

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