Hiking in Slovenia

Nestled between Austria and Italy, Slovenia is a superb hiking destination, from the ridgetop trails that cross the snow-capped Julian Alps to stunning Logarska Dolina, a glacier-carved valley flanked by the sheer peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. As we make our way from the mountains to the sea, we discover tranquil alpine paths above treeline, follow riverside trails through dramatic canyons, hike beside mountain-ringed lakes, and delight in Slovenia’s traditional villages and historic towns, including Kobarid, immortalized in Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. Our trip ends on the shimmering blue Adriatic, where the Venetian port of Piran beckons us with its Gothic-Venetian architecture, tiny squares, and waterfront cafes.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Ljubljana, Slovenia / Ptuj

After a walking tour of Ljubljana, one of Europe’s smallest and most charming capitals, we head to the red-roofed city of Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town, known for its hilltop castle and Roman past. We enjoy lunch in a wine cellar and a walk in the pedestrian-friendly medieval center.

Days 3-4
Logarska Dolina National Park

The remarkable glacial valley of Logarska Dolina, one of Europe’s most dramatic natural settings, is dotted with tiny churches and farmsteads dating back hundreds of years. We hike through emerald meadows and forests to the 300-foot-high Rinka Waterfall and feast our eyes on the towering limestone peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.

Days 5-6
Radovljica / Lake Bled / Lake Bohinj

We explore the lovely town of Radovljica, with its Renaissance-era architecture, then hike through the steep Vintgar Gorge, where the blue-green waters of the Radovna River flow in cascades. A gondola ride brings us across the fairytale setting of Lake Bled to reach its 17th century island-church. From serene Lake Bohinj on Day 6, surrounded by the highest peaks in the Julian Alps, we savor a hike through the sun-dappled canyon of the Mostnica Gorge along a meandering jade-green river.

Days 7-8
Kobarid / Mt. Krn / Dreznica

On the western side of the Julian Alps, we enter an Old World realm of tiny villages, translucent rivers, and deep forests that formed the infamous Soca Front during World War I. One of our hikes brings us into the beautiful Vrata Valley, and another traces a route below snow-capped Mt. Krn (7,300'),with a descent to the peaceful village of Dreznica. Overnights are in charming Kobarid, a small town set below the mighty ramparts of Mt. Krn and forever associated with Hemingway.

Days 9-11
Piran

We head along the deep canyon of the Soca River, passing through wine country en route to the vast underground world of the Skocjan Caves, an amazing natural wonder and World Heritage Site. Our journey finishes in delightful Piran, whose medieval Old Town of fantastic Venetian-style architecture is spread along a peninsula jutting into the blue Adriatic. Our Piran explorations include the nature reserve at Secovlje, with its marshes, wading birds, and ancient salt flats criss-crossed with channels. Depart on Day 11 via Ljubljana.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate. It is a hiking journey with day hikes of three to five hours on most days over moderate to steep mountain terrain. You will carry just a daypack on the hikes. The hiking itinerary is planned as we have described it in the preceding pages. However, as in any mountain trip, we will remain flexible with regard to weather and other local conditions in choosing our routes. Most of our driving is on narrow mountain roads. We have several days with early starts (ready to go by 8 a.m.!). The food in Slovenia is varied and excellent. Logarska Dolina and Bohinj have an Austrian influence, while the Soca River and Adriatic regions are Italian in style, with seafood and pasta. Wine is excellent throughout the country. In the north, there are mostly dry white wines, and as we approach the coast, more reds are produced in the Vipava Valley and the coast. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 PM. We stay in a variety of hotels, from a chalet-style lodge in Logarska to a family-run hotel in Kobarid.

Explanation of Trip Levels