Hiking in the Julian Alps
7 Days Starting in Lake Bohinj, Slovenia and ending in Bled, Slovenia
Visiting: Bohinj Lake, Bovec, Triglav National Park, Julian Alps, Bled
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UJA
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our "Walking in the Julian Alps" tour in Slovenia. Experience the breathtaking scenery of high mountain lakes and rugged limestone peaks, with the option to ascend Mt Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps. Visit the picturesque town of Bled, walk through the Mostnica Gorge and Voje Valley, and explore the stunning Triglav Lakes Valley. Descend to the Trenta Valley and walk along the scenic Soca Trail, with an optional white water rafting experience on the Soca River. Enjoy a mix of accommodations, from cozy mountain huts to charming hotels, and savor hearty mountain cuisine. This self-guided tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Bohinj Lake
Location: Bohinj Lake
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Bohinj Lake
Make your own way to Bohinj Lake, the largest glacier lake in Slovenia at 2km wide and 6km in length. It lies in the centre of the Triglav national park and occupies a dramatic position surrounded by a spectacular mountain ridge. We recommend taking a walk around the lake or a boat ride. In the late afternoon/early evening (around 6pm) there is a welcome meeting at your accommodation in Bohinj Lake.
An arrival transfer from Ljubljana airport to Bohinj can be arranged - supplement applies.
Day 2 : Moderate Hike To Planika Hut (7-8Hrs)
Location: Bovec
Accommodation Name: Planika Hut
Meals Included: Dinner
Your main luggage will be transferred to Bovec so you will need to repack your hiking gear into your rucksack this morning. The walk begins by following the Mostnica stream to reach the Mostnica Gorge, where you will pass through a series of limestone canyons. There are some excellent views to the cascades and rapids before the trail opens out to the Voje Valley. This section of the walk passes by meadows and small settlements and then through a beautiful forest to reach the Grintovica alpine meadow at around 1170m. As you ascend the views open out to the surrounding craggy peaks. You should take a break at Vodnikov hut (1817m) where lunch can be purchased, before continuing along the flanks of Vernar peak (2225m). A further walk of just under two hours you will bring you to your overnight accommodation at Planika hut (at 2401m).
Overnight mountain hut.
Day 3 : Optional Mt Triglav Ascent, Triglav Lakes Valley Walk (5-6Hrs Hike)
Location: Triglav National Park
Accommodation Name: Triglav Lakes Valley Hut
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning (early) you have the option (highly recommended) to ascend Mt Triglav which takes around 3-4 hours return. It is an intermediate level climb, not very technical, but it has some steep and exposed sections with steel ropes (ferrata route) fixed along the ridge line and steps to the top. The path is very rocky with a lot of scree. Traversing the ridgeline allows for magnificent views over the area weather permitting. If you would like to take this option it must be pre-booked and pre-paid. The guide will meet you in the morning at Planika Hut.
The main walk today (5-6hrs) is to the Triglav lakes valley hut where you spend the night. The trail has some steep sections traversing narrow ledges where a handrail has been installed. As you continue you will cross the Dolic saddle (2164m), before reaching the windswept Hribarice plateau. Soon after you will enter the Triglav Lakes Valley which was formed along a geological fault. The vegetation of green meadows and scattered trees is in stark contrast to the limestone crags above. Overnight mountain hut (approx 1450m).
*the main walk today is 5-6hrs, and there is the optional Via Ferrate guided climbing/hike for 3-4 hours as detailed above.
Day 4 : Hut To Hut Walk Through The Julian Alps (8-9Hrs)
Location: Julian Alps
Accommodation Name: Krn Lakes Hut
Meals Included: Dinner
Walking in breathtaking high country, the focus today is mountain splendour and alpine wilderness at its best. The trek continues past Komna hut toward the Bogatin saddle, an area made famous by Hemingway’s “Farewell to Arms”. Enjoy magnificent views before heading down to the Krn Lakes Hut. Overnight mountain hut (approx 1390m).
Day 5 : Trek To Bovec, Afternoon Free To Relax Or White Water Rafting Option (2-3Hrs)
Location: Bovec
Accommodation Name: Small hotel in Bovec
On the final days walk you descend to Trenta Valley and walk along the Soca Trail to Bovec, with panoramic views en route. The Soca River is regarded by many to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. It flows through narrow gorges and over broad gravel beds. Its characteristic turquoise hue and the wild beauty of its rapids and ravines make it a wonderful place to explore. In the afternoon you have the option to take in some white water rafting on the Soca river (the best rafting in Slovenia!) - must be pre-booked, supplement applies. Tonight's accommodation is in a small hotel in Bovec.
Day 6 : By Bus To Bled, Remainder Of The Day Free For Sightseeing
Location: Bled
Transfer from Bovec to Bled by public bus (included, or a private transfer can be arranged - supplement applies. With the private transfer there will be a short stop at the source of river Soca and at the panoramic view point on the highest mountain pass of Julian Alps, Vršic). The route is scenic and through the valley of emerald Soca. The remainder of the day is free for sightseeing in and around Bled. This lovely alpine town is immersed in natural beauty. It is renowned for its climate, thermal lake waters, picturesque island and the mountains which surround it.
Day 7 : In Bled, Trip Concludes
Location: Bled
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast. You may choose to extend your stay in Bled to take advantage of the great outdoor activities on offer including canyoning, kayaking and rock climbing. We can assist with a private transfer to depart on request, please ask for our rates.
What's Included
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Meals
6 breakfasts and 3 dinners (in the mountain huts) - continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, and tea.
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Accommodation
3 nights in small family-run hotels or an apartment with private facilities on a twin-share basis, and 3 nights in mountain huts on a multi-share basis.
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Welcome Meeting
Welcome meeting on day 1 (approx 6pm).
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer from Bohinj to Bovec (where you stay on Day 5) - your main luggage is stored. You will need to carry your gear from day 2 to day 5 as there is no luggage transfer between mountain huts.
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Digital Information Pack
Digital information pack including route notes, maps, and GPX tracks.
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Public Bus Transfer
Public bus from Bovec to Bled on day 6 (or a private transfer can be arranged on request - supplement applies).
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Taxes and VAT
Tourist tax and VAT.
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Emergency Support
Emergency contact number and 24/7 support.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Start and End Points
Travel to and from your home country to the start and end point of the trip.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities including ascent of Mt Triglav (allow approx EUR140pp for 2 people, less for up to 6 people) including guide and helmet and harness hire, and whitewater rafting (around EUR40-45pp with discount for 2-3 hour whitewater rafting).
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Sleeping Sheet
Sleeping sheet (required for the mountain huts).
You can either bring your own or buy single-use sheets at the huts (allow 3-4 EUR per person).
Blankets are provided free of charge at the huts. -
Meals and Beverages
Lunch and dinner daily and all beverages (allow 12-18 EUR per meal).
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature including beverages, laundry, phone calls, etc.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance - mandatory.
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Guide
Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday.
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Luggage Transfer Days 2-5
Luggage transfer days 2-5 - you will need to carry your own gear when staying in the mountain huts, including the ferrata equipment if planning to summit Triglav.
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Optional Arrival Transfer
Optional arrival transfer from Ljubljana (airport) to Bohinj - supplement applies.
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Optional Day 3 Ascent of Mt Triglav
Day 3 optional ascent of Mt Triglav - including guide and gear: helmet and harness hire - can be pre-booked and pre-paid.
Can also be discussed during the welcome briefing and the ferrata equipment is at your disposal to take or not. -
Optional Day 5 White Water Rafting
Day 5 optional white water rafting on the Soca river - supplement applies - must be pre-booked and pre-paid (minimum 2 people).
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Transfers if Skipping a Stage
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.
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Single Room Supplement
A supplement will apply if you book a single room in the guesthouses.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in a combination of 3-star mountain hotels (Bovec & Bled) with en-suite, a 2-3 star apartment in the Bohinj Lake area, and mountain huts. The mountain huts are basic with excellent mountain views, hearty cuisine, and a warm atmosphere. Dorm rooms sleep 5-30 people, usually without showers. Dinners are included in the mountain huts.
Grading
CHALLENGING – GRADE 5
Anyone undertaking a moderate to challenging trip should be aware of the physical and mental demands involved. This trip is designed for experienced walkers who are seeking a challenge. No previous climbing experience is required to undertake this trip. An above average level of fitness is required as days can involve up to 8 hours of strenuous exercise in rugged terrain. You need to be sure footed and have a head for heights as there are some steep drops close to the paths. Weather conditions may be harsh at times (even in summer when afternoon thunderstorms are common), and you will need to be comfortable managing such conditions. We suggest up to one hour of strenuous exercise 3-4 times a week. The best exercise for trekking is bushwalking/hillwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents.
What You Carry
You will need to carry a daypack with your daily and evening requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone, sleeping sheet etc.
Mode of Transport
Transport includes a public bus from Bovec to Bled on day 6, with an option for a private transfer. Luggage transfer is provided from Bohinj to Bovec, but you will need to carry your gear between mountain huts from day 2 to day 5.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation is a mix of 3-star mountain hotels in Bovec and Bled with en-suite facilities, a 2-3 star apartment in the Bohinj Lake area, and basic mountain huts. The mountain huts offer excellent mountain views, hearty cuisine, and a warm atmosphere, but dorm rooms sleep 5-30 people and usually do not have showers. Dinners are included in the mountain huts.
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Will my luggage be transferred during the tour?
Luggage transfer is provided from Bohinj to Bovec. However, you will need to carry your gear between mountain huts from day 2 to day 5.
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Are meals included in the tour?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts and 3 dinners in the mountain huts. Continental breakfasts usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, and tea.
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Is there an option for a private transfer during the tour?
Yes, a private transfer can be arranged from Bovec to Bled on day 6, with a supplement. This transfer includes a short stop at the source of the Soca River and a panoramic view point on the highest mountain pass of the Julian Alps, Vršić.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
You will have access to an emergency contact number and 24/7 support throughout the tour.
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What should I carry in my daypack during the hikes?
You will need to carry a daypack with your daily and evening requirements, including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone, and sleeping sheet.
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Is the ascent of Mt Triglav included in the tour?
The ascent of Mt Triglav is optional and must be pre-booked and pre-paid. It includes a guide and gear such as helmet and harness hire.
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What activities are available on the free afternoon in Bovec?
You have the option to go white water rafting on the Soca River, which is considered the best rafting in Slovenia. This activity must be pre-booked and a supplement applies.
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What is the difficulty level of this tour?
The tour is graded as challenging (Grade 5). It is designed for experienced walkers seeking a challenge, with up to 8 hours of strenuous exercise in rugged terrain. An above-average level of fitness is required.
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What happens if I need to skip a stage of the hike?
Transfers by taxi or public transport can be arranged if you need to skip a stage, but this is not included in the tour price.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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