Hiking Slovenia’s Via Alpina

Day 1: ARRIVAL – JEZERSKO

The Via Alpina Trail represents some of the best hiking Slovenia has to offer. With its idyllic location in a basin between the towering Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Karawanks Mountain Range on the Austrian border, the small romantic town of Jezersko will be the starting point for your trail. You will spend the next two nights here.

Day 2: JEZERSKO – ČEŠKA KOČA – JEZERSKO

Stage distance: 7 km of the circular route in 5 h (moderate level), Ascent: 640 m
Let’s warm-up with one of the most popular hiking trails of Slovenia: a climb just above the tree line will lead you to the popular Češka koča mountain hut, one of the oldest alpine huts in Slovenia (over 100 years old). Once you reach your destination you will be able to appreciate an exceptional view of two parallel valleys. Your return route will take you across the Shepherds’ lake (“Planšarkso jezero”) back to Jezersko. Accommodation in Jezersko.

Day 3: JEZERSKO – GOLI VRH – JEZERSKO – PREDDVOR

Stage distance: 14 km in 6 h (moderated/difficult level), Ascent: 700 m; Descent: 700 m;
Today you will hike the north face of the Kamnik Alps: Goli Vrh. A walk through the meadow and forest will take you to the incredible viewpoint over the Jezersko valley. With one foot in Slovenia and the other in Austria, you will enjoy a splendid view of the Mt Grintovec area. After returning to the hotel, you will be transferred to the small town of Preddvor. Night in Preddvor.

Day 4: PREDDVOR – JACOB’S CHURCH – HUDIČEV BORŠT – PREDDVOR

Short version: Stage duration: approx. 3 h (moderate level); Ascent: 450 m
Long version: Stage duration: approx. 6 h (moderated/difficult level); Ascent: 850 m
It’s time for a little more demanding but wonderful hike full of splendid views. It begins with the ascent to the church of St Jacob, which back in the days of Turkish incursions served as a shelter. The walk continues through the deep spruce forest and steep alpine meadows that cover the slopes to Hudičev boršt, where you can enjoy a picnic at the cabin. After a full day of hiking, you can cool off at Črnava Lake just before returning to your hotel. Night in Preddvor.

Day 5: Day 5: PREDDVOR – LJUBELJ – BEGUNJE

Stage distance: 12 km in 4 h (moderate level), Ascent: 250 m; Descent: 700 m
Transfer to the starting point in Ljubelj, on the border with Austria. From here, the trail leads through a small underground tunnel originally dug by merchants to reduce the travel time between Carniola and Carinthia – two lands of the Hapsburg Empire. As you exit the tunnel, the trail follows the ancient path of shepherds before entering the quiet Draga Valley, which will take you to the historic town of Begunje. Don’t miss the nearby ruins of the Kamen Castle. Accommodation in Begunje.

Hiking Slovenia: Via Alpina takes you to three Alpine Mountain Ranges

Day 6: BEGUNJE – RADOVNA VALLEY – VINTGAR GORGE – BLED

Stage distance: 11 km in 5 h (moderate level), Ascent: 200 m
Breakfast. You will start your daily trek after a transfer through the beautiful Radovna Valley between the Pokljuka and Mežakla plateaus. The car will drop you off at the impressive 1,6 kilometre-long Vintgar Gorge, dug 150 meters deep in the mountains along the Radovna River. The wooden walkway leads through the gorge to the world-famous Lake of Bled. Accommodation in a hotel by the lake.

Day 7: BLED – POKLJUKA – USKOVNICA – LAKE BOHINJ

Stage distance: 12 km in 5 h (moderate), Ascent: 200 m;
Transfer by car to the Pokljuka Plateau for the start of yet another amazing hiking Slovenia has to offer. The route takes you through mountain pastures and ancient farms, passing a viewpoint that offers exceptional views of the Bohinj Valley. As you descend, you can stop at the small historic town of Studor, where you can visit a small ethnographical museum. Your final destination will be Lake Bohinj in the heart of Triglav National Park. Night in the small settlement of Ribčev Laz (Fisherman’s Pass).

Day 8: BOHINJ LAKE – DEPARTURE

End of the trip. Contact us if you want to extension your holidays in Slovenia and try other activities.