Juliana Hiking Trail is a popular long-distance walking route that encircles the Julian Alps in Slovenia and crosses into Italy. It will take you up to two weeks to hike the 267 kilometers and enjoy the gorgeous scenery which includes alpine lakes, high mountain peaks, dense forests and bucolic countryside. You can choose between one- and two-week tours.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO TOLMIN
The Juliana Hiking Trail starts in the alpine town of Tolmin, known for hosting a number of music summer festivals. If you arrive early enough, you can worm up by visiting the amazingly beautiful Tolmin Gorge or the equally charming confluence of Tolminka and Soča Rivers. Don’t forget to try the aromatic local cheese called Tolminc, protected with PDO certification. Night in Tolmin.
DAY 2: TOLMIN – KOBARID
Stage distance: 16 km in 4 h (moderate level), Ascent: 125 m, Descent: 75 m
Follow the emerald Soča River from Tolmin to the historic town of Kobarid. The trail runs through a number of small villages which lie at the foot of the spiky mount Krn. Its slopes saw gory battles during WWI and gave this area its undeniably tough character. If you are interested in this period of history, you should definitely visit the renown WWI Museum in Kobarid. Night in Kobarid.
DAY 3: KOBARID – BOVEC
Stage distance: 20 km in 6 h (easy level), Ascent: 412 m, Descent: 198 m
Start your day with a visit of the beautiful Kozjak, one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Slovenia. This 15-meter water cascade hides inside a stone chamber which gives it truly mysterious and unique characteristics. Continue the Juliana Hiking Trail along the Soča River towards Bovec, a popular activity center. On the way, you will pass another amazing waterfall – Boka. With a total height of 144 meters and width of 18 meters, Boka stands out as one of the most majestic waterfalls in Europe, especially during the spring months, when melting snow rushes down from the steep mountains. Night in Bovec.
DAY 4: BOVEC – LOG POD MANGARTOM
Stage distance: 11 km in 3 h (medium level), Ascent: 340 m, Descent: 151 m
If you are feeling adventures, you can opt for one of the many adrenaline activities offered by local agencies in Bovec, including rafting, kayaking, zip-line and canyoning. In the afternoon head towards the mighty Kluže Fortress which used to guard the border between the Kingdom of Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Before the day ends, you will get to the pretty village of Log pod Mangartom where you will spend the night.
Follow the Juliana Hiking Trail
and encircle the gorges Julian Alps
DAY 5: LOG POD MANGARTOM – PREDIL PASS – TARVISIO
Stage distance: 21 km in 5 h (difficult level), Ascent: 767 m, Descent: 659 m
After a few days of relatively easy hiking, it is time for a more challenging climb. The trail will lead you over the Predil Pass and from there into Italy. On the way you will get the chance to observe incredible views of Mt. Mangart, the third highest peak in Slovenia and swim in the refreshing Predil Lake. Passing through the once important ore town of the same name you will reach Tarvisio by nightfall.
DAY 6: TARVISIO – KRANJSKA GORA
Stage distance: 19 km in 5 h (easy level), Ascent: 181 m, Descent: 123 m
After breakfast follow the old railway route back into Slovenia. We definitely recommend taking a short detour to visit the simply breathtaking Fusine Lakes lying on the other side of Mt. Mangart. After lunch at one of the restaurants offering local food, continue towards Kranjska Gora, stopping at the charming Zelenci natural reserve, spring of the Sava River. Night in Kranjska Gora.
DAY 7: KRANJSKA GORA – MOJSTRANA – BLED
Stage distance: 17 km in 5 h (medium level), Ascent: 233 m, Descent: 403 m
After breakfast continue walking along the old railway route towards the town of Mojstrana. The path is gorgeous and offers great views of the Julain Alps, including the spiky Mt. Špik. Once you get to Mosjtrana, we will transfer you to the famous alpine resort of Bled where you can chill, swim in its turquoise lake or visit the fairy-tale castle.
DAY 8: BLED
You can end the trip here or you continue along the Juliana Hiking Trail for one more week. If you choose to do the full circle, you might want to take a day off and simply relax on the shores of Lake Bled. If you still have enough strength, you can visit the nearby Vintgar Gorge or climb the Ojstrica Hill which offers great views of the lake.
You can do half of the tour,
or walk the full circle in two weeks
DAY 9: BLED – POKLJUKA PLATEAU
Stage distance: 21 km in 7 h (medium level), Ascent: 866 m, Descent: 91 m
After two nights in Bled, you will want to escape the crowds and head back to the woods. The vast Pokljuka Plateau offers just that. After a long day hike, you will get to spend a night in a true alpine village surrounded by dense spruce forest.
DAY 10: POKLJUKA PLATEAU – BOHINJ VALLEY
Stage distance: 22 km in 5 h (medium level), Ascent: 280 m, Descent: 1005 m
From Pokljuka Plateau descent to the beautiful Bohinj Valley, truly one of the must-visit places in Slovenia. Along the way you will pass a number of alpine villages and see traditional local hayrack (kozolec in Slovene). At the end of the day, reword yourself with a jump into the cool Bohinj Lake, the largest one in Slovenia.
DAY 11: BOHINJ VALLEY – BOHINJSKA BISTRICA
Stage distance: 11 km in 2,5 h (easy level), Ascent: 103 m, Descent: 151 m
We recommend you to spend most of the day by the Bohinj Lake, where you can relax, swim and rent a canoe or a SUP board. Later, take a leisurely walk towards the town of Bohinjska Bistrica. If you still have some time on your hands, you can visit the thermal spa at your hotel or enjoy a local dinner at one of the traditional restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to taste mohant, a gourmet cheese from the Bohinj Valley.
DAY 12: BOHINJSKA BISTRICA – PODBRDO
Stage distance: 14 km in 8 h (difficult level), Ascent: 1010 m, Descent: 1208 m
It’s time for some serious hiking again. Today, the Juliana Hiking Trail will take you over the high pass of Baško sedlo. The climb is steep, but it offers amazing views of the Alps in return. After lunch at the top, you will descent to the quiet town of Podbrdo, nestled in the narrow Bača Valley.
DAY 13: PODBRDO – GRAHOVO
Stage distance: 17 km in 6,5 h (difficult level), Ascent: 1308 m, Descent: 879 m
This rather difficult stage of the trail is also probably the most tranquil one, as the visitors rarely stumble into these parts of Slovenia. You will get the chance to explore the last hidden sections of the Alps and chat with locals about their lifestyle in the remote hills above the Bača River.
DAY 14: GRAHOVO – MOST NA SOČI – TOLMIN
Stage distance: 22 km in 6 h (moderate/easy level), Ascent: 884 m, Descent: 1013 m
Continue your hike through the remote Baška Valley. Along the way, you will learn that this was the filming location of the very first Slovenian feature film, shot here back in 1947/48. By the end of the day, you will reach the Soča River again, which will complete your hiking circle around the Alps. Follow the emerald river from Most na Soči to Tolmin.
DAY 15: TOLMIN – END OF TRIP
You made it! You walked the full circle around the Julian Alps! You can stay a few more days in the Soča Valley or continue along another famous long-distance path: the Alpe-Adria Trail which spans across three countries and also crosses Tolmin.
Send inquiry from 1.030,00 € per person
