Lakes and Valleys Self-guided Walking Holidays

Arrival at Bled where you settle in and meet a member of our team who will give you the rundown on your holiday and supply you with detailed information. Questions will be answered and a warm welcome guaranteed. If you arrive at Bled early, we suggest you take a stroll around the famous lake to get a feel for what’s to come, there are also some ideas below.

Your first day is an outstanding introduction into your walking adventure. It will be spent exploring Slovenia’s most prized tourist attraction, Lake Bled, and its surroundings. It’s where history and natural splendour join forces to create a fairy-tale: A castle on a cliff, a church on an island, and the lovely mountainous backdrops, to list just a few. You can visit the nearby Vintgar Gorge to marvel at its famous rock formations, visit Slovenia’s oldest castle overlooking Lake Bled and/or hike up to the Ojstrica Hill for some panoramic views. Nice and easy to start with, yet absolutely fabulous right from the get-go.

This day starts with a short drive to a popular mountain climbing basecamp called Rudno Polje, where you can make a circle hike along forest trails with views of the surrounding mountains. The path will lead you through the authentic shepherd’s mountain pastures of Zajavornik, home to extremely tasty locally produced cheese, then up to the Bled Hut sightseeing point with a great panoramic photo ops (1 hour walk uphill from Zajavornik). If you have enough energy and enthusiasm left, you can continue to the top of Mrežce or Debela peč, from where a 1-1.5-hour hike separates you from an exceptional view of the Pokljuka Plateau in the south and Triglav and the surrounding mountains in the north. By the way, Pokljuka is Slovenia’s most famous forested plateau with gorgeous meadows and a popular biathlon hub.  

The fourth day is time to drive deeper into Triglav National Park, more precisely to Lake Bohinj, a big glacial lake and another symbol of Slovene Alpine beauty. Two main options wait for you there. The shorter one is an easy hike up to the Savica Waterfall, a lovely place tucked away in the forest, while the other is an approx. 1-hour-long hike down the Voje Valley. The trails there lead over bridges that cross this stunning creation that is Mostnica Gorge. The Voje Valley then opens up and crosses shepherding meadows and forests to another pearl called the Mostnica Waterfall. Then it’s back to Lake Bohinj for some relaxation by, in, or on the lake. SUP boards and canoes can be rented for some water fun.

Day five and the adventure continues in style. You will drive through the less-known but fantastically beautiful Radovna Valley, before sightseeing in Krma Valley and its virtually untouched traditional way of life, right in the heart of the Julian Alps. The next highlight will be the Peričnik Waterfall, one of the highest-lying Slovenian waterfalls, where you can literally walk behind it. Following the Triglavska Bistrica stream, the walking trail leads all the way to the head of the Vrata valley, where you will be in awe of the great north face of Mount Triglav. Then it’s a picturesque drive through Mojstrana to Kranjska Gora, your next holiday base.

Kranjska Gora is a sports gem in this part of the region with numerous hiking options available. The one you’ll be heading on is exceptional. You will walk past Lake Jasna, a fantastic emerald lake, a symbol of these parts, then continue through picturesque Pišnica to the rustic settlement of Krnica. The hut in Krnica is surrounded by tower peaks and colossal hills, while the trail leading to it along the Pišnica stream is a refreshing stroll, full of picture-perfect sites.

A circular route then takes you back past the famous Russian Chapel, built by Russian POWs during WWI. This is among the easiest hikes in the Julian Alps that allows you to experience the amazing wilderness of this mountainous land. On our way back, we recommend you stop at Lake Jasna, with its typical white shores and stunning appeal.

The last active day of your holiday starts off with a panoramic drive across Vršič Pass to the other side of the mountain to witness yet another pearl of Slovenia’s Alpine wonderland. The most convenient place to park is in the Trenta Valley, before heading down the Soča Trail, the legendary route that follows the emerald Soča River. The oldest marked trail in Triglav National Park connects the ancient Trenta paths and main picturesque sections of the valley, including cultural monuments and footbridges. Reaching the end, you hitch a ride by local shuttle that takes you back to your car (extra fee). This hiking trip can be extended or cut short, depending on your preference. Time permitting, a delicious lunch in Trenta can be followed by a visit to the Alpine Botanical Garden and/or the source of the Soča, near the sports hub of Bovec.This wonderful day ends with a drive across Vršič to Kranjska Gora for a well-deserved rest.

Departure with a bunch of insanely wonderful memories … Depending on your flight schedule, we will give you some ideas on how to spend the last day.

Why not spend a few more days in Slovenia? Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.