High Trails of the Julian Alps

Bled is a uniquely picturesque town sitting on the shores of the glacial Lake Bled and overlooked by the imposing medieval Bled Castle perched atop a rocky ridge. Bled is easily accessible by public transport from Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, just 55km (1hr) away.

If you have time and feel like it, you can stroll around Lake Bled, take a boat trip to the island, visit the pilgrimage church of the Assumption of Mary or explore the Vintgar Gorge.

Optional: hike through the Vintgar Gorge 6.5 km, ascent/descent: 167/271 m

In the morning a short transfer brings you to the starting point for today’s walk, across the heights of the Pokljuka Plateau (1,280m). This warm up hike leads you over verdant mountain pastures filled with alpine flowers and up through silent fir forests. Arriving at the traditional Lipanska Hut your afforded panoramic views over the plateau and Carniola Plain beyond with the summits of the Kamnik Alps rising into the clear blue skies. This is the perfect place to indulge in traditional Slovene stove cooked hiker’s lunch of local organic produce and herbal tea.

In the afternoon the route provides views far across the Karawanke and Bohinj Mountain Range bringing you to Pokljuka, home to famed winter biathalon competitions, and the perfect base for your night amidst the mountain landscape.

Ascent/Descent: 750m/674m

Following breakfast you are ready to tackle the next stage of the walk, deep into the heart of the Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps. The trail slowly ascends to Vodnikov Dom Hut, an ideal place to stop for lunch and to admire the view across to Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain at 2,864m.

The final destination for today is the Planika Hut, situated right beneath Mount Triglav on its southern slopes. If you can tear yourself away from the alpine views which stretch all the way to the Karawanke and the Kamnik Alps on the horizon, you are free to explore the delights of the Planika Hut, your accommodation for the night. Enjoy a sumptuous meal in the restaurant or a warming drink at the bar before settling down to sleep in the shadow of Triglav’s snow-capped summit. Please note that it is only possible to access and check in after 3pm at the hut.

Please note that this morning your main luggage will be collected from the Pokljuka accommodation and is safely stored at our local partners head office in Bled until you reach Bohinj at the end of the walk on day 6. You will not have access to it until then, so make sure you have everything you need in your backpack for the next few days. You will be walking over alpine terrain so it is important to pack as sparingly as possible so you aren't weighted down. Be sure to bring plenty of layers though to be properly equipped for mountainous climate.

Ascent/Descent: 1,285m/237m

Awake for sunrise and you will be rewarded with the changing colours of the snow capped peaks. After a hearty breakfast you commence your walk across the Hribarice Pass (2,358m). You are now in the realm of the sure footed chamois and fearless mountain goats that inhabit the sheer rocky slopes beneath patrolling golden eagles.

Breathe in the crisp, clear air as you walk beneath the surrounding peaks and take a break to admire the beauty of one of the Triglav National Park’s seven lakes, Zeleno Jezro, or Green Lake. The name derives from the high algae content which gives the lake an emerald hue. As you walk onward the view unfolds across the Dolina Triglavskih Jezer, the Valley of the Triglav Lakes.

Ascent/Descent: 288m/993m

Walking west, you will reach Black Lake - the lowest lying lake in the Triglav Lakes Valley. It is named forits location in a basin in the middle of the forest, which stretches right to the edge of the Komarca rock face. It is the warmest of the Triglav lakes. Your day on the trail ends at the traditional Komna Hut, situated right on the Komna Plateau and offering superb views of Lake Bohinj.

Ascent/Descent: 138m/311m

After breakfast a relaxing walk takes you down to the Savica Waterfall, an alpine karst spring which cascades 78m into serene Lake Bohinj. This is the largest lake in Slovenia and the jewel in the heart of the Triglav National Park. Legend says that God gave the humble citizens of the lake the most beautiful part of Slovenia and the location surrounded by the Julian Alps is indeed sublime.

Take a walk along the northern shores to the small village of Ribcev Laz, sit back and relax with a glass of honey brandy or borovnica blueberry schnapps, coupled with a dish of wind cured karst prosciutto ham. In the summer months you can enjoy a refreshing swim in crystal clear water of the lake. Alternatively, you can catch the cable car up Mount Vogel. From top (1,532m) you'll be able to enjoy a perfect panoramic view of the Julian Alps and over the area you have walked on the previous days.

On arrival at your hotel you will be reunited with your main luggage.

Ascent/Descent: 120m/1,117m

Time to rest and enjoy time beside the lake. Alternatively if you are still raring to go then there is the possibility of an additional walk to the Upper Bohinj Valley. Through idyllic villages, you climb to Rudnica Hill, which dominates the valley and offers a farewell view of the lake and the mountains.

Ascent/Descent: 532m/533m

Your adventure finishes after breakfast, though you may wish to add further nights to enjoy the many attractions that Lake Bohinj has to offer or head back to Bled.