High Trails of the Julian Alps

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Hut to Hut Walking | Walk from hut to hut, changing accommodation each night

Activity Level & Terrain

This walk is graded strenuous and includes daily walks of between 8 and 14 kms and ascents of up to 1,300m following footpaths, tracks and mountain paths. Due to the nature of the terrain in Slovenia, and the fact that paths are not as well looked after as in other alpine countries you may find that some paths can be blocked with overgrown tree roots etc. and care is required when negotiating the paths, paying close attention to your feet as the paths are very rugged.

Some of the ascents and descents are steep and are exposed so require a good head for heights and surefootedness. There is one section of Via Ferrata which is about 10 metres long and involves using a steel rope to navigate your way along a narrow ledge. You should have a good level of fitness and be an experienced alpine walker to get the most from this holiday. The itinerary would not be suitable for anyone under the age of 16 or anyone suffering from vertigo or a fear of heights.

Navigation

We supply you with turn by turn route notes and detailed maps so you will have no problem following the route each day. You will be walking in the high mountains and the ability to navigate with a map and compass in the event of bad weather is recommended. You will also have access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS so you will have no problems finding the way. You can simply download the GPX tracks to your phone for offline use and off you go!

• Accommodation for 4 nights in comfortable 3 or 4* hotels
• Accommodation for 3 nights in traditional alpine huts in dormitory-style rooms with linen included
• Daily breakfasts
• Baggage transfers (one 20kgs bag per person) between each overnight location (please note it is necessary to carry a day pack containing all overnight requirements for days 3-6 at the mountain huts)
• Detailed information pack provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
• Access to Macs Adventure Smartphone App containing GPX route tracks, map, and notes
• 24/7 telephone support from our offices and local partner
• Transfer on day 2 as per itinerary
• Welcome meeting on the morning of day 2 (8am) with our local partner
• Secure storage of main luggage on days 3-6 whilst at the mountain huts

• Travel to Bled and from Lake Bohinj
• Travel insurance (required)
• Entrance fees and cable car (to be paid locally)
• Personal equipment
• Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
• Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
• Luggage transfers whilst staying in the mountain huts

• Extra night/s along the route
• Private airport transfers (minimum 2 persons)
• Hotel room upgrades in Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj
• Single room supplement (available for hotel nights only)

When To Go

The best months for walking are in the summer months between July and September when the wild flowers are in still in bloom, the weather is usually fair and the higher alpine trails are mostly clear of snow. It should be noted however that the weather in the mountains is changeable and therefore you should be well prepared for all weather conditions including the occasional thunderstorm. There can also occasionally still be some snow in the early season. We do provide a detailed equipment list for the tour so that you are prepared.

Getting to the Start

Bled is located just 55km from Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. Many low cost airlines fly into Ljubljana Airport including Easyjet, Wizz Air, and Flybe. From the airport: You can take a taxi straight from the airport to Bled which is the cheapest option. If you prefer to have something pre-arranged, it is possible to book our optional airport transfer service from Ljubljana Airport to Bled (1hr). Alternatively take the airport bus to Ljubljana (45mins) and a connecting service to Bled (2 hours total). A good resource to check the schedules is the Slovenian Bus website.

Getting from the End

Bohinj has a railway station in Bohinjska Bistrica, 5 km from your hotel. It is on the Jesenice - Nova Gorica sideline, and only a few trains a day. From the village of Ribcev Laz there are buses to Ljubljana (2hrs) whereupon connecting buses serve Ljubljana Airport (45mins). A good resource to check timetables and fares is the Slovenian Travel Information website.

Luggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. On days 3, 4, 5 and 6 when you walking to and from the mountain huts it is necessary to carry a day pack containing all your overnight requirements. After your main bags are collected in Pokljuka you are reunited with them when you arrive at your accommodation in Lake Bohinj. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and trousers), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack. 

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.