- Discover Triglav National Park and the Karavanke mountains
- Embark on varied walks over mountains and through forests
- Enjoy a free day to explore Lake Bled or historic Ljubljana
- Stay at a traditional 19th-century Alpine pension
Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia
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Walking & Trekking
Discover some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe on a walking adventure in the Julian Alps
For a walking getaway in Europe without the tourist masses, look no further than the jagged limestone peaks of the Julian Alps. The most easterly extension of the great Alpine range contains some of the best scenery and hiking in Europe, with Mount Triglav (the highest peak in Slovenia) at the centre and the glacial lakes of Bohinj and Bled far below. During the week, we enjoy five varied walks, both inside the national park and on the more distant peaks of the Karavanke range, taking in wild meadows, lake shores, thick forest and wild open mountain ridges.
Highlights
Key Information
- Seven nights in a family-run pension
- Five days of walking, one free day
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Altitude maximum: 6,020ft (1,835m); average: 3,280ft (1,000m)
- Travel by private minibus
- Not recommended for those who suffer with vertigo
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
- Countries visited: Slovenia
What's Included
- All breakfasts and three dinners
- All accommodation
- Free group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Visas and vaccinations
- Single supplement
5 Days of Walking & Trekking
Pace:
Moderate: 3mph-4mph (5kph-6kph)
Terrain:
Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents
Day 2
16 km / 9.9 miles
Day 3
12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 4
14 km / 8.7 miles
Day 6
12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 7
12 km / 7.5 miles
Itinerary
Radovljica Radovljica
Fly to Ljubljana; transfer to Radovljica
We have a late-afternoon arrival at our pension in Radovljica, just 20 minutes’ northeast of the capital, Ljubljana. This is our base for the whole week.
Start Radovljica
Join the group in the early evening at the pension in Radovljica, just 20 minutes’ northeast of the capital Ljubljana. This is our base for the week.
A day exploring the local area direct from the pension
After breakfast, we leave the front door of the pension to explore our surroundings. The medieval town of Radovljica dates back as far as 1296, sitting on the confluence of the Sava Bohinjka and the Sava Dolinka. The old town is full of traditional inns, galleries, churches and surrounded by the largest medieval moats in the country.
The local area is extremely pretty, dotted with small churches, quaint villages, lush forests and a beautiful river. Our leader will decide the exact route depending on the weather, but walking to Lake Bled is our most likely route, a perfect warm up through gentle rolling farmland and pretty villages.
Hike into the Martuljek Gorge, visiting two waterfalls en route
Starting at the small village of Gozd Martuljek, we are rewarded with a panorama of the Špik mountain range. One of the most beautiful mountains in the Julian Alps, Mount Špik (8,110/2,472m) is known at the Slovenian Matterhorn and its pyramid summit dominates the Martuljek range.
Leaving the valley, our forest trail takes us into Martuljek Gorge, where we slowly start our ascent following the stream, arriving at the Lower Fall, which cascades into the valley. The trail snakes through the forest arriving at our rest stop where we can enjoy the view. Lipovceva Hut has a lovely setting with an open natural kitchen serving mountain soups and juices made in-house from pine, elderflower and berries.
From here we head up to the Higher Falls, passing a monument dedicated to Slovenian climbers. This is a lovely walk into the gorge, suitable in all weathers and offering fine views of two beautiful waterfalls.
A picturesque walk in the Karavanke mountains to the peak of Golica
The Karavanke mountains are the natural and official border between central and western Europe and the meeting point of Slovenia, Austria and Italy. The range has a great effect on the climate of Slovenia, hence the soft southern Slovene side in comparison to the harsh northern side in Austria. Here we find an abundance of alpine fauna and flora, with more than 1,200 plant species, plus wonderful views into two naturally contrasting countries. We aim for Golica (6,023ft/1,836m), part of the longest ridge in Slovenia (75mi/120km) and one of the least travelled trails in the area.
Free day for optional activities including riding horses, rafting, visiting Bled or the capital Ljubljana
Radovljica itself has plenty of possibilities for the rest day. Alternatively, it’s a short bus ride to Lake Bled, where we can hire rowing boats and canoes to explore. Alternatively, take the public bus into the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Another popular alternative is Postojna Cave Park, home to one of the largest cave systems in Europe.
A gentle and scenic hike around the shores of Lake Bohinj
Today’s walk is flat but incredibly pretty. This circular route takes in the whole of Lake Bohinj and the pretty village of Ribcav Laz, home to the well-known church of St John the Baptist. There are open views all the way to Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia. Lake Bohinj is also surrounded by a ring of mountains so even though you are in the valley there is plenty to see.
An alternative route today takes us through the Mostnica Gorge; this route is more likely if the weather is poor as it is less exposed.
A day walking on the Pokljuka Plateau
The beautiful, forested area of Pokljuka, visible from Lake Bled, is stunning. Virtually uninhabited, it is home to alpine cows, rolling pastures, shepherd huts, forest trails and lovely open views of the surrounding peaks. Time stands still on Pokljuka, enabling wildflowers to flourish; the flora and fauna of the high plateau is unique to this area and bird life is abundant. There is a wide variety of trails with many possibilities for the day’s hike. Our guide will determine the route based on the weather and the group’s ability during the week.
Transfer to Ljubljana, fly to London.
The morning is free for us to relax at our base or by the lakeside of Bled. Before departing for the airport.
End Radovljica
Our tour ends after breakfast. We bid a fond farewell to our pension, which may well feel like a second home by now, and begin our return journey home.
Pension Kunstelj, a two-star pension in Radovljica
We stay in Pension Kunstelj, which dates to 1873 and is run by the fourth generation of the Štiherle family. The 10-room accommodation sits in the most protected historic town in Slovenia, Radovljica, where there are plenty of restaurants and bars for the nights when dinner is not included.
It has a large terrace with views across the valley to the surrounding peaks, including Triglav in the far distance, and to the rear of the property is a large vegetable plot, where you might see staff picking fruit and salads for dinner in the evening. The family also keep bees, whose honey is sold locally.
Trip Experts
Vivien Urban
Product Manager Europe
Reviews
Add your own reviewan enjoyable walking week in a quiet and green place
Various enjoyable hikes in green and beautiful scenery – lakes, gorges, woods, mountain peaks.
The base was at Kunstelj Pension, a well-run two-star pension situated in the quiet and picturesque Radovljica.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The experience was enhanced by the exceptional leadership offered by Buggy & Rock, our two guides. Professionally, they seamlessly adapted each day’s trip to the changes in the weather and to the ability of the group. With good storytelling, they gave noteworthy information about the geography and the history of the places visited, and they were always calm, helpful, relaxed, good-humoured, and friendly. They love what they do and we felt good in their company.
Hiking in Beautiful Slovenia-don't miss it.
Slovenia is friendly place with unspoilt scenery in the lakes and mountains of the Julian Alps. The group of 15 members of wide age range from UK,USA and Canada gelled really quickly Five days of varied walks including low level at lake Bled and two different mountain ascents to 1800m and 2000m. All at a steady pace and achieved by all the group members. We had hearty soups and delicious strudels at rustic mountain refuges. The base in Radovljica was central family run hotel conveniently located in the old town.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the top of the hill on the Poljuka Plateau with views of Triglav mountain and into Austria.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Katija and Alaj were a great team both with good sense of humour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do some hiking in your local hills before you do the trip.
Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia
Brilliant walking holiday (my first with Exodus) with some challenging walks and a group of 15 that got on so well with each other.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the top of BRDA with spectacular views of the Julian Alps
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had 2 group leaders who were highly professional and experts in their field.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Put your trust in the walk leaders and you will not go wrong.
Beautiful country
Slovenia is beautiful – clean, green, unspoilt, with beautiful lakes, waterfalls and mountains.
The hotel is great with excellent evening meals and lovely views.Rooms are spacious with a really good shower and comfortable bed. The staff are very friendly.
Radovljica is an excellent base for the week – the old town is pretty with a few decent restaurants, an ice cream shop (!) and regular buses to Bled, Ljubljana etc. Buses are cheap.
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing to the viewpoint above Lake Bled and taking in that stunning view. Admiring the thundering waterfalls and flower-filled meadows
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bugy and Aleš were expert mountain guides and a good laugh.
Advice for Potential Travellers
A short city break in Ljubljana before the week’s walking starts is highly recommended - say from the Thursday. You’ll be too tired afterwards! Take poles! If you can fit in two pairs, both lightweight shoes and boots with ankle support are useful. Boots are essential. The easy (lake) walks really are easy and the harder (mountain) walks really are hard, harder than other Level 3 holidays I have been on. Three of the walks aren’t great if you’re not good with heights.
Suggestions
It was quite expensive compared to other holidays as no picnics were provided and only 3 dinners. On all other Exodus holidays, We have had picnics provided. Mountain huts serve soup, or soup, or soup and you’ll pay around €10 for, er, soup - and a drink. I guess the idea is to support the guys running the mountain huts, which is fine, but beware the additional budget needed. I really wish the hardest walk wasn’t planned for the last day on Exodus trips. ! By the last day people are a little tired and may be carrying a few niggling aches and pains. An easier day to wind down would be better.
Slovenia mountain and lakes
Very beautiful nice hikes would rather not have rest day trip to short.
Most Inspirational Moment
Slovenia is a very beautiful country very clean
Thoughts on Group Leader
Good
Advice for Potential Travellers
No
Suggestions
No rest day
A clean, green, mountainous country.
Loved the airy, uncrowded mountain walks with profuse meadow flowers and views of rocky pinnacles. The two lakes were also incredibly picturesque and not spoilt. We enjoyed the family-run accommodation, food and wine as well. The day in Ljubljana was enjoyable (despite pouring rain) but I personally enjoyed the small town with its church, old houses, bee-keeping museum, wine merchant and ice cream parlour just as much.
Most Inspirational Moment
Suddenly coming upon a fabulous mountain view after a steep walk up through meadows.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had two very assured and competent leaders. They knew their patch very well. I felt I was in safe hands at all times whether they were leading walks or driving us, and when they suggested a variation to a walk they were right. They also had a good sense of humour. They worked hard at the various huts, taking our orders and bringing them, to avoid potential language problems.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walks are not difficult overall in terms of length and terrain, but do be prepared for some steep gradients from time to time on the mountain days. They are well worth it but require quite a lot of puff!
Suggestions
We particularly liked the recommended wine-tasting with ham and cheese-board at the local wine merchant.
Slovenia - yes; Exodus - maybe
This was part of a first trip to Slovenia. I’d definitely return. Whether I’d go with Exodus is another matter.
The pluses: the base (Radovljica) is a very pleasant town. I’m glad we were there rather than Bled, which is on the cusp of getting over-touristed. The hotel (to which we were transferred three days before the holiday) was good (probably better than the first choice). Generally, I liked the food.
Less good: I was a little disappointed with the balance of the walks (though because I was unwell I ducked out of one day that might have been spectacular). Two waterfall walks were pleasant but rather similar to each other. A walk around Lake Bled was taken in the company of hundreds of others. I’d have liked at least one day walking from the hotel rather than driving to somewhere allegedly more spectacular.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing chamois at nearly 2000 metres. Or maybe they were ibex. We asked one of our guides which they were but, rather than taking a dozen steps and looking at them, she asked whether they had long horns. Subsequent research indicates that female ibex and chamois have similar horns.....
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had two leaders. They led us efficently, sorted out lunchtime bills without fuss, were prompt and personable. They obviously have a great love for Slovenia and nature, but what I found frustrating in retrospect is that they said very little about the flora and landscape we were walking through, and the animals and birds we might see. Possibly this is a language issue, though their English was good (and, of course, far better than anybody's Slovenian).
Suggestions
We joined the holiday at the end of a week's cycling in Slovenia. We had liaiased with the Exodus office to ensure that we arrived in time for the introductory briefing, which necessitated leaving the Slovenian coast earlier than we might have otherwise. We were told the briefing would be at 7.30. We arrived in the dining room for the briefing at 7.10, to find everyone else seated, waiting for their first course, the briefing over. Not a great way to start, and easily avoidable as we'd been at our hotel since 3 pm. We were asked to be ready for the minibus at 8.30 or 9 each day. Sometimes the activity was finished by 3 pm. I'd have been happy with an earlier start and finish. This didn't seem to be negotiable.
A country of mountains, lakes and rivers
good walking. great company. we had lovely weather although it does rain a lot.
Most Inspirational Moment
Swimming in Lake Bled and everyone making it to the top of the mountain on the last day. Priceless!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Budgie and Alex were excellent. very experienced walkers. gave us all a lot of confidence in their ability to lead the group and keep everyone safe. there were also a lot of laughs. great skill at helping group to gel ad get the best out of everyone regardless of their ability. We also had lessons on the geography, history, politics and culture of Slovenia. immensely enjoyable and very interesting.
Advice for Potential Travellers
get yourself fit so that you get the most out of the walking. and bring a swimming costume.
Suggestions
beautiful green country. go there before it is spoilt!
Another excellent Exodus holiday
Slovenia is a lovely country with lovely people – helpful and friendly. I can but pass on the advice given to me which was “go before it gets too popular”. An important factor in making the holiday is the Leaders and the Group. In both instances they were excellent. Walks are well planned and whilst some previous posts have commented re lunching in restaurants rather than a packed lunch, I preferred the former, which, with one exception, are not restaurants but mountain lodges. All helps the local economy. Weather can be changeable but aside from our Lake Bled day, we enjoyed good weather. When it rains, it rains.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking along the ridge which marks the Border between Slovenia and Austria. The trip to the capital on the free day is also very enjoyable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had two Bugy (or Boogie Woogie as he is more affectionately known) and Alesh. Both are excellent guides with a great sense of humour. Very attentive and caring.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go before the country gets discovered. Be prepared for changeable weather.
Suggestions
The hotel is good - no frills but clean with friendly staff - but the Wi-Fi can be a bit frustrating as the weather can impact on its reliability.
Lakes and Mountainsee trip
This was my first Exodus trip and I loved it! The guides were hilarious, friendly and knowledgeable. The accommodation had amazing views, good food and cheap booze. The walks were all different and had breathtaking views. I never realised how beautiful Slovenia is. I would fully recommend this trip if you like walking, good food and good views.
Most Inspirational Moment
Swimming in the lakes.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent!
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Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia
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