Current as of: October 15, 2025 - 22:59
Current as of: October 15, 2025 - 22:59
3 out of 7 - Moderate
With the snow melted and the skiers in colder climes, the Julian Alps of Slovenia transform into a hiker’s dream. Dramatic limestone spires, mirror-like glacial lakes, tumbling waterfalls, they’re yours to discover, if you know where to look. So, join a tour leader who knows every twist in every trail to explore a land of extraordinary natural beauty. Our base is a wonderful mountain lodge in the tranquil alpine town of Kranjska Gora, providing easy access to the best hikes in the region and a wellness centre for post-excursion relaxation.
Highlights
This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Suitability: All walks are on well-maintained paths, although some may have loose stones underfoot. Each day there are ascents and descents and three to four hours of walking. This tour is not recommended for those who suffer with vertigo.
Water safety: This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Begin your adventure in the tranquil mountain town of Kranjska Gora, a hub for hikers and adventure seekers.
Around 6pm, say živijo (hello) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather for the first time to hear more about the days ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Slovenian welcome by arranging a group dinner.
Want more time in Kranjska Gora or Ljubljana? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Our first hike takes us into Zelenci, a wetlands reserve home to carnivorous plants, frogs and breeding birds.
Hiking on the western side of the reserve, we find the emerald lake after which the nature reserve is named (zelenci means green) and continue to Planica Valley, passing one of the most famous ski-jumping hills in the world.
Exploring the valley, we enjoy spectacular views of vertical slopes and white limestone mountains that sparkle in the sun. We return to Kranjska Gora on foot.
Travel to the village of Gozd Martuljek for a hike beneath the triangular spire of Špik mountain. Two waterfalls plunge dramatically here: the lower cascades through a rocky gorge, while the upper drops more than 360ft (110m) over a sheer white cliff.
The route includes steps and bridges, rewarding us with views of jagged peaks and tumbling water.
After returning, the afternoon is free to relax or explore Kranjska Gora.
We take the bus to Bled, a wonderfully scenic town on the shores of Lake Bled that’s wrapped by the Julian Alps. With free time here, you can climb to Bled Castle or stroll by the lakeshore. Many also make time to try the local speciality: cream cake.
A 15-minute transfer then brings us to Vintgar Gorge, where we walk one of Slovenia’s most beautiful trails, crossing small wooden bridges, passing mini-waterfalls and finding crystalline water oases. The trail ends with a view of Šum waterfall.
After the hike, we enjoy a scenic drive around Lake Bohinj with a photo stop before returning to Kranjska Gora.
Start today just over the Italian border at the glacial Fusine Lakes. Our hike begins at Lago Superiore, the upper lake, where the water is so clear it can reflect the snow-capped peak of Mount Mangart.
Track the shoreline trail to Lago Inferiore, the slightly smaller and quieter of the two lakes, before hiking up a nearby trail for a panoramic view of both lakes framed by dense pine forest.
Finishing, we return to the bus and cross back into Slovenia to Možnice Gorge, where the emerald tones of the Soca Valley and rugged cliffs set the stage for our next adventure.
Here, a path leads between mossy boulders, wooden bridges and turquoise pools fed by mountain streams. It’s a quieter spot than some of Slovenia’s more famous valleys, giving us time to enjoy the alpine landscapes in peace.
Our bus takes us up the switchbacks of the Vršič Pass, the highest road in Slovenia. From here, we set out for Slemenova Špica, a grassy summit known for its photogenic view of Jalovec, sometimes called the Matterhorn of Slovenia.
The hike isn’t long, but the rewards are immense, with alpine flowers and panoramic ridges surrounding us throughout. We return to Kranjska Gora in the afternoon.
Leaving Kranjska Gora, we drive through the Slovenian countryside to the Kamniška Bistrica valley, where we board a cable car to the pastures of Velika Planina. The ride itself is an adventure, with views of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the valley below.
Alighting at the mountain plateau, we step into another world: a traditional shepherd’s village with unique wooden huts dotted across the green pastures. First, we visit the Preskar Museum, housed in a reconstructed shepherd’s hut, to learn about the traditions of the herdsmen who still graze cattle here during summer.
Then, a cheese-making demonstration introduces us to trnič, a pear-shaped cheese once carved with decorative patterns by shepherds for their loved ones.
After, we hike across meadows filled with seasonal wildflowers before descending by cable car. Back in Kranjska Gora, we share a farewell dinner at the hotel.
You’ve walked to waterfalls, traced rivers through narrow gorges, and stood at viewpoints high in the Julian Alps, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.
Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Handpicked for its excellent amenities and unrivalled location, Hotel Kompas is the ideal spot for a hiking adventure in the Julian Alps. When you’re not on the trails, unwind in the wellness centre, perhaps with a dip in the pool or a muscle-soothing moment in the sauna, or take a stroll through the gardens, enjoying wonderful views of the surrounding peaks.
At the hotel restaurant, there’s plenty of choice to fuel your activities, while the Ice Bar provides an excellent place to come together and bond with group, re-telling tales from the day.
The town of Kranjska Gora is a well-known adventure hotspot, for skiers in winter and hikers in summer. There are plenty of amenities in town, including a thriving food and drink scene.
Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Traditional Slovenian cuisine is hearty and tasty, with plenty of stews, sausages and dumplings to fuel your hikes. The produce is influenced by the seasons and we’ll sample trnič cheese on this adventure, learning how it was once used by shepherds as a romantic gesture.
Vegetarians are well catered for, but please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements.
Airport transfers are in private minibuses. Transfers to and from the walks are by public transport, where available and practical; alternatively, a private minibus is provided.
Slovenia has a mixed alpine climate with summer temperatures of 18C-25C (64F-77F). In the mountains, cool mornings are normally followed by warm pleasant days, with temperatures in the Alps ideal for walking. During summer, afternoon showers reduce the humidity, giving way to clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
Start hotel: Hotel Kompas, Borovška cesta 100, 4280 Kranjska Gora
Phone: +386 4 589 21 00
Recommended arrival time: There is a welcome briefing around 6pm, followed by a group dinner
Airport: Ljubljana Airport (LJU)
The start hotel is approximately 50 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Kranjska Gora
Location end: Kranjska Gora
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Slovenia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Slovenia's time zone: Europe/Ljubljana (UTC +02:00)
Slovenia's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Slovenia's currency: Euro (EUR)
There are ATMs in Ljubljana, Bled and Kranjska Gora. Most places accept credit cards but not all. It is advised to carry some cash.
For meals not included, allow approximately €10-€15 for lunch and €15-€25 for dinner.
This is entirely at your own discretion. However, as a guideline, we recommend each group member contributes €15-€20 per tour leader.
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.