Mountains to Coast - Self-Guided Hike in Slovenia

Our self-guided itinerary allows you to travel on your preferred dates (subject to availability), with private transfers and advice from our locally based staff. You’ll be picked up with a private transfer at times arranged to suit your walking pace and abilities and will have you travel by train on two sections of the trail, where you get to sit back and watch the gorgeous country side go past before starting your hike for the day. We’ll provide you with a briefing to get you started, the resources you’ll need to stay safe, luggage transfers and great accommodation for you where you’ll have breakfast provided each day.

**Please note that due to logistics this trip cannot commence on a Tuesday.  

Welcome to Slovenia! Today you make your way to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital city. Arrive early to explore the area. This small city hosts an array of vibrant cafes, squares, bars and shops and is best explored on foot or by bike. Perched high above the city is Ljubljana Castle, the city’s main attraction, perfect for delving into Slovenian history and admiring the superb views over the city below.

On your first evening you will meet our local representative for a welcome drink and briefing. You’ll hear more about your itinerary, what to expect along the way and you’ll also have the opportunity to ask any last-minute questions. Afterwards, feel free to head out to discover the culinary delights of Ljubljana.

Start your day in the quaint village just outside of Kranji surrounded by rolling hills and farmhouses, and follow the trail through peaceful meadows and villages, where the pace of life is slow, and the landscape is dotted with traditional homes. As you continue, the path meets the scenic Sava River, offering serene riverside views and opportunities to pause and take in the countryside’s natural beauty. Passing lush greenery, wildflower fields, and rustic farmhouses, the hike then ascends toward Radovljica, a well-preserved medieval town. End your journey by exploring Radovljica’s charming Old Town and treat yourself to a well-deserved dinner at one of the restaurants. Options include two Michelin star restaurants!

Ascent 300m / Descent 300m

Meals: B

Begin your day with a pleasant hike from Radovljica toward the famous Lake Bled, a picturesque journey through rolling hills, forests, and countryside. As you approach Bled, the iconic island church and the clifftop castle will slowly come into view. Upon arrival at the lake, you have options: for a shorter but scenic experience, take a hike up to one of the panoramic summits such as Mala Osojnica or Ojstrica, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the lake, island, and surrounding mountains. Afterward, relax by the lake or enjoy a traditional Bled cream cake at a local café while soaking in the beauty of this alpine gem.

Ascent 500m / Descent 500m

Meals: B

Start your day at Bohinjska Bistrica train station, where the Juliana Trail leads you toward the stunning Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest natural lake, nestled in the heart of the Julian Alps. The trail offers a tranquil journey through alpine meadows, forested paths, and traditional villages, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Once you reach Lake Bohinj, you can extend your hike to explore the scenic Mostnica Gorge, a hidden gem with narrow rock formations and beautiful waterfalls. Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakeside trails, taking in the reflections of the mountains in the crystal-clear waters. As you wind down, head to your hotel on the lake shore to relax and soak in the serene beauty of this alpine paradise.

Ascent 400m / Descent 400m

Meals: B

Today you switch locations, leaving the alpine landscapes behind and entering the world of wine hills, which will require two short transfers and a scenic train ride.

As you hike across lovely wine hills, you’ll pass through typical local villages and have the opportunity to taste some excellent local wine. In the second part of the day you will ascend to the Karst plateau – a mysterious region made of limestone and full of Karstic phenomena. Visit Stanjel, one of the cutest Slovenian villages and spend a night in a charming “organic” hotel.

Ascent 500m / Descent 400m

Meals: B

After breakfast get a short (15 minute) transfer to the nearby village of Sepulje from where you will walk across the Karst plateau. This is the land of “terra rossa” (red soil), very special Teran wine and all sorts of cured meats, dried on the strong bora wind. Walk your way across this rough terrain where water is scarce and the soil is very precious. Lots of cute local villages and many options to interact with locals and try some home-made goodies. Walk all the way back to your hotel.

Ascent 200m / Descent 200m

Meals: B

This morning you will transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Škocjan caves (30 minuts away). Škocjan caves is one of Slovenia’s biggest natural treasures! You will embark on a 2-hour long walking tour through this cave system where you will be amazed by the numerous dripstones and other underground limestone formations. You will be blown away by the size of the cave, the underground river canyon and the daring trails which were built by the first explorers. Take your sweater, forget about your camera and enjoy the walk! Your driver will wait for you whilst you visit the caves and then transfer you a further 30 minutes to Izola to start your hike for the day.

Hike across the lovely hills as you finally approach the coast! Walk through the interesting Strunjan Nature Reserve and go for a well-deserved swim in the Adriatic Sea. Finish the day in a lovely coastal town of Piran and treat yourself to a great Mediterranean dinner at one of the many local seaside restaurants.

Ascent 100m / Descent 100m

Meals: B

Today your tour ends after breakfast. You may wish to consider extending your stay in the lovely town of Piran, or hire a car to further explore the wine and spa regions of Slovenia. Alternatively, Venice is just a hop, skip and jump away by ferry and another excellent destination choice.

Meals: B

Looking for more or less on your walk? We can customise and provide flexibility around your travel plans. Speak with us today to design your trip.

• 7 nights accommodation in hotels and guest houses with ensuite bathrooms
• 7 breakfasts
• All transfers as per the itinerary (Days 2, 5 & 7)
• All luggage transfers
• Entrance fee and guided 2-hour tour of Škocjan Caves
• App for navigation
• Welcome meeting and briefing in Ljubljana with our local representatives.
• 24-hour emergency support contact in Slovenia and Australia
• Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted for every walker

• Single supplement – ask for a quote if you would like a single room
• Train tickets required for days 4 & 5 (to be bought at the time of travel at the station)
• Personal transfer fees not included in the above itinerary.
• Lunches and dinners
• Flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses

Slovenia sits right in the middle of Europe, bordered by Austria to the north, Italy to the west, Hungary to the northeast, and Croatia to the south and southeast. Visitors are drawn to Slovenia’s pristine natural wonders, including enchanting Lake Bled, the mysterious Škocjan Caves, and Triglav National Park. The country packs a punch with diverse landscapes, from the towering Alps to the sunny Adriatic Sea coast.

Yes. Slovenia’s iconic and dramatic Lake Bled is a pristine and surprisingly warm turquoise lake at the foot of the Julian Alps, an iconic Slovenian mountain range. The island and the 1000-year-old castle in the middle of the lake can be reached by traditional wooden boats known as pletnas, which date back to the 12th century.  

Lake Bohinj is the country’s largest glacier lake, situated inside Triglav National Park and surrounded by the Julian Alps.

The best time for hiking Slovenia is from April to mid October, with prime months being May, June and September. 

In spring, wildflowers are starting to colour the green meadows. Weather can be somewhat unpredictable in early spring but by May, temperatures are mild and perfect for hiking adventures. Summer offers longer daylight hours and mostly sunny skies with occasional summer thunderstorms. Temperatures can be warm to hot but cooler in the northern alpine region. June is a particularly good time to travel with temperatures ideal for swimming and for hiking.

Autumn is another excellent time for hiking. The vibrant reds, burnt orange and yellow of the autumn foliage makes for very pretty walking. It is also an ideal time to experience the vineyard regions during their harvest.

The major international airport in Slovenia is Jože Pučnik Airport, located 24km north-west of Ljubljana. A taxi or shuttle to the city centre takes about 30 minutes. 

Slovenia is blissfully uncrowded, often overlooked and seriously underrated. It really is one of the best-kept secrets in Europe. With its own international airport it’s easy to reach from Australia. It’s surprisingly easy for English speakers to travel through. 

Read: Why Slovenia is the perfect European getaway

This Slovenian trek is accessible to most hikers with a good level of fitness. There are some long and challenging days, and you will encounter varied terrain, including rocky, grassy and dirt paths, paving, cobblestones and rough gravel, all of which adds to the adventure without making it overly strenuous. One of the highlights of this journey is the sense of remoteness – you’ll often feel truly off the beaten path, immersed in nature and far from the usual tourist paths, allowing for a more authentic and rewarding experience.