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Slovenia Mountains: a 7-stop adventure into an unspoiled side of the alps

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    Alpine snowcapped peaks and sweeping vistas that crescendo into green valleys - Slovenia will set your adventurous heart aflutter at the first hello.

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    Logan Ly, Digital Creative Globetrotter

ABOUT

Whether it's a hello or more appropriately, “zdravo!” is how the locals greet each other - the Central European country of Slovenia encapsulates just about every surreal natural landscape into one tiny nation. Whether you want to go on hikes, take in views of serrated ridges, or uncover emerald lakes - these beautiful spots are all nestled within the mountains surrounding Slovenia.

Some of these peaks, such as the ones in the Julian Alps, can reach even higher than 2500 metres! Adding to the majestic mountain range is the charm of how unspoiled Slovenia feels. Since it borders countries like Italy and Austria, most travellers don’t even know that this corner of the alpine range is a true gem too. But for those of us who love non-touristy discoveries and the feeling of being able to have a place to yourself - Slovenia’s mountains are like a sanctuary for you to experience such natural splendour.

Let this itinerary guide you through the mountains of Slovenia, located in the north and northwest areas of the country. While the mountains can be experienced all year round, we crafted this itinerary for the Spring, Summer and Autumn seasons so all roads are open and it’s accessible to reach each stop. Ready to explore the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Julian Alps and the other enriching summits along the way? Well then strap on your hiking boots, and pojdimo! (Slovenian for let’s go!)

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP

THIS TRIP IS FOR YOU...
Outdoor activities
Enjoy hiking
Nature lover
If you are an explorer

Your Itinerary

Stop 1: Ljubljana

For whichever adventure you set off on in Slovenia, the best place to start is the country’s capital, Ljubljana. As the largest city in Slovenia, L...

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19km to Stop 2
Stop 2: Kamnik

Now the key to exploring Slovenia is knowing how easy-to-reach places around the country are from Ljubljana. Driving to the next stop, Kamnik is on...

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9km to Stop 3
Stop 3: Velika Planina

Velika Planina is like the highlands of Slovenia - where alpine pastures adjoin customary heritage. It’s where a whimsical fantasy world meets real...

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64km to Stop 4
Stop 4: Triglav National Park

Ginormous in size, Triglav National Park covers about 4% of Slovenia - that’s 880 square kilometres! It’s one of the oldest National Parks in Europ...

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17km to Stop 5
Stop 5: Kranjska Gora

Sir Humphry Davy, a renowned English scientist, once said "I know of no greater beauty in Europe!" on the Sava Valley, in this area of Slovenia. Ne...

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18km to Stop 6
Stop 6: Soča

Driving down to the Soča Valley that runs through Slovenia, the first thing that will glisten in your eyes are just how vibrantly emerald the river...

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93km to Stop 7
Stop 7: Marezige

After your exploration of the mountains, perhaps your feet deserve to sit back and relax. Combine your trip with our wine region itinerary or check...

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Ready for a change of scenery?

Plan your perfectly curated trip!

Stop 1 :Ljubljana

Ljubljana , Slovenia

For whichever adventure you set off on in Slovenia, the best place to start is the country’s capital, Ljubljana. As the largest city in Slovenia, Ljubljana is also a buzzing student city with youthful energy contrasting with historical architecture.

The city is also located in a natural lower depression which means no matter where you are, there’s an astounding view of the Julian alps and its peaks. I know, what a tease! You can find just about anything in Ljubljana for your mountain trip, so be sure to stock up on any supplies and snacks before embarking. In the meantime, take a stroll through the pedestrian-friendly streets, soak in its romantic medieval atmosphere, and enjoy the reasons for Ljubljana donning the crown of Europe’s Green Capital.

INTERESTS & PREFERENCES

Family Fun
Sightseeing
Adventure

Things to do

  • The fairy lights along the waterways at Slovenska Hiša with a hand holding a glass of wine.
    Slovenska Hiša
    With so many great food and drink options in Ljubljana - where does one go? Well, go where the locals go.  
  • A historical building on Stari Trg with a cyclist biking through the street.
    Old Square in Ljubljana
    The beating heart of Ljubljana’s old town.  
  • The Roman Wall running all around Ljubljana's modern street.
    Roman Wall
    Leftover of the ancient Roman civilisation... In Ljubljana?!  
  • View from the city of Ljubljana Castle sitting high on top of a hill.
    Ljubljana Castle
    Originally a medieval fortress, this key landmark is home to an abundance of activities, and a beautiful view of Ljubljana.  

Places to stay

Stop 2 :Kamnik

Kamnik , Slovenia

Now the key to exploring Slovenia is knowing how easy-to-reach places around the country are from Ljubljana. Driving to the next stop, Kamnik is only 30 minutes away (at 23 kilometres northeast of the capital). Since it’s so close by, it’s an easy blink and you’ll miss it stop since day trippers usually have their sights set on more prominent locations like Lake Bled.

But the thing is, Kamnik is a major getaway into the Kamnik-Savinja alps. For those longing to just unwind in nature, the mountains here beacon. First, explore the medieval centre of Kamnik - it’ll only take half a day, and then drive to Velika Planina. While you’re in and around Kamnik, if you’re interested in doing long-distance hikes of various levels, check out this list by the Slovenian tourism board here.

INTERESTS & PREFERENCES

Nature
Hiking
Adventure

Things to do

  • The cobblestone street of Šutna with a church tower looking over it.
    Šutna Street
    To get a true feel of one of the best medieval towns in Slovenia, you only need to take a stroll ...  
  • A sprawling field of tulips in full bloom visibly for all to see at the Arboretum Volčji Potok..
    Arboretum
    This botanical garden with plenty of walking trails is a relaxing way to enjoy the colourful burst of nature, for all ages.  
  • A icy blue gorge running through the Kamniška Bistrica Valley.
    Kamniška Bistrica Valley
    A glacial valley carved out from the nearby alps to create a ripple of gorges is a sight to behold.  

Places to stay

Stop 3 :Velika Planina

Velika Planina , Slovenia

Velika Planina is like the highlands of Slovenia - where alpine pastures adjoin customary heritage. It’s where a whimsical fantasy world meets reality, a setting that is so fitting for Lord of the Rings yet easily accessible from a 15-minute chairlift.

As one of the few herdsmen villages left in Europe, there are about 60 traditional huts covered in shingles still belonging to the Shepherds of the area.

These huts are where the Shepherds bring their cattle each summer, from the months of June to September, for grazing. Once you’ve finished exploring Velika Planina, go on to Logar Valley and then continue onto the next stop with Lake Bled via driving through Austria to the Slovenian town of Jezersko.

INTERESTS & PREFERENCES

Art & Culture
Hiking
Sightseeing

Things to do

  • The tradtional huts of Velika Planina that people can go and visit inside of.
    Preskar Museum Hut and Trnič
    To get up close and personal with the Shepherd huts, visit the two-room Preskar Hut!  
  • The church in Velika Planina during the winter time with fresh snow all around.
    The Mary of the Snow Chapel
    Ominous? Sure. Mysterious? Definitely. That's why you have to explore this church.  
  • A trail for biking and walking winding itself through the mountainous Logar Valley.
    Logar Valley
    The real garden of Eden is right here in Slovenia.  

Places to stay

Stop 4 :Triglav National Park

Triglav National Park , Slovenia

Ginormous in size, Triglav National Park covers about 4% of Slovenia - that’s 880 square kilometres! It’s one of the oldest National Parks in Europe yet surprisingly still quite undiscovered by most travellers and tourism. For any outdoor enthusiast - Triglav National Park is a must, since the mountains of the Julian Alps run through it, spanning the majority of the park.

The surreal tall peaks make for a fitting pairing with the almost mythical-like lakes like Lake Bled that Slovenia is prominent for. Whether you’re taking it easy on one of the many beaches dotting Lake Bohinj, or climbing to the highest peak in the country on Mount Triglav, this national park has a little something for everyone.

INTERESTS & PREFERENCES

Nature
Hiking
Adventure

Things to do

  • A view of Lake Bled, the most popular tourist destination in Slovenia.
    Lake Bled
    Ah, a true treasure of Slovenia - Lake Bled. Does this lake need any introduction? Most likely, i...  
  • Lake Bohinj and its clear waters with pebbles and rocks amongst the mountains.
    Lake Bohinj
    Since Slovenia is such an underrated country for travelling, and Lake Bled is already the most po...  
  • The top of Mount Triglav lit up by the setting sunlight between the clouds.
    Mount Triglav
    Residing in Triglav National Park is where the protected area got its name from - Mount Triglav.  

Places to stay

Stop 5 :Kranjska Gora

Kranjska Gora , Slovenia

Sir Humphry Davy, a renowned English scientist, once said "I know of no greater beauty in Europe!" on the Sava Valley, in this area of Slovenia. Nestled in this valley is Kranjska Gora, a place where outdoor sportsmen can go mountaineering, hiking and really access the alps easily since the town is at its foot.

In the wintertime, Kranjska Gora is known as a top ski centre, while for other seasons, this triple border point (at the crossroads of Italy and Austria) makes for great alpine exploration.

Either way, you can’t go wrong whether you make Kranska Gora a base to get away in this northern region or just a short pitstop to get another slice of the Slovenian alps.

INTERESTS & PREFERENCES

Art & Culture
Hiking

Things to do

  • The outside exhibition at the Slovenian Alpine Museum with images of mountains.
    Slovenian Alpine Museum
    Commemorate the monumental mountains of Slovenia with the Slovenian Alpine Museum!  
  • A bird's eye drone view of Vršič Mountain Pass with its zig zagging road.
    Vršič Mountain Pass
    For those driving through Slovenia, gorgeous sights are aplenty, but the Vršič Mountain Pass may ...  
  • The exterior of the Russian Chapel on the Vršič Mountain Pass in the forest.
    Russian Chapel on the Vršič Mountain Pass
    If you’re driving on the Vršič Mountain Pass, just off of one of the hairpins of the winding narr...  

Places to stay

Stop 6 :Soča Valley

Soča , Slovenia

Driving down to the Soča Valley that runs through Slovenia, the first thing that will glisten in your eyes are just how vibrantly emerald the river is. This distinct colour of the Soča river cascades into waterfalls, carved-out canyons, tapering gorges, and Narcissus-like pools.

For someone who gets a thrill and rejuvenation out of the outdoors, the Soča Valley couldn’t be more of a delightful recreational ground set amongst a backdrop of the Julian Alps.

You can make the town of Bovec your base to explore this stop, as many of these memorable nature spots are close by there. Then you can hop on over to Tolmin, which is the largest town in the Soča Valley.

INTERESTS & PREFERENCES

Nature
Hiking
Adventure

Things to do

  • Boka Waterfall huge falling and rushing water from the rock side.
    Boka Waterfall
    You can hear the thundering rush of the Boka Waterfall way before you set eyes on it.  
  • The open and emerald green waters of Wild Lake.
    Wild Lake
    Many folklore tells a story of a magical spring that gives its drinker powers.  
  • The running waters inbetween a quiet beauty of the Great Soča Gorge.
    Great Soča Gorge
    Some places don’t seem real… and this is one of them!  
  • The narrow rocky corridors carved out by Tolmin Gorge.
    Tolmin Gorge
    The greenish-blue Tolmin Gorge is wild, and feels untamed, yet so approachable and easy to explore as a national treasure.  
  • Fort Kluže in autumn with the foliage of the trees.
    Kluže Fort
    A statement of a cultural sight frozen in time.  

Places to stay

Stop 7 :Wine Region or Slovenia Beaches

Marezige , Slovenia

After your exploration of the mountains, perhaps your feet deserve to sit back and relax. Combine your trip with our wine region itinerary or check out our Slovenian beaches blog!

This mountain itinerary progresses naturally into a wine region of Slovenia, where you can taste joy like the local speciality of orange wine, and uncover unique sunset spots to go with your sips. Or, if you just want to swim in the warm waters of the Adriatic, continue driving down to the coastline of Slovenia, where seafood and summer feels like it can last forever.

What are you waiting for? Add onto your Slovenia travels with more spectacular natural sights (and maybe a glass or two of the country’s homegrown wine)!

INTERESTS & PREFERENCES

Art & Culture
Food & Drinks

Things to do

  • Two sculptures of wine on a hill overlooking Vinska Fontana Marezige.
    Vinska Fontana Marezige
    Have you ever fantasized about a place where wine just flows in abundance?  
  • A group of people having a wine tasting inside the Turnip Caves.
    Najger Turnip Cave
    If you want to feel like a modern-day Indiana Jones, you have to explore Slovenia’s ‘turnip’ caves.  
  • Sevnica Castle overlooking the town of Sevnica by the riverside.
    Castle vineyard of Sevnica Castle
    In the historical part of Sevnica, a town that lies on the left bank of the Sava River, there is ...  
  • Jeruzalem wine route with different vineyards against the hillside.
    Walking the Jeruzalem wine route
    Explore the enchanting vineyard pathways through the Jeruzalem wine route.  

Places to stay

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