With more than 10,000 kilometers of marked trails, Slovenia is undoubtedly a premier hiking destination in Europe. There’s something for everyone: adrenalin-inducing peak climbs, family-friendly valley walks, and arresting hikes to lakes, waterfalls, and alpine pastures.

The most spectacular place to hike in Slovenia is in the Slovenian Alps. The Slovenian Alps make up the south-easternmost part of the European Alp chain and the southernmost part of the Southern Limestone Alps.

If you’ve visited the Dolomites, you’ll notice that Slovenia’s mountainous landscape is strikingly similar to that of northeastern Italy.

There are three significant mountain ranges in Slovenia: the Julian Alps, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and the Karavanke Alps (Karawanks). 

The Julian Alps, home to Slovenia’s highest peaks, is the most famous range and attracts the most visitors each year. This is the heart of Triglav National Park. It’s also the most accessible mountain range, as there are daily buses that connect Ljubljana and Lake Bled to the main gateways of the Julian Alps like Lake Bohinj and Kranjska Gora.  

The Kamnik-Savinja Alps are equally spectacular, yet often overlooked. The most well-known hiking destinations in the Kamnik Alps are probably Logar Valley and Velika Planina. 

The Karawanks are the least visited range among international hikers, as most trailheads are only accessible by car. Though not as dramatic as the other Slovenian mountains, the Karawanks are nonetheless great for more offbeat adventures. 

In this guide to the best hiking trails in Slovenia, hikes are ordered from easiest to the most challenging, starting with flat valley trails and ending with challenging hut-to-hut hiking routes.

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Best Hikes in Slovenia Map

In the map below, we’ve plotted all the best day hikes in Slovenia. To see a map of the Slovenia hut to hut hikes, please take a look at these hiking guides: Triglav Trek and Kamnik Trek. The Triglav summit hike (2 days needed) is outlined below.

Getting around Slovenia

Public transit in Slovenia is very good. Buses connect Ljubljana with many hiking destinations across Slovenia. However, some places like Logar Valley can only be accessed with a car.

If you plan on renting a car, use our 2 week Slovenia road trip and 5 day Slovenia road trip for trip inspiration. These itineraries are stuffed with our favorite day hikes in the Slovenian Alps.

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Slovenia. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.

Check car rental rates here.

Helpful Tips For Hiking in Slovenia

1. Buy Paper Trail Maps. Though Slovenia hiking trails are mostly well-marked and easy-to-follow, paper trail maps are absolutely essential for route planning. We recommend buying Sidarta and Planinska Zveza Slovenije (Alpine Association of Slovenia) trail maps. 

2. Follow the Waymarks. Slovenian hiking trails are marked with the Knafelc waymark, which is a red circle with a white center (like a target).

3. Check for Trail Closures  – This map indicates which Slovenian hiking trails are closed. The site is maintained by the Alpine Association of Slovenia.

4. Wear a Helmet. If you’re hiking in high alpine environments, you’ll likely encounter secured pathways. Many of these passages don’t require a full via ferrata kit, but some do. Please check with locals for advice on specific trails. Helmets, however, are always essential when hiking at high elevations in Slovenia. We recommend this women’s climbing helmet and this men’s climbing helmet. Also, half-finger gloves make hiking assisted climbing routes a whole lot easier (e.g. better grasp on steel cables).

5. Call 112 (European Emergency Number) if you have an emergency. The dispatcher will connect you with the local mountain rescue team. 

6. Use hribi.net to learn more about specific Slovenian mountain huts, peaks, and trail connections. This site is a reliable source of information for all things hiking and mountaineering in the Slovenian Alps. 

1. Vintgar Gorge, Julian Alps

• Trailhead: Vintgar Gorge P1 Car Park
• Distance: 4.9 km circuit
• Time Needed: 1:50 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 249 meters
• Difficulty: Easy
• Minimum Elevation: 521 meters
• Maximum Elevation: 674 meters
• Where to Stay in Bled: Guesthouse Marko (budget), Old Parish House (midrange), or Hotel Starkl (midrange)

Vintgar Gorge is a narrow river gorge wedged between the hills of Hom (843 meters) and Boršt (931 meters) in Triglav National Park. 

Located only 4 km northwest of Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge is often called the “Bled Gorge.”

A safe and secure pathway made up of boardwalks and bridges leads through the 1.6 km-long gorge. Beneath the steep walls of the gorge, the trail crisscrosses the rapids and pools of the Radovna River. 

The Vintgar Gorge trail starts at the P1 car park in Pondhom village and ends at the Šum river waterfall.

At the end of the trail, you can return to the gorge entrance along the “Green Trail Vintgar – Sv. Katarina,” or along the shorter “Red Trail Vintgar – Blejska Dobrava.”

We hiked the red circuit trail, which took just about 2 hours to complete in total.

Learn More: Vintgar Gorge

2. Robanov Kot Valley Walk, Kamnik-Savinja Alps

• Trailhead: Kmetija Roban (Roban Farm) in Robanov Kot 
• Distance: 7.8 km out-and-back 
• Time Needed: 2 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 236 meters
• Difficulty: Easy
• Minimum Elevation: 660 meters
• Maximum Elevation: 897 meters
• Accessible by Public Transit: No 
• Where to Stay in Solcava: Boutique rooms Pri Rogovilcu (budget), Turistična kmetija Govc -Vršnik (midrange), or Hotel Plesnik Logarska Dolina (luxury)

Robanov Kot is a glacial valley that neighbors Logarska Dolina in the Solčavsko Region of Northern Slovenia. The valley is named after Kmetija Roban Farmstead, which has been in operation for 800 years. 

To start this lovely walk, either park at Turistična kmetija Govc -Vršnik or continue another 400 meters to the final parking area at Kmetija Roban in Robanov Kot valley. 

From Roban Farm, follow the wide gravel trail for 3.3 km to the Robanova planina mountain pasture. Always continue straight towards the head of the valley, ignoring some of the diverging paths. 

In summer, this trail is verdant and lush, lined with a myriad of wildflowers. During our walk, we saw Sternberg’s Carnations (Dianthus Sternbergii) and Common spotted-orchids (Dactylorhiza fuchsii). 

About 30 minutes into the hike, you’ll walk by a large fenced-in pasture and a traditional stable made of stone and wood. 

You may encounter cattle on the hiking trail. Please keep a safe distance and do not disturb, pet, or feed the animals. Also, make sure your dog is on a leash. In our Visiting the Alps in Summer guide, you’ll learn more about alpine pasture safety. 

Continue following the wide path to Robanova planina mountain pasture, located at the foot of Ojstrica (2350), an arrowhead-shaped mountain that dominates the ridgeline. The wide mountain pasture is also home to an alpine dairy, which is only open in July and August. 

Robanova planina is an ideal picnic location, but if you didn’t pack your lunch, eat a traditional Slovenian feast at Govc -Vršnik, after your hike. Govc Farm is one of our favorite places to eat in Slovenia. We’ve eaten here at least six times, and it never disappoints. 

3. Planica Valley Walk to Planinski Dom Tamar (Planica Pot Po Dolini), Julian Alps 

• Trailhead: Planica Nordic Centre paid car park
• Distance: 7 km out-and-back 
• Time Needed: 2 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 170 meters
• Difficulty: Easy
• Minimum Elevation: 954 meters
• Maximum Elevation: 1110 meters
• Accessible by Public Transit: No 
• Where to Stay in Kranjska Gora: Pri Marusi (budget), Hotel Vandot (midrange), or Milka Boutique Hotel (luxury)

The valley walk to Planinski Dom Tamar begins at the Planica Nordic Centre, a nordic skiing complex in Planica Valley in the Julian Alps. Annual ski jumping competitions take place here in winter. Planica is only a 10-minute drive from Kranjska Gora. 

Near the parking lot, you’ll see an infoboard with a map of the Planica Valley Trail (Planica Pot Po Dolini in Slovenian) and several trail signs. Follow trail 9 towards Tamar. 

The wide gravel path leads through the upper Planica glacial valley through beech and pine forest.

As you progress, you’ll see info boards explaining various geological occurrences. There are also carved tree trunks that create visual pathways to various peaks in the Julian Alps. 

There are some splendid mountain views along the way. 

The Planinski Dom Tamar (1108 m) hut stands in clearing, below the impressive peaks of Velika Mojstrovka, Travnik, Šit, and Jalovec. 

At the Planinski Dom Tamar mountain hut, you can order a drink and something to eat. The hut is open all year. 

Return by the same path. 

4. Peričnik Waterfall

• Trailhead: Koča pri Peričniku, Vrata Valley
• Distance: 1.1 km circuit
• Time Needed: 1 hour
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 164 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Minimum Elevation: 757 meters
• Maximum Elevation: 880 meters
• Where to Stay in Mojstrana: Hostel Lukna (budget), or Mountain View Glamping (midrange)

Pericnik Waterfall (Slap Peričnik in Slovenian) is a waterfall in Vrata Valley, a glacial side valley of the Upper Sava Valley.

Though the waterfall is visible from the Vrata Valley road, we recommend hiking the circuit trail to both the lower and upper falls. The whole hike is only 1.1 km and takes no more than one hour to complete.

From Kranjska Gora, drive to Mojstrana and follow the Vrata Valley road to Koča pri Peričniku (26 minutes). In high season, there are shuttle buses which link Mojstrana to Koča pri Peričniku. Find out more on kranjska-gora.si.

From the Koča pri Peričniku hut, it takes 15 minutes to hike up a steep forest trail to the Lower Peričnik Waterfall.

The trail leads behind the plunging waterfall through a natural gallery to the other side.

The circuit path continues to a signed junction. Here, you can detour to the Upper Peričnik Waterfall, following a well-maintained and secured path. 

After hiking up to the upper waterfall, return to the signed junction and complete the circuit back down to the Koča pri Peričniku hut.

Learn More: How to Get to Peričnik Waterfall

5. Slemenova Špica, Julian Alps 

• Trailhead: Vršič pass
• Destination: Slemenova Špica
• Distance: 6 km out-and-back 
• Time Needed: 2:45 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 507 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Minimum Elevation: 1611 meters
• Maximum Elevation: 1911 meters
• Accessible by Public Transit: Yes
• Where to Stay in Kranjska Gora: Erjavčeva koča @ Vršič pass (budget), Hotel Vandot (midrange), or Milka Boutique Hotel (luxury)

Slemenova Špica (1909 m) is a grassy hill in the Julian Alps, easily accessible from Vršič pass. 

Vršič pass is the highest road pass in Slovenia and connects Kranjska Gora with Bovec. You can either drive here or take a bus (high season only). In high season, buses leave every 1-2 hours. Check the bus schedule here.

A number of hiking trails and via ferrata routes start at Vršič pass, including the moderate trail to Slemenova Špica and our Triglav National Park Hut-to-Hut Hike. 

From Vršič pass, follow signs towards Sleme. After 30 minutes, you’ll reach the Vratica mountain saddle (1799 m), where the trail divides. Take the right path. After another 30 minutes, you’ll reach another junction, where you need to head left. 

After ascending for another 15 minutes, turn right. This trail brings you to a high grassy pasture just below the summit of Slemenova Špica.

Set amidst the limestone peaks of the Julian Alps, this panoramic hill is a lovely place for a picnic. 

Return by the same trail.

6. Koča na Planini pri Jezeru, Julian Alps

• Trailhead: Planina Blato (1,147 m), above Stara Fužina, Lake Bohinj. There’s a toll fee to drive from Stara Fužina to Planina Blato.
• Distance: 5.2 km out-and-back
• Time Needed: 2 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 327 meters
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Minimum Elevation: 1141 meters
• Maximum Elevation: 1469 meters
• Accessible by Public Transit: Yes, in high season only. More info here.
• Where to Stay at Lake Bohinj: Residence Novak Bohinj (midrange), Hotel Majerca (luxury), or Hotel Bohinj (luxury)

Koča na Planini pri Jezeru is a mountain hut on an alpine pasture set above an alpine lake and surrounded by rustic wooden huts and spruce trees. It’s a fairy-tale-like scene that makes you want to linger, milk a cow, and travel back in time.

The hut serves traditional Slovenian soups and stews. This is one of the best hikes in Slovenia because it’s tucked away from mainstream sites in an almost hidden wonderland of forest, rustic huts, and serene lakes.

To reach Koča na Planini pri Jezeru, you can start the hike in Stara Fužina, Lake Bohinj, or Planina Blato (shorter option). There’s a toll road that leads from Stara Fužina to Planina Blato. So if you have a car, this will trim a huge chunk of the hike (recommended).

If you start in Stara Fužina, you’ll hike through Planina Spodnji Vogar, which is another high alpine pasture. The hike should take 3-3:30 hours one-way.

There’s a mountain hut at Vogar pasture called Kosijev dom na Vogarj. Stop here for a break. 

From the hut, make sure to detour a few minutes to a lookout point of Lake Bohinj. From Vogar, the trail continues for another 10 minutes and intersects with an asphalt road.

Hike up this road for 10 minutes and look for a trail leading off to the left. Follow signs to Koča na Planini pri Jezeru.

Tip | If you started in Planina Blato, we recommend extending your hike to Planina Lazu from Koča na Planini pri Jezeru. You can descend from Lazu to Deno Polje and then circuit back to Koča na Planini pri Jezeru.

7. Lake Bled Viewpoints: Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica, Julian Alps

• Trailhead: Parkirišče Velika Zaka / Camping Bled
• Distance: 3.7 km circuit
• Time Needed: 1:15 – 1:30 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 224 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Minimum Elevation: 479 meters
• Maximum Elevation: 678 meters
• Where to Stay in Bled: Guesthouse Marko (budget), Old Parish House (midrange), or Hotel Starkl (midrange)

Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica are two forested hills, which rise above Lake Bled’s western shore. These hills serve up the most postcard-perfect views of Lake Bled. 

Starting at the Velika Zaka Car Park, follow the boardwalk along the lake to the Mala Osojnica trailhead. The forest trail leads steeply up the hill in zigzags. After hiking up the sloping ladder, you’ll soon arrive at the Mala Osojnica viewpoint, rimmed with a fence. 

From here, there’s a bird’s-eye view of oval-shaped Bled Island, dominated by the Church of the Assumption. Beyond the island, you’ll see the medieval Bled Castle, perched on a cliff. The magical scene is enhanced by the Karawanks, the long mountain chain, which straddles the Slovenian-Austrian border. 

The hike continues through forest to the Ojstrica viewpoint, marked with a bench, and then descends back to the lakeshore.

Learn More: Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica Viewpoints Hike

8. Martuljek Waterfalls and Gorge, Julian Alps

• Trailhead: Gozd Martuljek (near Kranjska Gora)
• Distance: 7.8 km out-and back (to Slap Martuljek II)
• Time Needed: 3:15 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 545 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Minimum Elevation: 745 meters
• Maximum Elevation: 1213 meters
• Accessible by Public Transit: Yes
• Where to Stay in Gozd Martuljek: Rute Hotel and Apartments (budget), Špik Alpine Resort (midrange), or Triangel Boutique Hotel (luxury)

The Martuljek Waterfalls are two waterfalls under the Špik Mountain in the Julian Alps in Slovenia.

The hike to the Martuljek Waterfalls begins in Gozd Martuljek, a village between Kranjska Gora and Mojstrana. 

From Triangel Boutique Hotel, the trail leads south to the enchanting Martuljek gorge and then ascends to the Lower Martuljek Waterfall viewpoint. 

The hike continues to the Brunarica Pri Ingotu hut, which is open seasonally. 

You can extend the hike to the Upper Martuljek Waterfall (1 hour). As you climb up a thick beech forest, you’ll encounter a few secured sections along the way. The final stretch to the Upper Martuljek Waterfall  pool requires some scrambling, which is entirely optional.

Learn More: Martuljek Waterfalls Trail Guide

9. Seven Lakes Valley, Julian Alps

• Trailhead: Planina Blato (1147 m), above Stara Fužina
• Distance: 15.2 km circuit
• Time Needed: 6 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1051 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Minimum Elevation: 1146 meters
• Maximum Elevation: 1857 meters
• Accessible by Public Transit: Yes, in high season only. More info here.
• Where to Stay at Lake Bohinj: Residence Novak Bohinj (midrange), Hotel Majerca (luxury), or Hotel Bohinj (luxury)

Seven Lakes Valley, also known as Triglav Lakes Valley, is one of the most enchanting destinations in the Julian Alps and one of the best day hikes in Slovenia. The valley contains a string of seven lakes, each uniquely beautiful.

There are several different approaches to Triglav Lakes Valley, including the route starting at Koča pri Savici, accessible from Ukanc – a village on the western end of Lake Bohinj – and the one starting at Planina Blato, high above Stara Fužina. 

We recommend hiking to Triglav Lakes Valley from Planina Blato, which is the easier approach.

On route to Seven Lakes, you’ll hike across some of the loveliest alpine pastures in the Julian Alps, including Planina pri Jezeru, Planina Viševnik, and Planina Ovčarija. 

From the Štapce saddle (1851 m), you’ll descend to Dvojno Jezero (Double Lake), where the Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (Triglav Lakes Hut) is happily situated.

Grab lunch here, or continue another 45 minutes to Veliko jezero (aka Jezero Ledvicah, or Kidney Lake), the largest lake in the Seven Lakes Valley. On a sunny day, this kidney-shaped lake dazzles resplendently with its deep teal and royal blue tones. 

If you want to extend this hike, you can either overnight in the Triglav Lakes Hut, or hike all the way to the mountain hut Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih and spend the night there. Experienced hikers can tackle the Veliko Špičje summit and ridge and descend the Seven Lakes Valley the next day.

Learn More: Hiking to Seven Lakes Valley from Planina Blato

10. Češka koča, Kamnik-Savinja Alps

• Trailhead: Zgornje Jezersko. Ravenska Kočna Valley (shorter route), or Makekova Kočna (longer route) 
• Destination: Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh (1543 m)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Accessible by Public Transit: Yes
• Where to Stay in Zgornje Jezersko: Cvet gora – Camping, Glamping and Accommodations (budget), Tourist farm Šenkova domačija (midrange) or Boutique hotel Vila Planinka (luxury)

Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh (“The Czech Hut”) is a charming mountain hut located in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Constructed in 1900, this rustic wooden hut is perched high above the Ravenska kočna valley and surrounded by the Kamnik mountains.

Češka koča (1543 m) is a moderate half-day hike from the village of Jezersko, which is a 40-minute drive from Kranj.

We highly recommend hiking up here in the morning and eating lunch at the hut. Though their menu is limited to only a few items, their food is hearty and delicious.

Makekova Kočna to Češka koča ascent route

There are several ascent routes to Češka koča. If you want to hike directly from Zgornje Jezersko village, you can follow the Makekova Kočna route to the hut (2 hours one-way, 617 meters ascending).

From the town center, cross the Jezernica river and follow the road and look for a trail leading to the left towards Makekov Marof (Turistični kmetiji Makek). 

Ravenska Kočna to Češka koča ascent route

Alternatively, you can drive deep into the Ravenska Kočna valley to the parking lot located here: Google Maps.

From the parking area, trails branch out in three directions. We hiked up to Češka koča via  Štularjeva planina (alpine pasture), which is the trail on the right. This route takes 1:30 hours and you ascend 562 meters.

11. Viševnik Peak, Julian Alps

• Trailhead: Rudno Polje (1347 m), Pokljuka
• Distance: 6.4 km out-and-back
• Time Needed: 3 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 678 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Accessible by Public Transit: Yes. In summer, there’s a hop-on-hop-off bus to Rudno Polje from Lake Bohinj. 
• Where to Stay on Pokljuka: Hotel Pokljuka (midrange), or Hotel Center Pokljuka (midrange)
• Where to Stay in Bled: Guesthouse Marko (budget), Old Parish House (midrange), or Hotel Starkl (midrange)

Viševnik (2050 m) is a mountain peak in the Julian Alps, easily accessible from Pokljuka Plateau.

This popular summit in the Julian Alps delivers one of the best views of Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain, along with Mali Draški, the Rjavina ridge, and the Southern Julian Alps. 

If you can hike here for sunrise, you won’t regret it. 

Learn More: Viševnik Trail Guide

12. Debela Peč & Brda, Julian Alps

• Trailhead: Medvedova konta Car Park
• Distance: 8.7 km out-and-back
• Time Needed: 3:45 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 624 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Minimum Elevation: 1432 meters
• Maximum Elevation: 2014 meters
• Where to Stay on Pokljuka: Hotel Pokljuka (midrange), or Hotel Center Pokljuka (midrange)
• Where to Stay in Bled: Guesthouse Marko (budget), Old Parish House (midrange), or Hotel Starkl (midrange)

Debela peč (2014 m) and Brda (2009) are two panoramic peaks along the Lipanca Ridge, between Krma Valley and Pokljuka plateau in the Julian Alps. 

The hike begins at the Medvedova konta car park and ascends to the Planina Lipanca mountain pasture, home to the managed Blejska koča na Lipanci. 

From the Lipanca mountain pasture, it’s a steady ascent through larch forest to the Brda and Debela peč summits. 

From the ridge, views extend across Krma Valley to the impressive Rjavina mountain wall. You can even see Kanjavec and Triglav. 

This is a must-do hike if you’re staying in Bled, Bohinj, or Pokljuka.

Learn More: Debela peč & Brda Trail Guide

13. Mount Vogel, Julian Alps

• Cableway Ascent/Descent: Vogel Cable Car in Ukanc, Lake Bohinj
• Trailhead: Vogel Cable Car mountain station
• Distance: 11.2 km circuit
• Time Needed: 5 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 732 meters
• Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
• Accessible by Public Transit: Yes
• Where to Stay in Ukanc: Apartments Ukanc (midrange), Bohinj Apartments Goldhorn Kingdom (midrange), or Hiša Erlah (midrange-luxury)

Mount Vogel (1922 m) is a mountain in the Southern Julian Alps and one of the many summits along the South Bohinj Ridge.

The hike to Vogel begins with a swift cable car ascent to the Vogel Ski Resort, where you’ll have dazzling views of Lake Bohinj and the highest peaks of the Julian Alps, including Mount Triglav.

Given the accessibility of this peak, the trail to Mount Vogel is swarming with hikers during the day. We recommend hiking this trail as early as possible.

Full Trail Description: Mount Vogel Trail Guide

14. Kamniško Sedlo and Planjava Hike, Kamnik-Savinja Alps

Logar Valley Ascent Route

• Trailhead: Parking lot at the end of the Logar Valley Road
• Destination: Kamnik Saddle / Kamniška koča na Kamniški sedlu (1864 m) and Planjava (optional)
• Distance: 13 km out-and-back
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1420 meters
• Time Needed: 9:30 hours – 10 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Accessible by Public Transit: No
• Where to Stay in Solcava: Guesthouse Planinski Dom Majerhold (budget), Farm Stay “Alpine Dreams” (budget-midrange), or Turistična kmetija Čerček (budget-midrange)
• Where to Stay in Logar Valley: Hotel Plesnik (luxury)

Kamniško sedlo is a picturesque mountain saddle in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, situated between Mount Brana and Mount Planjava. Just below the saddle, there’s a koča (mountain hut) that serves food and refreshments.

We loved this hike in Slovenia because the mountain views from the saddle are spectacular. With panoramic views of the Kamnik Alps, Logar Valley, and the most perfectly situated mountain hut below, you’ll rejoice that you don’t have to share this special place with very many people.

The first time we hiked to the Kamnik Saddle, we started at Kamniška Bistrica. This route is described below. A more interesting, albeit more difficult approach, begins in Logar Valley. We highly recommend the Logar Valley ascent route for experienced hikers.

From the saddle, you can continue to the summit of Brana (1 hour) or Planjava (1:45 – 2 hours).

Learn More: Logar Valley to the Kamnik Saddle

Kamniška Bistrica Ascent Route

• Trailhead: Dom v Kamniški Bistrici (600 m)
• Distance: 11 km out-and-back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1264 meters
• Time Needed: 7 hours out-and-back
• Accessible by Public Transit: Yes
• Where to Stay: Guest House Kraljev Hrib (budget), U Konc Glamping (midrange), or Skalca Tinyhouse (midrange) in Kamniška Bistrica.

The hike to the Kamnik saddle begins at the mountain hut Dom v Kamniški Bistrici, a 20-minute drive from the town Kamnik, or a 1:30-hour drive from Ljubljana. The trailhead is also accessible by public transit. 

This hike takes 3.5 hours one-way. While the trail isn’t technically difficult, it is continuously uphill. The trail begins steeply and ascends through the forest via a narrow path. Simply follow the trail markers, which are red circles with white centers (like a “target”).

After 2 hours, you’ll pass the shelter Pastirji. Soon after, the trail enters a wide-open meadow and you’ll see Mount Brana and Mount Planjava. The trail ascends steadily to the saddle between Brana and Planjava. With every step, the views of the limestone mountains become increasingly more impressive.

After a well-earned lunch and Radler at Kamniška koča na Kamniški sedlu (1864 m), you can extend your hike to the summit of Mount Brana (2253 m).

This difficult 45-minute climb to the summit is assisted with fixed cables and ropes and requires scrambling and use of both hands. Wear a helmet like this women’s helmet, or this men’s helmet.

To return to the trailhead, simply follow the same trail down. If you want to extend the hike, you can spend the night at Kamnik Saddle and hike the next day to Turska Gora (2251 m) and Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu (1793 m).

This is a very challenging hike. To learn more about this route, read Stage 2 of our Kamnik-Savinja Alps Hike.

15. Logar Valley to Ledinski Vrh, Kamnik-Savinja Alps 

• Trailhead: Parking lot at the end of the Logar Valley Road at Koča pod Slapom Rinka mountain hut. 
• Distance: 9.6 km out-and-back
• Time Needed: 6:30 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1085 meters
• Difficulty: Difficult 
• Accessible by Public Transit: No
• Where to Stay in Solcava: Guesthouse Planinski Dom Majerhold (budget), Farm Stay “Alpine Dreams” (budget-midrange), or Turistična kmetija Čerček (budget-midrange)
• Where to Stay in Logar Valley: Hotel Plesnik (luxury)

Ledinski Vrh (2108 m) is an approachable peak in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, located on the border between Austria and Slovenia. On the Slovenian-side, you can hike to Ledinski Vrh from both Jezersko and Logar Valley. 

The route from Logar Valley begins at the Slap Rinka waterfall. You’ll ascend to the Okrešelj glacial cirque and then over the Savinjsko Sedlo mountain saddle. 

This is a strenuous full-day excursion for hikers who are confident navigating scree fields and steep, rocky trails. 

Learn More: Ledinski Vrh Trail Guide

16. Košutnikov Turn, Karawanks 

• Trailhead: Parking area below Planina Dolga Njiva, 35 min drive from Tržič
• Distance: 8.1 km circuit
• Time Needed: 4:30 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 840 meters
• Difficulty: Moderately Difficult 
• Accessible by Public Transit: No
• Where to Stay in Tržič: Apartma Jelendol (midrange),or Glamping Mountain Fairy Tale (luxury glamping)

Košutnikov Turn (Koschutnikturm) is the highest summit along the Košuta ridge in the Karawanks mountain range. It’s somewhat of a journey to reach the trailhead, so you’ll likely only be sharing the trail with a few locals. 

The circuit trail to Košutnikov Turn starts at Planina Dolga Njiva, an alpine dairy on the slopes of Košuta ridge. After you complete the hike, we recommend eating lunch here. 

Though only 4:30 hours, the hike is somewhat demanding. You need a good head for heights as you scramble to the summit and descend along narrow paths back to the mountain pasture. 

Learn more: Košutnikov Turn Trail Guide

17. Mount Triglav Summit Hike, Julian Alps

• Trailhead: Rudno Polje, Pokljuka
• Distance: 25.8 km out-and-back
• Time Needed: 2 Days
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Accessible by Public Transit: Yes. In summer, there’s a hop-on-hop-off bus to Rudno Polje from Lake Bohinj. 
• Where to Stay along the route: Dom Planika. Wild camping is strictly prohibited. 
• Where to Stay before/after the trek: Hotel Pokljuka (midrange), or Hotel Center Pokljuka (midrange) on Pokljuka

The Pokljuka ascent route to Mount Triglav is said to be the easiest and possibly the most scenic. However, the final 1:30 hours to the peak requires scrambling and hiking along a protected climbing route (via ferrata).

We thoroughly enjoyed this hike, and we’ve outlined everything you need to know about this route in our Triglav guide.

Learn More: Hiking to Mount Triglav the Easy Way

Having high alpine hiking and some via ferrata experience is essential for safely summiting Triglav independently.

If you’ve never hiked a via ferrata route, but are keen on climbing Triglav, definitely hire a certified hiking guide. Here are some 2-day  guided tours you can join (different ascent route):

• Mount Triglav: Krma Valley from Bled (Altitude Activities)
• Mount Triglav: Krma Valley from Bled (Life Adventures)
• Mount Triglav: Krma Valley from Mojstrana (Kofler Sport)
• Mount Triglav: Krma Valley from Bled (Explore Share Slovenia)

If you want to expand your Triglav climb to include the Triglav Lakes Valley, also check out this 3-day Triglav guided tour.

18. Veliko Špičje, Julian Alps

• Trailhead: Planina Blato 
• Distance: 27.6 km circuit
• Time Needed: 2 Days, 12:30 hours (without breaks)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Accessible by Public Transit: Yes, in high season only. More info here.
• Where to stay along the route: Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih. Wild camping is strictly prohibited. 
• Where to Stay: Hostel pod Voglom (budget), Apartments and rooms Cerkovnik (midrange), or Hotel Bohinj (luxury) in Ribčev Laz, Lake Bohinj.

Veliko Špičje (2398 m), also called Lepo Špičje, is the highest point on the Špičje ridge, which rises between the deep Trenta Valley and the high Seven Lakes Valley (aka Triglav Lakes Valley) in Triglav National Park.

This adventurous 2-day tour combines theŠpičje ridge with the Seven Lakes Valley, starting and ending at Planina Blato.

Day 1 ends at Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih, a mountain hut on the Prehodavci Pass. To learn more about staying in huts, read Slovenian Mountain Huts and Hut to Hut Hiking in Slovenia.

Learn More:Veliko Špičje Trail Guide

19. Triglav National Park Traverse, Julian Alps

• Starting Point: Vršič Pass
• Ending Point: Lake Bohinj
• Time Needed: 4 Days
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Accessible by Public Transit: Yes
• Where to Stay along the route: Mountain huts. Wild camping is strictly prohibited.
• Where to Stay before the trek: Pri Marusi (budget), Hotel Vandot (midrange), or Milka Boutique Hotel (luxury) in Kranjska Gora.
• Where to Stay after the trek: Apartments and rooms Cerkovnik (midrange), Hotel Majerca (luxury), or Hotel Bohinj (luxury) at Lake Bohinj.

Triglav National Park is Slovenia’s one and only National Park. The park territory corresponds to the Eastern Julian Alps and can be accessed from Kranjska Gora, Trenta, Kobarid, Bovec, Pokljuka, Ukanc, Stara Fužina, and other towns. It’s free to enter the park, and you don’t need to acquire any permits.

There’s so much to see and experience in Triglav National Park and there’s no better way to do it than traversing the park in a few days.

There are 35 mountain huts (koča, planinska koča) in Triglav National Park, so it’s easy to plan a multi-day hike across the park. Slovenian mountain huts offer private and dormitory-style rooms and serve warm food and drinks.

If you’re looking for an epic 4-day trek, check out our Triglav National Park hut-to-hut hike. This route starts at Vršič Pass (close to Kranjska Gora) and ends in Stara Fužina, Lake Bohinj. 

Hiking hut to hut in the Julian Alps was an unforgettable experience. Major highlights of our route included:

• Summitting Bovški Gamsovec and Kanjavec
• Seeing Mount Triglav from multiple angles
• Observing Ibex
• Overnighting on the alpine plateau of Kriških podih
• Hiking down the Seven Lakes Valley
• The views from Luknja pass
• The fairy tale alpine pasture around Koča na Planini pri Jezeru

If you’re trying to decide which best hike in Slovenia to tackle, choose this one.

Do you need help packing? Read our personal hut to hut hiking packing list.

Learn More: Triglav National Park Trek

20. Kamnik-Savinja Alps Traverse

• Starting Point: Dom v Kamniški Bistrici (600 m)
• Ending Point: Zgornje Jezersko (943 m)
• Time Needed: 4 Days
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Accessible by Public Transit: Yes
• Where to Stay along the route: Mountain huts. Wild camping is strictly prohibited.
• Where to Stay before the trek: Guest House Kraljev Hrib (budget), U Konc Glamping (midrange), or Skalca Tinyhouse (midrange) in Kamniška Bistrica.
• Where to Stay after the trek: Cvet gora – Camping, Glamping and Accommodations (budget), Tourist farm Šenkova domačija (midrange) or Boutique hotel Vila Planinka (luxury) in Zgornje Jezersko.

If you love hiking hut to hut and are an experienced alpine hiker, traversing the Kamnik-Savinja Alps is an unforgettable experience and arguably the best hike in Slovenia.

We created a custom 4-day hiking route in which we started in Kamniška Bistrica and ended in Zgornje Jezersko. 

This route contains steel cables and some pegs along highly exposed paths. A helmet and polarized glasses with UV400 protection are essential.

You may also want a via ferrata kit. Here’s a quick overview of the hike:

• Day 1: Kamniška Bistrica – Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu
• Day 2: Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu – Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu
• Day 3: Cojzova koča na Kokrskem sedlu – Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh
• Day 4: Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh – Zgornje Jezersko

Want to learn more about this hike? Read our Kamnik-Savinja Alps Hiking Route. This guide covers each day of the trek in depth.

It also tells you how to prepare (e.g. making reservations for mountains huts), how to save money on accommodation, and what essential items to pack to make your hut to hut hiking trip in Slovenia a success.

When to Hike in Slovenia

Slovenia hiking trails are best tackled between late June and late September. However, it’s possible to hike in Slovenia in Spring at lower elevations.

We’ve hiked in Slovenia in May, June, and July. Based on our personal experience, here are a few tips:

Hiking in Slovenia in May

It’s possible to hike in Slovenia in May at lower elevations. Here are some valley trails that are perfect for Spring hiking in Slovenia:

• Robanov Kot to Robanova Planina, Kamnik-Savinja Alps
• Logar Valley Trail, Kamnik-Savinja Alps
• Ravenska kočna Valley Walk (on a road), Kamnik-Savinja Alps
• Planica to Planinski dom Tamar (Tamar Valley), Julian Alps
• Triglavska Bistrica Trail, Vrata Valley, Julian Alps
• Soča Trail (Soška pot), Julian Alps

In May, we encountered a lot of snow on mountain trails, especially above Lake Bohinj. Crampons and hiking poles were tremendously helpful for snowfield crossings. If you’re planning on hiking in Slovenia in Spring, make sure to check this website for trail closures and updates. 

Hiking in Slovenia in June

In June, there will likely be snow at higher elevations, so extra gear might be necessary on high alpine routes.

Also, thunderstorms are common in June. They tend to develop in the afternoon, so it’s best to get an early start on the trail.

In June, we hiked to prominent peaks in the Karawanks and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.

Hiking in Slovenia in July

When we hiked in Slovenia in July, conditions were generally excellent. However, afternoon thunderstorms were also quite common. Daytime temperatures hovered between 22°C (71.6°F) and 26°C (78.8°F) in the valleys. 

One of the highlights of hiking in Slovenia in early Summer (late June – July) is the wonderful display of wildflowers.

Trails are lined with Carniolan lilies, forget-me-not flowers, wolf’s bane, alpenrose, enzian, foxgloves, globe flowers, round-headed rampion, and countless others. Starting in mid-July, Edelweiss begin to bloom on high plateaus and peaks across the Slovenian Alps. 

Hiking in Slovenia in October

October means shorter days, crisp temperatures, gorgeous fall colors, rain, and possibly snow. When we visited Slovenia in October, we experienced a range of weather. We summarized the highlights of our trip in October in Slovenia.

Essential Gear for Hiking in Slovenia

Hiking Gear

• Day Pack: Osprey Tempest 30 Women’s Backpack / Osprey Talon 33 Men’s Backpack
• Hut to Hut Hiking Backpack: Women’s Osprey Kyte 36 / Men’s Osprey Kestrel 38
• Grade B/C high-cut hiking boots: Meindl Schuhe Island Lady (Kati’s Boots), Women’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (Sabrina’s Boots), Men’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (men’s equivalent)
• Hiking Socks: Smartwool women’s Performance Hike Full Cushion Crew / Smartwool Men’s Performance Hike Full Cushion Crew
• CAT 4 Sunglasses: Julbo Shield Mountain Sunglasses 
• Hiking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
• Reusable Water Bottle: Ion Leakproof 32 oz Water Bottle

Hiking Accessories

• Climbing Gloves: Black Diamond Half Finger Gloves
• Headlamp: Black Diamond Equipment Spot 350 Headlamp
• Microspikes: CAMP USA Inc Chainsen Pro

Special Equipment

The Julian Alps and Kamnik Alps are prone to rockfall. You need a helmet for tackling any high-altitude trails or peak climbs.

• Women’s Climbing Helmet: black diamond women’s climbing helmet
• Men’s Climbing Helmet: black diamond men’s climbing helmet
• Unisex Climbing Gloves: Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger Gloves

Outdoor Photography Gear

• Camera Body: Sony Alpha a6400
• Mid-range Zoom Lens: Tamron 17-70mm 2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
• Wide angle Zoom Lens: Sony – E 10-18mm F4 OSS Wide-angle Zoom Lens
• Backpack Camera Clip: Peak Design Camera Clip

Slovenia Hiking Guides

• Slovenian Mountain Way / Slovenska Planinska Pot
• The Julian Alps of Slovenia: Mountain Walks and Short Treks 

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• The Alps in Summer: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting 
• Hiking in the Alps: Invaluable Tips
• Austrian Alps Hiking Destinations
• Italian Alps Hiking Destinations
• Best Hikes in the Alps

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• Best Day Hikes in Europe
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• Best Day Hikes in Austria
• Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites
• Best Hikes in Malta
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