Slovenia boasts some of Europe’s best hiking trails and alpine landscapes. Luckily, the country’s most beautiful trails see relatively few visitors, as most travelers flock to Lake Bled. If you’ve visited the Dolomites, you’ll notice that Slovenia’s mountainous landscape is strikingly similar to that of north-eastern Italy.
The Slovenian Alps make up the south-easternmost part of the Alp chain and the southernmost part of the Limestone Alps. There are three mountain ranges in Slovenia: the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the Julian Alps, and the Karavanke Alps. We concentrated our time in the former two and will be sharing the absolute best day hikes and hut to hut hiking trails in the Kamnik-Savinja and the Julian Alps. At the very end of the post, we’ve plotted all these trails on a map.
Read Next: Slovenia road trip itinerary (for hikers)
Triglav National Park
When to Hike in Slovenia
Before we dive into the best hikes in Slovenia, let’s cover a few important details. Slovenia hiking trails are best tackled between June and September. In June, there will likely be snow on the trails, so extra gear might be necessary on high alpine routes.
When we hiked in July, we hiked through 4 small snowfields, which were easy to navigate with hiking poles. If you’re hiking hut to hut, you’ll likely encounter assisted climbing routes (via ferrata). We highly recommend bringing a via ferrata kit (especially a helmet) for safety. All trails are easy to follow and marked with the Knafelc waymark, which is a red circle with a white center (like a target).
We also hiked in Slovenia in May. It’s definitely possible to hit the trails in Spring if you hike at lower elevations. We encountered a lot of snow on the trails, especially above Lake Bohinj, during our May trip. Luckily, we wore crampons, which made hiking in snow a lot easier.
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Best Hikes in Slovenia
- Kamniškem sedlu Mountain Saddle, Kamnik-Savinja Alps (day hike)
- Češka Koča Mountain Hut, Kamnik-Savinja Alps (day hike)
- Traversing Kamnik-Savinja Alps (hut to hut hike)
- Martuljek Waterfall, Kranjska Gora (half-day hike)
- Seven Lakes Valley, Julian Alps (day hike)
- Koča na Planini pri Jezeru Mountain Hut, Julian Alps (day hike)
- Traversing Triglav National Park, Julian Alps (hut to hut hike)
All hikes are plotted on an interactive map at the bottom of this post.
1. Kamniškem sedlu Hike, Kamnik-Savinja Alps
Day Hike
Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu (Kamnik Saddle)
- Mountain Range: Kamnik – Savinja Alps
- Trailhead: Dom v Kamniški Bistrici (600 m)
- Destination: Kamnik Saddle / Kamniška koča na Kamniški sedlu (1864 m)
- Distance: 5.5 km one-way
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Altitude Difference: 1,264 m
- Time Needed: 3.5 hours one-way
- Where to Stay: Kamniška Bistrica or Kamnik
- Budget | Guest House Kraljev Hrib
- Midrange | Guest House Pri Cesarju
- Midrange | House Berdnik
Kamniškem sedlu is a picturesque mountain saddle in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. 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 Southern Limestone Alps 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 hike to the Kamnik saddle begins at the mountain hut Dom v Kamniški Bistrici, a 20-minute drive from the town Kamnik, or a 1.5-hour drive from Ljubljana. We recommend staying in this guest house in Kamnik before your hike. Note: we used public transit to reach the trailhead.
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 forest via a narrow path. Simply follow the trail markers, which are red circles with white centers (“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. 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!
To return to the trailhead, simply follow the trail you came up. 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.
2. Češka koča Hike, Kamnik-Savinja Alps
Day Hike
Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh (the Czech Hut)
- Mountain Range: Kamnik – Savinja Alps
- Trailhead: Zgornje Jezersko (943 m)
- Destination: Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh (1,543 m)
- Distance: 4.8 km one-way
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Altitude Difference: 660 m
- Time Needed: 2 hours one-way
- Where to Stay: Zgornje Jezersko
- Budget | Glamping and B&B Cvet Gora
- Mid-Range | Tourist farm Šenkova domačija
- Luxury | Boutique Hotel Vila Planinka
Češka koča na Spodnjih Ravneh (“The Czech Hut”) is a charming mountain hut located in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Built in 1900, this rustic wooden hut is perched high above the Ravenska kočna valley and surrounded by limestone mountains. Češka koča (1,543 m) is a doable day hike if you’re starting the hike from the valley of Jezersko, which is a 40-minute drive from Kranj. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Zgornje Jezersko, we suggest this stylish hotel.
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.
There are two different trails to the mountain hut, so you can hike this as a loop. From Jezersko Valley, you can start the trail at Planšarsko jezero lake. Follow the road into the glacial valley Ravenska kočna, and follow the signs to Češka koča. This is the more beautiful trail. Alternatively, you can hike from the town center of Zgornje Jezersko to the hut via a forest trail. From the town center, cross the Jezernica river and follow the road and look for a trail leading to the left towards Makekov Marof. Allow 2 – 3 hours uphill and an additional 2 hours return.
3. Kamnik-Savinja Alps Traverse
Hut to Hut Hike
Spremova pot
- Mountain Range: Kamnik – Savinja Alps
- Trailhead: Dom v Kamniški Bistrici (600 m)
- Destination: Zgornje Jezersko (943 m)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Time Needed: 4 Days
- Where to Stay: Mountain huts along the route. Stay in Kamnik before the trek. Stay in Zgornje Jezersko after the trek.
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 via ferrata segments, aka assisted climbing routes. You’ll definitely need a via ferrata kit (helmet is essential) and polarized glasses for safety. 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.
4. Martuljek Waterfall, Kranjska Gora
Half-Day Hike
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- Martuljek waterfall, Kranjska Gora
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- Martuljek gorge, Kranjska Gora
- Mountain Range: Julian Alps
- Trailhead: Gozd Martuljek
- Destination: Martuljek waterfalls and Brunarica pri Ingotu
- Distance: 2.6 km one-way to Brunarica pri Ingotu. 4.1 km one-way to Slap Martuljek II.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Altitude Difference: 190 m / 470 m
- Time Needed: 1 hour one-way to Brunarica pri Ingotu. 2.5 hours one-way to Slap Martuljek II.
- Where to Stay: Kranjska Gora
- Budget | Youth Hostel Nika
- Mid-Range | Špik Alpine Wellness Hotel
- Luxury | Jasna Chalet Resort
Hiking to Martuljek waterfalls (Slap Martuljek in Slovenian) is a wonderful half-day excursion, suitable for the whole family. If you have a copy of the Cicerone Walking Guide: Julian Alps of Slovenia, this hike is listed as Walk 4. We recommend staying in this family run hotel in Kranjska Gora. To reach the waterfall trailhead, you can take a 10-minute bus ride from Kranjska Gora to the small town Gozd Martuljek. Check bus schedule here. Alternatively, you can walk an hour to Gozd Martuljek. The walk follows path #5 along the Sava Dolinka River.
As you approach Gozd Martuljek, look for a dirt road leading to the right. You’ll walk across open meadows for about 5 minutes before walking under an old stone railway bridge. From the meadow, you’ll have splendid views of the Julian Alps. Next, you’ll pass a charcoal burning site with information boards about the history of the industry. Right after the site, the trail splits. Take the left trail. The trail passes by a man-made waterfall and then enters an enchanting gorge with steep walls.
You’ll hike through the Martuljek Gorge. and then ascend to a nice viewing area of the lower Martuljek falls (spodnji slap). Continue on the path until you reach a junction with a wide gravel road. Turn left and head in the direction of Brunarica pri Ingotu (there are signs). Brunarica pri Ingotu is a mountain hut that’s situated on a meadow and surrounded by dairy cows. It’s one of those places out of a storybook. Stop here for a homemade stew, a drink, or simply the mountain view.
Next, you can either continue the journey for another hour to the upper Martuljek waterfall (zgornji), or return back to Gozd Martuljek. We didn’t hike up to the upper falls, however we read that the hike requires a bit of scrambling.
5. Seven Lakes Valley, Julian Alps
Day Hike, or 2-Day Hike
Seven Lakes Valley, Julian Alps
- Mountain Range: Julian Alps
- Trailhead: Koča pri Savici mountain hut (653 m)
- Destination: Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (1,684 m)
- Distance: 6.2 km one-way
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Altitude Difference: 1,031 m
- Time Needed: 3.5 hours one-way
- Where to Stay: Ukanc
- Budget | Rooms and Apartments Lake Bohinj
- Mid-Range | Planinski dom Savica
- Luxury | Hiša Erlah
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.
The Triglav Lakes Valley trail begins at the mountain hut Koča pri Savici, close to Lake Bohinj. From the hut, you can visit the popular Slap Savica waterfall (3 EUR fee) before making your way to the Triglav Lakes Hut (Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih), 1685 m. It takes 3 hours and 15 minutes to reach the hut.
You can have lunch at the Tirglav Lakes Hut and make this your final destination. Alternatively, you can continue your journey for another 1-1.5 hours up the valley to lake Veliko jezero (Jezero Ledvicah), 1831 m. This deep-teal colored-lake makes for a good turning around point if you’re hiking here in one-day. If you’d like to stay in Ukanc, we highly recommend this guest house.
If you have 2 days, 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. If you have a copy of the Cicerone Walking Guide: Julian Alps of Slovenia, this hike is listed as Walk 30.
6. Koča na Planini pri Jezeru, Julian Alps
Day Hike
- Mountain Range: Julian Alps
- Trailhead: Planina Blato (1,147 m). There’s a 12 EUR toll fee to drive from Stara Fužina to Planina Blato.
- Destination: Koča na Planini pri Jezeru (1,453 m)
- Distance: 2.3 km one-way
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Altitude Difference: 306 m
- Time Needed: 1.5 hours one-way
- Where to Stay: Stara Fužina or Ribčev Laz
- Budget | Apartments and rooms Cerkovnik
- Midrange | Hotel Majerca
- Luxury | Hotel Jezero
Koča na Planini pri Jezeru is a mountain hut situated 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, 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). Note: there’s a 12 EUR toll to drive from Stara Fužina to Planina Blato. We recommend staying in this brand new hotel in Ribčev Laz before and after the hike.
If you start in Stara Fužina, you’ll hike through Planina Spodnji Vogar, which is a high alpine pasture. The hike should take 3-3.5 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.
After a bite to eat at the beautiful Koča na Planini pri Jezeru, you can take an alternative route back to Vogar via Planine Vodični vrh. Planine Vodični vrh is another high alpine pasture with a collection of rustic huts. Though we wanted to take this route to Vogar, we couldn’t because the trail was closed. Hopefully, it’ll be open in the future.
7. Triglav National Park Traverse, Julian Alps
Hut to Hut Hike
- Mountain Range: Julian Alps
- Trailhead: Vršič Pass
- Destination: Lake Bohinj
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Time Needed: 4 – 5 Days
- Where to Stay: Mountain huts along the route. Stay in Kranjska Gora before the trek. Stay in Stara Fužina after the trek.
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, Soča, Bovec, 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 whole park in a few days. There are a number of mountain huts located throughout the park that offer private and dormitory-style rooms as well as warm meals
So if you’re looking for an epic Julian Alps hiking trail, we’ve got you covered. We hiked across Triglav National Park in 5 days and created Julian Alps hut to hut itinerary. The hike starts at Vršič Pass (close to Kranjska Gora) and ends in Lake Bohinj. Hiking hut to hut in the Julian Alps was an unforgettable experience. Major highlights included seeing Ibex, the Edelweiss-filled high alpine plateau of Kriških podih, Mount Triglav, the Seven Lakes Valley, Luknja pass and the fairy tale pasture around Planini pri Jezeru. If you’re trying to decide which best hike in Slovenia to tackle, choose this one.
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 hut to hut Slovenia hikes, please take a look at these hiking guides: Triglav Trek and Kamnik Trek. We also outlined the Triglav summit hike (2 days needed) in the map below.
Get Hiking Insurance
For peace of mind on the trail, make sure you have hiking travel insurance. When you have World Nomads insurance, you’ll get emergency medical insurance, emergency medical transportation, gear protection (in case of theft, loss, or damage) and trip protection (in case of cancellation).
Learn more about hiking insurance here.
Helpful Resources for Hiking in Slovenia
- The Julian Alps of Slovenia: Mountain Walks and Short Treks (Cicerone Walking Guide)
- hribi.net – a resource for all mountain huts, peaks, connections in Slovenia. The site needs a redesign, but it’s a reliable source of information for all things hiking and mountaineering in the Slovenian Alps. You can find specific destinations and trails in the Julian Alps here.
- Info on Trail Closures – map indicating what trails are closed is maintained by the Alpine Association of Slovenia.
- Long Distance Trails in Slovenia: Juliana Trail, Via Alpina, Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenian Mountain Trail, Walk of Peace, E7, E6, etc…
More Information for Your Trip to Slovenia:
- The Hidden Wonders of Pokljuka Plateau
- Best Things to Do in Logar Valley
- Magical Things to Do in Kobarid
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There are 33 comments on this post
Woah all of these look amazing, but that waterfall hike really caught my eye!
Hey Sarah! Thanks for the comment! Yes, that waterfall is a lovely excursion, especially if you're near Kranjska Gora.
Oh my goodness, you have me completely convinced! I would LOVE to go hiking in Slovenia.
Did you have to pinch yourself to realise you were awake and really in such a beautiful place!? I mean, that Seven Lakes Valley is truly gorgeous and I love the views of the Martuljek Waterfall. What an amazing place for a holiday.
Hi Josy, Thank you for the comment! Yes, we did - especially when we saw edelweiss flowers carpeting a high alpine plateau in the Julian Alps.
Beautiful blog and post- I have pinned for future reference as I would love to go to Slovenia. And you are right- never realised there were so many amazing hikes to check out.
Thank you Emma for the lovely comment! Yes, Slovenia has so many wonderful landscapes to explore. We can't wait to go back.
I didn't realize Slovenia would be such a great place for hiking! All of those views are incredible!
Thank you for the comment and visiting our blog! Slovenia is a hiker's paradise.
Thank you for this list. I've saved Slovenia on my hiking bucket list and was wondering if you post GPS coordinates for the trails or at least the trailheads? I use the alltrails app but these day hikes simply aren't populating. Wondering if I'm searching incorrectly. Thanks in advance!
Hi Katie,
We don't post GPS coordinates (probably something we should start doing). What do you need help finding? I'll send you the locations on google maps.
-Sabrina
Hello. I am a experienced alpine walker. I have an opportunity to be in Slovenia for about 5 days in July. I would love to Traverse the Triglav National Park, Julian Alps.
I also enjoy large waterfalls.
I am well equipped to camp anywhere. What do you recommend? Do you suggest any maps I can down load...way points to huts or camping spots etc. I will be coming by train from Vienna.
Hi Michael,
Did you see our Triglav hiking guide: https://moonhoneytravel.com/triglav-national-park-slovenia/
Camping isn't allowed in the park. If you plan on embarking on a multi-day hike across the park, you'll need to stay in mountain huts (def book in advance). You can follow the route in Maps.me pretty well. Though, I definitely recommend buying the Sidarta’s Triglav 1:25 000 Map. Good luck!
Hello. All pictures looks so beautiful, and I'm very excited to visit some of them. Could you tell me where you took the picture? on "BEST HIKES IN SLOVENIE" Pinterest. It looks amazing. I def want to hike there.
Hi Kate, Glad you like the pictures! I created a few pins for this post. Some photos are from Seven Lakes Valley (Julian Alps), while others are taken along the Slovenian Mountain Trail (Kamnik-Savinja Alps). Happy travels & happy hiking!
This is an very detailed post on hiking in Slovenia. It is equally inspiring. The Seven Lakes Valley hike looks amazing. I've travelled to many of the former Yugoslav countries and am wondering if I'm leaving the best (Slovenia) until last! Well done.
Thank you Hazel! Have a great time hiking and traveling in Slovenia.
Hi, thank you for amazing tips and descriptions. I would like to do the Seven valley hike next week. Which lake is on the picture above? Thank you, Helena
Hi Helena, Sorry for the delay! We were on a multi-day hike. The banner image is Veliko jezero Ledvicka.
Hi there,
Do any of the books have trail maps or a location on maps or google ................at least the trail heads...............I am heading there in September THANKS! Your info is very helpful!!!!
The Cicerone guide covers the Julian Alps only. You can check out the map here: https://moonhoneytravel.com/kamnik-savinja-alps-slovenia/
Thanks for the fantastic list. I have the opportunity to be in Slovenia in late September/early October. Do you know what I could expect as far as the weather during this time of year? Are some of the higher mountain hikes inaccessible by then? Thanks
Hi Kyle,
I'd bring a few more layers. September is usually very stable weather-wise. The Slovenian mountains aren't very high, so you should be able to explore into October, unless there's a snowstorm (unlikely, but possible). Have a great time! - Sabrina
Hi! This is such an amazing list. Thanks so much for creating and sharing! Quick question I'm hoping you can help me out with: I'd like to do a hut-to-hut hike for two to three days -- so either one night in a hut (get there then turn around the next morning) or two nights in a hut. I'll be there in July. Do you have any suggestions for hikes to do that with? And would you suggest going with a guide for a first-timer? (And if so... can you suggest/do you do guided walks?!)
Thank you again!!
Hi Ashley,
Glad to hear it!
Check out our Triglav Hut to Hut itinerary.
At the bottom of the itinerary, I listed a few more itinerary options, including a 2-day and a 3-day route. This would be a great option for 2 days:
Day 1: Slap Savica – Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih
Day 2: Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih – Koča na Planini pri Jezeru – Kosijev dom na Vogarj – Bohinj
Depending on your confidence level, I think this is something you can do by yourself. I recommend downloading Maps.me, so you can always see where you are and which direction you're hiking in.
By first-timer, do you mean first time hiking in Slovenia, to a mountain hut, in the alps?
:) Sabrina
Could you add a page for your gear and clothes when you go on these. Would love to see what you’re wearing (with affiliate links). We are thinking of going in early may with a guide who will be supplying some of the gear but I’m wondering if I have the right clothes...thanks!
I should note we’re regular hikers and have hiked in northern Spain in December and Romania in early spring so we typically heat tech plus rei Columbia hiking pants and a Patagonia puff but wondering if we need a tougher shell or if a rain wind jacket over Patagonia will do
Hi Lynn,
In early May there will likely still be snow. So, I highly recommend bringing crampons. Will you be overnighting in bivaks, or doing day hikes? I'd bring both your puff jacket and a rain jacket.
-Sabrina
Hi Lynn,
Here's our hut to hut hiking packing list. I hope it helps!
Let us know if you have any other questions about gear.
-Sabrina
We will be/want to hiking in from Koča pri Savici to Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih (to spend the night) around the 20th, 2020 of June, is the trail covered by snow in many places this time of year? We are an very active family from a flat area of US, being able to deal with the physical part of the hike will not be an issue, it is hard to determine the skill needed to make this hike or exposed part of the trail?
Hi James,
It's definitely possible that there will be snow on the trail, but it should still be doable with crampons. Definitely reach out to the mountain huts in advance for updates on trail conditions. Have a great trip!
- Sabrina
Hi James,
So, I reached out to Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih and they said: "We are planning to open around 20.6. It will depend on snow conditions." If you can plan your trip for early July, it'll be safer. Otherwise, I recommend having a plan B if the hut isn't open.
-Sabrina
What a great blog! Me and my bf want to do some hiking the end of April or beginning of May, what hike do you advise? A 1 or 2 day hike would be the best. As we're only on a 4 day trip.
Hi Amy,
The mountain huts don't open up until the end of June, and wild camping isn't permitted, so I'd stick to day hikes.
It really depends on how long the winter is. We hiked to Koča na Planini pri Jezeru (Julian Alps) in mid-May and it was definitely doable, though there was still a lot of snow.
-Sabrina