HIGH TRAILS OF THE JULIAN ALPS
Explore the heart of Slovenia’s Julian Alps as you follow the high trails staying in traditional
mountain huts. From the serene shores of glacial Lake Bled the route takes you from hut to hut high
into the Triglav National Park and on down to the pristine waters of Lake Bohinj.
Pass medieval castles, churches and traditional mountain villages as you walk across rich mountain
pasture and traverse mountain ridges and passes beneath the sky scraping peaks.
Your trip begins in the picturesque lake side town of Bled overlooked by the imposing medieval Bled Castle.
A warm-up hike explores the surrounding verdant mountain pastures and dense fir forest up onto the
Pokljuka high plateau, getting you ready for the following days exploring the Triglav National Park. Beneath
the rugged summit of Mount Triglav, the highest Slovene peak at 2864m, you will get your first experience
of staying in a traditional alpine hut. Continue toward Dolina Triglavskih Jezer, the Valley of the Triglav
Lakes and Savica Waterfall, where the alpine karst spring water cascades 78m to feed mighty Lake Bohinj
below.
A relaxing walk along the northern shores of Lake Bohinj brings you to the village of Ribecev Laz, where
you can enjoy a taste of home-made honey brandy and borovnica blueberry schnapps. Take a dip in the
crystal clear lake waters or perhaps a cable car ride up to the Vogel high plateau. Your tour ends back at
the pretty Lake Bled, which you can explore further. Slovenia’s Julian Alps, located on the border with
Austria, have always been a cross roads and this is reflected in the rich culture, architecture, music, history
and food of this beguiling region.
• Relaxing on the shores of serene Lake Bled beneath imposing Bled Castle and a backdrop of the Julian Alps.
• Soaking up the views from the mountain ridges and passes.
• Indulging in a glass of heart warming, home made, honey schnapps.
• Awakening to the mountain glow of an alpine sunrise in the realm of soaring eagles.
• The toe dipping charms of crystal clear Lake Bohinj in the heart of Triglav National Park.
DAY 1
SUMMARY
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Accommodation: 1 night 3* hotel, 3 night 4* hotel, 3 nights traditional mountain huts. Meals: 7 breakfasts. Lunch and dinner not included but always available at accommodation or nearby. Half board option available. Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door baggage transfer (not day 3 to day 5 when necessary to carry all overnight requirements— stay in mountain huts). Info pack: Detailed route notes, maps and local information. Welcome meeting: On arrival in Bled.
Transfers: On days 2 and 7 as per itinerary. Emergency support: From our local representa-
tive and office.
Tour: High Trails of the Julian Alps Code: WSlSJA Type: Self-Guided Walking Tour Price: See Website Single Supplement: See Website Dates: July to mid-Sep Walking Days: 8 Days (6 Walking Days) Nights: 7 Nights Start/Finish: Bled / Bled Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Grade: Easy to Moderate HIGHLIGHTS
Is It For Me? Relax in comfortable lake shore hotel accommoda-tions and explore the rugged mountainous environ-ment of the Julian Alps staying in traditional moun-tain huts nestled beneath the peaks. Traverse mountain passes and experience wonderful alpine walking through meadows, beside lakes and through narrow gorges. Carefully chosen traditional accommodation with local cuisine make this a walk not to be missed!
HIGH TRAILS OF THE JULIAN ALPS
HUT TO HUT IN ALPINE SLOVENIA
Arrive in Bled
Bled is a uniquely picturesque town sitting on the
shores of the glacial Lake Bled and overlooked
by the imposing medieval Bled Castle perched
atop a rocky ridge. Bled is easily accessible by
public transport from Slovenia’s capital,
Ljubljana, just 55km (1hr) away.
On arrival at your hotel you will have a welcome
meeting in the evening (6pm) with our local
representative. They will give you all the
information you need including detailed route
notes, maps and local information and answer
any last minute questions you may have.
Overnight: Bled, 4 star hotel.
DAY 2
Walk to Pokljuka
A short morning transfer brings you to the
starting point for today’s walk, across the heights
of the Pokljuka plateau (1280m). This warm up
hike leads you over verdant mountain pastures
filled with alpine flowers and up through silent fir
forests. Arriving at the traditional Lipanska Hut
your afforded panoramic views over the plateau
and Carniola Plain beyond with the summits of
the Kamnik Alps rising into the clear blue skies.
This is the perfect place to indulge in traditional
Slovene stove cooked hiker’s lunch of local
organic produce and herbal tea.
In the afternoon the route provides views far
across the Karawanke and Bohinj mountain
ranges bringing you to Pokljuka, home to famed
winter biathalon competitions, and the perfect
base for your night amidst the mountain
landscape.
Walk: 11km, 620m ascent, 6hrs
Overnight: Pokljuka, 3 star hotel.
Note: Following your night in Pokljuka it is
necessary to pack what you need to carry
with you for the next 3 nights in the
mountains. Your main bags will be taken on
for your arrival in Lake Bohinj on Day 6.
DAY 3
Walk to Planika hut (Mount Triglav)
Following breakfast you are ready to tackle the
next stage of the walk, deep into the heart of the
Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps. The
trail slowly ascends to Vodnikov Dom hut, an
ideal place to stop for lunch and to admire the
view across to Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest
mountain at 2864m.
The final destination for today is the Planika hut,
situated right beneath Mount Triglav on its
southern slopes. If you can tear your self away
from the alpine views which stretch all the way to
the Karawanke and the Kamnik Alps on the
horizon, you are free to explore the delights of
the Planika hut, your accommodation for the
night. Enjoy a sumptuous meal in the restaurant
or a warming drink at the bar before settling
down to sleep in the shadow of Triglav’s snow
capped summit.
Walk: 11km, 1100m ascent, 7hrs
Overnight: Planika hut, mountain hut (dormitory
accommodation).
Planika hut to allow you to make the ascent and
may be booked as an option.
DAY 4
Walk to Koča pri Triglavskih Jezerih hut
Awake for sunrise and you will be rewarded with
the changing colours of the snow capped peaks.
After a hearty breakfast you commence your
walk across the Hribarice Pass (2358m). You are
now in the realm of the sure footed chamois and
fearless mountain goats that inhabit the sheer
rocky slopes beneath patrolling golden eagles.
Breathe in the crisp, clear air as you walk
beneath the surrounding peaks and take a break
to admire the beauty of one of the Triglav
National Park’s seven lakes, Zeleno Jezro, or
Green Lake. The name derives from the high
algae content which gives the lake an emerald
hue. As you walk onward the view unfolds across
the Dolina Triglavskih Jezer, the Valley of the
Triglav Lakes.
A welcome rest awaits you at the Koca pri
Triglavskih Jezerih hut. Here you may relax, rest
your feet, and enjoy the views of the Bohinj
Mountains to the south.
Walk: 11km, 700m descent, 6hrs
Overnight: Koča pri Triglavskih Jezerih hut,
mountain hut (dormitory accommodation).
DAY 5
Walk to Black Lake & Komna Hut
Walking west, you will reach Blakc Lake - the
lowest lying lake in the Triglav Lakes Valley. It is
named forits location in a basin in the middle of
the forest, which stretches right to the edge of
the Komarca rock face. It is the warmest of the
Triglav lakes.
Your day on the trail ends at the traditional
Komna hut, situated right on the Komna Plateau
and offering superb views of Lake Bohinj.
Walk: 8.5km, 340m ascent, 500m descent, 5-6
hrs
Overnight: Komna hut, mountain hut (dormitory
accommodation).
Day Route Km
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Arrive in Bled Walk to Pokljuka Walk to Planika hut (Mt. Triglav) Walk to Koča pri Triglavskih Jezerih hut Walk to Black Lake Walk to Lake Bohinj Transfer to Bled (local walks)
11
11 11
8.5 18
Total Distance 59.5
DETAILED ITINERARY
HIGH TRAILS OF THE JULIAN ALPS
HUT TO HUT IN ALPINE SLOVENIA
DAY 6
Walk to Lake Bohinj
After breakfast a relaxing walk takes you to the
Savica waterfall, an alpine karst spring which
cascades 78m into serene Lake Bohinj. This is
the largest lake in Slovenia and the jewel in the
heart of the Triglav National Park. Legend says
that God gave the humble citizens of the lake the
most beautiful part of Slovenia and the location
surrounded by the Julian Alps is indeed sublime.
Take a walk along the northern shores to the
small settlement of Ribčev Laz, sit back and
relax with a glass of borovnica blueberry
schnapps, coupled with a dish of wind cured
karst prosciutto ham.
Walk: 18km, 1200m descent, 5-6hrs
Overnight: Lake Bohinj, 4 star hotel.
Note: You are reunited with your main bags on
arrival at your Lake Bohinj accommodation.
DAY 7
Transfer to Bled (local walks)
Your day starts with a transfer to Lake Bled
where you have much opportunity to undertake
local walks. Especially recommended is the walk
to the Vintgar Gorge carved 150m deep into the
mountain strata by the turbulent Radovna River.
Here you may negotiate the 1600m wooden
walkway that leads you to the Sum Waterfall.
Heading east from here, you may follow well
marked trails in the direction of Bled, allowing
you to visit the 15th century pilgrimage Church of
St Catherine. From here it is approximately 4km
back to Lake Bled.
For a more leisurely stroll you may wish walk
around the shores of the lake. Traditional
wooden barges called Pletna ply their trade to a
small island that is the location of the Assumption
of Mary Pilgrimage Church, itself sitting on the
site of a temple of Ziva, the Slavic goddess of
love and fertility.
Whatever your choice of walk there is no better
way to finish your day than with a welcome
vanilla and cream kremna rezina pastry while
overlooking the lake.
Overnight: Bled, 4 star hotel.
DAY 8
Onward Travel
Your adventure finishes after breakfast, though
you may wish to add further nights to enjoy the
many attractions that Bled has to offer.
Additional Nights and Extensions
You can add additional nights at any point
before, during of after the walk.
Grade & Terrain
This walk is graded moderate to strenuous and
includes daily walks of between 10 and 18 km
and ascents of up to 1100m following footpaths,
tracks and mountain paths. Some of the ascents
and descents are steep and can be exposed so
require a good head for heights and sure
footedness in places. This region does get a lot
of snowfall over the winter period and there may
still be some snow left early in the walk season.
You should have a good level of walking fitness
to get the most from this holiday. The itinerary
would not be suitable for anyone under the age
of 15.
Navigation
We supply you with turn by turn route notes and
detailed maps so you will have no problem
following the route each day. You will be walking
in the high mountains and the ability to navigate
with a map and compass in the event of bad
weather is recommended.
Accommodation
We specifically select your accommodation to
ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay
in Slovenia. You will stay for 4 nights in
traditional hotels (3 & 4 star) and 3 nights in
mountain huts. The hotels offer comfortable
rooms with en suite bathrooms while the
mountain huts offer accommodation in a
dormitory setting with linen included. All the
properties provide a warm welcome to walkers,
traditional hospitality and delicious local food. .
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we
would be happy to accommodate you although
there is a single room supplement payable.
Single rooms are not available in mountain huts.
Solo Walkers
This holiday is not available for solo walkers due
to the remote alpine nature of the walk.
Meals
A delicious breakfast is included each morning.
Most accommodations are happy to provide a
packed lunch - this should be requested on
arrival. Or you can pick up lunch in the villages or
mountain huts along the trail. If you choose the
half board option dinner is included (only
available at hotels) or alternatively you can eat at
the hotel or a local restaurant each night.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred between your
accommodation as per your itinerary. On days 3,
4,5 and 6 when you walking to and from the
mountain huts it is necessary to carry a day pack
containing all your overnight requirements. After
your main bags are collected in Pokljuka you are
reunited with them when you arrive at your
accommodation in Lake Bohinj. We ask you to
limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per
person.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment
list which includes standard walking gear such as
good walking boots or shoes, warm and
waterproof clothes and a day pack.
Getting to / from Bled
By Air - Bled is located just 55km from
TRIP INFORMATION
HIGH TRAILS OF THE JULIAN ALPS
HUT TO HUT IN ALPINE SLOVENIA
Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. Many low cost
airlines fly into Ljubljana Airport including
Easyjet, Wizz Air, and Flybe.
From the airport: We would recommend
booking our optional airport transfer service from
Ljubljana Airport to Bled as this is the quickest
option (~1hr).
Alternatively take the airport bus to Ljubljana
(45mins) and a connecting bus or train service to
Bled (2 hours total).
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with us that you have
suitable travel insurance that covers you for
cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury. It is
always advisable to book insurance as soon as
you confirm your holiday.
Price
Please refer to our website for up to date prices.
Availability and Time of Year
This walking holiday is available to start on any
date from early July until mid September.
The best months for walking are in the summer
months between July and September when the
wild flowers are in still in bloom, the weather is
usually fair and the higher alpine trails are mostly
clear of snow. It should be noted however that
the weather in the mountains is changeable and
therefore you should be well prepared for all
weather conditions including the occasional
thunderstorm. There can also occasionally still
be some snow in the early season.
Included
• Accommodation for 3 nights in comfortable 4*
hotels (Bled - day 1 and day 7, Lake Bohinj - day 6).
• Accommodation for 1 night in comfortable 3* hotel (Pokljuka - day 2).
• Accommodation for 3 nights in traditional alpine huts in dormitory style rooms (Linen included).
• 7 Breakfasts.
• Luggage transport as per itinerary: Necessary to carry a day pack containing all overnight requirements for days 3, 4 and 5.
• Welcome meeting and briefing on evening of day 1 (6pm).
• Detailed route descriptions with maps and a pre departure information pack.
• 24-hour assistance by phone.
• Transfers on days 2 and 7 as per itinerary.
Excluded
• Flights and transfers to first / from last accommodation.
• Travel Insurance.
• Lunches, dinners & snacks.
• Entrance fees.
• Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
• Any items not specifically mentioned in the program.
Optional Extras
• Half board (4 dinners - only in hotels)
• Single room supplement if applicable.
• Airport transfers (from/to Ljubjlana airport).
• Additional nights during the holiday.
• Upgrade to 3* hotel on day 5.
When you are ready to book you can do so
securely online at www.macsadventure.com or
by phone on +44 (0) 141 530 8886
Financial Security
Book with Confidence. We are a member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. We
provide full financial protection for your money.
ABTA Member Statement
Macs Adventure Holidays is a Member of ABTA.
ABTA and ABTA. Members help holidaymakers
to get the most from their travel and assist when
things don’t go according to plan. We are obliged
to maintain a high standard
of service to you by ABTA’s
Code of Conduct. For more
information on ABTA, the Code of Conduct and
the arbitration scheme available to you if you
have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street,
London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 0581
www.abta.com
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HIGH TRAILS OF THE JULIAN ALPS
HUT TO HUT IN ALPINE SLOVENIA