Hiking in Slovenia – Top 8 trails
With so much of Slovenia suited to hiking and adventuring, it can be tricky knowing where to begin. Luckily, our guide is here to help you pin down 8 of Slovenia’s best hiking trails.
Picture your ideal hike. What does it involve – climbing mountain peaks to spike your adrenaline? Epic valley walks? Hikes leading to stunning waterfalls and lakes? In Slovenia, you don’t have to choose. With over 10,000 kilometres of marked trails, this top hiking destination offers something for everyone.
In Slovenia, there’s a fresh adventure around every corner. Why not summit peaks in the Julian Alps one day and conquer the rolling eastern hills of Pannonia the next?
This trekking playground means hiking is a crucial part of Slovenian culture. Here, strolling through woods, across mountains, and by rivers and lakes is not just a way to connect with nature; it’s an essential part of life. So, what are you waiting for? Book a flight and see what hiking in Slovenia is all about.
Gear Up for Your Slovenian Adventure
Before you embark on your Slovenian hiking journey, make sure you're well-equipped with comfortable and stylish clothing. Our collection of men's outdoor pants and women's outdoor pants are designed to keep you protected and looking great on the trails. Don't forget to check them out before you set off on your next adventure!
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About Slovenia
Before heading to the top trails for hiking in Slovenia, let's take a closer look at the weather, landscape and mountain ranges in Slovenia. Here are some quick facts you should know...
Weather
Slovenia calls itself the ‘Sunny Side of the Alps’. And it's easy to see why. Generally, the weather is best for hiking in Slovenia between June and September, with plenty of sunshine and a warm, dry climate. However, if the weather turns, there is a well-developed system of mountain huts. The Slovenian highlands, in particular, have multiple bivouacs (known as bivaks) along the trails for shelter.
Landscape
While 60% of Slovenia is forested, there are also mountain ranges, the idyllic Slovenia highlands, themed trails along plateaus, underground caves, swirling rivers, and more. And let’s not forget the 24,000 animal species that live here, such as chamois, lynx, and brown bears.
For such a small country, the diversity of landscape in Slovenia is huge. We totally agree with Tom Longstaff, the legendary explorer and mountaineer, when he described Slovenia’s scenery and biodiversity as ‘a dreamworld’.
Mountain ranges
Speaking of a dreamworld, let’s talk about mountains. Here at Ridestore, it’s no secret we’re big mountain fans. And Slovenia certainly delivers the goods. In fact, 90% of this country is at least 305 metres above sea level. Ready your legs for some serious action!
Slovenia features three significant mountain ranges; the Julian Alps, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and the Karavanke Alps (known as the Karawanks). Other regions include the Idrija and Cerkno Hills to the west, Škofja Loka Hills to the northwest, and the Pohorje Massif to the east. Oh, and the Slovenian Istria in the southwest. This is where the famous UNESCO Skocjan Cave lies.
Because our recommended higher routes are above 2,000m, it’s worth bearing in mind that you might encounter snow on the hiking trails (yes, even in June). Hike outside those key months, and you’ll likely experience more of the white stuff. Come during the winter, and you’ll want to bring your skis! Most of our chosen hikes are open all year round. In the summer months, though, you might very well have cattle for company.
The best hikes in Slovenia
We searched and hand-picked the top 8 trails in Slovenia to cater for every hiker. Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of hiking or craving for some adventurous challenges, we've got you covered.
The Soča Trail
Trail length: 25km (between 7-8 hours)
Difficulty: Beginner - Intermediate
Best for: A whistle-stop tour of Slovenia’s beauty
Region: Goriška
Head to Soča and prepare to be blown away by its picturesque beauty. This is the top hike to see the best of Slovenia in a day.
The Soča trail cuts right through the famous Triglav National Park. This is home to the Soča river, with its stunning turquoise waters twisting through a deep limestone gorge. The Spring of Soča river is where you’ll start your hike.
This 25km route is suitable for most hikers. It’s not too challenging but takes around eight hours to complete. You won’t be bored, though – this hike takes you through all the greatest hits of the area, from the Alpinum Juliana botanical garden to the Mlinarcia Gorge and Trenta Museum. It’s also part of the famous long-distance Alpe-Adira hiking trail that connects Slovenia, Italy, and Austria.
You’ll cross footbridges over the river, walk through mossy forests, and gaze up at the Julian Alps’ towering peaks. Get your phone ready, too – the view from the Dr Julius Kugy monument in Trenta is definitely one for those Insta stories.
Ridestore recommends: Bathe in one of the emerald river pools at the Small and Great Soča Gorges. They might look inviting, but they are COLD! So, it’ll be more of a Wim Hof ice bath challenge than a relaxing soak.
Visevnik
Trail length: 7km (3-4 hours)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Best for: Those after photogenic peaks
Region: Julian Alps
Hiking the Julian Alps is a MUST on anyone’s Slovenia list. Our favourite way to tackle them? Via Visevnik. This takes you to the threshold of the infamous Triglav National Park, one of Europe’s first-ever protected nature parks.
The ascent itself is fairly accessible. And at the summit, you’ll find breathtaking high alpine views of the eastern Julian Alps. However, it is worth noting that you’ll be hiking to the summit for around two hours straight, with little give in terms of steepness.
Ridestore recommends: Up for giving yourself more of a challenge? Climb to the top of Visevnik via a steeper western trail that takes you over the Srenjski Preval saddle.
Velika Planina hiking route
Trail length: 9km (4 hours)
Difficulty: Beginner
Best for: A peek into traditional mountain life
Region: Kamnik-Savinja Alps
Fancy switching up the mountains for meadows? You can’t go wrong with Velika Planina (‘The Great Alpine Meadow). It’s a vast wash of greenery, flowers, grazing cattle and shepherds’ huts.
People have lived on Velika Planina since the Bronze Age. It’s Europe’s largest, oldest herders’ settlement. Today, it’s one of Slovenia’s easiest and most beautiful hiking trails. The hike is relatively long if you start from Kranjski Rak. However, it’s also pretty flat among the green pastures – except for the rocky peak of Gradisce (1,666m).
Take the cable car up from the Kaminska Bistrica valley if you want to cut the hike down to just a 45-minute walk before reaching Mala Planina (the herders’ cottages). Whichever route you choose, this hike features the perfect mix of stunning scenery and traditional mountain life.
Ridestore recommends: Try the fresh dairy products (such as sour milk!) and delicacies made by the shepherds. If you want a sit-down meal, stop at one of the three mountain huts on Mala Planina. Domzalski Dom, in particular, is open all year round.
Mount Vogel
Trail length: 11.2km (around 5-6 hours)
Difficulty: Intermediate - Advanced/Expert
Best for: Views, views, views
Region: Julian Alps
It’d be pretty impressive to say you’ve conquered a summit in the Julian Alps. Climb Mount Vogel (1,922m), and that’s exactly what you can boast.
This hike inside the Triglav National Park is reasonably challenging but you don’t have to climb immediately. Instead, you can jump on a cable car to the Vogel Ski Resort, where you’ll have incredible views of the Julian Alps’ highest peaks (such as Mount Triglav, 2,864m) and Lake Bohinj.
From there, you’ll hike for the first hour through pine trees and across ski slopes. Then, you’ll switch to a narrower trail over ridges and a short, sharp, sweet traverse. After that, you’ll cling to steel cables and climb to a higher altitude – just because we can't make things too easy for you. This is where you’ll meet astonishing views of the Triglav kingdom and even the Adriatic coast on a clear day.
Ridestore recommends: Set your alarm clocks and hike this trail as early as possible. Because it’s so accessible via the cable car, it’s often swarming with hikers throughout the day.
You can also shorten the hike by making it to the Sija peak. Don’t worry, you’ll still get those awesome views. Just with a shorter step count.
Lovrenc Lakes trail
Trail length: 8km (1.5 hours)
Difficulty: Beginner
Best for: Being near water
Region: Pohorje Hills
Take things easy on a circular trail of the Lovrenc Lakes, a group of 20 small lakes (also known as Lovrenc’s Pearls). It’s a simple hiking trail around Slovenia’s largest high moor, but you should be prepared to be floored by the area’s beauty. Here, you’ll walk through woods and cross wooden footbridges over the small lakes and Rogla’s Plains.
This trail starts at Ski Centre Rogla in the Pohorje Hills. It continues past Ribniska hut and circles back towards your starting point. It’s worth bearing in mind that rainwater is the source of the Lovrenc Lakes, so their size varies throughout the year. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the white water lilies if visiting in the summer.
Ridestore recommends: Climb the wooden observation tower for fantastic drone-like views of the stunning lakes.
Slemenova Špica (Sleme) trail
Trail length: 6km (2.5-3 hours)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Best for: Mountain views for miles
Region: Julian Alps
The Slemenova Špica hike offers some of the most majestic views in Slovenia. Of course, we’re talking about the chance to see the mighty Ponce peaks and Planica (the epicentre of Slovenia nordic sports). You’ll also catch Mount Jalovec, Mount Prisojnik, and more.
To start the hike to Slemenova Špica (aka Sleme), you have to get to the Vršič pass, the highest mountain road in Slovenia. This takes you to the treeline and teases you with panoramic views of the most impressive Slovenian peaks even before you start walking!
From there, follow signs to Sleme, crossing the scree slopes. After approximately 30 minutes, you’ll reach the Vratica mountain saddle. Enjoy the epic views of Mount Prisojnik from here. Then, take the right path and after another half an hour, take a left turn at the junction. Turn right after ascending for around 15 minutes and you’ll then reach a high grassy field just below the summit of Slemenova Špica (1,909m).
From there, it’s just a short walk to the top, where the Julian Alps’ breathtaking limestone peaks will surround you. You can then head back to the saddle below the walls of Mojstrovka or remain on the same path for the descent.
Ridestore recommends: Take a picnic! The panoramic hill of Slemenova Špica is the perfect place to sit down and tuck into some Slovenian delicacies. Kranjska Klobasa (Carniolan sausage), anyone?
The Logar Valley hiking trail
Trail length: 7km (3 hours)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Best for: Story-led, themed trails
Region: Kamnik-Savinja Alps
You can’t visit Slovenia and not experience the Logar Valley Landscape Park. This place is bursting with nature, such as the Savinja River, rocky boulders, and giant junipers. The Logar Valley Trail is a themed, natural-ethnographic, trail that takes you through all this and more. Our favourite part f the hike is definitely the Rinka Waterfall, Slovenia’s second-highest waterfall.
You’ll start at the Logar farm and walk past natural features of the Landscape Park and valley, such as the century-old Logar linden tree and Fairytale Forest. You’ll also see ancient homesteads and cottages, providing a glimpse into how the locals have lived in this valley for centuries.
Ridestore recommends: Don’t forget to stop at the woodcutter and charcoal burner’s huts. This is the perfect way to see charcoal made the traditional way and experience authentic mountain life.
Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica, Lake Bled
Trail length: 3km (1.5 hours)
Difficulty: Beginner - Intermediate
Best for: Experiencing Slovenia’s most famous landmark
Region: Lake Bled
If you’ve researched Slovenia before reading this article, you’re bound to have come across pictures of Lake Bled. This is a stunning lake with an island in the middle, featuring an iconic church (potentially Slovenia’s most famous attraction). Most photos of Lake Bled are taken from Ojstrica (600m) and offer the perfect view of this structure. It’s a hill you can hike to in less than half an hour from Lake Bled, so is ideal to tackle during a free morning or afternoon!
It’s worth bearing in mind that the last section of this hike is particularly steep with slippery, loose rocks. However, the view from the summit is definitely the prize. This is where you can rival all those famous photos of Lake Bled and put your own spin on it.
Descend from Ojstrica and follow signposts through the forest to Mala Osojnica. This is another rocky viewpoint for Insta-worthy shots – and it’s only a 15-minute walk from Ojstrica. Then, you can either go back the way you came or take a direct path back to the lake down a steep staircase.
Ridestore recommends: We thoroughly recommend combining the Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica hikes with a stroll around Lake Bled. It will add an extra hour to your hike, but it’s 100% worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to go trekking in Slovenia?
The best time for treks in Slovenia is between June and September when the weather is generally warm, dry, and sunny. However, be prepared for occasional changes in weather, as mountain conditions can be unpredictable.
Are there any safety precautions I should take when on hiking routes in Slovenia?
Before embarking on a hike, always check the weather forecast and trail conditions. Carry a map, a compass, and a fully charged mobile phone with you. Make sure you have adequate clothing, footwear, and gear, as well as plenty of food and water. Inform someone of your planned route and expected return time. Lastly, always respect nature and follow the marked trails.
Are the trails in Slovenia suitable for beginners?
Yes, Slovenia offers a wide range of hiking trails catering to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced hikers. Some of the easier trails include the Soča Trail, Velika Planina, and the Logar Valley Trail. Always choose a trail that matches your fitness level and experience.
Are there mountain huts or bivouacs available along the hiking routes in Slovenia?
Yes, Slovenia has a well-developed system of mountain huts and bivouacs (bivaks) along many of its hiking trails. These provide shelter and, in some cases, food and drink for hikers. It's a good idea to research the availability of huts or bivouacs on your chosen trail before setting off.
Wrapping up
So there we have it. Slovenia is an absolute treasure trove for adventurers. The towering limestone peaks of the Triglav National Park meet breathtaking river valleys and idyllic pastures full of rolling foothills.
Slovenia is a never-ending paradise that rivals Europe’s well-known hiking destinations like Switzerland and Austria. But the best part is that Slovenia is still a bit of an undiscovered hiking gem with fewer crowds than its European counterparts.
With over 10,000km of trails, it may be time to take the less travelled path and head to Slovenia this year. We’ll see you there!
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