Last updated on May 24th, 2026
Slovenia’s Julian Alps are one of the most stunning parts of the country. Discover 16 of our favorite stops and hikes in the Julian Alps to add to your itinerary!
Years ago we saw a photo of Slovenia’s Julian Alps and the country was quickly pushed to high up on our travel bucket list. Until that point we didn’t know much about Slovenia, but we certainly did not know it looked like that. And after years of dreaming of visiting this stunning mountain landscape, we finally got to visit it for ourselves…and it totally exceeded our expectations!
Similar to the Italian Dolomites (one of our favorite places ever!), the Julian Alps offer rugged mountain views, quaint towns, and lush green valleys. But the best part? It is still pretty underrated compared to other Alps regions in Europe. And in this guide we’re sharing our 16 favorite stops and hikes in Slovenia’s Julian Alps, so you can experience them as well!
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About Slovenia’s Julian Alps
Slovenia is home to three mountain ranges: the Kamnik-Savinja Alps (home to the beautiful Logar Valley!), Karawanks, and the Julian Alps. And the Julian Alps are the highest and largest mountain range in the country, taking up its entire northwest corner.
Within this mountain range you can find small towns, vibrant blue rivers, famous lakes, raging waterfalls, quaint mountain huts, and dramatic mountain views. Including the country’s highest peak, Triglav, plus Triglav National Park, the only national park in the country!
While there are so many amazing places to visit in Slovenia, if you can only visit one area, this would be our top pick!
16 Epic Stops & Hikes in the Julian Alps in Slovenia
There are countless fun things to do in Slovenia’s Julian Alps, ranging from easy to tough hikes, quick viewpoints, exhilarating activities, and delicious local eats. This list is covering both Triglav National Park, as well as the areas outside the park boundary. It is based on our personal experience in the area, plus a couple spots high up on our list for next time!
1. Lake Bled
There is quite possibly no spot more famous in Slovenia than Lake Bled. This blue lake is surrounded by mountains (both the Julian Alps and Karawanks!) and is known for its island, with a fairytale church perched on top. Yes, it’s touristy and busy, but even as people who don’t love crowds, we had a fantastic time here.
There are many fun things to do in Lake Bled, but some of our personal favorites include the hike up to Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica, renting a row boat to get to the island, eating Bled Cream Cake, and ripping down the Straza Bled toboggan.
We personally suggest spending 2 days at Lake Bled, but it can also be done as a day trip if you’re low on time!
2. Vintgar Gorge
Slovenia is home to quite a few gorges, but during our trip we chose to visit Vintgar Gorge. And we’re so glad we did!
This 1,600 meter (1 mile) long canyon, carved by Radovna River, features wooden boardwalks, turquoise pools, waterfalls, and rapids. Wandering through here is magical, especially if you arrive early, before the crowds.
There are quite a bit of logistics to know before you visit Vintgar Gorge, so check out our detailed guide for information on tickets, the free shuttle, and other important tips!
3. Lake Bohinj
Just 25 minutes down the road from Lake Bled lies Lake Bohinj, the largest natural lake in Slovenia! And is said by some to be even better than Lake Bled (we’ll let you decide). Similar to Lake Bled, you can go on a boat ride here, eat traditional Slovenian foods, admire mountain views, and go for hikes within Triglav National Park.
While we’ll dive a bit deeper into some fun hikes you can start near Lake Bohinj below, at Lake Bohinj itself we recommend wandering around its lakeshore and admiring the views of the Church of St. John the Baptist, plus grabbing a juicy, smoked burger from Foksner.
4. Slap Savica
Located on the western end of Lake Bohinj is Slap Savica, one of the most iconic waterfalls in Slovenia. Standing at 78 meters tall (256 feet), it’s known for its A-shape, with an underground spring that bursts through the rocks into two streams.
The hike to the waterfall is short, at only (1.1 miles) round trip, but does have a lot of stairs as you make your way to a viewpoint of the falls at the end. There’s also an entrance fee (€5 for 3 hours) to do the hike and since it can get very busy, there is a shuttle during the summer that you can take from the lake to eliminate any parking struggles.
5. Vogel
Want to experience the Julian Alps without much physical effort? Head to the Vogel Cable Car! This cable car climbs over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), with sweeping views of the Julian Alps and Lake Bohinj both on the way and at the top. You can also find different mountain huts, restaurants (like Orlove Glave), and hiking trails up here, including one to the summit of Vogel. So whether you want just a quick, scenic cable car ride or a full day adventure, there are options!
6. Valley of the Seven Lakes
One of our personal favorite adventures near Lake Bohinj was hiking to the Valley of Seven Lakes. This 25 km (15.6 miles) hike is a doozy, with 1,432 meters (4,698 feet) of elevation gain. But along the way you’ll pass multiple mountain huts, different lakes, green valleys, and incredible mountain views. It is easily one of the best day hikes in Slovenia, with options to shorten it by only going to Double Lake. Or you can extend it and make it an overnight adventure!
However, before you go, it’s important to know that to drive to the trailhead, there is a €20 toll. The road itself is steep and narrow with limited parking and campervans are not allowed. If you have a campervan (like we did!) or just want a cheaper way to get there, you can park here and take the Line 4 shuttle to the Vogar-Blato Crossroad. Line 5 is also an option earlier in the summer, but it stops running at the end of August.
Shuttle tickets cost €2 per person (for 24 hours) and you need to buy them in advance. While the shuttle will limit how much time you can be on the trail, it is definitely the easiest option to get there.
7. Mount Visevnik
For epic mountain views, but a shorter adventure, go on a hike to Mount Viševnik! At 8.5 km (5.3 miles), it is a bit less of a commitment than the Valley of the Seven Lakes. But it is still a tough hike, gaining 780 meters (2,562 feet) as you head to the top. From up here you’ll see peaks in every direction, including Triglav!
And the best part? Unlike some peaks in the Julian Alps, which require climbing via ferrata, no special gear is needed.
The trail starts at Rudno Polje and there is a €5 per day fee to hike. Also, unlike some other hikes in the Julian Alps, there is not a mountain hut along the way, so make sure to pack enough food and water!
8. Slap Pericnik
Slovenia has no shortage of waterfalls, but if you can only see one, head to Slap Peričnik. Not only is it pretty tall, at 52 meters (171 feet), but you can also walk behind it! Which reminded us so much of our experiences chasing waterfalls in Oregon.
The hike to the falls is short and sweet (0.8 km/0.5 miles), with some elevation gain. But if you visit in the summer, you’ll need to take a free shuttle from Mojstrana to reach the trailhead, which does add on some time to the experience. You can check the shuttle schedule here!
A+K Tip: This trail gets very wet due to how close to the falls you get, so please wear shoes with good grip to stay safe!
9. Mount Triglav
For the experienced hiker with the right gear, summit Mount Triglav! Standing at 2,864 meters (9,396 feet), this is the highest point in the country. And to get to the top, most hikers spend two days, with an overnight stay at a mountain hut, before completing the final stretch, which requires via ferrata gear.
While we did not personally tackle this hike, we met hikers who have and it’s definitely on our list for next time!
10. Kranjska Gora
Kranjska Gora wins for our favorite mountain town in Slovenia! Not only is the scenery from town pretty unreal, but it also offers some delicious eats and fun activities. While here, head to Confectionery Kala for some Prekmurska Gibanica, a cake with layers of poppy seeds, apple filling, cottage cheese filling, and walnut filling. But make sure to save room for a massive meat platter at Okrepčevalnica Lačni Kekec!
And for your nature fix, walk to Lake Jasna or visit Zelenci, which has a vibrant blue cold spring to admire. Kranjska Gora also marks the northern end of Vršič Pass, one of the most breathtaking drives in Slovenia. More on that next!
11. Vrsic Pass
Vršič Pass is the highest pass in Slovenia at 1,611 meters (5,285 feet). It was built by Russian prisoners of War during World War I, giving it the nickname “the Russian Road.” The road connects Kranjska Gora with the Soča Valley, with many twists and turns (there are 50 switchbacks!) along the way.
Driving this road is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Slovenia’s Julian Alps. As you make the drive, you can stop at a couple different mountain huts for a meal, get higher up views along the Vršič Pass hike, and visit the Russian Chapel, which is dedicated to the Russian workers who died building the road.
A+K Tip: Parking can be difficult along the pass, especially during the summer. We were able to park our campervan in this lot for a fee, but there is also parking further up the pass along the road.
12. Slemenova Spica
Slemenova Špica may win for our favorite hike in Slovenia. At only 6 km (3.7 miles), it only takes a couple hours to complete, which is a perk if you want to tackle multiple hikes in a day. The elevation gain can be a bit steep at times, but you will have insane views the entire time, which definitely helps keep us going!
While the entire hike is beautiful, the last section was definitely our favorite, as we got to see dozens of sheep roaming around a grassy plateau. Plus, you have 360º views from the very top, including some of the mountain range’s most rugged peaks!
13. Bovec
Bovec (pronounced “Boh-vets”) is an outdoor adventure paradise! This small town is home to some of the country’s most exhilarating activities, all with a jaw dropping mountain backdrop and the striking Soča River rushing by.
Two of the most popular things to do here are going canyoning or whitewater rafting. During our visit, we went on an intermediate canyoning tour with Nature’s Ways and it was one of the wildest things we have ever done. We slid, jumped, and rappelled through the canyon, even went down a 45 meter (148 foot) tall waterfall!
But if you want something a little less exciting, you can find quite a few waterfalls here! Some of the top ones to check out are Slap Virje and Slap Boka, which is the tallest waterfall in Slovenia, at 144 meters (472 feet) high.
And if you need something to eat while in the area, head to Papi Tine Place for Slovenian classics, like Idrijski žlikrofi, or MarVen Point!
Want to save some money on this tour or experience? Join Tripadvisor Rewards to earn 5% Trip Cash on any hotel or experience booking made in their app, which can be applied to future in-app bookings!
14. Soca River
For lovers of bright blue water, you must see the Soča River while in the Julian Alps! This bright blue river is one of the most vibrant bodies of water we have ever seen. There are many spots to see the river, but our top pick is the Brv Brjeka footbridge, which has a suspension bridge and a little beach to hang out at. You can even swim or jump into the water here…if you’re brave like Adam. It’s freezing!
The Great Soča Gorge is also very popular and this spot also has great views of the river. You can also go whitewater rafting on the river for the ultimate experience!
15. Mangart Saddle
If you can handle another wild road, drive up to Mangart Saddle! The road to Mangart Saddle is Slovenia’s highest road at 2,055 meters (6,742 feet) and ends right along the Italian border. There is a €10 toll to drive it and along the way you’ll drive some narrow, steep, and windy roads, with multiple tunnels to traverse. It was a bit sketchy in our campervan, but we made it without a scratch! (Although we would NOT recommend it in anything larger).
The final part of the road is closed due to a landslide, but you can park and walk the rest of the way to the saddle. It is well worth the uphill walk, as the views are fantastic! You can see right into Italy as well!
But if walking to the saddle isn’t enough exercise for you, you can also summit Mangart itself! However, this hike is pretty intense. There are two main ways to reach the summit, with the route on the Slovenian side being a true via ferrata. This means you will need full via ferrata gear. You can alternatively hike on the Italian route, which doesn’t have a via ferrata, but does have some cables and steep drop-offs.
Important to know: The road to Mangart Saddle is usually open from late June to mid-October, depending on the weather, so check conditions before heading up.
16. Slap Kozjak
Another one of our favorite waterfalls in Slovenia was Slap Kozjak! The waterfall stands at about 15 meters (49 feet) tall, so it’s not the largest on the list, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in the experience.
To get to this waterfall you first walk along the Soča River, with a quick detour to a suspension bridge for amazing views of the water. Then, you’ll hike through the forest, before paying the €5 entrance fee and entering a magical, lush canyon. After a short walk through here you’ll reach this cave at the end, where the waterfall plummets down. It is a spectacular sight!
Things to know before visiting the Julian Alps in Slovenia
When is the best time to explore the Julian Alps?
While you could visit the Julian Alps anytime of the year, the winter brings a lot of snow, which makes many hikes inaccessible. In our opinion, the best time to visit is from the summer to early fall (late June-early October), when the trails are snow free and the weather is warmer. We visited the Julian Alps in early September and it was perfect! Plus, the crowds tend to die down a bit after August so nothing was horribly busy.
Where to stay to explore the Julian Alps
There are many areas you can stay while exploring the Julian Alps, but we personally suggest exploring as a road trip. We’d suggest starting near Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj and staying there for a couple nights, then make your way to Kranjska Gora for a day or two, before ending your time in Bovec. All of these areas have hotels you can choose from!
During our visit, we explored in a campervan and camped at Camping Bled, this Caravan Park near Bohinj, and Camping Liza near Bovec. All of these were convenient to many of the best things to do in the Julian Alps!
Entrance & parking fees
Quite a few attractions and hikes in the Julian Alps, like waterfalls and gorges, charge an entrance fee. And most parking lots we came across had a few as well. Some take credit cards, while others take cash, so make sure to carry both!
Parking restrictions & shuttles
As we mentioned throughout this guide, some of the best hikes in the Julian Alps require you to take a shuttle to get to them during the summer months. Or just have a shuttle as an option to avoid parking headaches. Out of our list, this is applicable for Slap Peričnik (required), Slap Savica, and Valley of the Seven Lakes (optional).
If traveling in a campervan like we were, be mindful that campervans are not always allowed in all parking lots.
Most Julian Alps hikes are dog friendly
If you’re traveling with a dog, many hikes are dog friendly in the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park. However, make sure to check conditions and the trail difficulty before bringing your dog. Hikes that have extremely rocky terrain or via ferratas would not be a good fit for them.
Understand the trail’s difficulty
It’s not only important to check trail difficulty for your dog, but for you as well! Via ferratas are really popular in Slovenia and some trails require you to use one to complete the entire hike. And to safely traverse one, you will need special gear, like a helmet and harness. We have noted which hikes require this in the list above, but for any additional hikes you find, make sure to fully understand its difficulty before you attempt it.
Download offline maps
There’s a strong chance you will not have cell service on some hikes in the Julian Alps. And some trails have multiple junctions where you can continue to other destinations. So downloading offline maps is a must! We used AllTrails+ to save the map ahead of time, which helps ensure we always know where to go.
Want to get 30% off an AllTrails Plus membership? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)!
We use AllTrails Plus on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.
Pack out your trash
Many mountain huts don’t have public trash cans, so we suggest carrying a bag to pack out everything you bring in, including food wrappers, toilet paper, and any other waste.
What to bring to Slovenia’s Julian Alps
To see everything we bring on the trail, check out our full hiking gear list and our guide on how to build a 10 essentials kit. But here are a few items we definitely recommend packing as you explore and hike in Slovenia’s Julian Alps.
Good hiking shoes
Hikes in the Julian Alps can be rocky, rooty, or slippery, so you will want to have some good hiking shoes. We love our Altra Lone Peaks (Adam’s and Kathryn’s), as they are lightweight, have good grip, and dry fast if they get wet.
Hiking poles
With steep trails and rocky terrain, we were really glad to have our hiking poles with us to make us feel a bit more secure and help out our knees. We use the Black Diamond Distance Z trekking poles and they are lightweight and pack down small!
Layers
Weather can change quickly in the Julian Alps, so make sure to pack layers, like a pullover (Adam’s, Kathryn’s), rain jacket (Adam’s, Kathryn’s), and puffy jacket (Adam’s, Kathryn’s).
Sun protection
Many of the hikes in the Julian Alps are exposed, so pack a sun hoodie, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Adam wears KALIYADI sunglasses and Kathryn wears Ray-Bans.
Small Backpack
Make sure to pack a backpack so you can carry layers, snacks, water, and other essentials. We both carry a REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack, which is great for hiking and everyday use.
Garmin inReach
We always bring our Garmin InReach Mini on any outdoor adventure. This gives us the ability to message family to let them know we are okay, plus has SOS capabilities, which we thankfully have never used. It’s an expensive piece of gear, but truly one of the best investments you can make for your safety. And it works in most countries!
Cash
Between hike entrance fees and mountain huts, you will want to have some cash on hand in case credit cards are not accepted.
Water
Make sure to pack plenty of water when hiking in the Julian Alps! We bring a 3 liter Camelbak on hikes, to be able to carry a lot of water at once and drink it easily. But since many trails have rivers, lakes, or mountain huts you can fill up at, we also suggest bringing a Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Bottle to fill up and filter water along the trail.
Another must-bring item for hiking hydration are electrolytes. LMNT is our favorite and if you use this link you’ll get a free sample pack with any order!
Snacks
While there are often mountain huts to enjoy a treat in the Julian Alps, we wouldn’t solely depend on them. So make sure to bring snacks! If you need snack ideas, you can see a list of our favorite hiking snacks here.
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