The Best Julian Alps and Soča Valley Hike

Explore the Julian Alps, and the Soča Valley in this incredibly diverse 5-day hut to hut hike, and get a taste of the Triglav Lakes Valley and the Alpe-Adria Trail.

Starting point

Bled, Ljubljana

Duration

5 days

Group size

max 8 people/ guide

Technical level

Fitness level

Season

Jun - Sep

Inquiry

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The Best Julian Alps and Soča Valley Hike

Easy hikes with amazing views

Authentic mountain hut stays

The beautiful Soča river

Most scenic part of the Alpe-Adria trail

Pristine glacial Triglav lakes

One of the most diverse hut to hut tours

Bohinj

Great Soca gorge

Kidney lake

Komna Plateau

One of the seven lakes near Prehodavci

planina krstenica scaled

Prehodavci mountain hut and bivouac

Savica Waterfall

Towards Krn Lake

Trenta valley

Valley of the seven lakes

Day 1: Mountain Pastures above Bohinj

We will start the day by picking you up, and driving to Bohinj where we’ll start our hike. The first day of hiking will see us ascend the most so we can reach the mountains. As an easier option, we offer a shuttle to a higher starting point at Planina Blato. We will walk through high mountain pastures, and see the shepherds’ cottages where they have been producing cheese for centuries, with some still continuing this tradition. We will hike up to the Triglav lakes mountain hut by the beautiful Double lake, eat an authentic Slovenian dinner, and get some rest.

Hiking

14 km (8,7 mi), 1250 vertical meters up (4100 feet), 100 meters down (330 feet)

Dedno Polje pasture

Triglav lakes lodge in autumn

Valley of the seven lakes

Day 2: The Seven Lakes Valley

On the second day, we will head along the amazing Triglav Lakes Valley, and see its mesmerizing glacial lakes. Even though we’ll spend the day walking through the valley, the views of surrounding high peaks will still give us an amazing Alpine experience. We will stop at the Zasavska Lodge at Prehodavci to get something to eat and regain our strength. Then we will descend further down, into the Trenta valley and spend the night there.

Hiking

14 km (8,7 mi), 350 vertical meters up (1150 feet), 1450 meters down (4800 feet)

Kidney lake

Descending to Trenta from Prehodavci

Prehodavci lodge and bivouac

Day 3: Alpe Adria Trail

We will hike along the most beautiful European river, and the jewel of Slovenia – the Soča river. Apart from the emerald green depths of the Soča and its thrilling river rapids, we will also be able to admire the traditional architecture of the Trenta Valley. We will cross footbridges above Soča’s troughs and gorges. Those brave enough can even jump in the freezing cold water. This is an easy day of hiking, as we will mostly tackle flat terrain. Depending on our agreement, we can even reduce the amount of walking, and have a shuttle ride take us to Lepena, where we will spend the night.

Hiking

16 km (10 mi), 450 vertical meters up (1500 feet), 350 meters down (1150 feet)

Great Soca gorge

Lepena

Trenta valley

Day 4: Hike to Komna Plateau

With our batteries recharged, we will tackle steeper terrain once more. We will hike up to the crystal clear Lake Krn, and stop at the mountain hut there, to get something to eat. Our trail will lead us into the heart of the Komna Plateau, an area full of WWI remnants. This is also where the coldest-ever temperature in Slovenia was recorded!

Hiking

14 km (8,7 mi), 1300 vertical meters up (4300 feet), 500 meters down (1650 feet)

Komna Plateau pasture

Krn Lake

ruins on komna scaled

Day 5: Descend back to Bohinj

We will end our tour by descending to Lake Bohinj. On the way, we will see the famous Savica waterfall, which is also the spring of the Sava Bohinjka River. We will continue our hike with a walk along the north shores of Lake Bohinj, which will give us a great opportunity to jump in and go for a rejuvenating swim.

Hiking

15 km (9,3 mi), 100 vertical meters up (330 feet), 1000 meters down (3300 feet)

Bohinj

Dedno Polje pasture

Komna Plateau

Optional Extras

Guided

Included in price

Optional Extras

Transfer from your location

Optional shuttle on day 3

Trekking poles

Backpack

Headlamp

Self guided

Included in price

Tour design and organization

Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions

Service and support during your hike

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Accommodation in mountain lodges as per itinerary

Optional Extras

Transfer from your location

Optional shuttle on day 3

Trekking poles

Backpack

Headlamp

From:

489€

/person

Inquiry

Comfortable sports clothes

Insulation jacket

Spare socks, underwear and shirt

Gloves

Toilet paper

Snacks

Headlamp

ID card

Trekking poles if you are used to them

Extra layer

Rain jacket

Headwear

Sports shoes with good grip

Water bottle

Sunscreen

Toothbrush

Sleeping liner (disposable can be bought in the hut)

Backpack 25-30 l

Some cash for food and accommodation

Ljubljana - at approx. 8:00
Bled - at approx. 8:30

*Can be changed due to conditions or upon agreement

This five-day tour will not only give you a proper introduction to the Julian Alps but also let you explore the Soča Valley and marvel at the beauty of its emerald green river Soča.

This is a relatively easy hiking tour that will let you enjoy the amazing sights surrounding you without excessive physical strain. Our time in the high mountain range of the Julian Alps will mostly be spent in the valleys that are nestled between high peaks. We will cross mountain pastures full of authentic shepherd’s cottages, and also hike through the breathtaking Triglav Lakes Valley. Our daily hearty meal and night’s rest will be provided by mountain huts, the core of Slovenia’s hiking culture that will make our hiking tour that much more authentic.

After two days of hiking around the high mountains and a night spent in a mountain hut, we will descend in the Trenta Valley. This will give us the opportunity to have a well-needed shower, and restore our supplies. After a day in the Soča Valley, we return to the higher altitudes of Komna and then head to Bohinj.

Carved by the River Soča, the Soča Valley is one of the most beautiful parts of Slovenia. We will dedicate a whole day to hiking the scenic Alpe-Adria trail that follows the river, marveling at the rapids and gorges of the jewel-like waters of the Soča. We might even go for a swim, or just tip our toes in the freezing cold water. Our exploration of the Soča Valley will also lead us to stunning waterfalls in Šumnikov gaj, the idyllic natural beauty of the Lepena Valley.

The day in the valley gives you the opportunity to take a break and rest your legs for the final two days, so you can also spend the day relaxing and taking in the sights, substituting most of the walking with a shuttle ride.

This tour mostly sees us walking along valleys, and gives us the option of being in the heart of the mountains with constant incredible views, without having to climb the high peaks. However, if you decide to go on a private tour, the itinerary can be customized to include some harder climbs and more impressive summits.

This is a circular tour, as it starts and ends in Bohinj, which gives you a great opportunity to spend some time in this beautiful town by Lake Bohinj.

NOTE: Due to high demand and limited availability of accommodations in Soča Valley, this tour requires a very early booking, 6-9 months in advance. For later bookings, the price can vary.

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The sooner the better - guaranteed availability and best prices if you don't wait for too long.

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Triglav is amongst the most popular mountains in Slovenia. It has a great symbolic value for us and the saying goes that you are not a true Slovenian until you stand on its summit. Therefore, you can expect a lot of people on the mountain in the high season (July-September), especially on weekends. On week-days, however, it is much more peaceful. Luckily, our guides have some tricks up their sleeves when it comes to avoiding the crowds. Hint: they know exactly when and where to go.

Thousands of people climb Mt.Triglav every year. Some come better prepared than others, who underestimate the climb, which can lead to accidents. But with the right approach, knowing the weather conditions (especially the possibility of thunderstorms and snowfall), with the proper safety equipment and an experienced guide, you can minimize the objective dangers and feel completely safe.

Mountain huts in the Slovenian mountains are very cosy and authentic, but provide only basic comfort. Don’t expect too much luxury. Early bookings are usually rewarded with a room but if all rooms are full there are dormitories. There is no shower and the lavatories are basic. There is running water but it is not drinkable. The food is tasty and local but the menu is limited to a few dishes and drinks.

The earlier the better. The highest season, from July to September, it is not unusual for huts to be fully booked for months ahead. Weekdays are better but we still suggest bookings at least a month in advance. Last-minute bookings are very dependable on the weather – if the forecast is not a perfect bluebird, then some spots usually become available a few days before.