ESCURSIONISMO

In the vicinity of the Triglav National Park, which encompasses the Julian Alps - together with the Karavanken chain, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, as well as the adjacent subalpine hills - there are numerous marked mountaineering and hiking trails, as well as gentler paths through nature; indeed, hiking in the mountains ranks among the most popular forms of recreation in Slovenia. There is Nordic walking and in winter cross-country skiing, while you may also enjoy trekking with experienced guides. In the vicinity of all these paths and trails, which truly offer contact with unspoiled nature, are ample opportunities for refreshment and accommodation. In addition to its many hotels and inns, Gorenjska boasts more than one hundred alpine lodges and huts for the intrepid trekker.

Highland ways

At five-hundred kilometres long, and an initial milestone in the development of European mountaineering, the Slovenian Mountain Trail links Triglav - at 2,864 m the highest summit in the country - with a number of other significant Alpine peaks.

Via Alpina is a long-distance footpath spanning eight countries, and its red and violet sections traverse Slovenia's Alps. The 14-stage red trail takes you from the Julian Alps into Austria via the Karavanken, whilst 10 stages of the violet trail leads northeast from Triglav across the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.

Easily accessible mountain trails are to be found throughout Slovenia's Alps. A number have their starting points in the Bohinj area (with three routes up to Triglav), Kranjska Gora (a more difficult ascent to Prisank), Bled (to Pokljuka and thence further along the easiest route to Triglav), Jezersko (Karavanken ridge, as well as a trail to the glacier below Skuta in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps) and Tržič (basin with a starting point of routes linking the Karavanken ridge and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps).

Hiking in the foothills of the Alps

A section of the E6 European Long-Distance Footpath passes through the southern fringes of the Julian Alps (the highest point of which is the summit of Porezen, 1,630 m). Easier trails include the Loka Mountain Trail which traverses the hills above Škofja Loka and the Poljanska Valley (Gorenja Vas - Poljane). Such routes lead one to the summits of Ratitovec (1,666 m), the magnificent Blegoš (1,563 m) and the popular Lubnik (1,025 m). From the town of Žiri you may also follow the trail linking the fortifications along the pre-WWII frontier defined by the Treaty of Rapallo.

An excellent choice for hikers is Krvavec (1,853 m) above the town of Cerklje where in addition to the circular History Trail there are also starting points of paths leading to the summits of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.

Nordic walking

The valleys of Slovenia's Alps feature marked trails suitable for the ever-more popular pursuit of Nordic walking (using ski poles). Kranjska Gora provides the possibility to learn this technique, while Bled organises an annual Nordic Walking Day, and Pokljuka has 50 km of special trails aimed at those who appreciate this particular form of recreation.

The Dovžan Gorge trails near Tržič are also perfectly suited to the requirements of Nordic walking.

Walks in nature

Heritage sites and areas of outstanding natural beauty in Slovenia are accessible as well as interlinked by a wide variety of marked thematic paths and trails.

Guides and mountain safety

Although Slovenia's Alps are within easy reach, one shouldn't explore such regions without the proper clothing and gear. Visitors to mountain areas should be in a good physical condition and be in possession of suitable footwear (boots) and clothing (at least a portion of which should also be of a vivid colour), as well as necessary equipment for personal safety and protection. Choose a trail that is of a degree of difficulty suitable for you, and do not walk in the mountains alone; the safest way to explore Slovenia’s Alps is in the company of an experienced mountain guide.

Accommodation for hikers

Slovenia's Alps boast more than 100 mountain huts and lodges, further to which a number of hotel and apartments in the mountains also have a special hiking categorisation. In addition to the offer of saunas and massages, the five-hiker mark indicates that the facility can provide information, maps and guides as well as transfers, has storage facilities, offers equipment rental and also caters for those requiring a special diet. You can find hotels and other accommodation providers suitable for hikers in Bohinj, Kranjska Gora, Bled, Jezersko and Pokljuka.