Trip code: W07SB 4.6 (23 reviews)
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1+ & 2
Flights
available
26.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
Most of our walking takes place in the north of Slovenia in the Julian Alps. This range forms part of the Southern Alps which extend into Austria. The spectacular mountains in this area are predominately limestone, and their jagged forms produce stunning vistas wherever you look. The area is softened by beautiful, tranquil lakes in the valley bottoms and amongst the rocky crags. Two of the largest lakes, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, feature on our 7-night walking holiday.
The beauty of Lake Bled attracts world-wide visitors. It is a natural mineral spa lake with its medieval castle, island with church and the surrounding Alps as a stunning back drop. Nearby is Lake Bohinj, a lake set amongst the higher mountains of the Julian Alps in the Triglav National Park. The valley floors are full of picturesque villages whose inhabitants still rely on farming and its agricultural products for their income. The Slovenes are deeply proud of their way of life, and undoubtedly you will be tempted by their food which offers a host of national dishes many influenced by the cuisine of neighbouring countries. Slovenia also produces excellent wine.
There is walking in Slovenia to challenge the most demanding of walkers as well as those who require more gentle routes. The limestone peaks give many opportunities for ridge walking with stunning vistas of local peaks and lakes. You can walk to the top of Mount Vogel (1922m) with its commanding views all the way to Italy and Austria. Helpfully, some of these high walks can be assisted by the use of a cable car.
Experience routes through the mountains built by soldiers in the First World War as supply routes for Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies fighting in the area. Explore mountain paths through Alpine meadows. Take mountain routes over rocky paths; discover deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls where for most of the year, you may be the only visitor.
There are also several routes linking beautiful, unspoilt villages either on the valley floor or on the mountain slopes. They often follow fast-flowing mountain rivers which will make their way to the Danube and the Black Sea. There is plenty here to satisfy all grades of walker.
We offer a choice of hotels on this holiday, the standard price is based on the 3 Star Hotel Tripic in Bohinj Bistrica with the possibility of upgrading to the 4 Star Hotel Jezero in Ribcev Laz.
There are a range of walks on offer, following a mix of forest trails, mountain paths and tracks, some of which are quite stony in places. There are 13 walks available at differing levels, two of which are not suitable for those suffering with vertigo. Some of the higher level walks may not be passable in early season due to snow cover.
You stay at:
Hotel Tripic, Bohinj Bistrica (breakfast and evening meals included)
OR
Hotel Jezero, Ribčev Laz (breakfast and evening meals included) - a supplement applies for bookings at Hotel Jezero
You stay at Hotel Tripic or Hotel Jezero.
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The small 3* family run Hotel Tripic is situated in the village of Bohinj Bistrica, the centre for rural life in the upper Bohinj valley. Dating back to 1986, it features 17 rooms and 2 restaurants with a large, covered summer terrace. Breakfast is a rich buffet breakfast and dinner consists of many homemade Bohinj specialities.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, telephone, television and private bathroom with WC, shower and hairdryer.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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Situated by the shore of picturesque Lake Bohinj amongst verdant pine forest. The staff of the homely 4* Hotel Jezero will always extend a friendly welcome to guests. Featuring an indoor swimming pool, garden terrace and 2 Finnish saunas.
All rooms feature Wi-Fi, telephone, television, minibar, safe, balcony and private bathroom with WC, shower and hairdryer.
Walks Around Lake Bled
Between two rivers to Talež 15 KM/ 9.5 MI/ 5 HRS
This circular route from Bled will give you an ideal introduction to the area around the town. It includes a stroll through attractive meadows, visits two of the largest rivers in the area and then takes you up to a koča (hut), from where you have extensive views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
The Lake Bled Circuit 6 KM/ 4 MI/ 1.5 HRS
Lake Bled is very beautiful and a walk round should not be missed. Mostly it is combined with our Osojnica walk, which gives the classic overview of Lake Bled, the combination giving a good introduction to the Bled area. The circuit could include a swim at the castle bathing area. Another option would be to catch a boat at the far end and visit the island of Otok. Visitors staying at Bohinj would no doubt wish also to spend some time in the tourist resort of Bled itself, making this a truly leisurely day. On the other hand, you could also combine with the walk towards Babji Zob, thereby making a much longer day.
Above Lake Bled on Osojnica 3 KM/ 2 MI/ 1.5 HRS
The most famous views of Lake Bled are from up here. The walk is very short but is steep and rough in parts; at one or two points it is briefly and slightly vertiginous. The walk starts and ends at the far end of Lake Bled so it makes sense to combine it with the Lake Bled Circuit.
Vintgar Gorge 13 KM/ 8 MI/ 3.5 HRS
Vintgar Gorge is a must-see spectacle. Vintgar Gorge is about 1.5km long and over 90m deep, with rapids, green pools and rock faces, and a surprising number of trout. The path is mostly narrow, with walkways skilfully constructed out over the river from the rockfaces and several bridges. Progress can be slow because of the quantity of sightseers, but this matters not because Vintgar should be savoured slowly.
Below Babji Zob, the Old Hag's Tooth 11 KM/ 7 MI/ 3.5 HRS
Babji Zob is a striking perpendicular rock standing out at the end of the limestone Jelovica hills, south of Bled, and is said to resemble an old woman's tooth. (The tooth is still there, but the old hag is long gone!! You will have to use your imagination!). Our walk explores the delightful countryside and villages on its slopes, and in the Sava Bohinjka valley.
Walks Around Lake Bohinj
Around the lower Bohinj Valley 17KM/ 11 MI/ 5 HRS
On the north side are excellent views of the valley and attractive alpine meadows. On the south side of the valley the route goes through relatively unwalked countryside and generally shows off the attractive Bohinj farmland, mixed woodlands and villages.
Savica Waterfall 8 KM/ 5 MI/ 2.5 HRS
A steady climb from the lake on a clear track to the parking area and restaurants is followed by a short section from the pay kiosk up 580 (!) steps to the waterfall. Our return route takes a quiet, pleasant cross-country route, but alternatives are offered. All variants of this walk can be combined with the Lake Bohinj circuit.
The Mostnica River and Gorge 16 KM/ 10 MI/ 4.5 HRS
This is a low-level walk which follows a wonderfully sculptured narrow limestone gorge with green pools and rapids before entering a lovely alpine pasture full of wildflowers. There is a shady waterfall at the far end of the walk and two cafes along the way to refresh a tired walker. The walk is either side of the gorge to maximise what can be seen. A small fee is payable for walking along the gorge.
The rocky slopes of Vogel 12 KM/ 7.5 MI/ 5 HRS OR 8KM/ 5 MI/ 3.5 HRS
This is a mountain walk with good paths. Vertigo sufferers should avoid the walk from point 1615m up to Vogel but could enjoy the lower option which does not involve scrambling. Either walk has extensive views of the Julian Alps and the Bohinj valley with those opting for the summit of Vogel also enjoying vistas to the south.
The wooded heights of Pršivec 15 KM/ 9.5 MI/ 6.5 HRS
North of Lake Bohinj is a high, wooded area rising to the peak of Pršivec, dotted with several small planinas or open pastures. One or two brief parts are exposed, so those easily prone to vertigo should give it a miss, but for those who undertake it, this route should provide a good, 'away from it all' feeling. If you have enough time you may wish to sample one of the mountain inns.
Walks Around Triglav National Park
Vrata valley and Peričnik waterfalls 17 KM/ 11 MI/ 4.5 HRS
This side valley walk, climbs from the main Sava Dolinka valley to the foot of Triglav, it is mostly easy going with the notable exception of the steep climb to the waterfalls. This is well worth the effort because you can experience the waterfalls from close range.
Pokljuka's forests and the ridge to Debela Peč 16 KM/ 10 MI/ 6.5 HRS
High above the remote Pokljuka Forest lies the attractive alpine Planina (pasture) Lipanca with its profusion of wildflowers, below the summit of Debela Peč. The path is well waymarked, steep in places, but well worth the effort for the outstanding views.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Grand Hotel Union, Ljubljana.
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The Grand Hotel Union is one of Ljubljana's most prestigious hotels. Built at the turn of the century it was considered one of the finest hotels in Europe at this time with its lift, central heating and telephones (a rarity in 1905). Its hall was used as the city's concert hall for many years and its clientele has traditionally been associated with the arts. The hotel has hosted many famous pianists and singers over the years.
The rooms are all furnished in a contemporary style with satellite television, telephone and air-conditioning. The hotel has a swimming pool on the top floor that has an appealing glass roof dome.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £130.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
As we offer a range of walking options, transfers to the start of walks are not included; a mixture of taxis and local buses can be used (payable locally).
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Ljubljana airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
One of the hotel choices on this holiday is the Hotel Jezero. The hotel has an enviable lakeside location and a dedicated wellness area aswell as an indoor swimming pool.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1+ & 2
Flights
available
26.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
