Juliana Trail Northwest or Southeast: Which Route Is Right for You?

Juliana Trail Northwest or Southeast: Which Route Is Right for You?

The Juliana Trail offers a gentler and more varied way to discover the Julian Alps. Instead of climbing to the highest summits, it circles the mountain range through river valleys, forests, alpine plateaus, traditional villages and landscapes shaped by centuries of history.

The mountains are always close, but this is not only a journey through nature. The trail also introduces walkers to local communities, rural traditions, regional food and the quieter corners of Slovenia that many visitors never see.

At Hiking Slovenia, we offer two self-guided sections: Juliana Trail Northwest and Juliana Trail Southeast. Each can be walked as a separate holiday, or they can be combined into one longer journey around the Julian Alps.

So, which section is right for you?

Juliana Trail Northwest: Rivers, Waterfalls and Alpine Drama

The Juliana Trail Northwest begins in Tolmin and finishes at Lake Bled. It leads through the Soča Valley, Kobarid, Bovec, the Predil Pass, Tarvisio and Kranjska Gora.

This is the wilder and more dramatic of the two sections. The emerald Soča River, deep limestone gorges, suspension bridges and waterfalls accompany much of the journey. Highlights include the Tolmin Gorges, Kozjak Waterfall, Boka Waterfall and the mountain scenery surrounding Bovec.

The route also passes through landscapes closely connected with the First World War and the Isonzo Front. From Log pod Mangartom, it climbs towards the Predil Pass, crosses into Italy and continues past Lake Raibl and Tarvisio before returning to Slovenia near Kranjska Gora. The final part leads past Zelenci and towards Lake Bled.

Who is the Northwest section for?

Choose Juliana Trail Northwest when you:

• love wild rivers, waterfalls and dramatic Alpine scenery;
• are interested in the history of the Isonzo Front;
• enjoy walking through two countries on one journey;
• are comfortable with longer stages and sustained climbs;
• already have experience with multi-day hiking.

This is the more challenging section. It does not require technical mountaineering, but good fitness and confidence on varied terrain are important.

It is ideal for hikers who want the powerful scenery of the Julian Alps without sleeping in mountain huts.

Juliana Trail Southeast: Lakes, Plateaus and Traditional Villages

The Juliana Trail Southeast begins at Lake Bled and finishes in Tolmin. It explores the quieter southern and eastern side of the Julian Alps through Pokljuka, Bohinj and the remote Bača Valley.

The journey starts beside Lake Bled before climbing through forests and alpine pastures towards the Pokljuka Plateau in Triglav National Park. From there, the trail descends through mountain villages to Lake Bohinj, surrounded by some of Slovenia’s highest peaks.

Beyond Bohinj, the route becomes more peaceful and rural. It crosses into the lesser-known Bača Valley, passing Podbrdo, scattered villages and quiet hillsides far from the busiest tourist centres.

The final stages lead towards Tolmin through a landscape shaped by farming, local traditions and European history. Along the way, walkers encounter traditional hayracks, mountain pastures, cheese-making communities and traces of both World Wars.

Who is the Southeast section for?

Choose Juliana Trail Southeast when you:

• want to experience both Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj;
• enjoy forests, plateaus, pastures and traditional villages;
• are interested in local culture and rural life;
• prefer quieter and less frequently visited valleys;
• want a slightly gentler introduction to long-distance hiking.

The Southeast section is generally less demanding than the Northwest, but it is not an easy walking holiday. Several stages are long, with considerable ascent and descent, so good fitness is still required.

It is particularly suitable for walkers who appreciate variety: famous lakes, secluded valleys, traditional villages and the Soča landscape at the finish.

Northwest or Southeast?

Walk Both for the Complete Juliana Trail Experience

The two sections naturally connect in Tolmin. Together, they create a longer journey around the Julian Alps, combining famous lakes, remote valleys, emerald rivers, Alpine plateaus and border landscapes.

This is an excellent choice for walkers with around two weeks available who want to experience much more than Slovenia’s best-known highlights.

Which Juliana Trail Should You Choose?

Choose the Northwest for dramatic scenery, the Soča River, waterfalls and a stronger physical challenge.

Choose the Southeast for Bled and Bohinj, traditional villages, cultural landscapes and a somewhat gentler journey.

And when you cannot decide, walk both.

The Juliana Trail rewards those who slow down. Its most memorable moments may appear beside a mountain spring, in a quiet village, over a plate of local cheese or during an unexpected conversation at the end of a long walking day.

Explore our self-guided hiking tours in Slovenia

Which section of the Juliana Trail is more difficult?

The Northwest section is generally more challenging, with longer climbs, wilder terrain and more dramatic Alpine landscapes. The Southeast section is somewhat gentler overall, although several stages are still long and require good fitness.

Which Juliana Trail section includes Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj?

The Southeast section begins at Lake Bled and continues through the Pokljuka Plateau towards Lake Bohinj before entering the quieter Bača Valley.

Which section is best for the Soča Valley?

The Northwest section is the better choice for walkers who want to experience the Soča Valley, Tolmin, Kobarid, Bovec, waterfalls and landscapes associated with the Isonzo Front.

Can the Northwest and Southeast sections be combined?

Yes. The two tours connect naturally in Tolmin and can be combined into a longer journey around the Julian Alps lasting approximately two weeks.