Famous Walking Trail Around The Julian Alps
This fabulous hiking tour takes you on a trek around the northwestern section of the Julian Alps. Mountain lovers will be enthralled by the stunning alpine scenery, and history lovers will enjoy learning about major events that took place here in the First and Second World War.
This hike features a collection of the most spectacular, different graded walks, from medium to hard. Trails will take you along mountain ridges, meadows and valley floors, slowly moving from east to west.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN TOLMIN
If you arrive in Tolmin by train, you can take local transport from Most na Soči; the hotel is also close to the bus station. We suggest you check-in to the hotel early afternoon, then you'll have time to visit the stunning Tolmin Gorge, where the great Dante often searched for inspiration. Additionally, you can walk to the tombs of German soldiers who fell here during the decisive Battle of Kobarid in 1917.
Day 2: TOLMIN - KOBARID (intermediate, 3:30 hrs, ↔ 16 km, ↑ 125 m, ↓ 75 m)
Let's hit the trail! The initial leg of the Juliana Trail heading towards Kobarid traces the left bank of the Soča, a striking turquoise river that surges through the valley. This walk closely follows the river, occasionally veering into the woods at the base of the formidable Krn massif. In the small church at Vrsno, a tribute to the memory of Slovene poet Simon Gregorčič can be found. He foresaw the tragic events of WWI in this picturesque valley. By evening, we'll reach the historic town of Kobarid. By evening we will reach the historic town of Kobarid. There will be enough time to visit the famous museum of the First World War or to walk to the Italian ossuary above the city.
Day 3: KOBARID - BOVEC (easy, 6 hrs, ↔ 20.2 km, ↑ 412 m, ↓ 198 m)
Today's hike takes you through the narrow gorge of the Soča. The first stop is at the majestic Kozjak Waterfall, which cascades 15 metres down into a beautiful emerald pool inside a stony chamber. The trail then slowly ascends towards the course of the river past Trnovo to Srpenica. As you meander along the Soča near Žaga, it is worth moving away from the route and climbing to a lookout point under the mighty Boka waterfall, the largest-volume waterfall in Slovenia. At the highest water level of the Kanin abysses, Boka certainly deserves the title "Slovenian Niagara". Across the former front line of the First World War, you will reach the idyllic alpine town of Bovec.
Day 4: BOVEC - LOG POD MANGARTOM (intermediate, 3:10 hrs, ↔ 11.3 km, ↑ 340 m, ↓ 151 m)
Today you leave Bovec and Soča and head west. In the Kluže gorge, you can admire the mighty Austrian fortress which blocked the road towards the interior of Austria. Part of the Juliana Trail also leads through the fort. Following the goat paths, over streams and torrents, the trail continues upstream until reaching your ultimate destination, the idyllic village Log pod Mangartom. After the hike you are transfered back to Bovec.
Day 5: LOG POD MANGARTOM - TARVISIO (hard, 4:15 hrs, ↔ 20.6 km, ↑ 767 m, ↓ 659 m)
Car transfer to Log pod Mangartom. The first part of the day starts with a slightly more demanding hike. From Log the trail ascends through the mountain village of Strmec to the Predil pass. The effort will be rewarded with magnificent views of Mt. Mangart and Mt. Jerebica. Upon arriving at the pass, you'll cross the border into Italy. The highlight of the day awaits at Lake Raibl. The nearby town, sharing the same name, was once a bustling mining hub where the Counts of Celje excavated lead ore in the adjacent Raibl Mines. Today, you can relish in the serenity of this nearly extinct village while sipping on a delightful cappuccino. Following the Rio Fredo River, you'll make your way to Tarvisio, where you'll spend the night.
Day 6: TARVISIO - KRANJSKA GORA (easy, 6 hrs, ↔ 19 km, ↑ 181 m, ↓ 123 m)
Following breakfast, the day's hike commences with a leisurely stroll along the path once occupied by a railway, leading you back towards Slovenia. As you bid farewell to Italy, your gaze will be drawn to the commanding presence of Four-Finger Mountain. Upon reentering Slovenia, the formidable Mt. Mangart will once again come into view. The village of Rateče is renowned for its excellent inns, providing a perfect opportunity to refresh yourself before setting out to visit Zelenci, the source of the Sava River. Your overnight stay will be in the charming town of Kranjska Gora.
Day 7: KRANJSKA GORA - MOJSTRANA - BLED (intermediate, 4:20 hrs, ↔ 16.6 km, ↑ 233 m, ↓ 403 m)
The last day of the walk offers a million-dollar view from the start. From Srednji Vrh, you'll be treated to a sweeping panorama of the Špik mountain group, displaying its majestic beauty in all its grandeur! After descending into the valley, follow the former Jesenice - Tarvisio railway, now converted into a cycling and hiking trail, all the way to Mojstrana. There you will be collected and after a short transfer you will be in Bled. Bled sits gracefully on the shores of a stunning glacial lake. Witnessing its enchanting island church and the commanding clifftop castle at either sunrise or sunset reveals why it has earned its place as one of Slovenia's most cherished attractions. Embark on a leisurely stroll around the lake.
(At the end of the hiking day, we will collect you in Mojstrana and bring you to Bled. It is possible to follow the original Juliana Trail route to Bled. However, this part leads through the industrial city, Jesenice and its urbanized surroundings leaving little to enjoy. Should you wish to walk that section too, please contact us and we will add an extra day to this tour. Please also see the Tab Additional days.)
Day 8: DEPARTURE
After breakfast or extension of your stay. You may wish to continue hiking onward over the Southwestern stage of Juliana Trail.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Low season: May 5 to May 17 and September 28 to October 7, 2024: 1.030 EUR
High season: May 18 to September 27, 2024: 1.090 EUR
(Currency converter)
Price includes:
• accommodation in hotels 3* & 4* / guesthouses 2* in a two-bed room with WC and shower, on a bed & breakfast basis
• luggage transfer between overnight accommodation (one piece max 23 kgs / 50 lb per person) - every additional piece 60 EUR per trip, payable on spot
• transfers on days 4, 5 and 7
• tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form
• local tourist and other taxes
• welcome meeting
• backup service (hotline) during the walk
Supplements:
• single travelers 345 EUR - applies when a person travels alone
• single room 265 EUR in low season, 290 EUR high season - applies when a travels with a group
• printed information package including route notes and corresponding maps delivered upon arrival - 30 EUR
Additional nights:
• 3* Hotel in Tolmin 75 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 90 EUR
• 3* Hotel in Kranjska Gora 85 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 155 EUR
• 4* Hotel in Bled 130 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 170 EUR
Discounts:
• children up to 5 years: free of charge when sharing bed and room with parents
• children up from 5 to 12 years: when sharing room with parents and sleeping on an auxiliary bed -40% on basic price
• children up from 5 to 12 years: when sharing room with parents and sleeping on a regular bed -20% on basic price
• third adult in the room -10% on basic price
Not included: flights, entrance fees, meals not mentioned in itinerary, drinks with meals
Transfers:
Ljubljana Airport to Tolmin
1–3 persons: 140 EUR
4–8 persons: 160 EUR
Trieste Airport to Tolmin
1–3 persons: 120 EUR
4–8 persons: 140 EUR
Most na Soči Railway Station to Tolmin
1–3 persons: 20 EUR
4–8 persons: 30 EUR
Bled to Ljubljana Airport
1–3 persons: 80 EUR
4–8 persons: 110 EUR
Bled to Ljubljana City
1–3 persons: 110 EUR
4–8 persons: 150 EUR
All prices per transfer, one way. No pooling permitted.
Additional days
This section only covers the extra days of original Juliana Trail from Mojstrana to Bled:
1. day Mojstrana to Jesenice (medium difficulty, 4:30 hrs, 20.6. km, ↑ 691 m, ↓ 784 m)
2. day Jesenice to Begunje (medium difficulty, 4:30 hrs, 16.2 km, ↑ 435 m, ↓ 431 m)
3. day Begunje to Bled (easy, 3:40 hrs, 15.1.km, ↑ 95 m, ↓ 159 m)
Price: 390 EUR per person based on two people sharing
(Currency converter here)
Price includes:
• three nights (in Mojstrana, Jesenice and Begunje) accommodation in hotels 3* and / or guesthouses 2* in a two-bed room with WC and shower, on a bed & breakfast basis
• luggage transfer between overnight accommodation (one piece max 23 kgs / 50 lb per person). Every additional piece 30 EUR per trip, payable on the spot
• comprehensive information pack including route description with corresponding maps in electronic form. Every additional pack 20 EUR
• local tourist and other taxes
• backup service (hotline) during the walk
Supplements:
• single room 210 EUR
Accommodation
Helia is committed to promoting responsible travel. In our journeys, we prioritize the use of small, genuine hotels and guesthouses imbued with local character, often run by local families.
Day 1: 3* Hotel
Day 2: 3* Hotel
Day 3, 4: 3* or 4* Hotel
Day 5: 3* Hotel
Day 6: 3* Hotel
Day 7: 3* or 4* Hotel
Travel options
Starting point of this trip is Tolmin in NW Slovenia
Getting there...
By plane: closest airport is Ljubljana (LJU). Several airlines serve it (check connections here). From the airport, you can travel to Tolmin via Ljubljana City by bus (change once, takes about 5 hrs) or book our transfer - please ask us for a favourable quote! Next good option is Trieste airport. From here you can take a train/bus to Slovenia and Tolmin or we come to pick you up - ask us for a favourable quote.
By train: Tolmin has a railway station at nearby (5 km) Most na Soči on the Jesenice - Nova Gorica mainline. There are a few trains per day and the trip over the vintage railway line is quite spectacular. From the railway station, you can take a local bus to Tolmin.
By bus: there are a few buses per day to Ljubljana and to Nova Gorica (if you fly to Trieste airport).
By car: take exit Lesce from A1 motorway Ljubljana - Jesenice. Long term parking is available in Bled, but has to be booked in advance, please consult us.
... and away
By plane: closest airport is Ljubljana (LJU). Several airlines serve it (check connections here).
By train: From Bled you can travel by train to Austria, Italy and Ljubljana. The town has two railway stations: Lesce-Bled on the Villach - Ljubljana mainline, 4 kms from town centre, you'd need to take a local bus or we transfer you. The other option is Bled-Jezero on the Jesenice - Nova Gorica sideline; only a few trains a day. 2 kms away from town centre.
By bus: Flixbus stops in Bled
