Hiking the Famous Trail Around the Julian Alps
This popular self guided hike explores the southeastern Julian Alps, passing through valleys, plateaus, high passes, and small tourist spots. The trail follows the Sava, Bača, and Tolminka rivers, offering constant views of Mount Triglav. Along the way, you'll learn about Slovenia's iron works history, visit the homes of famous writers, and discover the importance of beekeeping. You'll meet local farmers and cheese makers, and history enthusiasts can explore the region's role in both World Wars.
A collection of the most spectacular, different grade walks, from medium to hard, it features walks along mountain ridges, meadows and valley floors, slowly progressing from east to west.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN BLED
Bled is situated on the shore of a beautiful glacial lake. View its magical island church and clifftop castle at sunrise or sunset to see why it has earned a place as one of Slovenia's most popular attractions. Take a stroll around the lake and hike up to Mala Osojnica viewpoint at the western end for an beautiful view of Bled from above.
Day 2: BLED – GORELJEK (POKLJUKA HIGH PLATEAU) (intermediate, 7 hrs, ↔ 21 km, ↑ 880 m, ↓ 120 m)
In the morning, leave the Slovenian pearl and start hiking Juliana Trail towards the Julian Alps through the idyllic sub-alpine village of Gorje. The day's main highlight awaits at the magnificent Pokljuka Gorge – a designated nature reserve and protected biotope. You'll spend the night surrounded by blooming alpine meadows, immersed in the tranquility of this natural haven.
Day 3: GORELJEK (POKLJUKA HIGH PLATEAU) – RIBČEV LAZ / BOHINJ VALLEY (intermediate, 7 hrs, ↔ 24 km, ↑ 180 m, ↓ 910 m)
Today you will descend from mountain pastures into the stunning Bohinj valley that awaits below. As you pass through the quaint villages along the way, you can visit a small alpine museum. Your final destination is the beautiful alpine Lake Bohinj, framed in a dead-end valley by the Julian Alps. Before dinner, indulge in a special treat – a panoramic cruise around the lake, offering a unique perspective of its natural splendor.
Day 4: RIBČEV LAZ BOHINJ VALLEY – BOHINJSKA BISTRICA (easy, 2:30 hrs, ↔ 9 km, ↑ 140 m, ↓ 160 m)
An easy stage of hiking is ahead of you today. Say goodbye to the lake and walk through the nearby village pastures to Bohinjska Bistrica. Your hotel is known for its wellness programs. In this small town, you can relax and prepare for the more demanding stages ahead.
Day 5: BOHINJSKA BISTRICA - PODBRDO (intermediate, 5 hrs, ↔ 13.7 km, ↑ 750 m, ↓ 760 m)
Today's stage of the Juliana Trail Southeast wing is a bit more challenging, but the rewards for your efforts will be abundant. Setting off from Bistrica, and passing by the former ski resort, you'll ascend to Baška sedlo. Here, you'll have the delightful opportunity to indulge in a snack "at the top of the world". From the saddle, you'll be treated to the most breathtaking views of the entire tour. The views extend far and wide, enveloping the nearby and distant mountain landscapes of Julian Alps. In the afternoon, you'll descend to the quaint town of Podbrdo, where you'll spend a peaceful and restful night.
Day 6: PODBRDO - GRAHOVO (intermediate, 6:30 hrs, ↔ 17.1 km, ↑ 750 m, ↓ 960 m)
If you cherish solitude, the embrace of nature, and the symphony of silence, then you're in for a treat on this stage of the hike. It guides you through landscapes where, aside from the locals, visitors seldom tread. High above the valley of the Bača River, you'll wander along mountain trails, encountering the warm hospitality of the friendly inhabitants who call these remote places home.
Day 7: GRAHOVO - TOLMIN (intermediate, 8 hrs, ↔ 24 km, ↑ 930 m,↓ 1,050 m)
The valley you'll hike through today holds a special place in the hearts of all Slovenes. It's a place of historical significance, as it was where the first Slovenian feature film with sound was shot—a story of devoted partisans who valiantly fought against their occupiers. Along your route, you'll encounter numerous monuments from both the First and Second World Wars, serving as poignant reminders of the region's past. In the afternoon, you'll reach the majestic Soča River. Before the day comes to a close, consider taking a boat ride along its renowned turquoise lake, a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this iconic waterway.
Day 8: DEPARTURE
After breakfast or extension of your stay. You may wish to continue hiking onward our North - Western loop of Juliana Trail. You can also continue along the famous Alpe Adria Trail to Cividale del Friuli.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Season A: 10.5. to 16.8. and 21.9. to 11.10.2025 975 EUR
Season B: 17.8. to 20.9.2025 1.055 EUR
Date of day 1 sets the seasons price.
Price includes:
• Seven nights accommodation in hotels 3*/4* and guesthouses 2*/3* in two bedded en-suite facilities room, on basis of bed & breakfast
• Luggage transfer – one piece per person, max 23 kgs / 50 lb. Lufthansa airline dimensions, every additional piece 60 EUR per trip, payable on spot
• Tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form, one download per room
• Local tourist and other taxes
• Personal welcome meeting upon arrival
• Backup service (hotline) during the trip
Supplements:
• Single travelers season A 380 EUR, season B 415 EUR. Applies when a person travels alone, includes single room supplement.
• Single room season A 290 EUR, season B 325 EUR. Applies when a person is traveling together with other persons in a party.
• Printed information package in English or German including route notes and corresponding maps delivered upon arrival - 30 EUR.
Additional nights:
• 4* Hotel in Bled: Season A 105 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 200 EUR. Season B 115 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 210 EUR.
• 4* Hotel in Bohinj: Season A 105 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 180 EUR. Season B 115 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 195 EUR.
• 4* Hotel in Tolmin: Season A 85 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 115 EUR. Season B 95 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 135 EUR.
Discounts:
• Children from 5 to 12 years: 40% discount on basic price when sleeping on auxiliary bed, sharing room with parents
• Third person in a double room on auxiliary bed: 10% discount for the third person
Not included: lunches, dinners, entrance fees
Hike Profile
2/4 Intermediate Hiking tour. Daily distances increase on some days and the terrain may be rugged underfoot with some hills but not too strenuous. Perfect for those with a relatively good level of fitness. The average sum of all daily ascents is between 100 m and 400 meters.
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: 4* Hotel Savica, Park, Kompas, Lovec or Triglav in Bled
Day 2: 3* Hotel Center on Pokljuka
Day 3: 4* Hotel Jezero in Ribčev Laz, Bohinj
Day 4: 4* Eco Hotel in Bohinjska Bistrica
Day 5: 3* Guesthouse Apartmaji Sonce in Podbrdo
Day 6: 2* Guesthouse Brisar in Grahovo
Day 7: 3* Hotel Dvorec in Tolmin
Travel Options & Local Transfers
Starting point of this trip is Lake Bled 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 Bled by bus (change once, takes about 2 hrs) or book our transfer - see here below!
By train: Bled has two railway stations: Lesce-Bled on the Villach - Ljubljana mainline, 4 km from town center, you'd need to take a local bus. The other option is station Bled-Jezero on the Jesenice - Nova Gorica sideline; only a few trains a day. 2 km away from town center.
By bus: Flixbus stops at Bled.
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
Return transfer: from Tolmin to Bled - see here below!
Local transfers
Ljubljana Airport to Bled 1–3 persons: 88 EUR, 4–8 persons: 120 EUR
Ljubljana City to Bled 1–3 persons: 120 EUR, 4–8 persons: 160 EUR
Villach to Bled 1–3 persons: 160 EUR, 4–8 persons: 170 EUR
Klagenfurt Airport to Bled 1–3 persons: 195 EUR, 4–8 persons: 230 EUR
Lesce Bled Railway Station to Bled 1–3 persons: 20 EUR, 4–8 persons: 30 EUR
Trieste Airport to Bled 1–3 persons: 240 EUR, 4–8 persons: 310 EUR
Tolmin to Bled 1–3 persons: 160 EUR, 4–8 persons: 190 EUR
Tolmin to Ljubljana Airport 1–3 persons: 130 EUR, 4–8 persons: 170 EUR
Tolmin to Ljubljana City 1–3 persons: 140 EUR, 4–8 persons: 190 EUR
Tolmin to Trieste Airport 1–3 persons: 130 EUR, 4–8 persons: 170 EUR
All prices per transfer, one way.
