Karavanke Range and Julian Alps in one hiking holiday
This self-guided hiking tour is a collection of different grade walks. However - none of them have a climber's rating. The trip leads you along mountain ridges, through meadows, and across valley floors, gradually descending from east to west. The picturesque alpine trail offers breathtaking views at every twist and turn.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN JEZERSKO
Hiking in Jezersko, a serene alpine valley in northern Slovenia, is an experience that blends natural beauty with tranquility. Nestled between the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Karawanks, Jezersko offers a variety of trails suitable for all levels, from leisurely walks around Lake Planšar to more challenging ascents like the one to Veliki Zvoh. The trails wind through lush forests, past crystal-clear streams, and up to panoramic viewpoints that showcase the majestic peaks and the valley below. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the rich flora and fauna, as well as the traditional alpine architecture that dots the landscape. You will spend the next two nights here (Accommodation in 3 * guesthouse, example: Guesthouse Vila Koman)
Day 2: JEZERSKO – ČEŠKA KOČA (round-walk, hard, 6 hrs, ↔ 12 km, ↑↓ 640 m)
This short walk leads up to just above the tree line to one of the oldest alpine huts in Slovenia (100 years old), where you will be blessed with an outstanding view into the two parallel valleys. Your return route takes you past Shepherds Lake and back to Jezersko. (Accommodation in 3 * guesthouse, example: Guesthouse Vila Koman)
Day 3: JEZERSKO – VIRNIKOV GRINTAVEC (hard, 7 hrs, ↔ 18 km, ↑↓ 760 m)
Virnikov Grintavec is a lesser-known peak in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps of Slovenia, offering hikers a peaceful and rewarding adventure. The trail, starting near the village of Jezersko, weaves through dense forests and picturesque meadows, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains. As you ascend, the landscape opens up, revealing panoramic vistas of the Julian Alps and the Karawanks. The final stretch to the summit is moderately challenging, but the effort is well worth it. At the top, you're greeted with breathtaking views and a sense of solitude, making the hike to Virnikov Grintavec a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts. (Accommodation in 3 * guesthouse, example: Guesthouse Vila Koman)
Day 4: JEZERSKO - LJUBELJ - BEGUNJE (intermediate, 4 hrs, 12,5 km, ↑ 250 m, ↓ 700 m)
You will be taken by car to the starting point at Ljubelj, on the Austrian border. From here the trail leads through a short underground tunnel originally dug by merchants in order to reduce the travelling time between Carniola and Carinthia. As you emerge at the other side the trail then follows the old shepherd’s route before entering the peaceful Draga Valley, which takes you on your final leg into the historic village of Begunje. Begunje is also the home town of the famous Slavko Avsenik / Oberkrainer band. 2 kms down the road are the ruins of Kamen Castle. (Accommodation in 3 * guesthouse, example: Guesthouse Avsenik).
Day 5: BEGUNJE – KARAVANKE RANGE - LAKE BLED (intermediate, 7 hrs, ↔ 13 km, ↑ 850 m, ↓ 790 m)
Day for a panoramic hike at the foot of Karavanke range. Morning ascent will bring you to tiny St. Peters church, built at an outlook observation point in days of Turkish raids. The days walk is an easy one, you can enjoy the quiet pastoral nature and panoramic views of Julian Alps. The day, after a short car transfer, ends in Bled – a world famous town on the shore of a beautiful glacial lake, with its unique island church sitting proudly in the lake, and the castle perched high upon a cliff standing guard over the town. (Accommodation in 4* hotel, example: Hotel Savica)
Day 6: BLED – POKLJUKA HIGH PLATEAU (intermediate, 6 hrs, ↔ 14 km, ↑ 710 m, ↓ 640 m)
A short morning car transfer brings you to the beginning point, on top of Pokljuka high plateau (1280 m) – starting point of many hiking trails in Julian Alps. The hike will lead you over mountain pastures and through dense fir forests to up to Lipanska Hut. A typical hikers' lunch can be taken there. The afternoon walk will bring you along a panoramic route (excellent views of Karawanke range, Pokljuka plateau, Krma valley and Bohinj Mountains) to biathlon centre of Pokljuka where you stay for the night. (Accommodation in 3* hotel, example: Hotel Center Pokljuka)
Day 7: POKLJUKA – USKOVNICA SADDLE – LAKE BOHINJ (intermediate, 4 hrs, ↔ 15 km, ↑ 50 m, ↓ 850 m)
You’ll be driven up to the scenic Pokljuka Plateau, where your hike begins, taking you through mountain pastures and past rustic farmhouses to a breathtaking viewpoint over Bohinj Valley. On your descent, stop at the historic village of Studor, where you can step back in time and explore its charming past. Your journey concludes at Lake Bohinj, a true gem nestled in the heart of Triglav National Park, alongside a quaint village on the lakeshore. (Accommodation in 4* hotel, example: Hotel Jezero)
Day 8: DEPARTURE
After breakfast or extension of your stay. You may also wish to continue hiking onward over our Goldhorn Trail!
Price
Price per person in a double room sharing:
Season A: 17.5. to 15.8. and 20.9. to 4.10.2025 975 EUR
Season B: 16.8. to 19.9.2025 1.075 EUR
Date of day 1 sets the seasons price
Price includes:
• Seven night accommodation in hotels and guesthouses 3*/4* in two bedded en-suite facilities room, on basis of bed & breakfast
• Personal transfers on days four, five and six
• 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 walk
Supplements:
• Single travelers season A 415 EUR, season B 445 EUR. Applies when a person travels alone, includes single room supplement.
• Single room season A 325 EUR, season B 355 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 detailed maps 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 Ribcev Laz 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.
Discounts:
• Children from 5 to 12 years 40% discount on basic price when sleeping on auxiliary bed, when sharing room with parents.
• Third adult in the room on auxiliary bed 10% (applies only to the third person)
• One night less in Jezersko - 30 EUR per person
Not included: lunches, dinners, entrance fees
Hike Profile
3 / 4 Hiking. More challenging with some long walking days and often a longer trip duration. Tough underfoot in places with changing terrain, some prolonged climbs and steep hills, these walks are designed for experienced walkers looking for a challenge. The average sum of all daily ascents is between 400 m and 800 meters.
This tour is a collection of different grade walks. However, none of them have a climbers rating. You will be walking along mountain ridges, meadows and valley floors. The tour is suitable for experienced hikers.
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: 3* Guesthouse Vila Koman in Jezersko
Day 4: 3* Guesthouse Avsenik in Begunje
Day 5: 4* Hotel Savica, Kompas, Lovec, Triglav or Astoria 3*Sup in Bled
Day 6: 3* Hotel Center on Pokljuka
Day 7: 4* Hotel Jezero in Ribčev laz, Bohinj
Travel options & Local Transfers
Starting point of this trip is Jezersko in NW Slovenia, on the Slovene - Austrian border.
Getting there...
By plane: closest airport is Ljubljana (LJU). Several airlines serve it (check connections here). From the airport you can travel to Jezersko by bus (change once in Kranj, takes about 2 hrs) or book our transfer (faster), see here below.
By train: nearest railway station is in Kranj, but it is difficult to get from there to Jezersko. It is better to order our transfer, see here below.
By car: take exit Kranj Zahod on A1 motorway Ljubljana - Jesenice, Karavanke and then follow signposts to Jezersko. There is a free but unguarded parking lot in Jezersko.
... and away
By plane: need to get to the airport? Our transfer from Bohinj to Ljubljana airport, see here below.
By train: Bohinj has a railway station in Bohinjska Bistrica 5 km from your last hotel. It is on the Jesenice - Nova Gorica sideline, there are only a few trains a day.
By car: if your car is in Jezersko, you can get there by local bus (change once in Kranj, travel time is around 3 hrs) or we can transfer you, see here below.
Local Transfers
Ljubljana Airport to Jezersko: 1–3 persons: 100 EUR, 4–8 persons: 130 EUR
Ljubljana City to Jezersko: 1–3 persons: 150 EUR, 4–8 persons: 190 EUR
Bohinj to Ljubljana Airport: 1–3 persons: 140 EUR, 4–8 persons: 180 EUR
Bohinj to Ljubljana City: 1–3 persons: 150 EUR, 4–8 persons: 200 EUR
All prices per transfer, one way.
