The all-time classic walking holiday of Slovenia
The Lakes And Valleys Walking Tour takes you through glorious alpine scenery and panoramic vistas. This walking tour showcases the renowned Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, as well as the captivating Mt. Triglav National Park. It's an ideal walking tour tailored for those who relish breathtaking mountain panoramas and charming valleys. This route is well-suited for hikers with a moderate level of fitness and comes highly recommended for photography aficionados.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN KRANJSKA GORA
This tour commences from the renowned ski destination of Kranjska Gora, widely recognized for hosting the prestigious annual Alpine Ski World Cup Slalom in January. Your initial night will be spent against the stunning backdrop of the majestic western Julian Alps.
Day 2: KRANJSKA GORA – JASNA VALLEY – KRANJSKA GORA (intermediate, 5 hrs, ↔ 17 km, ↑↓ 460 m)
As you embark on your warm-up stroll, you'll journey past the first of the many stunning lakes you'll explore during this excursion: the enchanting Lake Jasna. Framed by the rugged peaks of the Julian Alps, Lake Jasna provides an idyllic setting for relaxation. Yet, save your leisure for the return trip, as there's more beauty to behold ahead. As you venture further through the scenic Jasna Valley, you'll be met by the majestic mountain amphitheater formed by the Prisank and Razor Mountains. Your journey will conclude with a visit to the poignant "Russian Chapel," a tribute to Russian prisoners of war who perished while constructing the military road over Vršič Pass during World War I.
Day 3: PODKOREN – TRIPOINT (TRIPLE BORDER POINT) (intermediate, 5:30 hrs, ↔ 18 km, ↑ 520 m, ↓ 730 m)
Transfer to starting point in Podkoren, where you embark on a captivating journey through lush forests and alpine meadows, culminating at the peak of Mt. Peč (1,508 m), where the borders of Slovenia, Italy, and Austria converge. At the summit, immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas spanning the Julian Alps and Carnian Alps. The grandeur of the Hohe Tauern alpine range, Austria's highest, will unfold before you in all its splendor. The trail then winds its way down through the valley, leading to the source of the magnificent Sava River, Slovenia's longest, before bringing you full circle back to Kranjska Gora.
Day 4: RADOVNA VALLEY – VINTGAR GORGE – LAKE BLED (intermediate, 4 hrs, ↔ 14 km, ↑ 210 m, ↓ 320 m)
Transfer from Kranjska Gora to starting point in Krnica. You will be walking in Radovna valley, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, to the point where the Radovna River has etched the impressive 150-meter-deep Vintgar Gorge. From there, you'll embark on a scenic trail, traversing a wooden walkway through the gorge and continuing towards the renowned Bled Lake, passing the charming Katarina Church viewpoint along the way. Your accommodation boasts a picturesque vista overlooking the lake.
Day 5: LAKE BLED – BOHINJSKA BELA - BLED (intermediate, 4:30 hrs, ↔ 15 km, ↑↓ 520 m)
Today you will take a leisurely stroll into Bled, a charming town nestled along the shores of a stunning glacial lake. Here, a medieval castle watches over the iconic island church, perched on the edge of a lakeside cliff. For the most picturesque vistas of the lake, church, castle, and the Karavanke mountain range, venture up to the Mala Osojnica viewpoint from the lake's western side. To conclude your day, indulge in the local delicacy, the Bled cream cake known as "Kremšnita," at one of the delightful lakeside coffee shops.
Day 6: POKLJUKA – USKOVNICA SADDLE – LAKE BOHINJ (intermediate, 4 hrs, ↔ 14 km, ↑ 30 m, ↓ 830 m)
A transfer to the Pokljuka Plateau, where your hiking adventure commences across mountain pastures adorned with quaint farmhouses. This scenic route leads to a vantage point offering a splendid view into the picturesque Bohinj Valley. En route down to the valley, make a pit stop at the charming historic village of Studor, offering a glimpse into days of yore. Your ultimate destination is Lake Bohinj, a genuine treasure nestled in the heart of Triglav National Park, and the quaint fisherman's settlement gracing its shores.
Day 7: LAKE BOHINJ (intermediate, 6 hrs, ↔ 21 km, ↑↓ 330 m)
Dedicate your day to leisurely strolling around this enchanting and serene alpine lake, framed by the awe-inspiring peaks of the Julian Alps. Take a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters and savor the delectable Bohinj trout. At the lake's western tip, follow a brief trail leading to the captivating Savica Waterfall, the wellspring of both the lake and the Sava Bohinjka river. As evening descends, unwind in one of the snug village pubs, and don't miss the chance to sample the locally crafted honey brandy, a true delight.
Day 8: DEPARTURE
After breakfast or extension of your stay. You may wish to continue hiking onward over our Goldhorn Trail!
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Low season: April 13 to May 10 and September 21 to October 12, 2024: 995 EUR
High season: May 11 to September 20, 2024: 1.075 EUR
(Currency converter)
Price includes:
• seven nights accommodation in 3* or 4* hotels in a two-bed room with WC and shower, on a bed & breakfast basis
• transfers on days 3, 4, and 6
• luggage transport between hotels (one piece per person, max 23 kgs / 50 lb) - every additional piece 60 € per trip, payable on spot
• tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form
• local tourist and other taxes
• welcome meeting
• backup service (hotline) during the walk
Supplements:
• single traveler 560 EUR - applies when a person travels alone
• single room 395 EUR in low season, 460 EUR in high season - applies when a person travels together with a group
• printed information package including route notes and corresponding maps delivered upon arrival - 30 EUR
Additional nights:
• 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
• 4* Hotel in Ribčev Laz/Bohinj 115 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 165 EUR
Discounts:
• children up to 5 years: free of charge when sharing bed and room with parents
• children from 5 to 12 years: 40% discount on basic price when sleeping on auxiliary bed. sharing room with parents
• children from 5 to 12 years: 20% discount on basic price when sleeping on regular bed. sharing room with parents
• third adult in the room on auxiliary bed 10% (applies only to the third person)
Not included: entrance fees, lunches, drinks with meals, saunas and massages in hotels
Transfers:
Ljubljana Airport to Kranjska Gora
1–3 persons: 110 EUR
4–8 persons: 140 EUR
Ljubljana City to Kranjska Gora
1–3 persons: 130 EUR
4–8 persons: 180 EUR
Bohinj to Ljubljana Airport
1–3 persons: 130 EUR
4–8 persons: 170 EUR
Bohinj to Ljubljana City
1–3 persons: 150 EUR
4–8 persons: 190 EUR
Bohinj to Kranjska Gora
1–3 persons: 130 EUR
4–8 persons: 170 EUR
All prices per transfer, one way. No pooling permitted.
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* Hotel Miklič; Kranjska Gora
Day 4-5: 4* Hotel Savica, Park oder Triglav; Bled
Day 6-7: 4* Hotel Jezero; Ribčev laz
Travel options
Starting point of this trip is Kranjska Gora in NW Slovenia, at the Slovene / Austrian / Italian border.
Getting there...
By plane: closest airport is Ljubljana (LJU). Several airlines serve it (check details here). From the airport, you can travel to Kranjska Gora by bus (change once in Kranj, takes about 3 hrs) or book our transfer - please ask us for aquote!
By train: nearest railway stations are Tarvisio / Italy (useful for arrivals from Trieste or Venice), Villach / Austria (for arrivals from Munich or Vienna) or Jesenice / Slovenia for arrivals from Ljubljana.
By bus: Flixbus stops at Lake Bled, 42 km away.
By car: take exit Karavanke from the A1 motorway Ljubljana - Jesenice, Karavanke and then follow signposts to Kranjska Gora. From the motorway Villach - Venice, take exit Tarvisio in Italy or exit Villach West in Austria.
... and away
By plane: need to get to the airport? Our transfer to Ljubljana airport: return to the airport from Bohinj - please ask us for a quote!
By train: Bohinj has a railway station at Bohinjska Bistrica, 5 km from your last hotel. It is on the Jesenice - Nova Gorica sideline, only a few trains a day. Useful for travel in all directions
By car: if your car is in Kranjska Gora, you can get there by local bus (change once in Lesce, travel time is around 2 hrs) or we can transfer - please ask us for a quote!
