Hiking the Famous Trail Around the Julian Alps
Embark on the Juliana Trail hiking expedition, renowned as one of Slovenia's most captivating journeys. This trail winds through the southeastern expanse of the Julian Alps within Triglav National Park, offering awe-inspiring vistas of lush valleys and expansive plateaus. Traverse breathtaking mountain passes, explore lesser-known areas, and discover charming tourist attractions nestled on the fringes of the Alps. The trail follows the meandering paths of the Sava, Bača, and Tolminka rivers, providing a water-centric experience. Throughout the hike, Slovenia's highest peak, Triglav, will command your attention. History enthusiasts can explore historic iron-works and visit the birthplaces of renowned Slovenian writers and poets. Encounter fascinating locals residing on secluded farms, engage with alpine cheese-makers, and gain insight into the significance of beekeeping in Slovenia.
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 subalpine 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 famous 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. 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 Northwestern 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
(Currency converter here)
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
Optional extras:
• 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 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 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 person in a double room on auxiliary bed: 10% discount only for the third person
Price excludes: flights, entrance fees, meals not mentioned in itinerary, drinks with meals.
Transfers:
Ljubljana Airport to Bled
1–3 persons: 80 EUR
4–8 persons: 110 EUR
Ljubljana City to Bled
1–3 persons: 110 EUR
4–8 persons: 150 EUR
Villach to Bled
1–3 persons: 160 EUR
4–8 persons: 180 EUR
Klagenfurt Airport to Bled
1–3 persons: 190 EUR
4–8 persons: 230 EUR
Lesce Bled Railway Station to Bled
1–3 persons: 20 EUR
4–8 persons: 30 EUR
Tolmin to Bled
1–3 persons: 160 EUR
4–8 persons: 190 EUR
All prices per transfer, one way. No pooling permitted.
Hike Profile
2/4 Intermediate Walking 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.
Travel Options
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.
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 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 Cividale to Kranjska Gora - please ask us for a favorable quote!
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 Brišar in Grahovo
Day 7: 3* Hotel Dvorec in Tolmin
