Slovenia Hiking: The Julian Alps

Slovenia Hiking: The Julian Alps Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Welcome to Slovenia where our adventure begins in Ljulbljana. Visit picture-perfect Lake Bled in Triglav National Park.

  Your trip begins today in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.  Arrive in Ljubljana by 1:00 p.m. in order to meet the group at 2:00 p.m.  We transfer (1.5 hours) by private van to postcard-perfect Lake Bledwith its island church and cliff-side castle.  Enjoy a short walk to lovely views of the area prior to continuing on to Lake Bohinj.  Located in the heart of the Triglav National Park and ringed by the snowcapped Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj is not only the largest lake in Slovenia, it is one of the most beautiful.  Triglav Mountain is the highest in Slovenia (9396') and is the centerpiece of Slovenia's only ;national park.  The Lake Bohinj area is our home for the next two evenings (you might want to try delicious kremsnita, a cream cake specialty of the region). Dinner included.

• Day 2 Hike Mostnica Gorge and explore the villages of Studor, or ride the gondola to Mt. Vogel for a ridgeline hike toward Mt. Rodica.

  Depending upon several factors (weather, group makeup, etc.) we have two wonderful hiking options to choose from today.  The first option is a lovely hike up the narrow canyon of Mostnica Gorge to a cascading 200' waterfall. The path here winds through beech forest and past interesting rock formations such as the "elephant's head."  We are almost always within view of the aqua-marine river below.  There's time after the hike to visit the quaint villages of Studor (famous hay racks), Srednja Vas (known for making some of the best Slovene cheese) and Stara Fuzina at the southern end of the lake.  The second hiking option is definitely more rigorous but offers one of the most spectacular views over the whole Bohinj area and the Julian Alps.  After a short ride on the gondola-cable car followed by another ride on a ski-lift to the Mt. Vogel ski area , we enjoy a stupendous ridge hike toward Mt. Rodica.  This is an up and up trail with huge views of mountains in all directions.  We return to Bohinj for the evening. All meals included.
  
  Option 1: 6 to 8 miles; 4 to 5 hours. Option 2: 10 miles with 2000’+ elevation gain; 5 to 6 hours.

• Day 3 Exceptional scenery surrounds us on the hike from Lake Bohinj toward Mt. Bogatin and our rustic mountain hut.

  An early breakfast, a full day pack, and your securely tied boots add up to two days of rugged hiking in Triglav's breathtaking high country.  The focus is mountain splendor and alpine wilderness at its very best!  Commencing at the end of Bohinj Lake, we hike west toward the Mt. Bogatin area made famous by Hemingway’s “Farewell to Arms”.  A series of good switchbacks take us up out of a box canyon and into lovely alpine country; we stop at a mountain hut for lunch before continuing further up in the afternoon.  This evening is spent in a traditional mountain hut that not only has electricity (and some hot water) but offers beautiful mountain scenery in all directions.  Bask in the utter, high country quiet. All meals included.
  
  Hiking distance: 11 miles. Elevation gain: 3000'+. Terrain: initially forested into open meadows and rocky terrain.

• Day 4 Continue hiking to the summit of Mt. Krn, offering views from the Gulf of Trieste to the Dolomites and Austrian Alps.

  After breakfast we depart for the top of Mt. Krn (7365’), an impressive peak that rises dramatically more than 6000’ above the lush Soca Valley to the west.  This is a steep, strenuous and open hike leading to the summit from where, weather permitting, we enjoy a stunning view of the Gulf of Trieste to the southwest, the Dolomites in Italy and the Austrian Alps!  We stop for lunch in a small hut about 10 minutes short of the peak – enjoy the break and then continue to the peak itself.  We spend the afternoon winding our way down the rocky, switchbacked and sometimes steep western slopes of Triglav park … we definitely want our hiking poles here.  Transfer (roughly 1 hour) to a family-owned lodge near historical Kobarid, where we spend the next two nights.  Enjoy the hot showers and the sauna! All meals included.
  
  Elevation gain: 3100’ in 4-5 miles to lunch hut / summit followed by a 4000’+ elevation loss over 4-5 miles; 7-9 hours; a rigorous day by any standard.

• Days 5 Explore the Iron Age town of Kobarid, explore the Kozjak waterfalls or take a rafting trip on the Soca River.

  There are several options for this day. Take it easy and explore picturesque Kobarid, a town with a history that reaches back into the Iron Age. Be sure to visit the Kobarid Museum (voted Best European Museum in 1993), which displays exhibits of the events that occurred during World War I on the Soška Fronta - Isonzo Front. A pleasant stroll takes you across a Napoleonic bridge to the lovely Kozjak waterfalls and further along the scenic Soca River. For something completely different, there is also an option of trying the water sports on the unbelievably clear, emerald-blue Soca River. There are few rivers as wildly lovely as the Soca cutting through the Julian Alps. Breakfast and lunch included.

  Activity level based on various options. Optional rafting: Class III-IV.

• Day 6 Hike the vast meadows from Livek to Mt. Matajur on the Italian border, ending the day in Piran on the Dalmatian Coast.

  We transfer to the small village of Livek and hike through flower-filled meadows to Mt. Matajur, located on the border of Italy.  Mt. Matajur offers incredible views to the Krn ranges of Slovenia as well as the plains of Friuli and the Gulf of Trieste in Italy.  Our day ends in Piran, one of the most beautiful towns on the Dalmatian Coast.  This delightful medieval town is located on the tip of a peninsula on coastal Adriatic.  Our next two nights are spent in Piran. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
  
  Hiking: 5 hours; Elevation gain: 3,000 ft.

• Day 7 Enjoy a lovely beach walk and an authentic Istrian picnic aboard a traditional fishing boat before our farewell celebration tonight.

  Our final morning of hiking (beach walking, really) takes us along the coast from Piran to the Bay of Strunjan.  Here we are able to take a peek at the production of sea salt for which this coast is famous.  We pass through a pedestrian tunnel that takes us to the charming little town of Portoroz with time to explore. Late morning we board a traditional fishing boat and spend the afternoon cruising the Slovene coastline. Along with time to take a dip in the Adriatic.  enjoy an authentic Istrian “fish picnic” on the boat … it’s not fancy but the food’s great and it’s lots of fun!  Toast your guides and a great week of mountain adventures!  Dinner’s on you own this evening (although you’ll be pretty full from all the eating on the boat!) – group will meet later in the evening for a final desert together. Breakfast and lunch included.
  
  Hiking: 2 hours, easy.

• Day 8 Our Slovenia hiking adventure in the Julian Alps ends in Ljubljana today.

  After breakfast we transfer (driving time about 2 hours) to Ljubljana in time to meet afternoon flights or train departures.  Or, extend your stay in this lovely city, Slovenia’s capital.  Breakfast included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate

All accommodations in 3- and 4-star lodges/pensions with private facilities (except mountain hut which is dormitory style with shared facilities) in good locations; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; private transport throughout; bi-lingual guide(s); entrance and park fees; Day 8 transfer to Ljublijana airport, train station or downtown hotel.

Round-trip international airfare; 2 dinners; optional rafting on the Soca River (Day 5, about US $50-$60); travel insurance; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; optional gratuities to your guides; items of a personal nature.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary.  If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a very limited number of single rooms available.

This trip is rated Moderate Plus [3-4]. While most days are moderate hiking days, there are two long days (6+ hours) with elevation gains of more than 3,000’ which tend more toward a level [4]. This trip is for active people in good health and who have experience with mountain hiking. Regular conditioning prior to the trip is essential so that you can fully enjoy both the beauty and ruggedness of this country.

The northwest area of Slovenia has an alpine climate and temperatures in the valleys are moderate. June through September are the prime visiting months.  The Adriatic coast has a Mediterranean climate with warm sunny days.  Temperatures usually range from the low 50s to the upper 70s. Expect mountain temperatures to drop significantly in the evening while overnighting at the alpine hut.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary.

Weather

Summer daytime temperatures along our route range from 60° to 75°F. Evening temperatures generally drop into the 50s, but expect cooler temperatures while at the mountain hut. Typically, we enjoy warm sunny days. Because we are in the Alps participants must be prepared for variable weather conditions that can change suddenly and include hot, sunny days, rainfall and even an occasional dusting of snow.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, medications, hiking boots and a change of clothing in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• On Day 3, there is no vehicle access to the hut at Lake Krn so you must carry what you need for the overnight stay in your day pack. You do not need a sleeping bag or pad; the mountain hut provides beds and bedding. You may purchase a "disposable" inner bed sheet at the hut or bring your own lightweight sleep sack. You will need to bring a change of clothing, raingear, a few toiletries and small essentials.
• Please note that it is recommended to bring your swimsuit, towel, and swim shoes if you plan on swimming in the rivers and/or ocean. Swim shoes are especially necessary to protect your feet from sharp rocks in the Adriatic.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin or blister remedies for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. Liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• We recommend a daypack rain cover or a small, sturdy garbage bag to line your pack and keep you gear dry, should inclement weather arrive.
• The inns do not have elevators and you will have to carry your luggage to the reception area each morning. Please keep this in mind when packing.
• We recommend guests carry a photocopy of their passport page with all the relevant personal id information, and travel with this copy separate from their passport.