- Discover Triglav National Park and the Karavanke mountains
- Embark on varied walks over mountains and through forests
- Enjoy a free day to explore Lake Bled or historic Ljubljana
- Stay at a traditional 19th-century Alpine pension
Walking the Slovenian Alps
8 Days
Excluding Flights
8 Days
from
Walking & Trekking
Activity Level
Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Comfort Level
Classic
Itinerary
Radovljica Radovljica
Fly to Ljubljana; transfer to Radovljica
We have a late-afternoon arrival at our pension in Radovljica, just 20 minutes’ northeast of the capital, Ljubljana. This is our base for the whole week.
Start Radovljica
Join the group in the early evening at the pension in Radovljica, just 20 minutes’ northeast of the capital Ljubljana. This is our base for the week.
A day exploring the local area direct from the pension
After breakfast, we leave the front door of the pension to explore our surroundings. The medieval town of Radovljica dates back as far as 1296, sitting on the confluence of the Sava Bohinjka and the Sava Dolinka. The old town is full of traditional inns, galleries, churches and surrounded by the largest medieval moats in the country.
The local area is extremely pretty, dotted with small churches, quaint villages, lush forests and a beautiful river. Our leader will decide the exact route depending on the weather, but walking to Lake Bled is our most likely route, a perfect warm up through gentle rolling farmland and pretty villages.
Hike into the Martuljek Gorge, visiting two waterfalls en route
Starting at the small village of Gozd Martuljek, we are rewarded with a panorama of the Špik mountain range. One of the most beautiful mountains in the Julian Alps, Mount Špik (8,110/2,472m) is known at the Slovenian Matterhorn and its pyramid summit dominates the Martuljek range.
Leaving the valley, our forest trail takes us into Martuljek Gorge, where we slowly start our ascent following the stream, arriving at the Lower Fall, which cascades into the valley. The trail snakes through the forest arriving at our rest stop where we can enjoy the view. Lipovceva Hut has a lovely setting with an open natural kitchen serving mountain soups and juices made in-house from pine, elderflower and berries.
From here we head up to the Higher Falls, passing a monument dedicated to Slovenian climbers. This is a lovely walk into the gorge, suitable in all weathers and offering fine views of two beautiful waterfalls.
A picturesque walk in the Karavanke mountains to the peak of Golica
The Karavanke mountains are the natural and official border between central and western Europe and the meeting point of Slovenia, Austria and Italy. The range has a great effect on the climate of Slovenia, hence the soft southern Slovene side in comparison to the harsh northern side in Austria. Here we find an abundance of alpine fauna and flora, with more than 1,200 plant species, plus wonderful views into two naturally contrasting countries. We aim for Golica (6,023ft/1,836m), part of the longest ridge in Slovenia (75mi/120km) and one of the least travelled trails in the area.
Free day for optional activities including riding horses, rafting, visiting Bled or the capital Ljubljana
Radovljica itself has plenty of possibilities for the rest day. Alternatively, it’s a short bus ride to Lake Bled, where we can hire rowing boats and canoes to explore. Alternatively, take the public bus into the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Another popular alternative is Postojna Cave Park, home to one of the largest cave systems in Europe.
A gentle and scenic hike around the shores of Lake Bohinj
Today’s walk is flat but incredibly pretty. This circular route takes in the whole of Lake Bohinj and the pretty village of Ribcav Laz, home to the well-known church of St John the Baptist. There are open views all the way to Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia. Lake Bohinj is also surrounded by a ring of mountains so even though you are in the valley there is plenty to see.
An alternative route today takes us through the Mostnica Gorge; this route is more likely if the weather is poor as it is less exposed.
A day walking on the Pokljuka Plateau
The beautiful, forested area of Pokljuka, visible from Lake Bled, is stunning. Virtually uninhabited, it is home to alpine cows, rolling pastures, shepherd huts, forest trails and lovely open views of the surrounding peaks. Time stands still on Pokljuka, enabling wildflowers to flourish; the flora and fauna of the high plateau is unique to this area and bird life is abundant. There is a wide variety of trails with many possibilities for the day’s hike. Our guide will determine the route based on the weather and the group’s ability during the week.
Transfer to Ljubljana, fly to London.
The morning is free for us to relax at our base or by the lakeside of Bled. Before departing for the airport.
End Radovljica
Our tour ends after breakfast. We bid a fond farewell to our pension, which may well feel like a second home by now, and begin our return journey home.
Essential Info
Joining Instructions
Joining Instructions
Start hotel: Pension Kunstelj, Gorenjska cesta 9, 4240 Radovljica
Phone: +386 4 531 51 78
Recommended arrival time: Check-in is normally from 3pm. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Ljubljana Airport (LJU)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Radovljica
Location end: Radovljica
Pension Kunstelj, a pension in Radovljica
We stay in Pension Kunstelj, which dates to 1873 and is run by the fourth generation of the Štiherle family. The 10-room accommodation sits in the most protected historic town in Slovenia, Radovljica, where there are plenty of restaurants and bars for the nights when dinner is not included.
It has a large terrace with views across the valley to the surrounding peaks, including Triglav in the far distance, and to the rear of the property is a large vegetable plot, where you might see staff picking fruit and salads for dinner in the evening. The family also keep bees, whose honey is sold locally.
Trip Experts
Vivien Urban
Product Manager Europe
Reviews
Add your own reviewThe hidden gem of hiking in Europe!
Brilliant trip, Slovenia is the hidden gem of hiking in Europe. Far away from the crowds of the Amalfi Coast, Dolomites and Mont Blanc you have uninterrupted days to yourself on the mountains peaks!
Most Inspirational Moment
Hiking along the boarder of Austria and Slovenia was the best day. 360 degree views!
Thoughts on Group Leader
we had 2 Marsha and Hana. Both really passionate about their home country and hiking. Really engaging with the group. Having 2 leaders was essential as some of the group struggled on a couple of the days so one of the leaders would take them a different/easier route to the lunch spot so everyone was well looked after.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the trip notes before you go! the walks were harder than what some members of the group was expecting and they struggled a bit. Get in your training before you go!
Not as advertised
The walks were incredibly slow, and the distance covered (especially days 2, 3 and 4) are far less then the plan. 15 miles instead of the advertised +25 and that is being generous. On a day when we started early (830 is not early) to try and beat the rain, in a period of 2hours 30mins covering less than 2.2 miles I was stopped for 1 hour 10mins waiting for others. Hotel was appalling, I had room by road, the binman turned up before 7 on one day and parked under the window!
Most Inspirational Moment
Final day when guides added an extra peak, views amazing (Brda and Debela Pac)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent- both guides did their best and shared that they have informed exodus about the lower mileage
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are active and looking for a walking holiday, don't book this trip. Very disappointed
Excellent walking in a beautiful country
A good choice of walks around lakes and up to waterfalls and mountain ridges. Lunches in the huts were variable – we mostly chose soup and bread.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the peak of Golica and admiring the views.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alec is very knowledgeable and proud of his country. He swapped days and modified routes to reflect the weather and ensure we had the best views. Good sense of humour!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for changeable weather - bring an umbrella! The food in the huts is quite limited - we chose soup and bread most days. Slovenian wine is surprisingly good (mostly) and cheap.
an enjoyable walking week in a quiet and green place
Various enjoyable hikes in green and beautiful scenery – lakes, gorges, woods, mountain peaks.
The base was at Kunstelj Pension, a well-run two-star pension situated in the quiet and picturesque Radovljica.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The experience was enhanced by the exceptional leadership offered by Buggy & Rock, our two guides. Professionally, they seamlessly adapted each day’s trip to the changes in the weather and to the ability of the group. With good storytelling, they gave noteworthy information about the geography and the history of the places visited, and they were always calm, helpful, relaxed, good-humoured, and friendly. They love what they do and we felt good in their company.
Hiking in Beautiful Slovenia-don't miss it.
Slovenia is friendly place with unspoilt scenery in the lakes and mountains of the Julian Alps. The group of 15 members of wide age range from UK,USA and Canada gelled really quickly Five days of varied walks including low level at lake Bled and two different mountain ascents to 1800m and 2000m. All at a steady pace and achieved by all the group members. We had hearty soups and delicious strudels at rustic mountain refuges. The base in Radovljica was central family run hotel conveniently located in the old town.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the top of the hill on the Poljuka Plateau with views of Triglav mountain and into Austria.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Katija and Alaj were a great team both with good sense of humour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do some hiking in your local hills before you do the trip.
Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia
Brilliant walking holiday (my first with Exodus) with some challenging walks and a group of 15 that got on so well with each other.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the top of BRDA with spectacular views of the Julian Alps
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had 2 group leaders who were highly professional and experts in their field.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Put your trust in the walk leaders and you will not go wrong.
Beautiful country
Slovenia is beautiful – clean, green, unspoilt, with beautiful lakes, waterfalls and mountains.
The hotel is great with excellent evening meals and lovely views.Rooms are spacious with a really good shower and comfortable bed. The staff are very friendly.
Radovljica is an excellent base for the week – the old town is pretty with a few decent restaurants, an ice cream shop (!) and regular buses to Bled, Ljubljana etc. Buses are cheap.
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing to the viewpoint above Lake Bled and taking in that stunning view. Admiring the thundering waterfalls and flower-filled meadows
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bugy and Aleš were expert mountain guides and a good laugh.
Advice for Potential Travellers
A short city break in Ljubljana before the week’s walking starts is highly recommended - say from the Thursday. You’ll be too tired afterwards! Take poles! If you can fit in two pairs, both lightweight shoes and boots with ankle support are useful. Boots are essential. The easy (lake) walks really are easy and the harder (mountain) walks really are hard, harder than other Level 3 holidays I have been on. Three of the walks aren’t great if you’re not good with heights.
Slovenia mountain and lakes
Very beautiful nice hikes would rather not have rest day trip to short.
Most Inspirational Moment
Slovenia is a very beautiful country very clean
Thoughts on Group Leader
Good
Advice for Potential Travellers
No
A clean, green, mountainous country.
Loved the airy, uncrowded mountain walks with profuse meadow flowers and views of rocky pinnacles. The two lakes were also incredibly picturesque and not spoilt. We enjoyed the family-run accommodation, food and wine as well. The day in Ljubljana was enjoyable (despite pouring rain) but I personally enjoyed the small town with its church, old houses, bee-keeping museum, wine merchant and ice cream parlour just as much.
Most Inspirational Moment
Suddenly coming upon a fabulous mountain view after a steep walk up through meadows.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had two very assured and competent leaders. They knew their patch very well. I felt I was in safe hands at all times whether they were leading walks or driving us, and when they suggested a variation to a walk they were right. They also had a good sense of humour. They worked hard at the various huts, taking our orders and bringing them, to avoid potential language problems.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walks are not difficult overall in terms of length and terrain, but do be prepared for some steep gradients from time to time on the mountain days. They are well worth it but require quite a lot of puff!
Slovenia - yes; Exodus - maybe
This was part of a first trip to Slovenia. I’d definitely return. Whether I’d go with Exodus is another matter.
The pluses: the base (Radovljica) is a very pleasant town. I’m glad we were there rather than Bled, which is on the cusp of getting over-touristed. The hotel (to which we were transferred three days before the holiday) was good (probably better than the first choice). Generally, I liked the food.
Less good: I was a little disappointed with the balance of the walks (though because I was unwell I ducked out of one day that might have been spectacular). Two waterfall walks were pleasant but rather similar to each other. A walk around Lake Bled was taken in the company of hundreds of others. I’d have liked at least one day walking from the hotel rather than driving to somewhere allegedly more spectacular.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing chamois at nearly 2000 metres. Or maybe they were ibex. We asked one of our guides which they were but, rather than taking a dozen steps and looking at them, she asked whether they had long horns. Subsequent research indicates that female ibex and chamois have similar horns.....
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had two leaders. They led us efficently, sorted out lunchtime bills without fuss, were prompt and personable. They obviously have a great love for Slovenia and nature, but what I found frustrating in retrospect is that they said very little about the flora and landscape we were walking through, and the animals and birds we might see. Possibly this is a language issue, though their English was good (and, of course, far better than anybody's Slovenian).
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
17 May 2025 17 May 2025
Saturday Saturday
24 May 2025 24 May 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1799 £ 2349 Book with £ 449 deposit Book with £ 587 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 290
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
31 May 2025 31 May 2025
Saturday Saturday
07 Jun 2025 07 Jun 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1799 £ 2349 Book with £ 449 deposit Book with £ 587 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 290
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
07 Jun 2025 07 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
14 Jun 2025 14 Jun 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1799 £ 2179 Book with £ 449 deposit Book with £ 544 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 290
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
21 Jun 2025 21 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
28 Jun 2025 28 Jun 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1799 £ 2249 Book with £ 449 deposit Book with £ 562 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 290
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
28 Jun 2025 28 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
05 Jul 2025 05 Jul 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1799 £ 2299 Book with £ 449 deposit Book with £ 574 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 290
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
23 Aug 2025 23 Aug 2025
Saturday Saturday
30 Aug 2025 30 Aug 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1799 £ 2499 Book with £ 449 deposit Book with £ 624 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 290
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
30 Aug 2025 30 Aug 2025
Saturday Saturday
06 Sep 2025 06 Sep 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1799 £ 2499 Book with £ 449 deposit Book with £ 624 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 290
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Walking the Slovenian Alps
8 Days
Excluding Flights
8 Days
from