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About the Slovenian Wilderness
At a glance...
Country: Slovenia
Duration: 8 days/ 7 nights
Activity: Hiking, biking, sightseeing, and eating!
Travel style: Guided
Difficulty grade: Moderate
Comfort: 3*-4* hotels
Price: Based on double occupancy. See booking page for single supplement upgrade.
There are places in the world that feel like well-kept secrets—quietly spectacular, blissfully unspoiled, and just far enough off the tourist radar to feel like you’ve stumbled onto something special. Slovenia is one of those places. It doesn’t make headlines like Italy or Austria, but that’s part of the charm. What you’ll find here is raw beauty, friendly locals, and landscapes that shift so dramatically from valley to peak that you’ll start to wonder if the country was designed by an overachieving architect.
Let’s start with the obvious question: where exactly is Slovenia? Tucked between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, this small but mighty country packs more natural beauty into its borders than places ten times its size. It’s a place where you can hike through the Alps in the morning, swim in an alpine lake by lunch, and wander medieval streets by evening—all without spending half your trip in transit.
The Slovenian Wilderness trek takes you straight into the country’s good stuff: the towering Julian Alps, the legendary Triglav National Park, the sparkling emerald waters of the Soca River, and the glacier-carved Logar Valley. You’ll hike, bike, and explore your way through stunning scenery, staying in small farmhouses and local inns, and sampling Slovenia’s hearty mountain cuisine (yes, you’ll earn your meals).
And the history here runs deep. Once part of the Roman Empire, later a crucial crossroads in the Austro-Hungarian days, and a member of former Yugoslavia until 1991, Slovenia has stories to tell. During WWI, this region saw some of Europe’s fiercest mountain battles, which we’ll touch on as we cross historic passes and old front lines.
In short, it’s an adventure you’ll talk about long after you’re home. Slovenia might not be on your radar yet—but after this trek, it definitely will be.
Slovenian Wilderness
8 days/7 nightsClick on the preferred date to register:
August 30 – September 6, 2025 (register by July 1)
September 14-21, 2025 (register by July 16)
FAQs
Where exactly IS Slovenia?
Slovenia is tucked between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia—basically where the Alps meet the Balkans. It’s part of the European Union and uses the euro, but it still flies under the radar for most Americans (which is exactly why it’s awesome).
What is the difficulty level of the Slovenian Wilderness trek?
This trek is rated moderate to strenuous. Daily hikes range from 3 to 7 hours and include some elevation gain (the biggest is around 3,600 feet). That said, if you’re in decent shape and comfortable hiking for a few hours, you’ll be fine—plus, we’ll help you train beforehand.
What kind of accommodations should I expect?
You’ll stay in a mix of comfortable 3*-4* hotels, cozy guesthouses, and charming local farmhouses. Think soft beds, hearty meals, and incredible scenery outside your window.
Will I carry my own luggage?
Nope! We’ll take care of luggage transfers, so you’ll only need to carry a daypack with your water, snacks, layers, and camera. Your big bag will be waiting for you each night.
Is the water in Slovenia safe to drink?
Yes — Slovenia’s tap water is not only safe, it’s some of the cleanest in the world. Bring a refillable bottle and drink straight from the tap.
What's the food like?
Slovenian food is hearty, fresh, and delicious. You’ll find alpine comfort food like stews, buckwheat dumplings, sausages, strudel, and locally made cheeses. Plus, plenty of farm-to-table surprises along the way.
What should I pack?
We’ll send you a complete packing list, but generally think layers (for variable temps), good hiking shoes or boots, a daypack, and a reusable water bottle. Trekking poles are optional but highly recommended.
How do I get to Ljubljana?
You’ll fly into Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), the capital’s main international airport. If flights to Ljubljana are limited from your city, nearby airports in Venice or Vienna offer good alternatives, with train and shuttle options available.
Is Slovenia safe for travelers?
Very. Slovenia is one of the safest countries in Europe with low crime rates, friendly locals, and well-maintained infrastructure.
Will I need a visa?
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can stay in Slovenia (and all Schengen-area countries) for up to 90 days without a visa. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return.
Will I have cell service or Wi-Fi?
Yes, most hotels and guesthouses have Wi-Fi, and cell service is solid in most areas. That said, you may have limited service on the trail — and frankly, we think that’s a pro, not a con.
Slovenian Wilderness Details
Please read all of these carefully!
Hike Triglav National Park and Summit Debela Peč
Climb to panoramic views of the Julian Alps and Slovenia’s highest peak while traversing the legendary kingdom of Zlatorog.
Explore the Seven Lakes Valley
Trek through an alpine dreamscape of emerald lakes, wildflower meadows, and charming shepherd huts.
Visit Iconic Lake Bled
Stroll along the shores of Slovenia’s most famous lake, with its storybook island church and clifftop castle.
Marvel at Tolmin Gorge and Boka Waterfall
Walk through moss-covered gorges and witness Slovenia’s most powerful waterfall plunging into turquoise pools.
Cycle the Soča River Valley
Pedal past the hypnotic blue waters of the Soča River and learn about its role in World War I history.
Summit Slemenova Špica from Vršič Pass
Hike one of Slovenia’s most scenic peaks, enjoying sweeping views of rugged alpine landscapes.
Trek the Logar Valley to Klemenca Jama and Strelovec Ridge
Climb through alpine pastures to dramatic ridge views over Slovenia’s beloved Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
Taste Slovenia’s Mountain Cuisine
Savor hearty, homemade dishes at cozy mountain huts and farmhouses along the way.
Stay in Charming Local Inns and Farmhouses
Relax each night in welcoming, family-run accommodations that showcase Slovenian hospitality.
Experience Untouched Alpine Tranquility
Escape the crowds and enjoy the peace of Slovenia’s pristine wilderness, where nature reigns supreme.
- Hobnail Trekking Co. long-sleeve trekking shirt and ball cap
- Custom Hobnail mobile app
- Opportunities to get to know your fellow trekkers include an invitation to a private WhatsApp group for your trek, group training hikes if trekkers live in proximity to each other, and other local social gatherings
- 7 nights’ accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels and local farmhouses
- All meals on the trek as specified in the itinerary and gratuities for servers
- Local, professional English-speaking guide(s)
- All guided hikes, activities, and excursions in the itinerary
- Private ground transportation throughout the trip
- Entrance fees/tickets to all stated parks and attractions
- Transport to the airport in Ljubljana for departure
- Local tourist taxes
- The company of new friends and the experience of a lifetime
- Travel insurance (See the Travel Insurance section on this page for details)
- International flights
- Entrance Visa
- Meals not included on the itinerary
- Drinks other than water during meals
- Airport pick-up in Ljubljana
- Tips for drivers, guide(s), etc. (we’ll provide guidance on this)
- Spending money, including for souvenirs
- Personal trekking equipment (hiking boots, clothing, etc.)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, etc.)
- All expenses associated with nonscheduled departure or transportation
OK, here’s where we get serious. Hobnail requires that all trekkers purchase travel/medical insurance that covers them properly for all trekking activities.
There are a lot more details you need to know about travel insurance than we want to put in this limited space — including stuff about trip cancellations and what company we recommend — so when you’re ready, pop over to our Travel Insurance page.
We consider our treks to be adventures, not vacations. We’re not Hobnail Vacation Company, after all! Don’t get us wrong; we like vacations as much as the next person, but with our treks, you need to be physically and mentally ready. Here’s what we ask of you:
- You thoroughly read all the information we send you prior to departure.
- You get yourself an accountability partner and train properly. This doesn’t mean doing a few squats two weeks before departure. (Read more in the “Training” tab.)
- You familiarize yourself with your gear prior to leaving. Practice adjusting your backpack, filtering water if necessary, etc.
- If you purchase new boots, they are broken in well in advance of departure.
- When on trek, you FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR GUIDE. His or her only concern is helping you achieve your goal safely and in good health, but this won’t happen unless you follow their advice. This includes – but is not limited to – food recommendations, speed of pace, when to sleep and when not to, when to walk and when to rest, when to turn around due to illness, etc.
- When on trek, you treat your guide and the locals you encounter with the utmost respect. We are guests in their country and very grateful to be there.
All of these things may seem like common sense — and they are — but we feel that we must mention them. Hobnail’s goal is to provide you with the best experience possible, and you have an important role in achieving that goal.
A few days after registering for a trek (with at least a $500 deposit), we will give you a call to say hello and answer any initial questions you may have. If you use WhatsApp, we will also invite you to join a private group page just for your trek. This is a great way to interact with your fellow trekkers, and possibly your guide, before departure. You can post questions in the group anytime you’d like, talk about the cool gear you’re planning to take with you, organize group hikes if you live near each other, and generally just get to know those who will be sharing this incredible experience with you.
Within the first weeks after your trek is confirmed, you will receive a Welcome Box from us. It contains stuff that you can use during training as well as on the trek itself, and some other just fun things to get you (even more) excited about your trip.
You’ll also receive our Hobnail app, which is full of great information including a day-by-day schedule, beautiful photography, and important details about your trek. As your trip gets closer, we will load your flights and other more specific information into the app so you’ll feel even more secure in knowing where you’ll be staying and even how to get around the airports you’ll travel through.
The closer you get to your trek, the more you’ll hear from us — but of course, you can reach out any time you have a question.
Like all of our adventures, you need to have achieved a good level of fitness prior to departure for this trek. Remember, these are not simply vacations that incorporate a little bit of walking. On the contrary, these are active adventures! In most cases, you will be on your feet for several hours each day, and in some cases, hiking along rough trails and possibly, steep inclines. It is your responsibility to train, practice, and have yourself in the best condition possible by the time you depart.
So, if you are expecting a 10-mile day of hiking on your trip, emulate that hike at home — repeatedly. If you expect consecutive days of hiking on your trip, complete consecutive days of hiking at home. Same with biking. Do more and more of this as your departure approaches so that when you’re actually there, your muscle memory will kick in. Train hard at home so that things will be easy during the actual trip.
Trust us — your adventure will be infinitely more fun if you are physically prepared for it. If you need help or suggestions with training, feel free to call or email us!
What happens if my trek is not confirmed?
If the minimum number for the trek you booked is not reached before the 60-day booking deadline, you will be eligible for either a refund or to transfer your deposit to another trek. See details HERE.
Our Mobile App
When you book, we send you the login credentials to your own, customized app. By departure, your app will contain your flight info, passport, travel insurance docs, and COVID info, as well as your full itinerary, points of interest, and other amazing stuff.
TREK ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana, welcome dinner
Welcome to Ljubljana! After you are transfered from the airport to your hotel by a Hobnail staff member, you guide will meet you at the hotel in the late afternoon for a trip overview and introduction. Over a welcome dinner, we’ll get to know each other and discuss the details of the upcoming adventure through Slovenia. After the meeting, you’ll have free time to explore more of the city or relax and rest up for the journey ahead.
Accommodations: Hotel in Ljubljana
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Triglav National Park Hiking (Debela Pec) & Lake Bled Visit
Your group will depart Ljubljana in the morning and head towards Triglav National Park, a 1.5-hour drive away. Triglav is Slovenia’s only national park and is known as the Kingdom of Zlatorog. The mythical golden-horned chamois is central to Slovenian folklore and is said to have reigned over this mountainous territory.
Starting from the Pokljuka Plateau, you’ll hike to the summit of Debela Pec, rising 2,014 m or 6,607 feet above sea level.
The trail meanders through mountain pastures and larch forests to the summit, which will reward you with a panoramic view of the Julian Alps, Krma Valley, and Mt. Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak.
The route is 5.5 miles with 2,300 feet of elevation gain. It should take us 5 hours, including a break at the summit. There is a mountain hut along the trail where you can get drinks and snacks or lunch.
After the hike, your group will visit one of Slovenia’s most iconic destinations: Lake Bled. You’ll take a short stroll around part of the lake, where you can see Bled Island and the Assumption of Mary Church, as well as Bled Castle perched on a cliff above the lake. We also recommend tasting Bled’s famous cream cake while admiring the views from the lakeshore.
Ater a 40-minute drive, we’ll reach our next hotel near the shores of Lake Bohinj and have dinner together as a group at a local restaurant.
Lodging: Bohinj;
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 3: Triglav Seven Lakes Valley Trek
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll get an early start today and do a longer hike through Triglav’s Seven Lakes Valley, starting in Planina Blato.
The trail winds through forests, meadows, and charming alpine pastures with traditional wooden shepherd’s cottages. You’ll have gorgeous views of a sequence of seven alpine lakes in beautiful shades of blue and green. The varied trail also features views of the Julian Alps’ jagged peaks.
There is a short section of the trail that is quite steep and secured with steel cables, but otherwise, the trail is moderate without any technical sections. Part way through the hike, we’ll stop for a traditional mountain lunch together at a hut next to one of the lakes.
The route takes about 7 hours and covers 9 miles with 3,450 feet of elevation gain.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Bohinj. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon free to relax, swim in the lake, and have dinner on your own.
Lodging: Bohinj
Meals: B, L
Day 4: Tolmin Gorge and Boka Waterfall Hike
We have two easier hikes planned for today in a very beautiful part of Slovenia — Tolmin Gorge and the Soca River Valley.
First, we’ll make a 1.5-hour drive from Bohinj to Tolmin. Situated at the southern end of Triglav National Park, your group will take a stroll along the paths and bridges winding through the Tolminka and Zadlascica Gorges. This easy walk takes about an hour and a half and features views of moss-covered rock faces and the clear turquoise waters that carved these unique geological features. Afterward, you’ll have some free time in Tolmin to have lunch on your own.
Next, we drive 30 more minutes towards the town of Bovec on the Soca River. Over three hours, we’ll hike a 3-mile loop trail (1,500 feet of elevation gain) that takes us to Boka Waterfall, a stunning cascade around 350 feet tall. After the hike, we’ll get settled into our hotel in Bovec and meet back up for dinner together.
Lodging: Bovec
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Soca River Valley Bike Tour
Today, we’ve included a rare departure from hiking and trekking! Your group will explore the picturesque Soca River Valley on two wheels. You’ll have the chance to take in the incredible hues of the Soca River as you bike along its shores and over a series of bridges.
Beginning in Bovec, you’ll pedal towards the village of Kal-Koritnica and then cross the river. On the way to the village of Čezsoča, you’ll start your ascent part way up Mt. Javoršček on a gravel road that leads to the site of a giant rockslide. From there, we’ll enjoy a sweeping vista of the valley below and Kanin mountain range.
In addition to enjoying the beautiful views, you’ll also learn about the area’s history. Bovec and the Trenta Valley were a frontline in WWI that inspired Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. During the ride, your guide will tell you a bit about the history of the Isonzo Front and the 1.7 million soldiers who died here.
The ride is 13 miles long with 1,735 feet of elevation gain, and should take us about 4 hours. Before returning to Bovec, we’ll stop for lunch together at a local restaurant with homemade Slovenian dishes. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore on your own. You can take a walk around the town, go for a swim in the river, and have dinner (your guide will provide some recommendations).
Lodging: Bovec
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Slemenova Spica Hike & Vrsic Pass, Exploring Logar Valley
We say goodbye to Bovec today and drive towards Slovenia’s highest mountain road pass: Vrsic Pass (5,285 feet above sea level). The road was built by Russian prisoners of war during WWI, and a Russian chapel at the site serves as a memorial.
From Vrsic, we’ll begin hiking to the summit of Slemonova Spica. The trail cuts through shrubby pine forests and scree fields and offers sweeping views of the surrounding jagged peaks, steep rock faces, and verdant valleys below. The hike has 1,800 feet of elevation gain over 3.5 miles and should take us 3-4 hours to complete. While it’s one of the easier high elevation hikes in Slovenia, the views do not disappoint!
After the hike, we drive another 2.5 hours to the Logar Valley, our base for the remainder of the trip. Along the way, we can stop for lunch, snacks, and ice cream. Upon arriving in Logar Valley, the group will get settled into a local farmhouse and enjoy a delicious traditional Slovenian meal for dinner.
Lodging: Logar Valley
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 7: Logar Valley Trek: Klemenca Jama and Strelovec
We have a challenging but very beautiful trek planned for today featuring breathtaking views of the Logar Valley. We’ll start hiking directly from our accommodation (we can also drive to the trailhead to shorten the hike by about 2 miles). Our route will take us through Alpine meadows, pastures, and forests to Strelovec, a ridge separating the Logar Valley from Robanov Kot. From here, your hard work will be rewarded with a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
On our way back down to the valley, we’ll stop for lunch at the Klemenca Jama mountain hut. The hut serves a variety of home-made, regional dishes you can choose from, including sausages, cured meats and cheeses, buckwheat spoonbread, mushroom soup with wild mushrooms, and apple strudel (please note lunch is not included). From there, we have about another two hours to get back down to our accommodation. The longer version of the hike is 8.5 miles long with 3,600 feet of elevation gain. It should take us 6-7 hours.
You’ll have some free time in the afternoon before we meet for one last dinner as a group.
Lodging: Logar Valley
Meals: B, D
Day 8: Departure
Today marks the end of our adventure. We’re sorry to see you go! Your guide will drop you off at the Ljubljana airport, in the city of Ljubljana, or help you arrange transportation to your next destination.
Lodging: n/a
Meals: B
GENERAL INFORMATION
Where is Slovenia?
Where is Slovenia? Great question. Tucked between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, Slovenia is Europe’s charming little secret. Think of it as the place where the Alps meet the Adriatic, with a healthy dose of storybook villages, alpine lakes, and pristine forests. Roughly the size of New Jersey, Slovenia punches well above its weight in natural beauty. It’s part of the European Union (uses the euro) and the Schengen zone, making travel a breeze. Ljubljana, the capital, is a vibrant, walkable city filled with outdoor cafes and fairytale architecture. And here’s a bonus: Slovenia boasts some of Europe’s cleanest rivers, safest hiking trails, and a rich history shaped by Roman, Habsburg, and Yugoslav influences. Bottom line? It’s easy to get to, easy to love, and hard to believe you didn’t visit sooner.
SLOVENIA's history in a nutshell
Slovenia’s story is one of resilience, beauty, and quiet charm. Tucked between mighty neighbors, it’s seen Roman legions, Slavic settlers, and centuries of Habsburg rule that left their mark on its culture and landscapes. After World War I, Slovenia became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later known as Yugoslavia. But when the time came, Slovenia led the way with a peaceful, determined move to independence in 1991. Today, this small but mighty country blends medieval castles, emerald rivers, and poignant World War I history in the Soča Valley. Through it all, Slovenians have held tight to their language, traditions, and deep love of the outdoors. The result? A proud nation with a rich past and an irresistible mix of culture and natural beauty—an unsung gem of Europe that’s well worth exploring.
Slovenian Wilderness
8 days/7 nightsClick on the preferred date to register:
(registration deadline: July 1)
(registration deadline: July 16)
