Slovenia has over 10,000 kilometres of well-marked and maintained hiking trails across the country, so why not hike there next?
This gem of a country, nestled between the Alps, the Adriatic Sea, and the Pannonian Plain, offers various hiking experiences.
Slovenia boasts stunning landscapes packed into a compact area, from jagged peaks and turquoise rivers to serene lakes, lush forests, and scenic wine regions.
Few places offer beauty close to civilisation yet still feel wild and untouched. Safe, serene, and breathtakingly diverse – Slovenia is the perfect hiking destination.
Here are some of the hikes we love the most at
Skyhook.
Trailhead: Rudno Polje, Pokljuka
Distance: 25.8 km out and back
Duration: 2 Days
Difficulty: Challenging
Elevation Gain/Loss: Approximately 1,800 metres
Best Time to Hike: Late June to mid-September
Where to Stay: Dom Planika (mountain hut)
Mount Triglav, Slovenia's highest peak at 2,864 metres, is the country's national symbol and is also called the 'holy mountain.'
The most popular route starts from the Pokljuka plateau and is typically tackled as a two-day hike with an overnight stay in a mountain hut.
The final ascent involves some scrambling and via ferrata sections, so a good head for heights is essential.
You also want to wear a helmet for safety, especially on the exposed sections. Half-finger gloves can also help you better grip the steel cables.
However, wild camping is strictly forbidden in Slovenia, so plan to stay in mountain huts for multiday hikes like this one.
Trailhead: Planina Blato
Distance: 15.2 km circuit
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,051 metres
Best Time to Hike: July to September
Where to Stay: Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (Triglav Lakes Hut)
The Seven Lakes Valley, also known as
Triglav Lakes Valley, is one of the most enchanting destinations in the Julian Alps. This scenic trail takes you past seven glacial lakes, each uniquely beautiful.
From Planina Blato, the hike winds through lush alpine meadows and rocky terrain. Keep your eyes peeled for chamois and ibex along the way!
The Triglav Lakes Hut, perched between two lakes, makes for a perfect lunch stop or overnight base to extend your adventure.
For navigation, follow the Knafelc waymarks, red circles with white centres marking Slovenian hiking trails.
It's also wise to carry a paper map; the Sidarta or
Planinska Zveza Slovenije (Alpine Association of Slovenia) maps are best.
Trailhead: P1 car park in Podhom village
Distance: 4.9 km circuit
Duration: 1:50 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain/Loss: 249 meters
Best Time to Hike: May to October
Where to Stay: Guesthouse Marko (budget) in Bled
Vintgar Gorge, located just 4 km northwest of Lake Bled, offers a spectacular walk along wooden boardwalks and bridges that crisscross the rapids and pools of the Radovna River. The trail ends at the 16-meter-high Šum waterfall.
This is more like a walk - suitable for all fitness levels and perfect for families or those seeking a gentle introduction to Slovenian hiking.
After completing the gorge walk, you can return via the "Green Trail Vintgar—Sv. Katarina" or the shorter "Red Trail Vintgar—Blejska Dobrava" for a circular route.
The gorge can be busy during peak season (July-August), so consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience.
Trailhead: Vršič pass
Distance: 6 km out and back
Duration: 2:45 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain/Loss: 507 metres
Best Time to Hike: June to September
Where to Stay: Hotel Vandot (midrange) in Kranjska Gora
For maximum views with moderate effort, head to Slemenova Špica. This grassy hill in the Julian Alps offers panoramic vistas that will have your camera working overtime. The hike starts at Vršič Pass, Slovenia's highest road pass.
On a clear day, you'll be treated to views of some of the Julian Alps' most iconic peaks, including Jalovec and Mojstrovka.
The gentle incline and stunning scenery make this an ideal hike when you want to experience the beauty of the Julian Alps without the technical challenges.
Vršič pass is accessible by car or bus from Kranjska Gora. In high season, buses leave every 12 hours, making this one of the more accessible high-altitude hikes in Slovenia.
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Trailhead: Vogel Cable Car Mountain station
Distance: 11.2 km circuit
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
Elevation Gain/Loss: 732 meters
Best Time to Hike: Late June to September
Where to Stay: Apartments Ukanc (midrange) in Ukanc
Mount Vogel offers the perfect blend of hiking and stunning views over Lake Bohinj. It's a moderate hike to the summit from the cable car station.
The panorama from the top is spectacular, taking in Lake Bohinj, Mt Triglav, and a good chunk of the Julian Alps.
If you're feeling energetic, you can skip the cable car and hike from the lakeshore, significantly increasing the difficulty and time required.
Given the accessibility of this peak, the trail can be busy during the day. Consider starting early for a more peaceful experience.
Trailhead: Kranjski Rak parking lot
Distance: Approximately 10 km round trip
Difficulty: 45 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain/Loss: About 700 metres
Best Time to Hike: May to October, lovely in late spring!
Where to Stay: Tourist farm Šenkova domačija (midrange) near Velika Planina
Velika Planina is a high-altitude plateau in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and home to one of Europe's few remaining herdsmen's settlements.
The distinctive oval huts with their steep roofs reaching almost to the ground create a unique landscape.
You can reach the plateau by cable car or hike up from the Kranjski Rak parking lot for the whole experience.
The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, and in summer, you might see herders going about their traditional work.
The best time to visit is in late spring, when the meadows are carpeted with wildflowers. Don't forget to try local dairy products at one of the mountain huts!
Trailhead: Koča pri Peričniku, Vrata Valley
Distance: 1.1 km circuit
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain/Loss: 164 metres
Best Time to Hike: April to October, spectacular in spring during snowmelt
Where to Stay: Hostel Lukna (budget) in Mojstrana
For a refreshing hike on a hot day, head to Peričnik Waterfall in the Vrata Valley. This 52-metre-high waterfall is impressive enough from the bottom, but the real treat is the trail behind the water curtain.
The hike to the upper falls is steep but short. For a longer adventure, continue up the Vrata Valley towards the north face of Triglav, one of the most impressive walls in the Eastern Alps.
The unique experience of walking behind the waterfall, feeling the spray on your face and hearing the thunderous roar of water makes this a truly memorable hike. Be prepared to get wet, and wear shoes with good traction, as the path can be slippery.
8. Logar Valley to Okrešelj
Trailhead: End of Logar Valley road, near Rinka waterfall
Distance: About 8 km round trip
Duration: 45 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Elevation Gain/Loss: Approximately 700 metres
Best Time to Hike: June to September
Where to Stay: Hotel Plesnik (luxury) in Logar Valley
The Logar Valley is a hiker's paradise with its picturesque alpine meadows and towering peaks. One of the best trails here leads from the valley floor to the Okrešelj glacial cirque.
Starting near the impressive Rinka waterfall, the trail climbs steeply through the forest before opening up to reveal breathtaking views of the surrounding Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
The Frischauf Hut at Okrešelj makes a great pit stop for some hearty Slovenian fare before you head back down.
This hike gives you a taste of the stunning KamnikSavinja Alps, which are often less crowded than the Julian Alps. Before setting out, check the Alpine Association of Slovenia website for any trail closures.
Trailhead: Medvedova konta Car Park
Distance: 8.7 km out and back
Duration: 3:45 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain/Loss: 624 metres
Best Time to Hike: June to October
Where to Stay: Hotel Pokljuka (midrange) on Pokljuka
For a hike that offers big views for relatively little effort, look no further than Debela Peč. This peak in the Julian Alps stands at 2,014 metres and provides panoramic vistas of Triglav and the surrounding mountains.
The trail starts from the Pokljuka plateau and winds through fragrant pine forests before emerging onto open slopes.
On a clear day, the views stretch across the entire Julian Alps, making the climb well worth it. This hike is lovely when the larch trees turn golden in early autumn.
Slovenia has beautiful cities, but equally beautiful are its hikes. The country has many trails, the best of which we've covered in this blog.
You will love the stunning views these landscapes offer, from the towering peaks of Mount Triglav to the peaceful beauty of the Seven Lakes Valley.
Each trail brings its rewards, whether it's the panoramic vistas at Slemenova Špica, the misty spray of the Peričnik Waterfall, or the tranquil charm of Velika Planina.
These hikes showcase Slovenia's natural diversity and offer a chance to experience the country's rich cultural heritage, as many routes pass through traditional villages and historical landmarks.
