FAQ
Our mission is to take the stress out of planning your upcoming adventure holiday. So, put your mind at ease with answers to our most frequently asked questions or contact us if you can’t find your question answered below.
How many days is enough to visit Slovenia?
If you just want to breeze through it, you can plan between 4-5 days. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy your visit in Slovenia and make longer stops in countless beautiful places like Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora, Soča Valley, Logar Valley, Ljubljana and Ptuj, visit the caves like Postojna and Škocjan caves, the vineyards in the Vipava Valley and the enchanting seaside towns like Piran and Sečovlje, you should plan something between 7-10 days. Slovenia is also known as a great hiking destination which should add a couple of more days to your itinerary. Check out Exploring Slovenia’s easy hiking options, day hiking trips, multi-day treks, Triglav Scenic Route Trek, intro Alpine climbs, intermediate Alpine climbs, and Alpine via ferratas.
What are the best months to hike in Slovenia?
The easiest months for hiking in the mountains are between June and September. It’s warm, the snow is mostly gone and the huts are open. That’s also when there are more hikers in the mountains and you’ll have to book the huts in advance. During early spring you may find valleys bursting with colors and the mountains still under a thick blanket of snow. Velika Planina is probably the nicest hike in Slovenia in late April / early May. Late spring brings fresh vivid colors to higher elevations as well and hikes on the southern slopes and at mid elevations are likely to be free of snow. Daffodils flower in abundance on the slopes of Mt. Golica between mid May and mid June which is a must to see! In June and late October you’ll get the most beautiful conditions for hiking and photography; in June the vegetation at mid elevation is lush and verdant while high mountains still hold the snow, while in late October the forests turn color and make an excellent contrast to the white mountaintops. Winter usually brings lots of snow to the mountains which poses as a great opportunity for snowshoeing and ski touring.
Where should I stay in Slovenia for hiking?
For travelers who want to visit the mountains in Slovenia, it is recommendable to stay in towns near the Alps: Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora, Gozd Martuljek, Mojstrana, Kranjska Gora, Bovec and Kobarid in the Soča Valley, Logar Valley, Zgornje Jezersko, Preddvor, Kamnik,… Great hiking can also be found in the forested hills around Ljubljana, Kočevje, Ilirska Bistrica, and on the rolling hills of Štajerska Region and Goriška Brda.
Which are the best hikes in Slovenia?
Slovenia is a small country of diverse beauty and it’s likely you’ll find a gorgeous hike wherever you might be. If you are looking for spectacular hikes, you should adventure out in the Julian Alps, Karavanke Alps and Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Probably the most beautiful but long trek is along the valley of the seven lakes to see the Seven Triglav Lakes, which is best split into three days to give you enough time to enjoy the nature. Many hikers love to combine the Triglav Lakes with the Soča Valley, or do the shorter trek from Bohinj to the Soča Valley across the Julian Alps. Another beautiful under-the-radar trek is the Karawanks Traverse where in five days you hike across the most beautiful parts of the Karavanke Alps.
For those who might prefer day adventures, the most beautiful day hikes in Slovenia are probably the Stunning Julian Alps above Bled, Stol – the highest peak of the Karavanke Alps, Goli Vrh above Jezersko, Krn Lakes above the Soča Valley, Golica‘s endless fields of daffodils when in bloom (between mid May and mid June), Velika Planina and its carpets of purple crocuses when in bloom (between mid April and mid May), and the always incredible fairytale trails of the Karavanke.
Which are the best mountain climbs in Slovenia?
Triglav is probably the most well-known mountain with the hiking and climbing enthusiasts alike. You can choose between the easier Triglav scenic route with a hut on the way, a tougher Triglav via Ferrata on the secured Bamberg Route, or even a true rock climbing route like the Slovenian Route across the Triglav North Face. Besides Triglav, the truly spectacular mountain to climb while in Slovenia would be Bovški Gamsovec. It’s a long hike but completely manageable for a day endeavour. Its climbing parts are mostly secured, the trail is exceptionally scenic and there is a high chance you’ll see wildlife like Alpine ibexes, chamois and marmots. Another beautiful and long day mountain climb with over 1,600 m of ascent and descent is Špik above Kranjska Gora. Shorter and breathtaking via ferratas in the mountains would be Mala Mojstrovka and Mangart above the equally amazing Vršič Pass and Mangart Saddle.
How fit should I be for hiking in Slovenia?
The mountains are the greatest source of excitement, fun, energy and visual beauty. However, it’s absolutely necessary that we do our share of physical and mental preparations before heading to the mountains. The rule of thumb is if you can hike a 300-m slope in less than 45 minutes or can do easy running for twenty – thirty minutes without stopping, you are physically prepared for hiking in the mountains.
How to get fit for hiking?
If you are an absolute beginner in hiking, make sure you start with short hikes on rugged terrain like forest and increase the hiking length and speed with time. Hydration, a well-balanced diet and rest are as important as the exercise itself. Time yourself when hiking and if you can hike a 300-m slope in less than 45 minutes, you are fit enough to hike in the mountains. If you want to hike longer distances in the mountains (10km+), make sure you practise some long-distance hikes / fast walks at home as well. The best exercise to prepare you for hiking in the mountains is strenuous hiking up and down hills. If you don’t have low elevation mountains or hills in your area, then running, preferably in a forest or other type of rugged terrain, is great too. If you want to do some scrambling or mountain climbing, add some climbing into your weekly exercise routine – either try gym climbing or top rope rock climbing.
How to reach Triglav National Park
Triglav National Park is the first and indeed the only national park in our small country. There are no limitations to enter it at this point, but you will find either pay parking lots inside the park or shuttles that bring you into certain areas. The most common places from where to access the Triglav National Park are: Bohinj, Pokljuka above Bled, Kranjska Gora and the Soča Valley.
Best hikes in Triglav National Park
Triglav National Park covers an area of 880 m2 with Mt. Triglav, the highest mountain of Slovenia, in its center. In the park you’ll find hikes suitable for family outdoor adventures, scenic hikes in the valleys and along rivers, easier hikes in the mountains, while also strenuous and/or long hikes with secured exposed sections. You are welcome to check our Blog 5 epic hikes in Triglav National Park that will blow your mind for ideas on all types of mountain adventures. Also read: The most scenic tour to Triglav, Colors of the fall above Bohinj, Hiking in the Julian Alps among flowers, a lake and stunning views – Jerebica,…
Exploring Slovenia’s best guided tours in the Triglav National Park:
– 7 Triglav Lakes Trek
– From Bohinj to the Soča Valley Trek
– Stunning Julian Alps
– Triglav Lakes and Soča Valley
Do I need a guide for Triglav National Park?
No, getting a hiking or climbing guide in Triglav National Park is not obligatory, however, as there has been a steady increase of accidents in the mountains over the years it is highly recommended to do the more demanding trips inside the park with a certified guide. Why? The weather conditions in the park are Alpine and therefore very unpredictable with a possibility of thunderstorms even on sunny days. Some trails may be closed or damaged. The phone service in the mountains is spotty and your phone app might not work. While trail apps usually work well in certain areas, it would be reckless to rely on those in the mountains with mixed and exposed terrain. A local guide has the right knowledge and can make an informed decision about an appropriate trail based on your skills, fitness level and wishes.
7 Triglav Lakes
Arguably the most scenic Alpine valley in Slovenia, the Triglav Lakes Valley extends about eight kilometers from the 1,294 m elevation above the steep wall of Komarča above Lake Bohinj to the 1,993 m elevation not too far from Triglav itself. Along the valley you will find seven lakes called the Triglav Lakes.
Starting above Bohinj, at 1,319 m you first pass the seventh of the lakes, the 150-meter-long, 80-meter-wide and 6-meter-deep Črno Jezero (Eng. Black Lake). From there, you ascend up to 1,685 m to see two lakes called Dvojno jezero (Eng. Double Lake), and from there to the fourth Triglav lake at 1,930 m called Veliko jezero or Jezero v Ledvicah (Eng. Big Lake), which is at 300 m length, 120 m width and 15 m depth the biggest of the seven lakes. Zeleno Jezero (Eng. Green Lake) is third Triglav Lake and is only 2 m deep. The second Triglav Lake is called the Rjavo jezero (Eng. Brown Lake) and is 150 m long, 100 m wide and 10 m deep. At 1993 m elevation you can find the first Triglav Lake called Jezero pod Vršacem (Eng. Lake under a Peak), which can be covered with ice even in summer.
How do I hike Triglav Lakes
Triglav Lakes are a popular hiking destination in Slovenia in summer and is also part of the long distance Via Alpina route. The main route visiting the lakes is one of the Triglav National Park classics, and is considered long but comfortable with multiple huts on the way offering meals and accommodation.
– The route from Planina Blato is considered the easiest route to visit the Triglav Lakes and is thus preferred by the majority. The route, however, does not visit the seventh of the Triglav Lakes, Črno Jezero (Eng. Black Lake). The roundtrip trip from Planina Blato to the top Triglav Lake called Jezero pod Vršacem and back would account to 28 km, 1,200 m of ascent and 1,200 m of descent.
– The route from Koča pri Slapu Savica climbs over the steep Komarča wall and joins the classic route from Planina Blato right below Dvojno Jezero. The route visits all seven Triglav Lakes. The roundtrip from the parking lot to the top Triglav Lake Jezero pod Vršacem and back is 24-km long and does about 1,600 m of ascent and descent, of which about 500 m over the steep Komarča wall.
Exploring Slovenia organizes two types of trips to the Triglav Lakes:
– 3-Day Trek to the 7 Triglav Lakes with two nights spent in the mountain huts,
– Day hike to the Triglav Lakes’s fifth and sixth Dvojno Jezero.
Is Triglav a serious climb?
Triglav is a serious and long tour. It’s the mountain with the highest number of accidents and deaths in Slovenia; perhaps due to its almost pilgrimage attraction or the nature of the 2,886-m mountain. The top part of the climb with the open and bare ridge is nicely secured with steel cable that will keep you safer, however, holding on to the steel cable during a thunderstorm can be extremely dangerous. Therefore, take the climb seriously. Plan and leave some space for the unpredictable factors, regularly check for weather updates, use the safety gear, and, most of all, do the climb slowly and safely. If you don’t feel adequately experienced or would feel better in a group of like-minded hikers, join our 2-Day Triglav on Scenic Route Trek.
How to climb Triglav
Plan the climb, book the hut, and leave some space for the unpredictable factors like changing weather. Regularly check for weather updates before and during the tour. Use the safety gear; a helmet, climbing harness and via Ferrata set in summer, and, a helmet, an ice axe, crampons, avalanche safety gear in winter. Most of all, do the climb in company of another hiker slowly and safely. If you don’t feel adequately experienced or would feel better in a group of like-minded hikers, join our 2-Day Triglav on Scenic Route Trek.
Read on Blog:
– Hiking safety in high mountains
– Hiking in Slovenia: the gear your will need
Which route to climb Triglav?
There are many routes that will take you up to Triglav. Some of the routes are shorter, others longer; some more exposed and others less exposed; some have huts on the way and some don’t. You can choose anything from the shortest and easiest classic route to Triglav from the Krma Valley (roundtrip is 25 km, 2,300 m of ascent and descent), a scenic trail with huts on the way – Triglav from Pokljuka, a long, easier but gorgeous route along the seven Triglav lakes, long, hard and pretty empty climbing routes that cross the Triglav North Face – the Slovenian Route, a via ferrata across the Triglav North Face but secured only over crucial parts (Bamberg Route), and climbing routes that conquer other mountain tops as a cherry on top (e.g. Rjavina and Triglav climb).
FAQ for Exploring Slovenia Tours
What should I pack?
Prior to departure we will provide a complete packing list outlining needed clothing and equipment that you will have to bring.
How many people can join a tour?
While it depends on the type of adventure you are joining, we generally like to travel in small groups. With a minimum of six to a maximum of twelve participants on our multi-day treks, a minimum of six to a maximum of twenty participants on our day hikes, and a limited number of participants in respect to the preset guest-to-climber ratio for each of our climbing tours. However, upon request we can accommodate both larger and smaller groups.
Am I suited to small group travel?
We think small is good. You’ll find that with a small group you will be traveling with like-minded companions who, like you, aspire to similar things, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships. Besides, our tours provide both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary.
Do you offer private departures for small groups?
Yes. We offer private departures for all kinds of groups, including couples, families with children, and groups of friends. Just email us at info@exploringslovenia.com for any further details and requests.
Do I need to pay a surcharge if I’m a single traveler?
Our tours are primarily on a twin-share basis in the valley and two- or four-bedded rooms in the mountains, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveler, we will try to match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours, however; if you prefer not to share, we offer single supplements that will guarantee you a single room. For a single room in mountain huts, we advise you to book at least three months in advance.
Will I have to share my accommodation?
Unless you book the “Single Room” option, yes, you’ll be bunking with someone else. Space in the mountains is at a premium, so be prepared to share your accommodation with others. Mountain accommodations usually feature shared washing facilities and sometimes shared toilets.
What level of comfort can I expect during my adventure?
While accommodations and meals vary by adventure type and whether we are in the valley or in the mountains, we always try to provide you with a high level of comfort. The character-filled accommodation we choose allows you to explore by day and relax comfortably by night.
What kind of accommodations will I be staying in?
If you don’t enjoy genuine mountain life in simple but charming huts, we strive to handpick quality accommodation based on location and local charm that captures the essence of the destinations. Accommodation in the valley is typically on a twin-share basis and in two- or four-bedded rooms in the mountains; however, single supplements are available at an additional price.
Who are your guides?
Exploring Slovenia finds knowledgeable local experts to lead our trips. All climbing tours are guided by UIAGM/IFMGA professional local mountain guides – the highest climbing, mountaineering, and ski-mountaineering qualification in the world. Our treks and day hikes are typically guided by experienced local mountain guides.
How do I know what each trip is like?
This website provides an overview of each trip. If you still have questions, please e-mail us at info@exploringslovenia.com
How fit do I have to be?
Fitness is an important aspect of our trips. Therefore, each itinerary is carefully graded for ease of selecting the adventure that best suits you and your fellow adventurers. We offer tours that require extreme fitness to tours for the normally fit including families. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the physical requirements of your trip and speak to us if you have any questions. View our trip grading system for more detail as to how we grade the activity levels on our adventures and the suggested physical preparation.
How much free time do I get on tour?
While day climbs are usually packed with activity, our day hikes and multi-day treks tend to be a little less intense. However, we strive to implement an element of free time on each trip, allowing you to relax during and after a long day.
What’s the food like?
We love our food and therefore try our best to find the most typical and delicious local cuisine in the valley, while enjoying typical mountain dishes when on the trail.
What if someone has dietary needs?
We try to accommodate all types of special dietary needs. There are some limits when in the mountains as the choice of dishes is limited, but we are sure we can work on it together. Therefore, if you have any particular dietary request, all you have to do is let us know and we will gladly accommodate it or make a precise plan on what to bring along extra if the required food is not available on the trail.
Insurance
To be adequately protected by travel insurance, you will need a special policy that caters for the possibly hazardous activities you will undertake on your trip with Exploring Slovenia, particularly for those joining us on our climbing tours. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy for all our climbing tours and that you provide us with a copy before you travel. The policy must include suitable coverage for rescue and repatriation and emergency medical expenses.
We offer a Coris Insurance program policy through our website for those who do not have travel protection and want to be assured that they will be covered throughout their trip. Please let us know at info@exploringslovenia.com if you need the insurance.
Grading system
We have active trips for every skill and fitness level, ranging from relaxed to strenuous. These guidelines will help you select the level of adventure that’s right for you.
FITNESS LEVEL
- (1) Relaxed: Adventure travel at its most relaxed pace; 1-3 hours of activity per day
- (2) Easy Active: Great for outdoor novices to active hikers; 3-6 hours of activity per day
- (3) Moderate: For moderately fit outdoor enthusiasts and the above; 5-7 hours most days
- (4) Vigorous: Recommended for fit travelers; 7-9 hours most days
- (5) Strenuous: Designed for very fit travelers; 10+ hours per day
TECHNICAL LEVEL
- T1: No previous hiking or climbing experience is necessary
Surfaces: rolling or mountainous terrain with typically easily ascending trails, some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails - T2: For active hillwalkers who don’t mind exposure
Surfaces: mountainous terrain with typically sections of steep ascents/descents and uneven trails, some exposure - T3: For mountain enthusiasts with basic climbing experience
Surfaces: mountainous terrain with steep ascents/descents, uneven trails, sections of exposed and secured climbing - T4: Recommended for climbers with Alpine climbing experience
Surfaces: mountainous terrain with demanding and extremely exposed walls, I, II, III climbing and short sections of IV climbing with no safety cables - T5: Designed for climbers with good Alpine climbing experience
Surfaces: the most demanding and extremely exposed walls, IV and above climbing with no safety cables
