Stroll
Lakes and Rivers of the Julian Alps - 10 Days

Lakes and Rivers of the Julian Alps - 10 Days

10 Days
Moderate

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Julian Alps, where shimmering lakes and winding rivers form a stunning backdrop to your walking adventure. Starting in the picturesque town of Bled, you will cross diverse terrains, from alpine meadows to lush forests and charming villages, each offering a glimpse into the rich culture of Slovenia. Enjoy locally-sourced cuisine and hospitality along the way. This self-guided experience allows you to explore at your own pace while taking in the natural beauty and history of this region.

Highlights

  • Wander beside the serene waters of Lake Bled
  • Ascend through the lush forests of the Pokljuka Plateau
  • Discover the vibrant culture in charming villages like Kobarid
  • Experience the stunning vistas from the summit of Mangart
  • Explore the majestic Tolmin Gorges with its stunning rock formations
  • Relax by the emerald waters of the Soca River
  • Indulge in authentic Slovenian cuisine
  • Take in the breathtaking panorama from Predil Pass

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Transfers

  • Shuttle
  • Luggage Transfers
  • Train

Meals

9 breakfasts, 0 lunches, and 4 dinners

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

3

Stroll Walking Grade

Moderate

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Expect some hills and longer walking days. A reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience.

View Fitness Guide

8

Days on the trail

7-23 km

Average per walking day

170-920 m

Gain per day

6/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Nights are spent in a selection of charming guesthouses and hotels, each chosen for their comfort, character and warm Slovenian hospitality. The accommodation reflects the distinct personality of each region you pass through, from alpine villages to lakeside towns, providing a genuine and restful base after every day on the trail.

What You'll Eat

Breakfast is included each morning throughout the walk, with four dinners also included at selected properties along the way. Whether it is a gourmet restaurant meal or a hearty home-cooked dish, each evening is an opportunity to savour the flavours of Slovenian cuisine. On nights where dinner is not included, the towns and villages along the route offer excellent independent dining options to explore at your own pace. Lunches are yours to discover independently, with grocery stores and local cafes available at the end of most stages — a great way to sample regional produce and village life along the route.

More About This Trip

The walk starts in Bled and finishes in the Bovec area. The closest international airport is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, from where a bus connects to Bled in around one to one and a half hours. We can also arrange private transfers from Ljubljana, Venice and Zagreb airports to your hotel on request.

At the end of the walk, direct buses connect to both Bovec and Bled, with onward road and rail connections to Ljubljana and beyond. If you need a transfer to Ljubljana Airport or a major train station, we can arrange this on request.

This walk is available from 15 April to 25 October. Late June through September are the finest months for walking in the Julian Alps, with trails clear of snow, long daylight hours and the mountains at their most spectacular. Spring brings abundant wildflowers and clear mountain streams, while autumn offers colourful forests, golden larch trees and quieter trails. Mountain weather can be changeable at any time of year, with afternoon thunderstorms possible in summer, so layers and a waterproof jacket are always recommended.


This walk follows sections of the Juliana Trail, one of Slovenia's most accessible long-distance routes, designed to be approachable for walkers with a reasonable level of fitness who enjoy regular walking but do not wish to tackle demanding mountain routes.

Daily distances average around 17km with 363m of elevation, making this a moderate walk throughout. The terrain is constantly changing — quiet green valleys, traditional alpine villages, ancient forest tracks, mountain pastures and the shores of glacial lakes all feature along the way, with the iconic waters of Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj among the highlights.

The trail is well-marked and straightforward to navigate, with comprehensive walk notes, maps and GPX tracks provided for each day. Mountain weather can change quickly, so layers and a waterproof jacket are always recommended.

Travel insurance is required for all Stroll walking holidays, covering cancellation costs, loss of luggage and injury. For international trips, your policy must also include medical evacuation coverage. A cancellation fee applies if you cancel after your holiday has been confirmed. See the FAQ section for full details.

Grocery stores and restaurants are available at the end of most stages. The exception is Goreljek, where there are no grocery stores — please purchase your lunch supplies for day four before leaving Bled. A restaurant is available at the Goreljek accommodation for dinner.

Note: Grocery stores in Slovenia are closed on Sundays and national holidays, including 27 April, 1 and 2 May, 25 June and 15 August. If your walk falls on any of these days, please purchase your lunch supplies the day prior.

A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.

For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo walkers on this itinerary. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

July 2026

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Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Julian Alps reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

The walking season runs from mid-April to late October. The 7-day Highlights of the Julian Alps itinerary is available between 15 April and 25 October, while the 10-day Lakes and Rivers itinerary runs from 25 April to 23 September. Spring and autumn bring cooler temperatures and quieter trails; summer is warmer with longer days. Alpine weather can change quickly at any time of year, so layers and a good waterproof are always essential.

Airport transfers are not included in the trip price, but Stroll can arrange shuttle services to and from Ljubljana, Venice, or Zagreb airports on request. From Ljubljana Airport, you can reach Bled by bus in around 1–1.5 hours, or by shuttle to Kranj and then train to Jesenice.

Your main luggage is transported between accommodations throughout the trip, so you only carry a daypack on the trail each day. On Day 5 of the 10-day itinerary, you'll need to take your luggage with you on a short train ride from Bohinjska Bistrica to Most na Soči — the ticket for this is at your own cost. Specific luggage weight limits will be confirmed in your pre-departure information pack, sent around 6 weeks before departure.

Yes. Additional nights in Bled or Bohinjska Bistrica can be arranged if you'd like more time to explore the region before or after your walk.

Mobile reception is limited on some of the more remote sections of the track. For this reason, solo walkers are not accepted on this itinerary — it's a walk best done with at least one companion. Stroll provides 24/7 emergency support throughout the trip for peace of mind.

Pack your daypack with a quality waterproof jacket, warm layers, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, at least 1.5–2 litres of water, snacks, a personal first aid kit, insect repellent, and your phone. Walking poles are strongly recommended — the alpine terrain can be steep and uneven, and poles make a real difference on both the ascents and descents. Swimwear is worth throwing in too, given the opportunity to swim in Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, or Predil Lake along the way.

Most stages end near grocery stores and restaurants, making it straightforward to pick up lunch or supplies. The exceptions are Goreljek, which has no shops but does have an on-site restaurant at the accommodation, and Log pod Mangartom, which has a local restaurant open Thursday to Sunday only. One important note: grocery stores across Slovenia are closed on Sundays and public holidays, so plan your supplies accordingly if you're walking on those days.

Slovenia uses the Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted in larger towns like Bled, Bohinj, and Bovec, but it's worth carrying some cash for smaller purchases, local transport, and more remote stops along the route. ATMs are available in all the main towns on the itinerary.

Tipping is not mandatory in Slovenia but is appreciated for good service. Rounding up the bill or leaving around 10% is common practice.

The Julian Alps feature indulgent local Slovenian cuisine, with home-style meals emphasising fresh, regional ingredients. If you have specific dietary needs or allergies, flag them with Stroll at the time of booking so the relevant accommodations can be informed in advance.

The region is packed with things to do and see. In Bled, don't miss a Pletna boat ride out to the island church, a visit to the medieval castle perched above the lake, and a slice of the famous local cream cake. In Bohinj, you can swim in Slovenia's largest natural lake. Bovec is a hub for adventure — rafting, kayaking, and paragliding are all on offer. Radovljica is worth a stop for its beautifully preserved old town and unique beekeeping heritage. Tolmin Gorges are also well worth the detour.

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The Julian Alps Experience

Wonder
Stroll beside glacial Lake Bled and through protected Pokljuka Gorge bridges
Savour the journey and take in Mt Triglav views from Vogel above Slovenia’s largest lake
Experience summit vistas from Mangart and sweeping panoramas at Predil Pass
Wellness
Moderate trails, luggage transfers and handpicked hotels make each stage restorative
Moving at your own pace restoring your natural rhythm on remote trails
Slow travel: Savour authentic Slovenian cuisine and warm hospitality after hiking on breathtaking Alps trails
Nature
Follow the emerald Soca River beneath Polovnik, Kobariški Stol and wild rapids and cool off in Lake Bohinj
Cross Pokljuka peat bog, alpine meadows and forest and pasture walking including Dobrava’s flower-rich panoramas
Pass Boka waterfall, Mostnica gorge and Lake Bohinj’s limestone channels

From

£1,635/person