Slovenia, known for its stunning landscapes and inviting hiking trails, is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. This charming Central European country, smaller than New Jersey and half the size of Switzerland, boasts five mountain ranges with over 300 peaks exceeding 2000 meters. Within its 20,000 square kilometers, there are a remarkable 15,000 kilometers of trails winding through picturesque glacial lakes, emerald rivers, and the captivating Adriatic coast.
The country’s impressive hiking credentials are showcased through its classic long-distance trails. These routes highlight Slovenia’s strengths: tight-knit communities, exceptional local cuisine (as Slovenia was honored as Europe’s Gastronomic Region for 2021), and a commitment to responsible tourism. While trekking is enjoyed year-round, the peak months from June to October provide more stable weather with open mountain huts at your service.
Here’s a helpful guide to preparing for your trek along with the top five best long-haul hikes in Slovenia.
Where to stay on your trek: Slovenia’s mountain huts
Planning a trekking expedition can sometimes feel overwhelming; however, Slovenia simplifies this with its well-developed system of mountain huts that cater to many of the hikes available. As is standard for any hike, it is advisable to check for availability in advance. Many of the lodges offer websites, email addresses, and phone numbers to assist with inquiries. It’s important to note that camping is restricted to designated campsites, and many lodgings close between late October and May. Therefore, aim to plan your trek during the warmer months.
For more extreme adventures, the Slovenian highlands host a fairly extensive network of mountain bivouacs (shelters), known locally as bivaks. Some mountain huts also provide unattended winter rooms that remain open year-round.
Eating well on your trek is easy
In Slovenia, particularly in the mountainous regions, travelers can relish a variety of local dishes. Sausages, cheese, goulash, game, and fresh vegetables from local farms are staples of the cuisine. Many accommodations and huts offer hearty meals for both dinner and breakfast, while trekking through towns enables hikers to stock up on lunch and snacks.
What you pack matters, especially as the trails get more challenging
It is essential to pack thoughtfully when trekking in Slovenia, particularly when hiking at elevations exceeding 2000 meters. The Alpine Association of Slovenia provides a helpful checklist of safety tips, recommended gear, and hiking advice. According to Matija Klanjšček, a Slovenian alpinism instructor, “It all depends on the time of year you are hiking, but it is best to have the equipment you might need with you.” It is crucial to remain vigilant regarding the trail’s difficulty, as easy, moderate, and hard routes are indicated on maps with diverse line styles.
Juliana Trail for jaw-dropping panoramas
Best Hike for Great Views
168 miles (270km), 16 days
The Juliana Trail, launched in 2019, quickly became regarded as one of Slovenia’s classic hiking routes. This trail offers trekkers continuous breathtaking views of the Julian Alps while encircling Triglav National Park. Detailed stage-by-stage directions simplify trek planning and accommodate all skill levels, keeping Slovenia’s highest peak, the 9396-foot (2,864 m) Mount Triglav in view. Expect stunning villages, incredible panoramas, and welcoming mountain towns like Bovec, where adventure enthusiasts can enjoy some of the best rafting and kayaking in Europe.
Walk of Peace for a hike through history
Best Hike for History
137 miles (220km), 11 days
The Walk of Peace begins in Log pod Mangartom, a scenic village in the Julian Alps, and concludes in the Adriatic city of Trieste. This trek is not just about hiking; it underscores Slovenia’s commitment to responsible tourism. The 137-mile trail traces the WWII frontline, providing independent travelers opportunities to learn about local culture while exploring preserved bunkers, memorial churches, trenches, and museums focused on the Great War.
One highlight of this route is the Kobarid Museum, which features an extensive array of artifacts and interactive exhibits that bring World War I history to life. The combination of the region’s stunning landscapes and rich history promotes greater understanding and tolerance.
Slovenian Mountain Trail for adventure and adrenaline
Best Long-Distance Hike
383 miles (617km), 28-35 days
Established in 1953, the Slovenian Mountain Trail is the longest trekking route in the country. The trail begins in Maribor in the Pohorje Hills on Slovenia’s eastern edge and winds its way through the northern border alongside Austria and the Kamnik–Savinja and Karavanke Alps, eventually turning south at the Juliana Alps. Along the trek, you’ll discover numerous mountain huts (approximately 50 across about 30 stages). It is crucial to make accommodation arrangements in advance and to immerse yourself in a variety of adventure, educational, and adrenaline-pumping experiences available for all skill levels.
While in Mojstrana, don’t miss out on visiting the Slovenian Alpine Museum, where you can learn about mountaineering history. It’s also important to pack a helmet especially if scaling the challenging via ferrata routes to summiting Mount Triglav. Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you cross the ethereally turquoise Soča River while traversing through the Carst region toward the coast.
Via Alpina: Red and Purple trails for challenge and reward
Best Challenging Trek
211 miles (340km), 17-20 days
Notably, Slovenia features significant portions of two trails from the Via Alpina network, which spans five color-coded routes across the eight Alpine nations. The trails are well marked and provide classic European hiking experiences that can sometimes be challenging and steep. Along the route in Slovenia, various lodges, hotels, and mountain huts cater to hikers, most offering meals to enhance convenience as you trek approximately 10km (six miles) daily on the Purple Trail and around 17km each day on the Red Trail.
The Purple Trail (10 stages, around seven days) starts near Mount Triglav’s base, weaving from the Julian Alps across the Kamnik–Savinja and Karavanke Alps to Austria. Taking a day to summit Triglav is a rewarding experience, although you will need helmet and harness for safety. As the saying goes, one isn’t a true Slovene until they’ve scaled the nation’s highest peak. Conversely, the Red Trail constitutes part of a larger route, winding through Slovenia for around 10 days while tracing many scenic areas and crossing into surrounding countries. Expect to pass by two UNESCO Heritage Sites: the Škocjan Caves and the town of Idrija, known for its historic mercury mine. To ensure comfortable trekking conditions, it is advisable to plan hikes between June and October.
Via Dinarica for the pace and ease
Best for Authentic Mountain Culture
94 miles (152km), 7 days
The Via Dinarica Trail took inspiration from the Via Alpina concept, extending southeast across the Dinaric Alps, which span several countries in the Western Balkans. The Slovenia section begins at the Nanos Plateau and continues towards Babno Polje on the Croatian border.
Hikers can expect a more remote hiking experience with genuine local character. While accommodations include huts and family-run hostels, they typically maintain a laid-back and affordable atmosphere. Noteworthy highlights along the trail encompass the majestic Predjama Castle and the renowned Postojna Cave, along with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea from Snežnik Mountain.
Safety recommendations and travel guidelines can evolve rapidly. It is advisable for travelers always to consult local authorities for the latest information before embarking on a journey.
