The best hiking trails in Slovenia
Slovenia is a paradise for hiking. The country has 60% of its territory covered by forests, so the hiking options are almost endless, ranging across all different levels, from easy to hard.
We have lived and traveled through Slovenia for over 5 years now and we have done countless hikes during this time. However, I must admit, that picking the best trails in Slovenia was actually a challenging task.
We separated this guide into Slovenian hikes of different levels to make sure everyone can find something suitable for them.
Best easy hikes in Slovenia
Velika Planina
- Starting point: Velika Planina cable car or parking at Mačkin Kot parking lot
- Distance: 3km with the cable car and 9 km without
- Duration: 1h 30 with the cable car and 3-4 without
Velika Planina is one of the most scenic and special hikes in Slovenia.
Velika Planina is the name of a mountain plateau known as one of the last herdsmen villages in Europe. Here, you can see the traditional shepherd’s village with its super unique housing style.
The shepherds are stationed at the village during the warmer months of the year (normally between June and September). During this time, you can see the cows roaming free across the plateau and visit the local producers to try fresh cheese and dairy products.
Logar Valley Trail
- Starting point: You can start almost anywhere along the way – see here
- Distance: 7 km
- Duration: 2-3 hours
The Logar Valley Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Slovenia.
This trail is easy and can be done on foot, with a bike, or even with a stroller. It is perfect for families.
The Logar Valley Trail is the perfect introduction to the Logar Valley. With it, you will cross the valley and see some of the most beautiful views along the way.
At the end of the trail, you can also visit Rinka Waterfall (we highly recommend it!).
Other hiking trails in the area:
- Hike to the Frischaufov dom na Okrešlju Refuge
- Hike to Klemenča jama mountain hut
Ojstrica Viewpoint in Bled
- Starting point: 30 meters to the right of Camping Bled – see here
- Distance: 0.8 km each way
- Duration: 20 min each way
This is the shortest of the hikes listed in this article, but it is a famous one because it takes you to the best viewpoint over Lake Bled.
Ojstrica is a very easy hike and can be done all year round, but please be careful if you decide to go up when there is snow or after the rain. The climb tends to get very slippery.
The path is well-marked and easy enough that it can be accessed by almost anyone.
You can extend this hike by combining it with Mala Osojnica, another viewpoint over Lake Bled.
Read also:
Vogar hike in Lake Bohinj
- Starting point: Stara Fuzina parking lot – see here
- Distance: 7.6 km return
- Duration: 3.5-4 hours total
This is a beautiful scenic hike that leads you to a viewpoint over Lake Bohinj.
The hike starts at the Stara Fuzina parking lot, which is also the starting point of several other hikes, including the Mostnica Gorge. The parking lot is payable.
You can also go up to the starting point using a shuttle bus if you do not have a car for your trip.
The path to Vogar is steep but it is very easy to follow and well-marked. There are no technically demanding sections on this hike, so it is perfectly suitable for beginners.
The hike ends at the hut called Kosijev dom na Vogarju (1054 m) where there is one beautiful viewpoint, but you will also pass another viewpoint along the way that is used as a paragliding ramp.
Best moderate hikes in Slovenia
Triglav Seven Lakes Hike
- Starting point: Planina Blato – see here
- Distance: 31 km return
- Duration: 6 hours each way (we recommend splitting it in 2 days)
The Seven Lakes Hike is considered the best hike in Slovenia by many people. This trail will take you through the most beautiful valley while you pass by seven different lakes.
The hike itself is not challenging besides the steep ascent in some sections, but it is considered moderate. We recommend breaking the journey into two days and sleeping at the hut Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih.
This is a very popular hike here in Slovenia, so it is important to book upfront if you want a spot on the hut. The one we listed above is our favorite spot but there are other huts along the way.
Book the trip to the Seven Lakes Valley with Altitude Activities!
Use the code MAUKA10 to get a 10% discount!
Viševnik Hike – the best views of Mt Triglav
- Starting point: Rudno Polje – see here
- Distance: 7 km
- Duration: 2 hours each way (it took us 3 hours in total)
Viševnik is a hike we discovered just recently but it immediately earned a spot on our ranking of the best hikes in Slovenia.
Viševnik is one of the peaks in the Julian Alps that has over 2.000 meters, but what makes it special is that it is considerably easier to access than many of the other ones. And, the best part? You have a first-row seat to the view of Mt Triglav once you get to the top.
The Viševnik Hike is not technically difficult but it is quite steep, which is why it is listed under the moderate section. The climb up is short (only 2h) but it is all the way a steep climb up.
The views at the top will definitely be a reward worthy of the effort, though.
Hiking Gear recommendation
Check out our favorite hiking gear and essentials which we always bring with us.
Veliko Kladivo Hike
- Starting point: Mrzli studenec (park by the side of the road) – see here
- Distance: approx. 5 km
- Duration: 2h 15m each way
Veliko Kladivo is one of our favorite hikes in Slovenia. It is less touristy than most of the others on this list, and this is one of the reasons we love it so much.
You can start the hike in many different places, the one we listed above is the option we have used the most. It is also well tagged on Maps so it’s easy to find.
The hike itself is easy until you reach the Kofce Mountain Hut – which we highly recommend stopping on the way back. They serve an incredible selection of štruklji, a typical Slovenian dish.
After the hut, the fun begins. The hike towards Veliko Kladivo gets steep and you will have some exposed sections, which is why this one is considered moderately difficult. The effort is very worth it as you get to the top with 360 views of Austria on one side and Slovenia on the other.
Krn Lake Hike
- Starting point: Dom dr. Klementa Juga v Lepeni – see here
- Distance: 11.8 km return
- Duration: 2h 30m each way
Krn Lake Hike is one of the most scenic hikes in the Soča Valley. It is an incredible option for a day hike if you will be spending some time around Bovec.
As the name suggests, this hike will take you all the way to Krn Lake, the largest alpine lake in Slovenia. The views of the lake are really incredible!
This hike can be done throughout the summer or shoulder seasons. I personally think September is the perfect month for it.
At the top, there is a hut just before you reach the lake where you can stop for a local meal.
PS: The lake is not suitable for swimming, but this is still one of the best hikes in Slovenia just for the views!
Golica, the best hike in the Karavanks Mountains
- Starting point: Parking lot in Planina pod Golico – see here
- Distance: 10 km return
- Duration: 5 h
The Karavanks Mountains mark the division between Austria and Slovenia. This extensive mountain range offers a lot of hiking options, but Golica is probably the most famous of them.
The Golica Hike is extremely popular during the month of May when the hills get covered in Daffodils, a typical white flower. It creates the most magical views!
This is why this trail earned its spot in our ranking of the best hikes in Slovenia.
If you will be visiting Slovenia outside of this period, you can still do the Golica hike. The path continues to be very scenic, even without the flowers.
The Soča Trail
- Starting point: Koča pri Izviru Soče – see here
- Distance: 25 km
- Duration: 9-10 h
The Soča Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Slovenia. It is planned as a one-way hike that you can do in one or two days.
The starting point is at the hut Koča pri Izviru Soče and the trail ends in Bovec.
Most of the time, you will be following the Soča River (except for a few sections where the path wanders through the woods). The views on this trail are out of this world.
The path is not demanding, you will be walking mostly downhill. However, we included it in the moderate category because of the lengthy distance.
Read also: What to see in the Triglav National Park
Best hikes in Slovenia for experienced hikers
Now it is time for the hikes considered difficult or challenging.
Mt Triglav
- Starting point: Krma Valley – see here
- Duration: 5h 30m each way
- Difficulty: Moderate until the Kredarica Hut, difficult from the hut to the Triglav summit
Triglav is the highest peak in Slovenia, with 2.864 meters. It is an iconic spot for everyone here, the Triglav peak is even featured on the Slovenian flag!
There are several different routes you can take for hiking Triglav – you can see here all of the options available (the website is in Slovenian but works well with the translator). The route we outlined above is one of the most popular ones.
We highly recommend doing this hike in 2 days and sleeping in one of the huts at the top. You can pick between Kredarica or Planika for the best access.
The hike to the hut is moderately difficult because it is very steep, but not technically challenging. However, all the routes converge on the last stretch of the hike which takes you to the Triglav summit.
This portion takes 1 h 30m and has the via ferrata cables to help you out because it is very exposed. If you don’t have the equipment yourself, you can book this trip with an experienced guide – which we highly recommend!
Book the trip to Triglav with Altitude Activities!
Use the code MAUKA10 to get a 10% discount!
Kamnik Saddle
- Starting point: Parking lot at Logar Valley – see here
- Distance: 13 km
- Duration: 9h 30m
This is arguably the most beautiful hike in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, but it is a demanding one.
There are a few route options, you can start the hike from Kamniška Bistrica or the Logar Valley. The latter is the one described above – it is more challenging but with better views.
Since this is not an easy hike, it is less busy, which is a big plus!
Kamnik Saddle is a beautiful mountain saddle located between Mount Brana and Mount Planjava. There is a hut located in the saddle and, from there, you can climb up to either of the summits.
Things you should know before hiking in Slovenia
Here are some basic tips for hiking in Slovenia:
- Make sure you study the trail beforehand! Hribi.net is a great resource for this.
- Take enough water and snacks with you, especially if the hike you will be doing doesn’t have any mountain huts along the way.
- Check the weather carefully before the hike! This is the number one mistake people make before hiking here in Slovenia – they don’t check the weather properly and end up stuck in the mountains. We recommend using the radars on this website.
- Make sure you have the necessary equipment. There are many hikes where you must wear a helmet and other via ferrata equipment.
- Always leave no trace behind – take with you any trash you produce along the way.
Organizing your trip
To help you plan your trip to Slovenia, we have put together our favorite planning resources:
- Flights: Get affordable flights to Slovenia on Skyscanner.com.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use SafetyWing whenever we are traveling abroad.
- Renting a car: We always use Discover Cars to get the best car deals.
- Accommodation: Find the best hotels and apartments on Booking.com.
- Activities: Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with Get Your Guide.
- SIM Card: Stay connected during your trip with Airalo.
- Slovenia Map: Check out our custom-made Map with 290+ must-see spots!
- Recommended hiking gear: Check our recommendations on Amazon if you will be hiking in Slovenia!
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