Slovenia | Julian Alps Summit Series
LET THE ENCHANTMENT OF SLOVENIA CARRY YOU AWAY.
Trip Highlights:
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Wander through old growth Beech trees until distant views of the Italian and Austrian peaks appear.
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Climb into the Tamar Valley through a primeval Beech and Larch forest in the heart of Triglav National Park.
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Spend a night at the Zasavska Koča, a high alpine hut offering views over the Valley of the Seven Lakes.
Enchanting, or perhaps intoxicating, might be the best word to appropriately characterize the Julian alps of Slovenia.
Ryder-Walker’s route through this unique landscape begins in the picturesque village of Kranjska Gora. This gorgeous little village is only four miles from the Italian border and two from Austria. It sits on the northern border of Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s only land so designated. Triglav itself is the highest peak in the Julian alps. While not quite 10,000 ft above sea level, the peak is nearly 8,000 ft above the valley floor.
The Julian alps are the southernmost limestone range in the Alps and are frequently compared to the Dolomites, although the relief from valley to summit is often double that of its Italian neighbor. The terrain is at the same time both rocky and lush creating an alpine atmosphere that is unique. Mountain culture pervades Slovenian life, and it is said that you are not a true Slovene until you have summited Triglav. This is no small feat, in that the peak is quite technical with the easiest routes being via ferrata’s that approach the summit from all sides. It is worth beginning or ending your trek in either the tiny and colorful capital city of Ljubljana and/or the Adriatic coastal village of Piran.
Slovenia has a small beach front (about 45 kilometers) on this lovely sea, and ancient Piran could not be more inviting, with narrow cobbled streets and great restaurants.
This Ryder-Walker trek is challenging and visits a wide variety of terrain and towns as well as two comfortable high mountain huts. From the sparkling ski town of Kranjska Gora to the shores of gem-like Lake Bohinj it is Slovenia’s finest week of walking.
Trip Itinerary
Ryder-Walker will provide a taxi transfer from Ljubljana to Kranjska Gora, which is one of the Julian Alps’ most charming villages. Overnight in a family run, centrally located hotel considered the most comfortable in town. Meet your guide(s) and group at the hotel for orientation and dinner.
Today’s hike takes us on the ridge of Vrantic Mountain and the summit of Cipernik. We wander through an old growth of Beech trees until distant views of Italian and Austrian peaks appear, only to be upstaged by the imposing Triglav massif itself. Return to Kranjska Gora.
Distance: up to 11 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 3300 ft.
Climb into the Tamar Valley through a primeval Beech and Larch forest. Ascend steeply to Slemenova (Sleme) Špica, a beautiful summit high above the valley. Tonight, we rest in the heart of the Triglav National Park.
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3000/1000 ft.
Leave Trenta and ascend the Geology Path and an old World War I military road up the Trebiska Valley to Čez Dol. We switchback to the top of the ridge not far from the Triglav summit. On the apex of the ridge is our hut, the Zasavska Koča, offering views over the Valley of the Seven Lakes. A short afternoon outing from the hut to take in the panoramic summit of Malo Lepa perfectly rounds out the day.
Distance: up to 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 5200 ft.
We head directly for the Veliko Špičje from the hut today. A fantastic trail keeps right on the ridge of the mountain all the way to the summit. Descend to the Valley of the Seven Lakes Hut for lunch. From here enjoy an undulating traverse through rocky terrain and, in a gnome-like forest, to the Dom na Komni, our second and final hut of the trek.
Distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2200/2700 ft.
Enjoy some of the most spectacular mountain views of the Julian Alps, including the magnificent peaks Triglav and Krn. From the saddle of the Kranska Sedlo, we aim high for the summit of Vogel peak. We finish up with a cable car ride down to Ukanc on the shores of Lake Bohinj and our hotel.
Distance: 11 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2500/1500 ft.
A return up the Vogel cable car sets us up for a fabulous final summit romp! Big views both of Triglav to the North and as far as the Adriatic Sea to the South keep the interest high all the way to Rodica peak and back. The picnic at the top is sure to be unforgettable!
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2600 ft.
Ryder-Walker will provide a taxi transfer from Ukanc to Ljubljana Airport or City Center.
