Lake Bled & Slovenian Alps

Bled lake summer
Duration: 7 nights
Type: European walking holidays
Walking Grade: 2 & 4
from £1,729pp

Natural wonders come thick and fast as we explore Slovenia’s beautiful landscapes in and around Triglav National Park and the spectacular Julian Alps. Enjoy gentle strolls around the blue-green waters of Lake Bled, trek through Vintgar Gorge and take a cable car to the upper reaches of Mount Vogel for views over the 2,864-metre peak of Mount Triglav – Slovenia’s tallest mountain. There’ll also be walks through the Mostnica Gorge and an opportunity to visit Slovenia’s cosmopolitan capital, Ljubljana, on your free day.

What you’ll love

  • Walking in Triglav National Park 
  • A cable car ride up Mount Vogel
  • Hiking along the Mostnica Gorge
  • Discovering a trio of lakes; Bled, Bohinj, and Jasna 
  • Taking in the views from Debela Peč  
  • Crossing the Vršič Pass

What’s included

  • Return flights from London Heathrow, including baggage and transfers
  • A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
  • HF Holidays Tour Manager
  • 7 nights' accommodation in Bled
  • 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
  • All in-destination transport

Trip Notes

Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Welcome to Hotel Astoria. Unpack and settle in.


Today’s walks take place around Lake Bled and explore the wooded upland areas to the west of the lake.

Option 1 - Mlino, Bohinjska Bela & Lake Bled

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Total ascent: 700 feet (210m) 

In summary: The walk starts by the lake and heads towards the village Mlino where we turn away from the lake and descend towards the River Bohinjka and the village of Bohinjska Bela. Here we take a wooded path which rises over a col and back to the northern side of the lake where we walk to the hotel below the castle with views to the island.

Highlight: A great introduction to the picturesque Lake Bled.

Option 2 - Mlino, Kupljenik, Bohinjska Bela & Lake Bled

Distance: 9½ miles (15km)

Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: Walking via Mlino, we cross the river and following the path to the village of Kupljnik with stunning views back over the lake. We then descend to Bohinjska Bela, crossing the river again, and follow the easier route back to Bled.

Highlight: Stunning views of the lake.


The bus will take us to the beautiful Bohinj valley and lake. Both groups will be dropped off at the village of Stara Fuzina.

Option 1 - Mostnica Gorge

Distance: 8 miles (13km) 

Total ascent: 1,200 feet (350m)

In summary: We ascend through the attractive old village into a narrow valley that opens out into Alpine pastureland. There may be time for a swim in Lake Bohinj or a paddle in the Mostnica river.

Highlight: At the head of the valley is the spectacular Mostnica waterfall, one of the ‘must see’ attractions of the area.

Option 2 - Mostnica Gorge and Uskovnic Ridge

Distance: 9½ miles (15km)

Total ascent: 2,500 feet (750m)

In summary: We begin by following the same route as the easier group to the waterfall. We head east, ascending to the village of Uskovnica before descending on tracks and forest paths back to Stara Fuzina.

Highlight: After the waterfall at the head of the valley we enjoy views back to Triglav from the ridge.


The longest coach ride of the holiday takes us to Kranjska Gora, a mountain village and skiing centre deep in the Julian Alps. The coach will then leave the valley to ascend through a number of hairpin bends to reach the top of the Vrsic Pass, from where both groups will enjoy the view.

Option 1 - Pišnica Valley

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Total ascent: 500 feet (150m) 

Total descent: 1,700 feet (520m)

In summary: : The group leave the bus in the Vrsic valley and pass through woodland pasture beside a stream with spectacular waterfalls, passing near the glacial Jasna Lake.

Highlight: Jasna Lake is a beautiful clear lake with white sand around the rim. Its surface reflects the surrounding mountains and it is guarded by a bronze statue of Zlatorog, a golden horned Ibex.

Option 2 - Vršič Pass and Visoki Maverinc Belvedere

Distance: 10½ miles (17km)

Total ascent: 1,500 feet (450m)

Total descent: 4,000 feet (1,220m)

In summary: This walk starts by descending a path from the pass followed by an ascent through woodland to the Visoki Maverinc Belvedere. The path zigzags to reduce the gradient. We stop
for lunch at the summit before descending to Lake Jasna, with the option to continue towards Kranjska Gora.

Highlight: Stunning views of the valley and surrounding hills.


Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day might include:

Ljubljana: The capital city of Slovenia is a most attractive city, with plenty of museums and shops. It can be reached easily by bus or minibus. See our leaders for further details and fares.

Bled Castle: A short but steep walk will take you to the castle. It costs approximately €18 to go round the museum. There is a shop, historic printing press and a café.

Wellness Centre: The hotel has a wellness centre, located on the first floor. It offers concessionary rates to guests, details of which can be found in your room. Treatments include various types of massage, manicures, facials, sauna and a plunge pool.

Activities: In town you'll find several companies offering a variety of additional activities in the area, such as gorge walking, canyoning, horse riding and kayaking. 

Cycle hire: The hotel has bikes for hire. Explore the quiet side roads and farming villages around Bled. Please book this at reception. Current rates are from €4 for an hour.

Land train around Lake Bled: A land train follows the lakeside path. It leaves the town every 45 minutes from late April until mid-October; however it doesn’t run in poor weather.

Bled, Slovenia - Beautiful panormaic skyline autumn view with hilltop bench and tree and colorful sunrise of Lake Bled and P…


Today the two parties again travel by bus to Lake Bohinj, the easier group taking a lovely lakeside walk while the harder party takes in peaks to the south of the lake.

Option 1 - Lake Bohinj and Orlova Glava

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

In summary: We make our way to the Vogel cable car and ascend to enjoy the views over the lake. If conditions permit, we take a short walk to the summit of Orlova Glava to see the views to the Triglaf Massif, and enjoy the upland environment. Our walk continues to visit the First World War cemetery at Ukanc and descends to the lakeshore. We the follow a path close to the lake to the village of Ribcev Laz with its much photographed church.

Highlight: Lake Bohinj is considered by many to be the most attractive lake in Slovenia.

Option 2 - Vogel and Šija

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Total ascent: 2,900 feet (900m)

In summary: The bus will drop this group at the foot of the cable car, and we then ascend to the upper station. We ascend through a picturesque valley to the sumit of Vogel. Mt Vogel is a great viewpoint in good weather and provides an excellent vantage point for Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia. On the return route to the cable car, we can also take in the summit of Sija.

Highlight: An excellent high level alpine walk.


Today the two parties split. The easier walk returns to the Bled area for a visit to the Vintgar Gorge, yet  another famous attraction in the region. The harder group will ascend Debela Pec; this peak has spectacular views into the deep Krma Valley, with the Triglav massif beyond.

Option 1 - Vintgar Gorge and back to Bled

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Total ascent: 650 feet (200m)

In summary: We take a service bus to Podhom to the start of the Vintgar Gorge. After paying the entrance fee and collecting our helmets, we walk along the gorge, following
wooden walkways and paths cut into the steep valley sides. We follow the forest trail, returning to the hotel via Hom and Rečica.

Highlight: Sample chestnut cakes, a local speciality.

Option 2 - Debela Peč

Distance: 8½ miles (14km)

Total ascent: 2,600 feet (790m)

In summary: We use hired transport to reach the high forests to the west of Bled. The walk ascends gently through woodland pitted with the remnants of ancient iron workings, then more steeply to reach a remote mountain hut or ‘Dom’. We continue the ascent to the ridge above the Krma valley. Here a winding path passes deep swallow holes, then takes us to the final ridge and viewpoint of Debla Pec. We will retrace our steps along the ridge and take a different route down to the Dom. We will retrace our steps along the ridge on a circular route.

Highlight: A challenging walk to a spectacular viewpoint.


We hope to see you again soon.


Itinerary map for Lake Bled

Hotel Astoria - Julian Alps

The Hotel Astoria is a compact and stylish 3-star hotel and offers a great location for our holidays, with Bled town centre, the lake shore and castle all within walking distance. The comfortable en-suite bedrooms are decorated in a contemporary style and some rooms offer balconies. Facilities at the hotel include a wellness centre with sauna and spa pool, as well as a gym and bar with out door terrace. 

Rooms

All 72 en-suite bedrooms are comfortable and furnished with all the modern amenities including:

  • Air conditioning
  • Room safe
  • Telephone
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • TV

About your stay

Leading off the reception area there is a large and airy lounge and bar area with comfortable seating and tourist literature. To the other side the restaurant has fresh and modern decor, opening onto an attractive terrace area where guests can sit and enjoy the view with a coffee when the Café Astoria is open 8am-12pm / 5pm-10pm.  

Complimentary wireless internet access is available in all public areas. There is a 24-hr reception service.

The hotel has a Wellness Centre open every day from 2pm until 9pm. There is a large variety of treatments offered at an additional charge and access to the gym is free to our guests.

Food & drink

Holidays at Lake Bled are half-board with a buffet breakfast and 3-course evening buffet. On one evening you can enjoy a traditional Slovenian dinner accompanied by live music.

Breakfast

Buffet breakfast is served from 7am and consists of a good selection of breads and pastries, fruit juices, cold hams and salami, cheeses, paté, cereals and yoghurts, as well as jams and honey, tea, coffee and cocoa. A hot selection is cooked fresh and you can enjoy eggs (including omelettes), pancakes, sausages and fried bacon. The hotel, where possible, serves local products.

Lunch (payable locally)

Packed lunches are available to order from the hotel but you can also walk just a few minutes to some local shops and purchase the ingredients for your lunch.

Evening meal

The evening meal is a 4-course buffet and our guests can enjoy a special dinner on the last evening accompanied by local Slovenian music.

Your evenings

Each evening join your tour manager and fellow travellers to relax, enjoy a drink, and discuss your day's activities. You may like to join in an optional organised evening get together, such as a quiz.

Essential information

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 
  • Waterproof jacket 
  • Waterproof trousers 
  • Insulated jacket/top 
  • Walking clothing  
  • Walking socks (plus spares)  
  • Sunhat 
  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat
  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  
  • Headtorch 
  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  
  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 
  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  
  • Mobile phone 
  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 
  • Passport 
  • Visa (if applicable) 
  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 
  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 
  • Swimwear and travel towel
  • Snacks
  • Dry bags
  • Rubbish bags
  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 
  • Sit mat
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box
  • Gaiters 
  • GPS device 

Guest reviews

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

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If you choose land only, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements, including your flights and airport transfers at your destination. Any flights booked independently will also not be covered by our ATOL license.

Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2025

23 Jun - 30 Jun 2025

7 nights

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01 Sep - 08 Sep 2025

7 nights

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08 Sep - 15 Sep 2025

7 nights

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15 Sep - 22 Sep 2025

7 nights

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Flight from London Heathrow Airport

Single from

£2,278

Double from

£1,929 pp

from

£1,929 pp

from

£2,278

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06 Oct - 13 Oct 2025

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Heathrow Airport

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Double from

£1,879 pp

from

£1,879 pp

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Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2025

23 Jun - 30 Jun 2025

7 nights

Itinerary

Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
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01 Sep - 08 Sep 2025

7 nights

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08 Sep - 15 Sep 2025

7 nights

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Single Call to Enquire
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15 Sep - 22 Sep 2025

7 nights

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Single from

£2,128

Double from

£1,779 pp

from

£1,779 pp

from

£2,128

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06 Oct - 13 Oct 2025

7 nights

Itinerary

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,729 pp

from

£1,729 pp

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Important information

  • With flight holidays: Price includes return flights to Lubljana, hold baggage and airport transfers
  • Independent travellers can join our transfers from Ljubljana Airport- please contact us for prices

*If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, please ensure you’ve selected a land-only option before proceeding to book.

Duration:
7 nights
Type:
European walking holidays
Walking Grade:
2 & 4

7 nights from £1,729pp

or call 020 3974 8865

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Carbon Footprint 587Kg of CO₂e

Average carbon footprint per person Learn More