Lake Bled & Slovenian Alps

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7 nights accommodation

Availability Aug-Oct 2026

One itinerary available

Half Board

Grades 2 & 4 details

587kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,689

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Inc flights

Members From

£1,639

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Inc flights

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
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.
Slovenia - Lake Bled - Hotel Astoria - Hotel_Astoria_foto_Jošt_Gantar (44).jpg

Walking grades and options

This is a level 2 and level 4 graded Activity, Easier walks: 6-9 miles (10-14½km) generally on good paths, with some rocky sections. Up to 1,200 feet (350m) of ascent in a day. Harder walks: 7 to 11 miles (11 to 17½km) with some steep ascents and descents. There are also some rocky and exposed sections. Up to 2,900 feet (900m) of ascent in a day. Our visit to Kranjska Gora also has descents over the day of 520m (easier) / 1220 m (harder)

In view of the changing weather experienced in this area, alternative walks may be arranged at the discretion of our local leaders.

Please note: On day 7 when visiting Vintgar Gorge, helmets are obligatory for all walkers in the Vintgar Gorge and a helmet is provided at the entrance.


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

Reviews


Gallery

Itinerary

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.

Itinerary

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 €9 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: Near the bus station are offices offering a variety of activities, including gorge walking/ canyoning, horse riding, paragliding and kayaking. Guests may also like to try the summer toboggan run on the slopes of Straza.

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.

 

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: 5 miles (8km)

Total ascent: 650 feet (200m)

In summary: We descend to view the waterfall before ascending to an ancient church. From here
we take a balcony path with splendid views over the area to return to the start
of the gorge to catch the shuttle bus back into Bled.

Highlight: the amazing rock structures
of the gorge.

Option 2 - Debela Peč

Distance: 7½ miles (12km)

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.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Grade 4

Medium Walks

Long distances in remote countryside and on rough terrain. You can expect some sustained ascents and descents; there may be occasional sections of scree and steep ground.

Accommodation

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Getting here

Address

Hotel Astoria Bled
Prešernova
Cesta 44
4260 Bled

Tel: 00386 45794400

More Information

Vaccinations & health information

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

 

Passport & Visa information

This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.

Passport Requirements

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.

Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

 

Packing list

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 (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)

With flights

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk  

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.  

Without flights

Alternatively, tailor your journey to suit you by booking your holiday ‘without flights’ and you’ll have the freedom to book your own flights from your local airport.   

*Subject to availability 

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so before you travel.

For more information about healthcare and its costs, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/

Drinking Water

Drinking Water

Standards for drinking water vary widely around the world. In many destinations, tap water may not be safe to drink, brush your teeth with, or use for making ice. Where advised, you should drink only bottled or treated water and ensure that bottle seals are intact before use. If bottled water is unavailable, water should be boiled or filtered.

Staying well hydrated is particularly important in hot climates and during active holidays. Carry water with you and drink regularly. 

If you are unsure about local water safety, check official country-specific health advice before travel, or ask your accommodation or local guides for guidance once you arrive.

Holiday Tips for Julian Alps Guided Walking

Language: Slovenian

Currency: Euro

Money: There are several ATM machines in Lake Bled where you can obtain money.

Electricity: 230 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK.

Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number.
To dial a UK number 0044
To dial a Slovenian number 00386

Carbon Footprint - 587kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: LBJ07-LCL09

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Dates & availability

Lake Bled & Slovenian Alps

Members save an additional £50 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

31 Aug - 7 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

14 Sep - 21 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

28 Sep - 5 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Save £100 Per Person

5 Oct - 12 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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