Julian Alps Guided Walking Holiday
Discover Slovenia’s most beautiful areas from the mountains of Triglav National Park to the plunging depths of Vintgar and Mostnica Gorges. Guided walks in the Julian Alps reveal the classic scenery of Alpine meadows, gushing waterfalls and high peaks. Lower down, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj provide a picturesque backdrop for the easier walks. There is also the option to summit Mt. Vogel and a free day where you could visit Ljubljana - Slovenia's compact capital city. Our accommodation is conveniently situated just a short distance from Bled Castle and the shore of Lake Bled. Watching the sun set over Lake Bled with its tiny tear-shaped islet crowned with a fairy-tale church is a real treat.
Holiday Highlights
- Explore beautiful Lake Bled and sister Lake Bohinj
- Climb to the ridge and viewpoint of Debela Pec for fantastic views over the Krma Valley
- Walk in Triglav National Park amidst the dramatic limestone peaks of the Julian Alps
- Criss-cross the Radovna River on a pretty wooden walkway, above rapids, tiered cascades and pools
- Hike along the Mostnica Gorge past secluded turquoise pools
- Sample the famous Bled Cake, a local delicacy
- Stay in the picture perfect and magical resort of Lake Bled at our comfortable and well-equipped hotel
What’s included
- A full programme of guided walks with 2 options every walking day
- The services of experienced HF Holidays’ leaders
- ‘With flight’ holidays include return flights from the UK and hotel transfers
- 7 nights’ accommodation in en-suite rooms
- Half Board – continental breakfast and evening buffet meal
On our Guided Walking holidays, we believe that choice is key. Our walks descriptions will help you choose according to your interests and fitness. The walks are grouped together with care by local experts to give the best experience. While every effort will be made to adhere to the described itinerary, we may occasionally vary the sequence shown here or substitute an alternative route to suit local conditions or for other operational reasons, potentially at short notice.
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 coll 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 and Kranjska Gora
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 a glacial lake and onwards to Kranjska Gora village.
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 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: 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, we walk along the gorge, following wooden walkways and paths cut into the steep valley sides. At the final ticket office we descend some steps to view the waterfall at the end of the gorge. Retracing our steps to the ticket office, we ascend through deciduous woodland to the church of St Katerina. Here there are seats with a stunning view across towards Bled and the surrounding hills. We then descend on a good gravel path to the plains below. A short stretch of road and a much longer gravel track following the edge of the river valley take us back into Bled. Here we can visit the National Park Centre before returning to the hotel.
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. From here we follow our outward route, continuing through Alpine pastures and woodland to the end and a well-earned drink in a bar.
Highlight: A challenging walk to a spectacular viewpoint.
We hope to see you again soon.
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 coll 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 and Kranjska Gora
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 a glacial lake and onwards to Kranjska Gora village.
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 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: 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, we walk along the gorge, following wooden walkways and paths cut into the steep valley sides. At the final ticket office we descend some steps to view the waterfall at the end of the gorge. Retracing our steps to the ticket office, we ascend through deciduous woodland to the church of St Katerina. Here there are seats with a stunning view across towards Bled and the surrounding hills. We then descend on a good gravel path to the plains below. A short stretch of road and a much longer gravel track following the edge of the river valley take us back into Bled. Here we can visit the National Park Centre before returning to the hotel.
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. From here we follow our outward route, continuing through Alpine pastures and woodland to the end and a well-earned drink in a bar.
Highlight: A challenging walk to a spectacular viewpoint.
We hope to see you again soon.
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
- Minibar
- Telephone
- Free Wi-Fi
- TV
Facilities
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 from 10am until 11pm.
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 1pm 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 your walking leaders will tell you about the choice of walks for the next day and answer any questions you may have.
During the evening you may like to join in an optional organised evening activity, such as a quiz.
One evening, we have arranged an evening speaker to enlighten you on the interesting history and what to look out for during your holiday in this region.
Getting to Hotel Astoria - Julian Alps
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationWhat to Bring
Essential Equipment
To enjoy walking/hiking comfortably and safely, footwear, clothing and equipment needs to be suitable for the conditions. Safety and comfort are our priorities, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities.
- Footwear with a good grip on the sole (e.g.Vibram sole) is the key to avoiding accidents.
- Walking/hiking boots providing ankle support and good grip are recommended (ideally worn in), and specialist walking socks to avoid blisters.
- Several layers of clothing, which can be added or removed, are better than a single layer (include spares).
- Fabrics (lightweight and fast drying) designed for the outdoors are recommended.
- Waterproof jacket and waterproof over trousers.
- Warm hat and gloves.
- Denim jeans and capes are not suitable on any walks.
- Rucksack with a waterproof liner.
- Thermos flask for hot drink.
- Water bottle (at least 2 litre).
- Spare high-energy food such as a chocolate bar.
- Small torch.
- First aid kit – your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication or blister kits (such as Compeed).
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sun cream.
Optional Equipment
- Walking poles are useful, particularly for descents.
- Insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Gaiters.
Guest Reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change.
Prices based on two people sharing. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £20 per person.
These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Advertised flight prices are based on UK flights departing from London. Regional departures and/or connections to London, if available, can be requested. Cabin upgrades may also be available on request.
| Date (Start - End) | Nights | Itinerary | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | |||||||
|
30 May -
06 Jun
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £1,199 £1,099 | Save £100 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
06 Jun -
13 Jun
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £1,199 £1,099 | Save £100 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
13 Jun -
20 Jun
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £1,199 | Available | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
20 Jun -
27 Jun
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £1,199 | Available | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
05 Sep -
12 Sep
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £1,199 | Available | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
12 Sep -
19 Sep
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £1,199 | Available | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
19 Sep -
26 Sep
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £1,199 £1,099 | Save £100 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
26 Sep -
03 Oct
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £1,199 £1,099 | Save £100 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
| Date (Start - End) | Nights | Itinerary | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | |||||||
|
30 May -
06 Jun
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £939 £839 | Save £100 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
06 Jun -
13 Jun
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £939 £839 | Save £100 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
13 Jun -
20 Jun
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £939 | Available | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
20 Jun -
27 Jun
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £939 | Available | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
05 Sep -
12 Sep
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £939 | Available | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
12 Sep -
19 Sep
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £939 | Available | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
19 Sep -
26 Sep
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £939 £839 | Save £100 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
26 Sep -
03 Oct
|
7 | 2021 Itinerary | £939 £839 | Save £100 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
Important Information
- Double room for sole occupancy: £24 per night.
- Travel: London Heathrow flights are included.
- UK flight connections available from £139pp.
- Our airport taxi service operates at this resort – price per taxi: £69 one way.
- Independent travellers can join our transfer from Ljubljana Airport: £19.50pp one way.
7 nights from £1,199pp £1,099pp with flights
Save up to £100 per person
...or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ people click here
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