Ascent to Mount Stenar
Slovenia is a hidden gem in the heart of Europe that offers great possibilities for outdoor sports. If you’re into hiking, you’ll for sure find something you like in Slovenia, whether you seek challenging mountain trails or leisurely walks through picturesque countryside. The Alps in the northwestern part of Slovenia are the most popular destination for hikers and mountaineers. They consist of three smaller mountain ranges: the Karawanks, the Kamnik Alps and the Julian Alps. The Julian Alps are the most beautiful and there is also where you’ll find the highest Slovenian mountain Triglav.
We visit Slovenia once or twice early and every time we’re there, we also do some hiking. If you want to see all our hikes in Slovenia, check out Hiking the Alps section. Below are the 5 best hikes in Slovenia according to us. For each hike we explain how to reach the starting point and why we consider it such a good hike. In case you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop us a line the comment below.
Table of Contents:
- Hike to Mount Triglav – the Highest Mountain in Slovenia
- Ascent to Mount Stenar – the Hidden Gem of Julian Alps
- Hike to Rinka Waterfall
- Hike to Osojnica for a Great View of Lake Bled
- The Velika Planina Hike
1. Hike to Mount Triglav – the Highest Mountain in Slovenia
Hike to Mount Triglav
Who is it for?
Mount Triglav is the highest mountain in Slovenia and the trail to the peak is not only technically difficult but also requires that you’re in a good shape. Therefore, this hike is only suitable for those who have proper equipment (hiking boots, via ferrata set, climbing helmet etc.) and proven experience with alpine mountaineering.
When to do it?
The best months to do this hike are July, August and early September. In other months, the trail might be covered with snow and ice. You should only do this hike in good weather conditions.
Why go there?
Climbing the 2864 meters high mount Triglav is an extraordinary journey full of amazing views. You can observe the beauty of Julian Alps every step of the way. Another benefit of climbing mount Triglav is that there are two mountain cabins (Vodnikov Dom and Kredarica) along the trail, allowing you can buy drinks as well as delicious locally produced food. Both cabins also offer accommodation and since this is a very demanding hike, that’s indeed a great advantage. If you don’t make it down in time you can simply book a room in one of these two cabins.
How to get there?
This hike starts at Pokljuka plateau which can be easily reached by car. Only the last few hundred meters of the road are not paved. Nevertheless, the road on that stretch is in good condition and doesn’t require any special vehicle. The starting point unfortunately can’t be reached by public transport. The closest you can get by bus is to Bitnje pri Bohinju which is located 10 kilometers from the starting point. So, theoretically you could do this hike also without a car. However, it would probably take you at least two days to successfully complete it, considering the extra distance.
Read More About Hiking Mount Triglav –>
2. Ascent to Mount Stenar – the Hidden Gem of Julian Alps
Ascent to Mount Stenar
Who is it for?
The trail to mount Stenar is not as difficult as the mount Triglav trail. However, the trail does require excellent physical fitness, comfort with heights, surefootedness and proper equipment, including good hiking boots and a climbing helmet due to the potential danger of falling stones. So, the trail is best for those who already have some experience with alpine mountaineering.
When to do it?
The best months to do this hike are July, August and September. In other months, the trail might be covered with snow and ice. You should only do this hike in good weather conditions.
Why go there?
Stenar is a hidden gem of Julian Alps. An incredibly beautiful mountain which is unlike many other peaks in Slovenia not crowded. Therefore, there is a high chance you’ll see alpine wildlife such as alpine ibex or chamois while doing this hike. At the top you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of other peaks in the Julian Alps, including Triglav and Skrlatica. Trenta valley is also nicely seen from the top.
How to get there?
This trail starts at the Aljazev Dom mountain cabin near the town of Mojstrana. A larger city in proximity to the starting point is Jesenice. To reach the Aljazev Dom mountain cabin, a car is necessary since it is situated in a relatively remote area, far away from public transport.
Read More About Hiking Mount Stenar –>
3. Hike to Rinka Waterfall
Hike to Rinka Waterfall
Who is it for?
This hike is suitable for individuals of all ages, including families with young children. We did this hike with our 2-year-old daughter which we carried in Osprey Poco Child Carrier.
When to do it?
While this hike can be done throughout the year, it is particularly enjoyable during the summer, late spring, and early autumn. These periods offer optimal weather conditions.
Why go there?
The Rinka waterfall is located at the end of the beautiful Logar valley. The Logar valley is known for its breathtaking natural scenery. The trail to Rinka waterfall runs through the valley. It’s an easy and relatively flat trail. Therefore, you can enjoy the scenery to the fullest. There are also a few mountain cabins along the trail where you can refresh yourself with drinks and delicious homemade food.
How to get there?
We started this hike at the Dom Planincev mountain cabin. The easiest way to reach this mountain cabin is by car. However, note that entering Logarska Dolina by car will cost you 7 €. It is also possible to reach Logarska Dolina by bus. Nevertheless, getting there by bus is a long journey. You can get more info about this by visiting the link below and reding the section “Reaching the starting point”.
Read More About Rinka Waterfall Hike –>
4. Hike to Osojnica for a Great View of Lake Bled
Osojnica Hike
Who is it for?
This hike is also suitable for everybody. It’s a short and easy hike that only requires a pair of sports shoes.
When to do it?
This trail can be undertaken throughout the year. However, the weather is best in summer, late spring and early fall.
Why go there?
Lake Bled is one of the most popular attractions in Slovenia. So, if you visit Slovenia chances are that you’ll also visit lake Bled. The Osojnica hill is located very close to the lake and thus it would be a missed opportunity if you wouldn’t visit it. The hilltop offers an incredible panoramic view of Lake Bled. From this vantage point, you can also admire the majestic Karawanks.
How to get there?
We started this hike from the parking lot at the Bled train station. You can reach this parking lot by car, train or bus. If you are coming by car prepare to pay a rather expensive parking fee. It’ll cost you 10 € to park there for the whole day.
Read More About Osojnica Hike –>
5. The Velika Planina Hike
Velika Planina Hike
Who is it for?
The Velika Planina hike is quite demanding in terms of distance and ascent and thus best for hikers with a good level of fitness. However, the trail is not technically difficult and doesn’t require any equipment besides good hiking boots. If you find this trail too demanding, you can also take a cable car up to the Velika Planina plateau.
When to do it?
This trail should be done in spring, summer or fall. During winter, this hike can become very demanding because of snow.
Why go there?
Velika Planina is known for its stunning nature, rolling hills, traditional mountain huts and from the plateau you can also admire the beautiful Alps in the direction of the north. Velika Planina is also a place of cultural heritage. The mountain huts on the plateau offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the mountainous regions of Slovenia. Another reason to visit Velika Planina is the Zeleni Rob restaurant with its culinary delights.
How to get there?
The Velika Planina trail starts in Stahovica which can be easily reached by car. In case you don’t have a car, you can also reach Stahovica by bus. Check timetables on the Ljubljana Bus Station website.
Read More About Velika Planina Hike –>
I’d love to hear your thoughts on hiking in Slovenia. Write them in the comments section below.
