ALPE ADRIA TRAIL:
Triglav National Park
and the Soča Valley
8 days/7 nights 
128 km in 6 stages 
hard From Kranjska Gora to Cividale del Friuli
Seven stages along the most unspoilt section of the Alpe Adria Trail, following an unforgettable route that encompasses the most iconic attractions of the Julian Alps. A journey through emerald green and bright blue, from the high peaks of Triglav National Park down to the valley of the Soča river, the most beautiful river in Europe, and ending in the historic city of Cividale del Friuli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Alpe Adria Trail: hiking in the Garden of Eden
The Alpe Adria Trail is a long-distance, cross-border journey which passes through Austria, Slovenia and Italy. A spectacular trek which begins in the Alps and goes all the way to the sea, linking together three nations over a total of 43 successive walking stages and 750 km. Travellers walk from Carinzia (Austria) at the foot of the Grossglockner, pass through Slovenia and descend into the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, through the Natisone Valleys and the Triestine Karst, all the way to Muggia on the Adriatic coast. It’s a journey that must be enjoyed at a slow pace, to allow us to get back to nature and lose ourselves in the pleasure of walking.
Route and details
Starting point
Kranjska Gora
Finish location
Cividale del Friuli
Self-guided program
Day 1
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Arrival in Kranjska Gora
Your adventure begins in Kranjska Gora (Slovenia), where you will spend the first night. A world-famous skiing resort, Kraniska Gora is located right in the heart of the Julian Alps, where Slovenia’s borders meet those of Austria and Italy. This attractive mountain town is full of life all year round, with numerous local events and many options for outdoor activities. With its excellent wellness facilities, this little town is also the perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries before setting out on the trail. Dinner and accommodation in Kranjska Gora.
Day 2
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Kranjska Gora – Trenta
The first stage of the Alpe Adria Trail boasts many natural attractions. From Kranjska Gora, the route takes us first to the Jasna Lakes: two mirror-like lakes of crystal-clear water nestled in a breathtaking mountain pass. From here, you’ll walk through Alpine pastures and forests until you reach two of the route’s most magical attractions: the small Russian Chapel at Vršič – a famous work of art constructed out of wood in 1917 by Russian prisoners of war – and a famous viewpoint from which you can see the legendary “face of the Heathen Maiden” in the mountains. An ancient mule track takes you through the Vršič Pass, the highest mountain pass in the Julian Alps. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views over the northern faces of the highest peaks. Once you have come down the other side, you’ll arrive at the source of the Soča River, an intriguing natural phenomenon which is well worth the detour. Today’s finishing point is the small village of Trenta. Accommodation in an apartment.
Day 3
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Trenta – Bovec
Today’s stage covers the exciting Soča Trail, which will take us to the most secret hidden corners of the Trenta Valley. Forget about the time and just enjoy the walk – you’re in one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Triglav National Park! The easy path takes us across a number of hanging bridges, following the Soča river as it flows emerald-green down waterfalls, cascades, rapids and narrow rocky gorges. The most spectacular of these is the Great Soča Gorge, a 750m long gorge filled with deep emerald-green pools. After crossing the Brjeka bridge and enjoying perhaps the most beautiful view of the day, the path leads us into Bovec, a small town surrounded by the peaks of the Julian Alps. Dinner and accommodation in Bovec.
Day 4
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Bovec – Drežnica
From Bovec, the trail mostly continues to follow the Soča river. You’ll pass by the romantic Virje waterfall, a glimpse into the magical world of Narnia: the Bovec valley is not only famous for its cultural and natural heritage, but was also the setting for part of Disney’s “The Chronicles of Narnia”. Further along the path, you’ll reach the imposing vertical rock walls of the Boka waterfall, the most breathtaking waterfall in Slovenia and among the most majestic in Europe. In this section of the river, the Soča’s rapids are a true paradise for fans of rafting and canoeing. At certain points along the path, you can descend the riverbank to rest and refresh yourself. Towards the end of the stage, the trail heads away from the Soča and towards the delightful mountain village of Drežnica, the endpoint of today’s walk. Dinner and accommodation in Drežnica.
Day 5
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Drežnica – Tolmino
This walking stage is rich with history, encompassing not only memories of the First World War but also the traditional way of life of the people who live in this region. Once the scene of some of the Great War’s bloodiest battles, the region is now considered to be an open-air museum, with old military tracks that lead us to the remains of wartime structures. We can also spot equally interesting traces of traditional life in the valley, particularly in the quiet Alpine villages of Krn and Vrsno. Vrsno is also important to Slovenian culture in that it was the birthplace of Simon Gregorčič, one of the country’s most popular poets. Along the trail, you will pass by grassy hillsides scattered with huts, which are a good place for you to take a break. The walking stage finishes in Tolmin, the largest population centre in the Soča Valley. Here, we can find an interesting museum which illustrates the rich ethnological and cultural heritage of the Soča valley. Dinner and accommodation in Tolmin.
Day 6
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Tolmino – Tribil di Sopra
During today’s walking stage, you will leave the Soča Valley behind to come out on top of Mt Kolovrat, before descending towards the rolling hills of the Natisone Valleys. The most challenging part of the stage is without a doubt the ascent up Mt Kolovorat, which was the scene of bloody battles during the First World War, and today marks the border between Italy and Slovenia. The whole mountain is an open-air museum in its own right, covered with fortifications, trenches and tunnels. The view from the top is just as compelling: it’s widely regarded as the most beautiful view of the whole Alpe Adria Trail. On one side, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Julian Alps, while on the other you can enjoy a splendid view of Slavia Veneta (Benečija) and of the Friulian plain all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Once you enter Italian territory, you will begin to descend into the Natisone Valleys. A walk through sleepy rural villages will bring you to the town of Tribil di Sopra, the finishing point for today. Dinner and accommodation.
Day 7
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Tribil di Sopra – Cividale del Friuli
The final day of the walk winds its way through the meadows and chestnut forests of the spectacular Natisone Valleys and the Judrio Valleys. The route ascends and descends towards the historic Marian Sanctuary of Castelmonte, whose origins are lost in the mists of time. Fortified and extended over the course of the centuries, this small village remains a pilgrimage destination for many believers to this day. Leaving the sanctuary behind, you’ll begin to lose altitude as you cover the last few kilometres to Cividale del Friuli, the final stage of your walk. The trail finishes in the historic centre of this spectacular city, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in all of Friuli. Bed and breakfast accommodation in Cividale del Friuli.
Day 8
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Goodbye Alpe Adria Trail
After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and our tour package will come to an end. Before heading home, you can explore the historic centre of Cividale: in 2011, the city’s historical treasures received UNESCO World Heritage status. The historic Duomo is well worth a visit, as are the museums, the medieval houses and the beautiful Lombard Temple – the most important expression of Lombard art in Italy. Finally, make sure that you enjoy a stroll over Diavolo bridge, the symbol of the city: suspended over the waters of the Natisone river and steeped in legend.
What we love about this tour
Tie the laces and leave
Refreshing body and soul in the emerald waters of Soča river
Listening to the sound of the wind in the tranches of Mt. Kolovrat
Friulan frico, the flavorful prize at the end of the trail
Price per person
790,00 €
Group size
Minimum 2
Price includes
6 accommodations in double room; 1 accommodation in apartment; scheduled meals (6 breakfasts and 5 dinners); Alpe Adria Trail guidebook; helpline during the tour.
Price excludes
Travel to/from Kranjska Gora; meals not mentioned above (1 breakfast, 7 lunches and 2 dinners); medical insurance; tourist taxes to be paid directly on site; tips, expenses and personal extras; anything not expressly mentioned above.
Supplement for luggage transfer
360,00 € (price valid from 1 to 4 people) (1 item of luggage per person)
Supplements
→ Peak season (16.06 – 17.09): 120,00 € per person
→ Solo traveller: 140,00 €
Extra
→ Transfer from Cividale del Friuli to Kranjska Gora the last day: 195,00 € (price valid from 1 to 4 people)
→ Extra night in Cividale del Friuli on request
Information
Important information
→ An adequate physical condition is required to support 4,5 – 8 walking hours per day with sure footing; only recommended for children aged 12 and over.
→ Please disclose any food intolerances at the time of booking
What to bring
Valid ID for crossing the border; backpack with rain cover; good hiking boots; water; sunscreen; anti-tick repellent; appropriate clothing (sun hat, cagoule, waterproof jacket, etc.), camera.
Mobility
This tour is not suitable for those with reduced mobility
Other self-guided trips
Alpe Adria Trail:
→ ALPE ADRIA TRAIL: the Three-Nation Loop
→ ALPE ADRIA TRAIL: walking through wine country
→ ALPE ADRIA TRAIL: from the Karst paths to the sea
In Friuli Venezia Giulia:
→ CIRCULAR TRAIL OF FRIULIAN DOLOMITES
→ TRIESTE AND THE KARST REGION: Soft hiking in the borderlands
Juliana Trail:
→ JULIANA TRAIL: walk the path of lakes and traditions
→ Slow travel between Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj
Walk of Peace:
→ WALK OF PEACE: Kobarid and the mountain battles of the Isonzo Front
→ WALK OF PEACE: historical routes in the Gorizia region
Booking
30% of the total amount must be paid at the time of booking. The balance is due 30 days before departure. In the case of a reservation being made within 30 days of the departure date, payment of the full amount is required. Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card.
Do you need more information?
Cancellation policy
In the case of cancellation by the client, the following fees will be applied:
→ 59 to 30 days prior to departure: 10% of the cost of the trip to cover the management costs
→ 29 to 15 days prior to departure: 50 % of the cost of the trip
→ 14 to 7 days prior to departure: 75 % of the cost of the trip
→ less than 6 days prior to departure: 100% of the cost of the trip
PHOTO: www.slovenia.info – Boris Pretnar; Jošt Gantar