JULIANA TRAIL:
walk the path of lakes
and traditions
7 days/6 nights 
85 km in 5 stages 
moderate From Jesenice to Bohinjska Bistrica
Discover postcard Slovenia, following some of the most beautiful sections of the Juliana Trail. Walking from Jesenice to Bohinjska Bistrica over five stages and 85 km, you will discover the treasures of the sunny Alpine valleys at the foot of Mt Triglav at your own pace.
Juliana Hiking Trail
The long-distance Juliana Trail is a circular hiking path 267 km in length, divided into 16 walking stages. The itinerary mostly covers the valleys of the Julian Alps, linking together some of Slovenia’s most beautiful spots. An adventure best undertaken completely on foot, the journey takes you through verdant forests and flowery meadows, sparkling rivers and fairytale lakes, historic cities and picturesque Alpine villages. So let’s set off and discover the magical world of the Alps from another perspective, enjoying panoramic views from the foot of the mountains, local traditions, mountain gastronomy and natural treasures located on the slopes of the majestic peaks.
Route and details
Starting point
Jesenice
Finish location
Jesenice
Self-guided program
Day 1
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Arrival in Jesenice
Your adventure begins in Jesenice, where you will spend the first night. Welcome to the city of steel and flowers, which is well-known for its tradition of steel production and for the white narcissus flowers which in the springtime cover the slopes of the surrounding Alpine peaks. Situated at the heart of the Julian Alps on the border with Austria, Jesenice deserves a visit for its historic centre, the old Kos Manor and for its historic foundries, which today are housed in the Vecchia Sava museum complex. Boasting all essential services, this town is the perfect starting point for your trail. Bed and breakfast accommodation in Jesenice.
Day 2
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Jesenice – Begunje na Gorenjskem
The first stage of the trail leads us east, along the Upper Sava Valley at the foot of the Karawanks mountain range and Triglav National Park. From the very beginning, the path winds its way through meadows, pastures and pleasant rural villages, where life is still finely balanced between tradition and modernity. After crossing the fields of the beautiful Dobravsko polje lowlands, the trail continues along the Žirovnica Cultural Heritage Path before reaching the villages at the foot of Mt Stol. These villages are the birthplaces of numerous famous poets and writers, including Slovenia’s top poet: France Prešeren. Along the way, it’s worth visiting the old Janša apiary, whose colourful hives are a symbol of local apiculture. The path then takes us up the nearby Sveti Peter hills, where we can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the Upper Sava Valley, the Julian Alps and Mt Triglav. From here, we descend into Begunje na Gorenjskem, the birthplace and home of Slavko Avsenik, Slovenia’s greatest popular music composer. Bed and breakfast accommodation in Begunje na Gorenjskem.
Day 3
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Begunje na Gorenjskem – Bled
Today’s stage is mostly flat, and offers us numerous natural and cultural attractions along the way. From Begunje, the itinerary winds its way through several villages before reaching the town of Radovljica, the cultural capital of the Julian Alps. It’s well worth taking the time to visit the old historic centre of this pleasant medieval town, which is also called “Sweet Radol’ca” because of its long-standing tradition of honey production and its renowned chocolate festival. Next, the trail continues along the course of the river Sava, following old fisherman’s paths. Nowadays, these paths form part of an interesting themed route centred around the natural heritage of Slovenia’s longest river. After reaching the confluence of two Alpine rivers – Sava Dolinka and Sava Bohinjka – the itinerary continues all the way to Bled, the endpoint of today’s stage. The crystal-clear lake, the picturesque church on the little island, and the medieval castle perched on a rocky spur against the backdrop of some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps, make Bled a truly special place, and also the most important tourist attraction in the whole of Slovenia. Half-board accommodation in Bled.
Day 4
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Bled – Goreljek (Pokljuka)
With around 800 m of elevation, today’s stage is quite demanding, but extremely rewarding in that it covers natural landscapes that are in a class of their own. From Lake Bled, the itinerary takes us to the wild Pokljuka gorge, a natural monument protected by Triglav National Park. The path branches into two when it reaches the gorge: one path passes through the tunnels under the natural bridge, while the other goes through the so-called mouth of Pokljuka, a picturesque natural grotto with three windows. From here, we head up to the splendid spruce forest on Pokljuka plateau, which nowadays is the largest forested surface in Triglav Park. The landscape features verdant pastures and typical wooden cabins, and is still inhabited by shepherds who maintain the traditional dairy farmer lifestyle of the plateau. Ancient glaciers that once crossed the plateau formed the southern-most peat bogs in Europe, which are home to peat mosses and numerous carnivorous plants. The stage finishes at the heart of the plateau in the town of Goreljek, where you’ll be lulled to sleep by the tranquil forests. Half-board accommodation in Goreljek.
Day 5
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Goreljek (Pokljuka) – Stara Fužina/Lago di Bohinj
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to get back on the road in search of another adventure. The stage, which is almost completely contained within Triglav National Park, initially passes through the Pokljuka forests and the Goreljek peat bog. This wetland contains an interesting educational route where you can learn about the quirks and the importance of these vital ecosystems. Next, you’ll begin your descent towards the Bohinj Valley. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views over the valley, Lake Bohinj and the ring of surrounding mountains. As well as this paradisiacal valley, the trail will take you through pleasant villages, whose economy is still based around traditional activities such as livestock and agriculture. The landscape is dotted with traditional Slovenian haylofts and verdant pastures which in summer come to life with beautiful Alpine flowers. Today’s endpoint is Lake Bohinj, the biggest natural lake in Slovenia, overlooked by untouched traditional shepherds’ huts and the Alpine peaks. Half-board accommodation in Bohinj.
Day 6
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Stara Fužina/Lago di Bohinj – Bohinjska Bistrica
The final stage of the trail is a particularly short one to give you time to stop and enjoy the atmosphere of Lake Bohinj. Less crowded and in many ways more authentic than Bled, Lake Bohinj is an ideal place to relax, submerge yourself in its crystal-clear waters and enjoy a peaceful walk along the easy paths that surround it. It’s worth taking the time to visit the iconic medieval church of St John the Baptist and Triglav National Park’s brand-new information centre, which offers a permanent exhibition about the origins of the lake, plus a magnificent viewing room. From Lake Bohinj, the path winds it way along the Bohinj lower valley, passing pleasant Alpine villages and the green meadows of Dobrava, from where you can enjoy spectacular views over Mt Triglav and the surrounding peaks. A straightforward macadam path, following the course of the crystalline Bistrica River, takes you to the town of Bohinja Bistrica, the administrative centre of the valley and the endpoint of today’s stage. Half-board accommodation in Bohinja Bistrica.
Day 7
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Goodbye Juliana Trail
After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and our tour package will come to an end. Before returning home or taking the connecting train back to Jesenice (the starting point of the trail), you should take a stroll around the charming historical centre of Bohinja Bistrica. This little town is an important tourist destination and offers travellers all necessary amenities. Among these, a highlight is the Bohinj Water Park, where you can round off your wonderful adventure by rewarding yourself with some well-deserved relaxation time in the saunas and swimming pools.
What we love about this tour
Ringing the wishing bell on the island of Bled
The biting air in the morning
The ringing of the cowbells on the pasture
The fragrance of the alpine meadows
Price per person
760,00 €
Group size
Minimum 2
Price includes
Accommodation in double room; scheduled meals (6 breakfasts and 2 dinners); map of the itinerary; Juliana Trail guidebook; helpline during the tour.
Price excludes
Travel to/from Jesenice; meals not mentioned above (7 lunches and 4 dinners); train ticket from Bohinjska Bistrica to Jesenice; medical insurance; tourist taxes to be paid directly on site; tips, expenses and personal extras; anything not expressly mentioned above.
Supplement for luggage transfer
280,00 € (price valid from 1 a 2 people) (1 item of luggage per person)
Supplements
→ Peak season (20.06 – 30.09): ask information
→ Solo traveller: 350,00 €
Information
Important information
→ An adequate physical condition is required to support 4,5 – 7 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
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
Juliana Trail:
→ Slow travel between Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj
In Friuli Venezia Giulia:
→ CIRCULAR TRAIL OF FRIULIAN DOLOMITES
→ TRIESTE AND THE KARST REGION: Soft hiking in the borderlands
Alpe Adria Trail:
→ ALPE ADRIA TRAIL: the Three-Nation Loop
→ ALPE ADRIA TRAIL: Triglav National Park and the Soča Valley
→ ALPE ADRIA TRAIL: walking through wine country
→ ALPE ADRIA TRAIL: from the Karst paths to the sea
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.
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.slovenija.info – Miro Podgoršek; Kaja Beton; Iztok Medja; Jernej Srebrnič; Aleš Zdešar; Mitja Sodja; Jošt Gantar; Tomo Jeseničnik