Slow travel between Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj
7 days/6 nights 
42 km in 2 stages 
hard Explore one of Slovenia’s most popular regions at your own pace over seven captivating days, discovering Lake Bled, the natural beauty of Triglav National Park, and Lake Bohinj. A self-guided trip which combines adventure and relaxation, trekking and the pleasure of visiting new places. The unforgettable journey on the lakes will make you fall in love with these unique and spectacular natural places. The most beautiful section of the Juliana Trail will take you up to the Pokljuka plateau where you will be lulled to sleep by the silence of Triglav National Park’s largest forests.
Alpine Slovenia: the kingdom of green and blue
The Alpine region of Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj is an unmissable visit for free-spirited travellers and those who love green tourism. This area is one of the greenest destinations in Europe, boasting enchanted lakes surrounded by splendid spruce forests and the sunny Alpine pastures, overlooked by snowy peaks. Take the time to explore the area at a slow pace, letting yourself be guided by your own desires and by the forest paths.
Route and details
Starting point
Bled
Finish location
Bohinjska Bistrica
Self-guided program
Day 1
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Welcome to Bled
Arrival in Bled (own arrangements), where you will spend the first night. Welcome to Lake Bled, one of the most spectacular places in all of Slovenia! 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. Easy to explore, this place will win you over right away with its magical atmosphere and hospitality. You will discover that the best way to explore the area is on foot: in order to minimise the impact on the environment, the area favours sustainable, independent tourism, so you won’t have any difficulties getting around on your own. Accommodation in Bled.
Day 2
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Discovering Bled
You’ll have the whole day to explore beautiful Lake Bled at your own pace. All the main attractions can be visited on foot, while the island and its wishing bell can be reached by rowboat. By travelling at a slow pace, you will discover that the true magic of Bled is hidden in the small details. You might just end up spending hours sitting on one of the lakeside benches, watching the horizon, or maybe you’ll fall hopelessly in love with the traditional cream mille-feuilles made by the bakeries in the town centre. In summer, you can go swimming in the lake, or enjoy other water sports. Another unmissable activity is the excursion up to the castle which, set on a rocky spur, offers unmissable views over the lakes and the surrounding Alpine peaks. With its ample wellness facilities, Bled is also an ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries before heading out on tomorrow’s exciting hiking expedition. Accommodation in Bled.
Day 3
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Hiking the Juliana Trail through the Pokljuka forests
Forget about the time and get going! Ahead of you are two days of trekking on the famous Juliana Trail, passing through the most beautiful places in all of Triglav National Park. With around 800m of elevation, the first day of the walk is rather challenging, but also extremely rewarding because it passes through 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 day finishes at the heart of the plateau in the town of Goreljek, where you’ll be lulled to sleep by the silence of the forests. Accommodation in Goreljek.
Day 4
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Hiking the Juliana Trail in Bohinj Valley
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to get back on the road for another wonderful day of trekking. The route, 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 Alpine peaks. Half-board accommodation in Bohinj.
Day 5
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Discovering Lake Bohinj
You’ll have the whole day free to enjoy Bohinj and the magical atmosphere which imbues this paradisiacal Alpine lake. 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. More adventurous visitors also have the option of taking the gondola up Mt Vogel to enjoy even more unforgettable excursions, or visit the legendary Savica waterfall, which nowadays is Slovenia’s third most-visited attraction. Finally, don’t forget to save some time to enjoy Bohinj’s traditional gastronomy which, enriched by healthy local ingredients, is a key part of an authentic experience of the place. Half-board accommodation in Bohinj.
Day 6
Meals and accommodation
Daily hiking information
Highlights of the day
Hiking the Juliana Trail: alpine villages and pastures
After breakfast you will walk another exciting section of the Juliana Trail to the town of Bohinjska Bistrica. This route, which is about two and a half hours long, very pleasant and largely flat, winds its way around the lower Bohinj Valley, passing though pleasant Alpine villages and the verdant pastures of Dobrava, from where you can enjoy breath-taking views over Mt Triglav and the surrounding mountains. In your hotel in Bohinjska Bistrica you can enjoy some relax in the indoor and outdoor swimming pools and saunas. Half-board accommodation in Bohinjska Bistrica.
Day 7
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Goodbye Alpine Slovenia!
After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and our tour package will come to an end. If you don’t need to go back to Bled, it’s also possible to continue your journey directly from Bohinjska Bistrica, because the town is well-served by frequent buses back to the capital, Ljubljana.
What we love about this tour
Walking through Triglav National Park
The local flavours of the mountain gastronomy
Immerse feet in the lake Bled at the end of the stage
The fragrance of the woods at dusk
Price per person
770,00 €
Group size
Minimum 2
Price includes
Accommodation in double room; scheduled meals (6 breakfasts and 3 dinners); map of the itinerary; Juliana Trail guidebook; helpline during the tour.
Price excludes
Travel to/from Bled; meals not mentioned above (6 lunches; 3 dinners); medical insurance; tips, expenses and personal extras; anything not expressly mentioned above.
Supplement for luggage transfer
180,00 € (price valid from 1 a 2 people) (1 item of luggage per person) – luggage transfer available for day 3, 4 and 6.
Supplements
→ Peak season (20.06 – 30.09): ask information
→ Solo traveller: 300,00 €
Extra
→ Private transfer from the Ljubljana Airport to Bled: 90,00 €
→ Private transfer from Bohinjska Bistrica to Bled: 70,00 €
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:
→ JULIANA TRAIL: walk the path of lakes and traditions
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 – Aleš Zdešar; Jošt Gantar; Jacob Riglin; Luka Karlin; Iztok Medja; Tomo Jeseničnik; Janez Tolar