Our 7-day, 6-night trek through the Julian Alps in Slovenia was the perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty. Over the course of 53 kilometers, we hiked from hut to hut, covering rugged terrain, summiting Mount Triglav (the highest point in Slovenia), and navigating thrilling via ferrata sections.

Thanks to Slo Trips, all the planning was taken care of. We simply followed a self-guided app with turn-by-turn GPS instructions, allowing us to focus on the experience rather than the logistics. The result was an incredible journey through Slovenia’s wild landscapes, cozy alpine huts, and unforgettable moments at every turn.

In this post, we’ll be sharing the highlights of our trek, showcasing the beauty of the Julian Alps through our photos and stories. Find out more about planning your own adventure with Slo Trips here.

Trek Breakdown:

We hiked the Mountains and Lakes Hut-to-Hut self guided itinerary from Slo Trips.

Days: 6 nights, 7 days
Distance: 50-60km (depending on side quests)
Average km per day: 15-20km
Difficulty: intermediate to advanced with some exposed sections and via-ferrata

You can find a detailed itinerary, FAQ and reviews on the trip overview page with Slo Trips!

Why Hike the Julian Alps?

The Julian Alps offer a hiking experience that feels wilder and more remote than other areas of the Alps. Trails often follow exposed ridgelines, offering dramatic views, while huts are spaced further apart, reinforcing the sense of solitude. Most days, we found ourselves alone on the trails, crossing paths with other hikers only occasionally, which made each interaction feel meaningful—whether it was a quick chat about the trail ahead or a shared laugh about the day’s via ferrata challenge.

The remoteness of the Julian Alps meant that, for much of the trek, we had no cell reception. This remoteness let us disconnect from our phones and focus entirely on the natural beauty around us. It was a welcome change, allowing us to truly unwind and be present in the moment.

Summiting Mt Triglav

Summiting Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak, was the most exhilarating part of our trek. We met our guide at the hut for an early start, ascending up steep switchbacks before hitting the final via ferrata, where we clipped into metal posts and chains, navigating the exposed ridgeline over “Little Triglav.”

The views from the summit were spectacular, with sweeping landscapes stretching far below, allowing us to see the paths we had hiked in previous days. The descent was just as thrilling, with more steep and exposed via ferrata sections that made for a fun challenge.

Once past the most technical parts, our guide left us to continue on our own through a lunar-like landscape to our final hut for the night. It was a true adventure from start to finish.

Hut to Hut Trekking: What to expect

Despite the rugged, untamed landscape, the warmth of the people we met—from fellow hikers to hut hosts—made every moment feel welcoming. Each mountain hut had its own unique charm, blending into the stunning environment. Some huts were tucked into peaceful forested areas, while others were perched high on cliffs, overlooking expansive valleys. The accommodations added to the magic of the experience, with a mix of private rooms and shared dorms.

Meals were a highlight in the huts, with hearty dinners and breakfasts provided. We looked forward to traditional Slovenian cabbage stew, warm bread, and the occasional slice of cake after long days on the trail. One thing to keep in mind is that not all huts offer showers, and water refills aren’t always available. We purchased bottled water at each hut, ensuring we stayed hydrated throughout the hike.

Rest and Recuperation: Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled

After four days of hiking through the rugged Julian Alps, arriving at Lake Bohinj felt like the perfect way to relax and unwind. The trail ends right at the lake's edge, making it easy to dip into the cool, refreshing water—a welcome relief for sore muscles. From there, we hopped on a bus to Lake Bled, where the true rest and recuperation began.

Lake Bled is simply stunning. We spent our days swimming in its quiet, turquoise waters, the vibrant blue almost too beautiful to believe. One evening, we took a friend's boat out to the island in the middle of the lake, swimming as the golden sun set behind the mountains. We were the last ones out there as night fell, with the entire lake to ourselves—a peaceful, unforgettable moment.

The combination of Lake Bohinj’s refreshing waters and the serene beauty of Lake Bled made for the perfect way to cap off our adventure in Slovenia. Slo Trips offers the ideal itinerary for those looking to mix adventure with well-earned relaxation.