Slovenia Hiking
Slovenia is a hiker’s paradise. In this small country, you will find over 10,000 km (6,200 miles) of hiking trails. From short strolls in the countryside to multi-day backpacking outings through alpine mountains, hiking in Slovenia is fun for hikers of every skill level.
>>Make sure to check out our Hiking Gear Packing List for Day Hikes and Multi Day Treks
On my recent trip to Slovenia, I went on a beautiful hike in the Kočevje region. This area is known as the Bear Forest, as the majority of Slovenia’s 600 bears live here.
Here are some of the best Slovenia hiking destinations:
Kočevje
Kočevje is one of the best preserved natural areas in Central Europe, Over 90% of its area is covered with forest. The Krokar Virgin Forest, an untouched primeval forest, is recognized by UNESCO as a Natural Heritage Site. Kočevje is famous for its flourishing wildlife: It’s already mentioned bear population, but also white-tailed eagles, and even wolfs are spotted occasionally.
Your best bet of seeing some of the local wildlife and the virgin forest is to hire a guide. My guide Petra is a scientist and photographer, who knows the region like the back of her hand. Take a look at her website for some stunning photos of the Kočevje region. She offers hiking tours, photography workshops, and wildlife scouting hikes. On top of that, she is a fascinating person to talk to and I could have hiked with her through the wilderness for days. Here is my article about hiking in Kočevje’s Bear Forest.
Best Hikes in Kočevje
Rog Hiking Trail: 37.6 km (23.4 miles) very difficult
Great Kočevje Alpine Trail: 130 km (81 miles) difficult
Bear Footsteps Trail: 26.4 km (16.4 miles) moderate
Daffodile Hiking Trail: 12 km (7.5 miles) moderate
Hallstadt Mound Trail: 11 km (6.8 miles) easy
Where to Stay: The Bearlog Hostel in Kočevje is better than many 3-star hotels that I have stayed in and even if you are not a budget traveler and have never stayed in a hostel, I highly recommend this one. You can stay in a private room with ensuite if you don’t want to stay in a dorm. The hostel just opened in 2017 and everything is brand new and sparkling clean. Oh! And the breakfast buffet is amazing.
Triglav National Park
If you are looking for a more alpine environment for your hikes, Triglav National Park is a great destination. Overlooking Lake Bohinj, the surrounding mountains offer countless day hikes and backpacking routes for any skill level. Most tourists only visit Lake Bohinj and the Vogel summit, so the rest of park is pretty empty, even during the busy summer months.
Best Slovenia Hiking Trails in Triglav National Park
Triglav Summit from Krma Valley: 2-day climbing route, recommended for families with children and people with no mountaineering experience
Triglavska Bistrica Trail: 12 km (7.5 miles) easy
Soča River Trail: 25 km (15.5 miles) moderate
Mostnica Gorge Trail: 5.5 (3.4 miles) km easy
7 Lakes Valley: 3.8 km (2.3 miles) from Savica waterfalls to the first lake, very steep and strenuous
Where to Stay: I really enjoyed my stay here at the Bohinj Eco Hotel inBohinjska Bistrica. It is a short drive from the National Park entrance and a good home base if you want to spend a few days in the area. The 5-star hotel features a large indoor and outdoor pool that invites you to relax and loosen your muscles after a long day on the trails.
Dolenjska
If strolling through rolling hills and vineyards are what you are looking for, the Dolenjska and Bela Krajina region in Southern Slovenia on the border to Croatia is for you. These two regions make a perfect holiday destination if you want to hike, but also experience other things, maybe do some wine tasting and learn more about the culture and heritage of Southern Slovenia.
The Dolenjska region is famous for its Cviček wine, a blend of various grapes that give this wine a unique taste.
In-between hiking days, make sure to visit the Kostanjeviška Cave. Slovenia has 11,500 caves due to its karst foundation. The most famous one is the Postojna cave, but with over 500,000 yearly visitors, it is hardly a hidden gem and rather a mass tourist experience. If you want something low key, the Kostanjeviška Cave is for you.
Best Hikes in Dolenjska
Gabrje – Sveta Gera/Trdinov Vrh – Sv. Miklavž: 13.6 km (8.5 miles) moderate
Mount Lašček Summit Trail: 4.4 km (2.7 miles) easy
Slovenia Hiking – European Long Distance Path E6: 600 km (373 miles) moderate, 30 days
Hiking in the vineyards is always a good idea if you want to stay a bit closer to civilization.
Where to Stay
Vineyard Cottages of Dolenjska region: This is a unique experience and I highly recommend it. In the past, the winemakers of the Dolenjska region had a little cottage in each of their vineyards, where they would produce the wine and as a place of shelter. Now, most of the vineyard cottages are turned into small vacation homes that you can rent. Waking up in the middle of the vineyards is beautiful and definitely a unique experience. And the best part: You’ll get a key to the wine cellar and help yourself to some regionally produced wines.
Bela Krajina
Bela Krajina is known for its folklore and heritage. There are many open air and ethnographic museums that teach you about the history and culture of the region and its various influences. During my stay, I visited the Natural Park Lahinja and the Open Air Museum Šokčev dvor, a traditional homestead.
Best Hikes in Bela Krajina
Mill Path:8 km (5 miles) very easy
Semiška gora trail: 11 km (6.9 miles) moderate
Slovenia Hiking – European Long Distance Path E6: 600 km (373 miles) moderate, 30 days
Where to Stay
Terme Dolenjske Toplice Hotel Kristal: This hotel is top notch. It offers first-class amenities and direct access to the Terme and Spa complex that is shared by several hotels in the vicinity. The breakfast buffet really blew me away and I wish I could have stayed a few more days.
Krone Kolpa Glamping: These cottages are great for a few days in the Bela Krajina region. The decor of the tiny homes is so cute and perfect for families.
Lake Bled
Yes, Lake Bled is touristy. Even when I visited in late October, there were hoards of tour buses and people everywhere. But most tourists only spend a few hours in Bled. The Japanese tour group that shared my gondola to the famous island only had a 2 hour stop in Bled before heading to Vienna. This means the trails are yours. Well, except the one that goes around the lake, of course.
Best Hiking Trails near Lake Bled
Lake Trail: 6 km (3.7 miles), easy, very touristy
Vintgar Gorge Loop Trail: 5.6 km (3.5 miles), moderate
Viševnik Summit: 4 hours, easy
Where to Stay
Garden Village: This is Glamping at its finest. You will experience the luxury and comfort of a 5-star resort, but feel like you are in a nature retreat. The abundant fruit and vegetable garden alone is worth a stay here. It supplies the on-premise restaurant that offers a modern and innovative menu. Another highlight is the self-cleaning swimming pond with its own little beach. I can’t wait to return to this magical place – hopefully soon!
Best Long Distance Hiking Paths in Slovenia
Slovenian Mountain Hiking Trail: 600 km, moderate, 28 days
The most famous Slovenian Hiking trail by far is the Slovenian Moutain Hiking Trail that takes you from Maribor in Eastern Slovenia along the Austrian border to Triglav National Park and then down to the Adriatic coast.
Slovenia Hiking – European Long Distance Path E6: 350 km, moderate, 20 days
The E6 runs from the Austrian border near Vuzenika to the Slovenian coast near Trieste.
Slovenia Hiking – European Long Distance Path E7: 600 km (373 miles) moderate, 30 days
This long distance trail takes you from the Hungarian border in the East to West along the Southern border to Croatia and then through Central Slovenia towards the Italian border in the Northwest of Slovenia.
Slovenia Hiking was written by Maria Haase for EuropeUpClose.com
I also want to give a big THANK YOU to the Slovenia Tourism for making this trip possible and inviting me to explore your beautiful country. I had a wonderful time and can’t wait to visit Slovenia again – hopefully soon!
Slovenia Hiking – Slovenia for Nature Lovers – Pin for later:
Hannah
Monday 26th of February 2018
This makes me want to go back to Slovenia and do all of these hikes so badly! Will definitely be using this as a guide when I get back there this fall.
Ken
Saturday 24th of February 2018
Well, that does it! Slovenia will now be my next destination!
April
Saturday 17th of February 2018
Slovenia has been moving up on my to-visit-list. And, now reading about all the magnificent hiking......well, I can't wait to get there. Thanks for the information!
Andrea Mayfield
Saturday 17th of February 2018
This is such a great read! I am totally kicking myself we did not go to Lake Bled last Summer since we were in Ljubljana! Well there is always next time!
Lynne Nieman
Saturday 17th of February 2018
YES! I want to hike all of these!! Slovenia is so high on my list. Thanks for this great post with lots of good information.