How to spend 8 days in Slovenia: an adventure guide
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An adventurer’s paradise, Slovenia is a small but incredibly diverse country in the heart of Europe. Spanning over a little more than 20 thousand square kilometres, it has everything from charming towns and picturesque valleys to the Mediterranean coast and impressive alpine peaks.
It is hardly surprising that this little piece of paradise found its place in Lonely Planet’s list of best destinations in the world in 2022. While there’s much beauty to be discovered, this adventure-packed itinerary focuses on Slovenia’s only national park — named after its highest peak, Triglav — and its close surroundings.
Over eight days, you will enjoy waterfalls, beautiful gorges, epic day hikes, as well as some down moments to ensure you come back from your trip energized and relaxed at the same time.
Table of Contents
The iconic Lake Bled island
Triglav National Park is Slovenia’s only national park. Named after its highest peak, Mt. Triglav (2864 m), it covers an area of 838 square kilometres — 4% of Slovenia’s total area.
While the core of the park around Mt. Triglav was protected from 1924, it wasn’t until 1981 that Triglav National Park got the shape it has today.
Described as “magnificent, mysterious, exciting, playful and unique,” Triglav National Park is an exciting destination for hikers of all levels of experience, trying to conquer and admire the peaks of the Julian Alps.
Its varied flora and fauna, as well as fascinating cultural heritage, make it for a truly one-of-a-kind place in Europe.
If you’re visiting Triglav National Park as part of a larger Slovenia road trip, you could spend as little as two to three days getting a taste of its main attractions. These include for example the Vršič Pass, Kobarid, and Bled.
However, there is so much to see and do that even a week is not enough to cover half of the spots in this stunning region. It is for this reason that this itinerary focuses on depth rather than distance.
Instead of trying to cover as large an area of the park as possible, I recommend sticking to its southeastern border on your first visit.
If you only have a week, it’s best to base yourself around Bled. From here, you can venture into the southern parts of Triglav National Park on day trips and day hikes.
Have a couple extra days to spare? Spend them discovering the western or northern areas of Triglav National Park. We chose for the latter on our trip, which is why this itinerary suggests to spend days seven and eight in Kranjska Gora, exploring some of the region’s waterfalls.
For the first six days of the trip, it is best to base yourself between the towns of Bled and Bohinj. This is where all the adventure happens.
Accommodation options in the area range from budget to luxury, so there is plenty to choose from. My recommendation, however, would be to camp. This will not only allow you to spend as much time as possible in the fresh mountain air — but will also make for a truly adventurous trip.
There are numerous campgrounds, so the best is to just do a quick search on Google Maps and see what you like best in terms of distance from the two towns and facilities.
Beware that camping is very popular here among tourists in the summer. If you’re planning to visit the Bled area during the main tourist season (July, August), booking a camping spot in advance is highly recommended.
We went into the trip thinking we’d just spontaneously pitch our tent wherever was free upon arrival. Sounded exciting in theory, but proved nearly impossible to do in the middle of August. The majority of campsites around Bled and Bohinj were booked out. As the area is part of the Triglav National Park, it is also not allowed to wild camp.
Eventually, we were able to find a spot at the campsite on Soriška Planina, a 30-minute drive from both Bled and Bohinj, right in the middle of Slovenian nature.
Facilities at Camp Lajnar
📍 Starting & ending point of the hike: Parkirišče Stara Fužina 8
🚶♀️ How many kilometres you’ll walk today: around 10-12
🕒 How much time you’ll need for today’s adventures: between four and six hours including breaks
The first day of your Slovenia trip is set up to let you ease into the adventures of the coming week. In other words, there will be a lot of nature and quite some walking, but no large distances or elevation gain/loss.
Park your car in Stara Fužina. Parking lot number 8 is the best option, as it’s the closest to the gorge. This also means that it gets filled quickly, so make sure you arrive early. You’ll be paying around €3 per hour.
Start the day by walking along the crystal-clear water of Mostnica Gorge. The entrance is paid but the €4 for an adult in the main season (June 1 – September 30) seems well-justified, considering the popularity of the region.
Rock formations formed by the Mostnica river
Alpine flowers
Being one of the first visitors in the morning surely has its perks. Leaves rustling in the wind, the sound of trickling water, and the deep shades of blue and green create a truly magical experience. Take your time admiring the numerous rock formations.
The forest path along the water ends at some point, and you will gradually transition into the Voje Valley. Continue until the end of it, where you’ll find the 21 m high Voje waterfall (also known as Šum or Mostnica waterfall). Grab lunch and coffee at the hut near the waterfall before heading back.
Voje Valley on a warm summer’s day
This is an out-and-back trail, meaning you’ll come back the same way you came from. There are footpaths on both sides of Mostnica Gorge, so you can switch up your views by walking on the other side.
Once back at the parking lot, hop in the car and drive to Savica Waterfall near Lake Bohinj. Here you can park at Planinski dom Savica. The walk to the viewpoint takes about 20 minutes and the entrance costs €4 in the main season.
What exactly makes Slovenia’s third most visited attraction so special? The water flow of Savica splits into two streams underground! You can see the two different streams coming out of the rocks as you stand at the viewpoint.
Savica Waterfall from the viewpoint
📍 Starting & ending point: Bled town centre
🚶♀️ How many kilometres you’ll walk today: six to complete the loop around the lake
🕒 How much time you’ll need for today’s adventures: all day at a very relaxed pace
There’s no visiting Slovenia without visiting Bled. A town known for its one-of-a-kind charm, Pilgrimage Church in the middle of a lake, and — last but not least — its cake.
On the second day, you will take it easy and enjoy all Bled has to offer. Start your day by tasting a piece of kremšnita, a delicious vanilla and cream pastry that is thought to have originated in the former Austrian-Hungarian Empire, and has become synonymous with the town of Bled.
Pilgrimage Church in the middle of Lake Bled
Stocked up on energy, you can start slowly exploring your surroundings. As you stroll around the lake, picture what life would be like if you were one of the 19th-century aristocrats who came to Bled for health retreats.
The first stop on the stroll will be Bled Castle, where you can learn a little bit about local history and buy delicious Slovenian wine. The castle stands atop a cliff 130 metres above the lake. What better place to be to snap some birds-eye-view photos?
Views of Lake Bled from Bled Castle
Once you’re done with the castle visit, continue along the water until you complete the full loop. If you like, treat yourself to ice cream or other snacks or drinks on the way, or find a place to lay down and catch some sun.
TIP: Once a hidden gem, Bled has become a tourist hotspot. The tranquility of the lake is unequivocal and it’s only fair that many want to witness it with their own eyes. However, it gets extremely crowded during the main tourist season. To the point that there are traffic jams from one side of the city to the other, leaving you potentially stuck behind the wheel for hours. If you’re visiting in summer, try to avoid going in August, as that’s the main holiday season in Europe.
Evening sun hitting the peaks of Julian Alps
📍 Starting & ending point of the hike: Vogel Cable Car station
🚶♀️ How many kilometres you’ll walk today: approximately 11
🕒 How much time you’ll need for today’s adventures: around five to six hours
🗺 Hiking route: Vogel Ski Hotel — Orlove Glave — Šija saddle — Mt. Vogel — Planina Zadnji Vogel — Vogel Ski Hotel
After the laid-back adventures of days one and two, it’s time to do some proper hiking! Above Lake Bohinj, at the Vogel Cable Car mountain station, is where we’ll begin our trek to the top of Mount Vogel.
The cable car runs every 30 minutes starting at 8 AM in the main season. To get to it, drive towards Ukanc and follow the signs to the ski lift.
When you exit the cable car, spend a moment on the viewing platform looking over Bohinj beneath you.
Views from the top of Vogle Cable Car station
Mount Vogel (1922 m) may not be among the highest peaks of Julian Alps, but it sure is an accessible one. Starting from Vogel Ski Hotel, follow the signs to Orlove Glave chairlift.
If it’s operating, hop on the chairlift to save yourself a one-kilometre ascent. Otherwise, continue towards the top station of the chairlift and further on to Šija saddle. From here, you’ll follow the signs to the top of Vogel before returning via Planina Zadnji Vogel back to Vogel Ski Hotel.
Ascending into the fog
Little flowers growing between the rocks
The whole endeavour should take about 5-6 hours to complete. Some parts are a little tricky but metal pegs and steel cables on the ascent to Vogel are there to help. There isn’t a need for special equipment — but always be cautious. The weather conditions in the mountains are unpredictable, so it pays off to bring layers.
We had a bit of fog and a bit of wind, and the hike was still perfectly doable. It was, in fact, quite magical when the clouds dispersed for a moment, allowing us a quick peek at the textured landscapes below. Just make sure you are extra careful and pay extra attention to where you’re stepping on a less-than-sunny day.
Reaching the top of Mount Vogel
Peaks of Slovenian Alps
📍 Starting & ending point: Planina Blato
🚶♀️ How many kilometres you’ll hike today: a bit over 26
🕒 How much time you’ll need for today’s adventures: eight to nine hours
🗺 Hiking route: Planina Blato — Koča na Planini pri Jezeru — Planina Dedno Polje — Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih — Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih — Planina Ovčarija — Planina Dedno Polje — Planina Blato
If day three was a little hiking warm-up, today is where things get serious. The Seven Lakes Valley hike is the longest one on this trip — but also the most rewarding one. After all, we’ll be venturing into the heart of Triglav National Park.
Expect diverse alpine landscapes as you make your way through the different elevation levels, magnificent lakes of all colours and sizes, and Slovenian delicacies to keep you energized throughout the day.
Zeleno jezero (Green Lake)
Before we get into it, let’s have a look at the seven lakes that you’ll typically pass on variations of this hike:
Jezero pod Vršacem (Lake under Vršac)
Jezero v Laštah (Pond in Ledges)
Rjavo jezero (Brown Lake)
Zeleno jezero (Green Lake)
Jezero v Ledvicah (Kidney Lake)
Dvojno jezero (Double Lake)
Črno jezero (Black Lake) — we’ll be skipping this one today, but we’ll come back to it on day 6
To start, you need to drive via a toll road from Stara Fužina to Planina Blato (€20/day). Park here and follow the trail to Koča na Planini pri Jezeru. This hut is a great place to sit outside, have a drink, and take in your first moments in the amazing alpine landscape.
A body of water so small that you could easily miss it
Pay attention to the little details as you go
The next stop will be Planina Dedno Polje, where you can buy freshly made yoghurt. Stock up on energy, because you’re about to do the longest and most strenuous leg of the hike, all the way to Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih. You should spot the first lakes on your way up to the hut.
The lunch will taste even better after all the hiking you’ve done so far! But don’t rest on your laurels, because there’s still a long way ahead. Start making your way down towards Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih — a mountain hut located between the two lakes that make up the Double Lake. As you descend into the valley, you’ll get some amazing views of Jezero v Ledvicah.
Sparkling in the sunlight. Jezero v Ledvicah is probably the most beautiful of the Triglav Lakes
Have a glass of cold beer or juice before you cover the last stretch from Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih to Planina Ovčarija and via Planina Dedno Polje back to Planina Blato where your car is parked.
The total distance is a little more than 26 kilometres. If you want to walk at a somewhat relaxed pace and take breaks, make sure you set aside between 8-9 hours for this whole endeavour.
Doing a quick Google search of this hike will quickly show you that there are multiple ways to go about it. Feel free to do some more research into the different options before deciding on a route that fits you.
Turquoise water of one of the Double Lakes
If you’re lucky, you might spot some chamois!
Our hike was based on the blue loop from TripTins. While this route follows the loop from Dedno Polje clockwise, I decided to do it anticlockwise. This way you’ll have the most beautiful lakes right in front of your eyes as you descend from Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih.
This article also has some great information and maps, should you decide to build your own route.
📍 Starting & ending point: Vintgar Parking P1
🚶♀️ How many kilometres you’ll walk today: around three
🕒 How much time you’ll need for today’s adventures: up to an hour for the gorge, the rest is just to relax
After two days of intensive hiking, it’s time to rest. Today’s main attraction, Vintgar Gorge near Bled, is one of the more popular spots in the region. It involves a relaxed, 1.6-kilometre long walk along turqoise, emerald, and aqua blue water.
Clear water of Vintgar Gorge
A little piece of paradise
An early start is recommended to beat the crowds but don’t beat yourself up if you need to sleep in. You can walk along the water at your own pace, so there will surely be a moment or two where you’ll have it (almost) all to yourself.
The gorge is up to 250 metres deep! It’s only possible to walk in one direction, so really take the time to observe small waterfalls, pools, and erosion pots along the way. Entrance to the gorge is paid (€10).
Once you exit the paid area, make a quick pit stop at Slap (Waterfall) Šum. Feeling brave? Go for a quick dip or try to swim to the bottom of the waterfall and back!
Going for a swim in the ice-cold water under Slap Šum
Wildflowers
Note: Beware of cold shock. Plunging into ice-cold water on a hot summer day comes with its risks. It’s better to enter the water gradually at first, so your body can adapt to the temperature.
Sunbathing, swimming, or reading at Lake Bled are all great ways to spend the rest of this relaxing day. Want a little more adventure? Rent a SUP board and admire the lake from a different perspective. It’s especially magical at sunset.
Sunset at Lake Bled
A quiet evening
📍 Starting & ending point: Koča pri Savici, Ukanc
🚶♀️ How many kilometres you’ll walk today: around five
🕒 How much time you’ll need for today’s adventures: about three hours for the hike
Remember the seventh lake from the Triglav Lakes Valley? That’s where we’ll be heading today! Črno jezero (Black lake) lies about 1200 metres above sea level. The starting point in Ukanc has an altitude of 546 metres.
This means that in the span of just about 2.5 kilometres, you’ll be tackling a 670-metre elevation difference in a relatively steep, continuous ascent. The hike up to Črno Jezero (Lake) is one of the more challenging ones on this trip. The path can be exposed at times, so it’s not recommended for those suffering from vertigo.
However, if you decide to go for it, you’ll be rewarded with some spectacular views of the Julian Alps peaks all around as well as Lake Bohinj beneath you. Pretty good for the last hike in this area, no?
Made it to the top
Sit down, take in the views, and have a snack before coming back down the same way.
When we got up to the lake in the middle of August, I was caught by surprise. It was mostly dry, and therefore a lot smaller than what I’d seen in pictures. The hike was still worth it, but it’s something to keep in mind. I imagine the place looks quite different in spring.
What better way to loosen up after a srtrenuous hike than by chilling at the water? This time, head to one of the many spots at Lake Bohinj to enjoy another round of sunbathing, swimming, or SUP boarding.
Lake Bohinj is lesser known than Lake Bled but it offers just as much adventure
📍 Starting & ending point: Ribčev Laz for a walk around Bohinj
🚶♀️ How many kilometres you’ll walk today: 12+
🕒 How much time you’ll need for today’s adventures: 2,5 hours in Bohinj, around an hour in Kranjska Gora
🌙 Where to stay overnight: Camp Špik in Gozd Martuljek
After a week packed with adventure, it’s time to leave this beautiful part of Triglav National Park behind and move on to discover its northern edge. But before we do that, let’s properly explore Lake Bohinj.
While Bled gets all the hype, its lesser-known cousin, Bohinj, is more than two times its size and has a scenic nature backdrop all around. A loop around Lake Bohinj is about 12 kilometres long. Sounds like a lot, but the trail is pretty much flat. It’s an easy walk that won’t take you more than two and a half hours.
Start in Ribčev Laz. An iconic bridge (conveniently named ‘The Bridge’) and the Church of St. John the Baptist right at the shore of the lake are its characteristic features and a place that’s easy to remember to come back to. From here, walk counter-clockwise.
The walk is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Pay extra attention to your surroundings before you reach Ukanc, here is where you’ll find some of the best photo spots! From Ukanc onwards, things get a little less exciting, as the path follows the main car road until Ribčev Laz.
Grab some lunch and hop in the car. We are heading north to see Triglav National Park from the other side.
Perfect reflections
A unique photography spot at Lake Bohinj
Kranjska Gora is just a short hour's drive from Bohinj. Mostly known for its ski resort, the area is brimming with adventure all year round. However, we’ll take it easy for the rest of the day and only do a short walk around Lake Jasna.
Lake Jasna consists of two interconnected artificial lakes. There’s a viewing platform and some bars to enjoy a little drink with a view. It’s not as crowded towards the end of the day, making it a great spot to unwind.
TIP: Make sure you don’t miss the path along the Pišnica stream. It’s just a few minutes walk from the lake.
Lake Jasna is actually made up of two artificial lakes
Viewing platform at Lake Jasna
📍 Starting & ending point: Camp Špik for Martuljek Waterfalls
🚶♀️ How many kilometres you’ll walk today: around nine
🕒 How much time you’ll need for today’s adventures: three to four hours for Martuljek Waterfalls, an hour for Peričnik
Let’s end our eight days in Slovenia with a bang, shall we? The first adventure of the day: Martuljek Waterfalls. The idea for this hike came from a simple look on Google Maps. We arrived at Kranjska Gora with no plan at all and no idea what to expect from the area except for Lake Jasna.
Martuljek Waterfalls, located under the Špik mountain, are nicknamed pearls of the Slovenian Alpine world. The trail to see them starts with a walk through a forest. As it continues, it leads you to a path next to a creek and eventually up toward the two waterfalls. It’s not a long hike, but it does get quite steep.
It’s possible to get all the way up to the pool at the base of the Upper Martuljek Waterfall. This part is for experienced hikers only and requires some scrambling up and climbing, which I didn’t have the confidence to do at the time.
There’s not much water in the middle of summer
Lower Martuljek Waterfall
Peričnik Waterfall was found in a similar, completely by chance, fashion of glancing at Google Maps. It’s a short drive from Kranjska Gora and you can get there via Mojstrana. Parking next to Koča pri Peričniku is paid and in the afternoon, there will likely be many cars fighting for a free spot. Meaning, you might need to wait to get yours.
Parking on the road is prohibited. However, the trouble is well worth it. After all, you’re visiting one of the most impressive waterfalls in Slovenia.
Peričnik has two main drops, the lower one being 52 metres high and the upper one 16 metres high.
The hike to the lower drop is short and sweet, taking no more than 20 minutes. And the best part? You can walk behind it! Could there possibly be a better end to the whole trip?
The upper drop is accessible as well, requiring an extra few hundred metres of hiking.
Walking behind a waterfall is a feeling like no other
You are bound to get wet on your visit to Peričnik
Magnificent peaks of the Julian Alps, glacial lakes surrounded by lush nature, and beautiful waterfalls running from deep inside the mountains into the valleys below that you’ll see in the span of eight days are just a fraction of Slovenia’s beauty.
From the southeastern border of the park discovering the areas of Bled and Bohinj, to the northern region around Kranjska Gora, this itinerary compiles the best these areas have to offer in such a short amount of time.
Much more is left to be discovered in the depths of Triglav National Park and outside its borders, inviting you to dig deeper and unveil yet another layer of this small European country filled with beauty.
Have you been to Slovenia? What places would you add to the itinerary? Share your thoughts in a comment below! 👇