Julian Alpine Traverse
From the Karavankas to Triglav National Park
Overview
This Slovenian Alpine Traverse is an extraordinary journey through two of Slovenia’s most breathtaking mountain ranges: the Karavankas and the Julian Alps. This hut-to-hut trek takes you across dramatic ridgelines, through lush alpine pastures, and into the heart of Triglav National Park, home to glacial lakes, rugged limestone peaks, and some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes.
This route follows sections of the Slovenian Mountain Trail, a historic path connecting the country’s most iconic summits. Along the way, you’ll stay in authentic mountain huts, enjoy traditional Slovenian hospitality, and experience the wild beauty of this alpine wonderland. The journey culminates at the serene shores of Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest glacial lake. En-route to Ljublijana we will make a stop at the magnificent picture perfect Lake Bled
With 72 km of distance, 4,700m of elevation gain, and challenging terrain, this trek is designed for experienced hikers looking for an unforgettable adventure in one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain regions.
Highlights
Distance: 72 km
Elevation Gain: 4,700m+
Highest Point: 2,365m
Ranges: Triglav & Karavankas
Included
Guide: UIMLA International Mountain Leader
Accommodation: 5 nights in Mountain Huts, 2 in hotels
Transfers: Venice Airports;
Meals: B, L, D included
Excluded
Flights: Not included
1 x dinner: Evening in Ljubljana
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Venice – Transfer to Žirovnica
We’ll meet you at Venice Airports and drive you to the stunning Završnica Lake. After a scenic journey through picturesque alpine villages, you’ll settle into a comfortable hotel, ready to start your adventure the next day.
Day 2
Žirovnica – Valvasor Hut – Prešeren Hut (2,176m)
Distance: 7 km | Ascent: +1,600m | Descent: -60m | Duration: 5 hrs
Our trek begins in the foothills of the Karavankas, Slovenia’s longest mountain range and a historic natural frontier between Central Europe and the Balkans. Climbing through dense beech forests, we emerge onto the high ridges of Stol, where breathtaking panoramic views of Slovenia and Austria unfold beneath us.
A steady ascent leads us to Prešeren Hut, perched on the slopes of Mt. Stol (2,236m), the highest peak in the Karavankas.
Day 3
Mt. Stol – Golica Hut (1,582m)
Distance: 14 km | Ascent: +370m | Descent: -1,000m | Duration: 5 hrs
After an early start, we ascend Mt. Stol’s summit. From here, we follow a dramatic border ridge separating Slovenia and Austria, offering a thrilling high-altitude traverse with continuous views of the Julian Alps to the south and the Austrian Alps to the north.
The trail descends through rolling alpine meadows, home to wild ibex and marmots, before reaching Golica Hut, nestled in the hills famous for their springtime bloom of thousands of white narcissus flowers.
Day 4
Golica – Dovška Baba – Vrata Valley (1,015m)
Distance: 24 km | Ascent: +700m | Descent: -1,300m | Duration: 9 hrs
Crossing into Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s only national park, we descend into Vrata Valley, a glacially-carved basin that sits beneath Triglav’s legendary North Face—a 1,000m-high wall considered one of the most formidable rock faces in the Alps.
Tonight, we stay at Aljažev Dom, this area is a mountaineering mecca, with routes pioneered by legendary climbers who shaped Slovenian alpinism.
Day 5
Vrata Valley – Luknja Pass – Dolič Hut (2,151m)
Distance: 10 km | Ascent: +1,600m | Descent: -500m | Duration: 6 hrs
A steep ascent takes us to Luknja Pass (1,758m), an ancient mountain corridor that once connected isolated farming communities on either side of Triglav. The landscape shifts dramatically here—lush forests give way to a stark, lunar-like world of limestone rock, a reminder that these peaks were once submerged under an ancient ocean millions of years ago.
Traversing a high-altitude plateau, we reach Dolič Hut, a true alpine refuge surrounded by the raw, untamed wilderness of the Julian Alps.
Day 6
Dolič – Prehodavci – Triglav Lakes Hut (1,683m)
Distance: 9 km | Ascent: +450m | Descent: -900m | Duration: 4 hrs
After two challenging days we take it a bit easier today, leaving the high plateau, we descend into the legendary Triglav Lakes Valley, a protected area known as the cradle of Slovenian nature conservation. The valley is home to a chain of crystal-clear glacial lakes, each with its own legend—locals say the Double Lake reflects the soul of the mountains themselves.
Day 7
Triglav Lakes – Bohinj (525m)
Distance: 9 km | Ascent: +45m | Descent: -1,900m | Duration: 3 hrs
Our final descent takes us through the pastures of Dedno Polje, a high-altitude plateau where shepherds have tended livestock for centuries. We finish in Lake Bohinj—the perfect place to relax, swim and celebrate the journey before heading to Ljubljana for your late afternoon explore of this beautiful city
Day 8
Return to Venice
After breakfast, we transfer back to Venice Airports, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Slovenia’s rugged beauty.
Drop-off: Venice Airports