Hike and Wild Swim in Slovenia's Julian Alps
Trek Slovenia’s iconic alpine trails, wild swim in pristine lakes, and feast on local mountain delicacies during a week of adventure
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesAccommodation
3 nights in a hotel, 3 nights in a spa hotel with poolMeals
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinnersTransfers
Group airport transfers and all local transfersSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Hike iconic mountain ranges including Kamnik-Savinja, Karavanke, and the Julian Alps for awe-inspiring views of dramatic peaks and glacial valleys
Dive into crystal-clear alpine lakes and wild swim in serene spots like Lake Crnava, White Lake, and the glacial Lago di Fusine
Indulge in local flavours with alpine hut picnics, a Michelin star dinner, and an exclusive eco-farm cheese-tasting
Relax in style with saunas, pools, and top-notch alpine hospitality at 4-star hotel in Kranjska Gora
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Slovenia!
Touch down at Ljubljana Airport, where your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Preddvor. 36km north of Ljubljana, Preddvor is a quaint village at the foot of the Kamnik-Savinja mountain range. It sits on the shore of the serene Lake Crnava and is popular with hikers for its scenic trails through lush valleys and forested hills, making it the perfect base for your next three nights of adventure.
Day 2
Head to the hills
Hiking
Wake up in Preddvor and meet your hiking guide, who’ll be with you for the rest of the trip. Your adventure kicks off in the village of Jezersko, where you’ll hike to the summit of Goli Vrh (1787m). This grassy peak offers panoramic views, with a trail winding through wildflower meadows and along a scenic forested ridge. At the top, you'll be treated to an extraordinary alpine amphitheatre of surrounding peaks and jagged rock formations with a stunning view of the dramatic northern face of the Grintovci Range with its 2500m peaks, plus sweeping views of the Jezersko Valley, the Karavanke Mountains, and Triglav National Park. After soaking up the scenery, head down to the heart-shaped Lake Plansar for a picnic surrounded by alpine beauty. The lush mountain pastures here are perfect for dairy farming, and the wildflowers here are said to enhance the flavour of the region’s local cheese. This afternoon, you’ll visit a local farm to taste the renowned produce and learn more about the craft of cheese making.
Day 3
Hike up Kompotela and swim in Lake Crnava
Hiking
Head up to the winter ski resort of Krvavec and gear up for today's hike, where you’ll take on your first 2000m peak of the trip. Start your ascent through lush alpine meadows, cross rocky ridges, and breathe in the clean air of the pristine forest you traverse. Above the treeline, you'll reach the summit of Kompotela (1989m), where a breathtaking panorama of peaks, valleys, and rolling landscapes unfolds before you. On the descent, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch in the tranquil pastureland, taking in the peaceful surroundings of the mountains. Back in Preddvor, your guide will take you to a serene swimming spot on Lake Crnava or nearby Kokra River, the perfect place to unwind for the rest of the afternoon before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Day 4
Tackle Golica Mountain and on to Kranjska Gora
Hiking
Say goodbye to peaceful Preddvor as you head into the upper Gorenjska region (1835m) for a hike up Golica Mountain. In springtime, the mountain is covered in blooming daffodils, making it a favourite spot among local hikers. The trail climbs steadily onto a high ridge, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the alpine landscape on both sides. Just below the summit lies the cosy Golica Mountain hut, the perfect spot for a lunch break before heading back down. A quick drive takes you to Kranjska Gora, your base for the next few days. In the afternoon, you’ll explore some of the natural sites that Kranjska Gora’s is famous for, starting with Lake Jasna - where you can brave a dip in its cold, crystal-clear waters. After that, take a leisurely stroll through the Zelenci Nature Reserve, home to an emerald-green lake and abundant birdlife.
Day 5
Hike the Alpe Adria Trail and unwind
Hiking
Lace up your boots for a taste of Slovenia’s Alpe Adria Trail R7, one of its long-distance alpine hikes. Starting from the hotel, you’ll head up into the mountains to tackle Trupejevo Poldne peak at 1931m. After a challenging climb, you’ll be treated to an incredible view of the Spik mountain range, where dramatic rocky peaks and forested slopes stretch below. After this morning’s exertions, spend the afternoon relaxing in the alpine town, enjoying the hotel’s spa and swimming pool facilities. Tonight, you’ll head out for an exceptional three-course meal at a Michelin Bib Gourmand-recommended restaurant which highlights local and seasonal flavours.
Day 6
Pokljuka Plateau, views of Mount Triglav and wild swims
Hiking
Today's hike takes you along some of the Julian Alps' most stunning trails. Hop in the van for a short drive to the Pokljuka Plateau, an alpine pasture sitting above Slovenia's two most picturesque lakes - Bled and Bohinj. From there, you'll hike through the larch forest and up onto the rocky summit of Viševnik (2050m), with up-close views of Mount Triglav and the surrounding peaks. On your descent, pass several shepherds' huts, including one turned into a cheese dairy, where livestock graze in summer. Stop for lunch at a mountain hut before heading down to the valley. In the afternoon, visit the serene White Lake (Kreda) for a refreshing swim before heading back to the hotel in Kranjska Gora.
Day 7
Slemenova Špica and Fusine Lakes
Hiking
Driving
Pack up and take a quick drive up the Vršič mountain pass, where you'll hike to Slemenova Špica on the eastern side of the Mojstrovka mountains. This scenic hike leads to a stunning viewpoint with breathtaking views of Jalovec, Mojstrovka, and Ponca peaks, as well as the picturesque Tamar Valley. After soaking in the views, head down for lunch at an alpine cabin before crossing the Italian border to visit the stunning Lago di Fusine glacial lakes - Lago Superiore and Lago Inferiore. Enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters or take a leisurely walk around the lake. After this brief Italian experience, return to Slovenia, where your host will drop you off at the airport in time for evening flights.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Ljubljana Airport (LJU)
21:00 on Day 1
Ends
Ljubljana Airport (LJU)
18:00 on Day 7
Transfers
Your adventure begins at Ljubljana Airport (LJU) with your airport transfer usually scheduled in the evening at 21:00. If you arrive in Ljubljana early, you can spend the morning exploring the enchanting old town and your host can arrange a pick up from the city instead of from the airport. At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Ljubljana Airport (LJU) at 18:00, and we recommend booking any flight that departs after 21:00. Alternatively, your host can drop you back to Ljubljana if you prefer to spend an extra night in the city and fly the next day.
Travel options
There are regular direct flights to Ljubljana from Gatwick with Easyjet plus plenty of indirect options from the UK and Europe. Alternatively, you may choose to fly in and out of Venice and ask your host to arrange some private transfers.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Slovenian cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavours influenced by its neighbours - Italy, Austria, Hungary, and the Balkans. From hearty stews and homemade breads to fresh dandelion salads and pasta dishes, the food reflects the country’s rich culinary heritage. Other typical dishes include sausage, cabbage and rolled dumplings served with sour milk or yoghurt. Whether dining in cosy mountain huts, sampling local cheeses, or enjoying traditional dishes in alpine villages, you’ll savour the fresh, local ingredients that make Slovenian cuisine so unique and satisfying.
A continental breakfast is provided each morning to fuel your adventures, with a lunch and four evening meals also included in the trip. Other meals will be enjoyed in cosy mountain huts or local restaurants, with your guide offering recommendations on the best spots to try. It’s advisable to bring around EUR30 in cash for food and drinks at places that may not accept cards.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Preddvor
On the first three nights of your trip, you will stay in the charming Hotel Zaplata in Preddvor, a great base for hiking and adventure activities. The hotel has a typical Alpine style and is set on the town's quiet outskirts, surrounded by green fields, below the winter ski slopes. As well as an on-site family restaurant the hotel offers a garden and sun terrace with views of the nearby mountains. Buffet and continental breakfast options with local specialities, fresh pastries and fruits are available every morning. You will stay on a twin basis in en-suite rooms with wifi, air-con and a 24-hour service desk.
Kranjska Gora
You'll spend the final three nights in the idyllic setting of Kranjska Gora, surrounded by unspoilt nature and beautiful mountain views. Accommodation will be at the 4-star Hotel Kranjska Gora, which includes a wellness centre with indoor pool. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with a bathroom, TV, WiFi, hair dryer, safe and phone.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge – see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking, as this is subject to availability and can be limited depending on the hotel's availability.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This is a moderate hiking trip where you can expect to be on your feet for 4-5 hours on most days. Each day hike has a fair amount of up and down (up to 1000m) but the pace is relaxed with plenty of stops along the way and some downtime in the afternoons for swimming and relaxing. Most of the hiking is on well defined alpine paths with a few easy rocky sections up to the summits. No previous experience is required but being used to walking in the hills for up to 5 hours on varied terrain will help you enjoy the experience. It is therefore recommended to try and fit in a few preparation hikes of similar length ahead of this trip.
What if i need to skip an activity?
Any of the hikes on this trip can be skipped, just speak to your guide who will help you arrange the best way for you to spend this time, whether that's enjoying the hotel swimming pools or exploring the towns you are staying in.
What will I need to carry?
Your main luggage will be transported for you, so you'll just need a daypack to carry personal items during each day of hiking.
From May to October, the Julian Alps offer ideal conditions for hiking. May and June bring mild temperatures (10–20°C) and blooming alpine meadows, with cooler mornings and occasional rain showers. July and August are warm and sunny (25–30°C), perfect for getting up high in the mountains, though afternoon thunderstorms can occur. September offers crisp air, fewer crowds, and stunning autumn colours, while October is cooler and may bring early snow at higher elevations. Layers and waterproof gear are essential for changing mountain conditions.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided hike to Goli Vrh in Jezersko
- Visit a local farm and taste some cheese
- Guided hike to Kompotela
- Wild swim in Lake Crnava
- Guided hike to Golica
- Wild swim in Lake Jasna
- Visit Zelenci Nature Reserve
- Guided hike to Trupejevo Poldne
- Spa afternoon at Hotel Spik
- Three-course meal at a Michelin Bib Gourmand-recommended restaurant
- Guided hike on Pokljuka Plateau
- Wild swim in White Lake
- Guided hike to Slemenova Spica
- Wild swim in the Lago di Fusine glacial lakes
Guides
- Expert, English-speaking local guides
Accommodation
- 3 nights in a hotel in Preddvor
- 3 nights in a spa hotel in Gozd Martuljek
Meals
- 6 buffet breakfasts
- 1 packed lunch
- 4 traditional dinners, including one three-course in a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant
Transfers
- Group arrival transfer from Ljubljana Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Ljubljana Airport on Day 7
- All transfers during the trip
Luggage Transfer
- Luggage transfers throughout the trip
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Meals
5 lunches and 2 dinners are not included. You have option of preparing a packed lunch or eating in the mountain huts during the hikes. On Days 2 and 7, dinner is not included and there is option for either eating in the hotel or at a local restaurant in town. Allow €15-20 per meal.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
Personal expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional food and drinks, shopping and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Daypack (20-30 litres)
- Waterproof liner for kitbag or rucksack / drybags
CLOTHES
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sleepwear
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Sandals / trainers
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre (or x2)
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Post trip accommodation in Gozd Martuljek (double/twin room)
Payable Before Departure
Post trip accommodation in Gozd Martuljek (double/twin room)
… Per Night
Post trip accommodation in Gozd Martuljek (single room)
Payable Before Departure
Post trip accommodation in Gozd Martuljek (single room)
… Per Night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Ljubljana (double/twin room)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Ljubljana (double/twin room)
… Per Night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Ljubljana (single room)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Ljubljana (single room)
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
… Per Person
Private airport transfer - Gozd Martuljek
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - Gozd Martuljek
… Per Person
Private airport transfer - Ljubljana Airport to Preddvor
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - Ljubljana Airport to Preddvor
… Per Person
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 292kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Outdoor swimming in Slovenia's lakes and rivers is a popular activity for locals and visitors alike, with the tourist board actively promoting it as a way to enjoy nature and monitor water quality in several locations. On this trip, you'll have the opportunity to visit several lakes in the afternoons following your hikes, as a way to cool off and relax in the stunning surroundings. Your guide will take you to each lake, where you'll usually have a couple of hours to relax, picnic and enjoy the water. Swimming is entirely optional and a chance to cool off rather than being a guided open-water swim where you are expected to cover a certain distance. Your guide will remain on the shore and the wild-swim spots do not have lifeguards or other supervision, so you should not attempt to swim out of your depth or beyond your experience. Water temperatures can reach a pleasant 19 - 25°C in the summer, but can vary depending on the season and weather, you should always test the water before jumping in!
In the event of bad weather, your guides will suggest a suitable alternative hike or activity.
You'll have one guide for up to 8 people, with a driver handling hotel transfers. For groups over 8, a second guide will join on longer hikes, and for groups over 10, you'll have two guides every day.
Excess luggage can be left in the hotel and is available each evening. Luggage will be transported between the hotels you are staying in.
Tap water throughout this trip is drinkable. You'll also come across a few mountain springs during the hikes.
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influences the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep cool as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Sunday 27th July 2025
to Saturday 2nd August 2025
