Walking Holidays in Slovenia – thetravco

Night 1: at Hotel Hvala (spend the first of two nights here).
As your first night’s accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.

Circular walk from Kobarid: 5km, 3-5hrs approx

Today’s short but delightful walk explores Kobarid and the area immediately surrounding this well-preserved Italianate village, which boasts several important historical and natural attractions. The marked historical trail (which will take at least half a day, including stops) takes in a Napoleonic bridge, an Italian charnel house, the beautiful Soča Gorge, and the cascades at Kozjak – one of Slovenia’s most picturesque waterfalls. It also visits the award-winning World War I Museum (pay locally) which explores western Slovenia’s central role in the First World War – the region was home to the Isonzo Front, scene of numerous clashes between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces and the backdrop to Hemingway’s semi-autobiographical novel, A Farewell to Arms.

Kobarid to Bovec: 17km, 5.5hrs, ascent 395m/descent 260m approx

The day starts with a short transfer to the beginning of a very picturesque walk that follows the course of the Soča, revealing idyllic river scenery. You criss-cross the river and rise gently to enter peaceful woods and meadows, passing through quaint villages as you approach your destination of Bovec, a popular center for all kinds of outdoor activities. Your two-night base here is the Martinov Haram, or choose to upgrade to the 4-star Dobra Vila

Choice of walks from Bovec: 9km to 15.5km approx

Circular walk via Kluže: 13km, 4.5hrs, ascent/descent 440m
Perhaps our favorite option is this pleasant circular route through pastures and secluded river valleys, passing the mighty fortress of Kluže, situated above a wild gorge. From here, you cross meadows to a confluence of rivers, then follow the Soča downstream back to Bovec.

Linear walk via the Alpena Valley: 15.5km, 5hrs, ascent 290m/descent 255m approx
The second option is a pleasant linear walk upstream along the fast-flowing Soča River, and into the Triglav National Park, where you branch south into the remote Alpena Valley. This is backed by a range of impressive peaks, where you follow shady and silent paths alongside mountain streams and cascades. Return by taxi (to be paid locally).

Circular walk via Plužna: 9km, 3hrs, ascent/descent 270m approx
The shortest option leads to Plužna, a charming village situated on the sunny side of the Kanin mountains. Nearby is the source of River Gljuna and its waterfall, which is a lovely place to linger. You return via a small man-made lake and through attractive woods and meadows.

Bovec to Kranjska Gora: 9.5km, 3.5hrs; ascent 180m/descent 215m approx

Today brings a marked shift in scenery, as you are transferred to the village of Race, on the Slovenian-Italian border, to begin your onward walk to Kranjska Gora. So close to Austria, the landscapes are now distinctly Alpine, with towering mountains and traditional villages. The route is easy-going, crisscrossing the Sava Dolinka Valley and passing through the Zelenci Nature Reserve before arriving in Kranjska Gora for three nights at the Rožle House Apartments.

It is possible to extend today’s route by requesting to be dropped off over the border in Italy, at the postcard-perfect glacial lakes of Fusine, though it’s worth bearing in mind that these can be very busy – especially in high season and at weekends.

Choice of walks from Kranjska Gora: 17.5km or 19km approx

Circular walk from Kranjska Gora via Sava Dolinka Valley: 19km, 6.5hrs; ascent/descent 660m
Our first suggested route is a circular walk through the wide Sava Dolinka Valley, which is framed by splendid mountains. You follow tranquil paths by the river – which has its source here and ends its journey in the Black Sea – eventually leading to a narrow gorge, before taking a gentle track back into town.

Circular walk from Kranjska Gora via Koca v Krnici: 17.5km, 5.5hrs; ascent/descent 475m
Alternatively, follow an easy-going forest track south to reach the wonderfully isolated mountain hut of Koca v Krnici, framed by a fearsome and spectacular range of mountains. You return via the Vršič Pass on a road built by Russian prisoners of war and pass the Russian chapel erected to commemorate them. It’s the perfect place to pause awhile and reflect on the turbulent history of a now serene corner of Slovenia.