Slovene Alpine Pearls

A warm-up hike to Češka koča mountain hut. This short walk leads up to just above the tree line to one of the oldest alpine huts in Slovenia (100 years old), where you will be blessed with an outstanding view into the two parallel valleys. Your return route takes you past Shepherds Lake and back to Jezersko.

Virnikov Grintavec is a lesser-known peak in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps of Slovenia, offering hikers a peaceful and rewarding adventure. The trail, starting near the village of Jezersko, weaves through dense forests and picturesque meadows, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains. As you ascend, the landscape opens up, revealing panoramic vistas of the Julian Alps and the Karawanks. The final stretch to the summit is moderately challenging, but the effort is well worth it. At the top, you're greeted with breathtaking views and a sense of solitude, making the hike to Virnikov Grintavec a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts. 

You will be taken by car to the starting point at Ljubelj, on the Austrian border. From here the trail leads through a short underground tunnel originally dug by merchants in order to reduce the travelling time between Carniola and Carinthia. As you emerge at the other side the trail then follows the old shepherd’s route before entering the peaceful Draga Valley, which takes you on your final leg into the historic village of Begunje. Begunje is also the home town of the famous Slavko Avsenik / Oberkrainer band. 2 kms down the road are the ruins of Kamen Castle. 

Day for a panoramic hike at the foot of Karavanke range. Morning ascent will bring you to tiny St. Peters church, built at an outlook observation point in days of Turkish raids. The days walk is an easy one, you can enjoy the quiet pastoral nature and panoramic views of Julian Alps. The day, after a short car transfer, ends in Bled – a world famous town on the shore of a beautiful glacial lake, with its unique island church sitting proudly in the lake, and the castle perched high upon a cliff standing guard over the town.

A short morning car transfer brings you to the beginning point, on top of Pokljuka high plateau (1280 m) – starting point of many hiking trails in Julian Alps. The hike will lead you over mountain pastures and through dense fir forests to up to Lipanska Hut. A typical hikers' lunch can be taken there. The afternoon walk will bring you along a panoramic route (excellent views of Karawanke range, Pokljuka plateau, Krma valley and Bohinj Mountains) to biathlon centre of Pokljuka where you stay for the night.

You’ll be driven up to the scenic Pokljuka Plateau, where your hike begins, taking you through mountain pastures and past rustic farmhouses to a breathtaking viewpoint over Bohinj Valley. On your descent, stop at the historic village of Studor, where you can step back in time and explore its charming past. Your journey concludes at Lake Bohinj, a true gem nestled in the heart of Triglav National Park, alongside a quaint village on the lakeshore.

After breakfast departure from Lake Bohinj.