Jump to content Page index

Stories from Slovenia

Alpe Adria Trail – a long-distance trail through Europe's Garden of Eden

Hike among the powerful mountain peaks, green valleys and along clear Alpine rivers and lakes on the international long-distance trail that connects three countries and will lead you from the Alpine glaciers to the Adriatic coast.

From glacier to sea

Walking among flowering meadows and lush forests, surrounded by the majestic backdrop of Alpine peaks, alongside clear Alpine rivers – sounds like a walk in paradise, doesn't it? Well, you should know that you can experience this mountain idyll on a hike along the international Alpe Adria Trail. The 750-kilometre route connects three regions: the Austrian region of Carinthia, the western part of Slovenia and Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy. It takes you from the foot of Austria's highest mountain, Grossglockner, to Muggia on Italy's Adriatic coast. Part of the route also crosses Slovenian territory, taking you from the Julian Alps to the Karst. It's time to put on your hiking boots and set off on a journey through Europe's Garden of Eden.

Visit website

Hiking on the Slovenian part of the Alpe Adria Trail

The Alpe Adria Trail crosses the Austrian-Slovenian border in Stage 22. The Slovenian part of the route starts in Kranjska Gora, a well-known mountain sports centre famous for the Alpine Ski World Cup and Ski Jumping World Cup competitions. Crossing the Vršič Pass, the picturesque Soča Valley home to one of the most beautiful rivers in the world – opens up before you. From the Trenta Valley, it takes you to Bovec and on to Tolmin, and in between, it will impress you with views of the incredible masterpieces of nature and the Soča River. The route then zigzags between the Slovenian and Italian sides.

alpe adria trail brda

 

It leads into the idyllic Brda (you could say Slovenia's version of Provence or Tuscany), where romantic villages perch high over vineyards, orchards and olive groves. The route through Slovenia will also take you to the Karst region and one of its greatest treasures – Lipica. Home to elegant white horses, it is considered the oldest Lipizzaner stud farm in Europe. The route continues along the karst edge towards the Gulf of Trieste and the seashore, where it comes to an end.

More at www.slovenia-outdoor.si

Total route length
750 km
Total number of stages
43
Average stage length
20 km
Average stage duration
6 hours
Total number of stages in Slovenia
8
Difficulty
Medium

Slovenian destinations along the way

The Alpe Adria Trail takes you through four destinations, each with its own character, in eight stages through mainly Slovenian territory. The world of the Julian Alps is first and foremost a testing ground for active outdoor adventures, and the closer you get to the coast, the more you'll savour the culinary delights that are steeped in the Mediterranean climate.

Skip carousel

Sights worth taking a break for

The Alpe Adria Trail is all about enjoyment. The delights of discovering natural and cultural treasures. The pleasures of tasting local cuisine. So don't feel guilty and don't be in a hurry to move on when you stumble upon breath-taking views along the way. Take the time to stop at the sights that will make your journey even more memorable.

Skip carousel

Vilenica Cave

Europe's oldest tourist cave is also the venue of an international literary festival every year.

Memorial Church of the Holy Spirit in Jalovca

The pretty church above the Tolminka River is dedicated to the Austrian-Hungarian soldiers who fell in the Battles of the Isonzo. It is considered one of the most beautiful World War I monuments in Slovenia and also bears the European Heritage Label.

Boka Waterfall

The Boka Waterfall is the most water-rich and generally the most magnificent waterfall in Slovenia. The waterfall, which is filled by the waters from the Kanin mountains, falls freely 106m, and then another 30m immediately afterwards.

The Tolmin Gorges

The lowest point in Triglav National Park will enchant you with its emerald pools and natural masterpieces like the Bear’s Head and the Devil’s Bridge.

The Soča Gorges

This network of emerald pools on the Soča River, squeezed into a narrow ravine, are one of the most beautiful creations of nature in the heart of Triglav National Park.

The Russian Chapel

This wooden structure, dedicated to St Vladimir, is a memorial to the Russian POWs who died constructing the road over Vršič, and was built by their surviving comrades in 1917.

Lake Jasna

Lake Jasna is situated just before the first road bends leading up to Vršič. It comprises two interconnected artificial lakes by the confluence of Velika and Mala Pišnica streams.

Kobarid Museum

Kobarid Museum presents the events during the First World War on the Isonzo Front, the venue of the greatest military conflicts in a mountainous region in the history of humanity.

Lipica Stud Farm

A unique green estate is home to over 300 world-famous white Lipizzaner horses and the original stud farm of the Lipizzaner breed of horses with over 430 years of tradition.

Dobrovo Castle

The Renaissance castle was built on the ruins of an erstwhile 13th century castle, and now accommodates a museum and the Zoran Mušič art gallery.

Šmartno

The main attractions of this fortified medieval village include the church, with frescoes by Tone Kralj, the traditional Briška hiša house, the gallery and a rich arts and crafts offering.

For all those who enjoy distance trails

The Alpe Adria Trail is by no means the only long-distance route that crosses Slovenian territory. There are a number of other international long-distance trails that make a detour or two through Slovenia. In addition, there are long-distance trails that run exclusively in Slovenia. Among them is the Slovenian Mountain Trail, one of the oldest long-distance trails in Europe.

Explore

Skip carousel

Alpe Adria Trail

Alpe Adria Trail

This long-distance trail taking you from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea connects three countries along its 750 kilometres: Slovenia, Austria and Italy.

More

Slovenian Mountain Trail

Slovenian Mountain Trail

The longest and most popular Slovenian long-distance hiking trail takes you from Maribor through the Alpine world to the coastal town of Ankaran.

More

The circular long-distance Juliana Trail

The circular long-distance Juliana Trail

Discover the world of the Julian Alps in your own way.

More

Via Alpina

Via Alpina

Explore the Slovenian landscape stretching between the sea and the Alps on the Slovenian sections of the Via Alpina international long-distance hiking trail.

More

The Walk of Peace

The Walk of Peace

This historic trail, which runs from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea, combines a memory and a reminder of the Isonzo Front of World War I and the opportunity to get to know beautiful nature along the emerald Soča River.

More (open in a new window)

E6 European Long Distance Path (Ciglar’s Trail)

E6 European Long Distance Path (Ciglar’s Trail)

The Slovenian section of the international trail reveals the beauty of the Pohorje and Posavje hills, as well as the Dinaric Alps all the way to the coastal town of Strunjan.

More (open in a new window)

E7 European Path

E7 European Path

The international long-distance path connects the western and eastern part of Slovenia.

More (open in a new window)

Zasavje Mountain Trail

Zasavje Mountain Trail

The Zasavje long-distance trail takes you on an adventurous journey from the Bizeljsko wine district along the Posavje Hills to the top of Mt Kum.

More (open in a new window)

Koroška Mountain Trail

Koroška Mountain Trail

The Koroška Mountain Trail leads you along the slopes of three valleys, the Mežica, Drava and Mislinja, and connects the ranges of the Karavanke Alps, the Pohorje and Kozjak hills and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.

More (open in a new window)

Via Dinarica

Via Dinarica

The Slovenian section of Via Dinarica is the start of the international long-distance hiking trail connecting the entire Dinaric Alps.

More (open in a new window)

Hikes for all levels

Hiking is extremely popular in Slovenia. The Alpine Association of Slovenia, which is celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2023, is one of the largest non-governmental organisations in Slovenia. In total, there are more than 10,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails in Slovenia. Every hiker is sure to find the right one for them.

Slovenia is a hiker's paradise

Hiking trails criss-cross Slovenia, and you would be hard pressed to find a place where your hiking boots would not come in handy. Slovenia has more than 10,000 kilometres of maintained and marked trails, which is a good reason why you should explore this green country on foot. See for yourself what makes hiking Slovenia's most popular activity.

More on: Slovenia is a hiker's paradise

Slovenia is a hiker's paradise

Slovenia is a hiker's paradise

Hiking trails criss-cross Slovenia, and you would be hard pressed to find a place where your hiking boots would not come in handy. Slovenia has more than 10,000 kilometres of maintained and marked trails, which is a good reason why you should explore this green country on foot. See for yourself what makes hiking Slovenia's most popular activity.

More on: Slovenia is a hiker's paradise

The most beautiful hiking trails

The most beautiful hiking trails

Hiking trails connect you to nature. Every step you take is a new experience. Every breath you take is filled with the freshness and beauty that surrounds you. Every sound in nature is music to your heart. That’s why every path, no matter how challenging, is well worth the effort. Discover the ones that will capture your heart.

More on: The most beautiful hiking trails

Take the time to tackle the long distance trails

Take the time to tackle the long distance trails

Explore the diversity of the Slovenian landscape along the long distance trails that connect various parts of the country. These take you from the mountains to the seacoast, across hills and plains, and past Slovenia’s natural and cultural attractions. Most long distance trails are part of an international network of trails that connect several European countries. The longest trail that runs across Slovenian territory, as well as the oldest European long distance trail, is the Slovenian Alpine Trail. 

More on: Take the time to tackle the long distance trails

Hiking trails along vineyards

Hiking trails along vineyards

A stroll through the vineyards is an unforgettable experience, especially in autumn, when the grapes ripen and the foliage takes on warm shades of orange, yellow and red. Many hiking trails in wine-growing areas are also wine roads, where you can make a stop at wineries and combine hiking with the experience of tasting wine and local delicacies.

More on: Hiking trails along vineyards

Themed trails = the best school in nature

Themed trails = the best school in nature

Slovenia is intertwined with hiking trails that will bring the natural and cultural features of each region closer to you in an interesting way. They reveal interesting stories and special features of the places you visit. Some of the trails are also home to fairy-tale creatures.

More on: Themed trails = the best school in nature

Hiking in Slovenia

How to see Slovenia on foot? Refer to this publication to find detailed descriptions of individual trails around Slovenia and the accommodation selection in particular areas.


Stories from Slovenia

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive a green piece of Slovenia in your inbox, and learn about holidays, seasonal offers, upcoming events and travel options.

Share with friends

ALMA Virtual Traveller
Which part of Slovenia would you like to explore? Reply to Alma