Top reasons why Slovenia is a popular hiking destination

Hiking has a special place in Slovenia. Plan your hikes on the country’s extensive network of hiking trails and see for yourself why Slovenians are a nation of hikers, mountaineers and alpinists.

Let’s go hiking!

You will frequently hear among Slovenians that, when the forecast is for a sunny weekend, they want to spend it actively in nature. Slovenians are most certainly one of the most hiking-oriented nations, and the popularity of hiking has intensified in the past few years. Hiking trails are spread throughout the country and it’s quite difficult to find a spot where hiking boots won’t come in handy. Slovenians are a daring nation and do not stop when faced with great challenges, so we’re also among the world’s leading countries in alpinism. And what is it that most tempts hikers to hit the trail?

Safety first

There is a saying in Slovenia, i.e. “The mountains are not crazy, but those who climb them are.” Therefore, it is very important to ensure your own safety when going into the mountains. Use the appropriate equipment, check the weather and snow conditions and choose trails that suit your physical condition. If this is your first time going into the mountains, it’s recommended that you are accompanied by a mountain guide.

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Exceptional natural features

Slovenia itself is a land well worth exploring. Each and every corner reveals amazing details that you can best explore and experience on foot. The mountain peaks command stunning views that make your every effort on the way up well worthwhile. The lower hills also offer amazing perspectives on the countryside, and even wandering through the lowlands from villages to cities has its charm. Many of the trails to the highest peaks are very challenging and only suitable for experienced mountaineers and climbers or those accompanied by mountain guides. But the lower peaks also offer spectacular scenery, and even wandering through the lowlands between villages and towns has its own charm. One of the advantages of hiking in Slovenia is also short distances, because it only takes a couple of minutes to take you from the city bustle to the nearest hiking trail.

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Long and rich tradition

Slovenians have hiking in their genes. Even before organised hiking and mountaineering activities, our ancestors climbed steep slopes for hunting, gathering wood, mining ore and other essential tasks. Founded more than 130 years ago, the Slovenian Mountaineering Association was the precursor of today's Alpine Association of Slovenia, which currently has more than 60,000 members and is considered the largest sports organisation in Slovenia.

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Follow the signs that keep you on the right track

When you go on a hike, follow the markings along the path. This way you won't get lost and you will arrive at your destination safely. The best-known is the Knaflič markings (white dot in a red circle).The markings are drawn on large trees, rocks and other suitable and visible places along the trail. There are also signposts at crossroads that indicate the level of difficulty and the estimated walking time. There are special markings for European and thematic trails, some of which are additionally marked with their logos.

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Kilometres of hiking and mountaineering trails

Slovenia covers an area of more than 20 thousand square kilometres and has almost 10 thousand kilometres of marked trails. The high alpine world and hills cover 70 percent of Slovenian land. The landscape stretches from the coastal region over the karst edge to the moderately high mountain region and high mountain region to a 2,864-metre altitude, which is the height of the peak of Slovenia’s tallest mountain, Triglav. Long distance trails have a special character as most of them are part of international long distance trails which take you to panoramic peaks and through lowlands.

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Via Dinarica Slovenia

Awaiting you on the Slovenian section are picturesque karst plateaus, an astonishing underground world, mysterious intermittent lakes and primeval beech forests that are part of the UNESCO heritage. Total route length in Slovenia: 160 km Duration: 1

European long-distance path E12

Get to know the Slovenian coast in hiking boots! Get a feel for the rhythm of the coastal towns – Ankaran, Koper, Izola, Piran and Portorož – on the nearly 50-kilometre-long trail from Škofije to Sečovlje. Along the way, stop off at the at the Škocja

European long-distance path E6 (Ciglar's Trail)

Cross Slovenia on foot from Pohorje to the Adriatic! On the 350-kilometre-long Slovenian part of the trail, which begins in Radlje ob Dravi, get to know the beauties of the Pohorje and the Posavje hills and discover the secrets of the Dinaric Mountai

European long-distance path E7

The E7 European long distance path connects the Atlantic and the Black Sea and has a total length of 4,330 kilometres. In the Slovenian part of this international footpath, which starts in the Soča Valley, you will cross Slovenia from west to east. Y

Juliana Trail

You can also get to know the wonders of the mountain world "from below". The popular circular Juliana Trail leads along the slopes of the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park all the way to Brda and Nova Gorica. Along the way, you’ll have the op

Walk of Peace

This historical trail leads past the remains of the Soča Front and through the picturesque scenery along the Soča, and then over the Karst and down to the coast. Owing to its mission and its homage to peace, the Walk of Peace is on the tentative list

Slovenian Mountain Trail

The longest long-distance route that runs entirely through Slovenia is the oldest connecting trail in the world, created in 1953. It begins in Maribor, takes you across the plateaus of the Pohorje Hills, the Kamnik and Savinja Alps, the Karavanke Alp

Via Alpina

Explore the Alps and their natural and cultural heritage on the Via Alpina trail. Two of the five trails that connect the eight Alpine countries, measuring 5,000 kilometres, pass through Slovenia. The red trail takes you from the sea across the Karst

Alpe Adria Trail

The Slovenian section of this Edenic walk begins in Kranjska Gora, leads over the Vršič pass and descends into the Soča Valley and all the way to the Adriatic.

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Cosy mountain huts

To make your hiking tours easier, there are many mountain huts located along the major trails. There are 179 mountain huts, bivouacs and shelters in the Slovenian mountains and hills where you can relax and shelter from unpleasant weather conditions. You can enjoy authentic local dishes, especially stews, in many mountain huts. Some even offer sleeping accommodation. Stop at inns along the trails in the lowlands and find specialised hiking accommodation. Currently, there are 52 providers of such accommodation in Slovenia.

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We are all friends in the mountains

One of the unwritten rules of etiquette in the mountains is saying hello, so you’ll find complete strangers greeting you along the trails. The relaxing alpine climate and nature obviously have a beneficial impact on hikers because the atmosphere in this mountainous world is friendly and relaxing. This can be especially felt in the mountain huts, where you will experience warm hospitality and quite often hear cheery songs.

Alpine etiquette

When climbing high mountains or hills, you need to have the appropriate equipment and be in a fit physical condition, consider the weather conditions and also act appropriately. Take a look at some unwritten rules of behaviour that you should consider while visiting our mountains.

Greet and respect other hikers and mountaineers whom you meet along the way, even if you do not know them.

What you bring to the mountain, take back to the valley. Always clean up your waste, take it back with you to the valley and dispose of it in the appropriate waste bins.

Stick to the regulated and marked paths, do not destroy plants, and refrain from making a lot of noise that might disturb the animals in this natural environment.

Walk carefully and be alert for rockfalls. If a rockfall occurs, loudly warn any other hikers beneath you about the danger of falling rocks.

When you encounter hikers at exposed spots, it is polite to find the safest spot to pass, even if it means that you have to take a few steps back.

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Discover the rich history of Slovenian mountaineering

Hiking and mountaineering in Slovenia have a long and rich history. With their unique climbs, top Slovenian alpinists have ascended to the peak of world alpinism in recent decades. This rich mountaineering and alpinist history can be discovered at the Slovenian Alpine Museum in Mojstrana. You can also try to find your way out of a bivouac, take a virtual tour of the highest peaks or even try ziplining from the peak of Mt Triglav – virtually, of course.

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Slovenia and hiking

Hiking has always been in the hearts of Slovenians. The charm of hiking in Slovenia is not only that you get to walk the trail for the first time, but that you’ll want to return to rediscover the joys and surprises nature offers and be inspired to explore further.

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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.

Take the time to tackle the long distance trails

The best experiences along hiking trails

There are numerous hiking trails spread across Slovenia. There’s a trail for every taste. Some offer beautiful experiences of unspoiled nature. Enjoy the natural beauty, the richness of alpine flora and fauna as well as unforgettable views along the trails in Triglav National Park. Search for the hidden treasures of the Kamnik and Savinja Alps and the Karavanke mountain range. Discover the picturesque moderately high mountain area of Pohorje and its features.

Popular peaks only a step from the cities

Slovenia’s cities are only a stone’s throw away from nature.

Discover other trails throughout Slovenia

Although most hikers love going to the mountains, the lower areas of Slovenia also have their charm. These offer less demanding trails that are perfect for family wanders through nature., What will you choose – trails in the shelter of green treetops or vineyards, along picturesque rivers, or amidst the mysterious rocky masterpieces of 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.

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In great hiking company

Although we often go hiking or head out into nature to find peace and relaxation, our steps are much easier when taken in great company. You can attend various hiking festivals and other events in spring and autumn, where it’s possible to take part in authentic local activities, discover the natural and cultural heritage and have a wonderful time.

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There’s nothing better than comfortably resting after reaching the end of the trail

You will find pleasant accommodation in specialised hiking facilities, mostly hotels.

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.9

Kamp Danica

80 Reviews

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.9

Turistična kmetija Lenar

77 Reviews

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Hotel Bohinj

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.3

Smogavc Farm and Guesthouse

21 Reviews

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.8

Hostel Bearlog

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.0

Hostel Pod Voglom

79 Reviews

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Brunarica Hike & Bike

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Hostel Pekarna Maribor

TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.1

Kamp Park Lijak

18 Reviews

Tour the trails

Get away from your everyday cares and return to the embrace of nature. Hiking trails take you over plains and up hills, and everywhere you’ll find a wealth of panoramic views to enjoy. Themed trails will help you to learn something new about the local natural and cultural heritage.

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Mountains

The most beautiful views await you on the tallest peaks.

Highlands

Head to green forests. You can hike on easy trails or you can be challenged by high mountain peaks.

Plains

Take a hiking adventure in the lowlands of Slovenia. Interesting walking, thematic, educational, and mountain trails can be found everywhere.

Hiking with children

Go on a hike with your children. Numerous arranged walking trails and marked mountain trails await you.

Interactive Slovenia Outdoor

Take time to browse through the interactive version of the Slovenia Outdoor. When picking outdoor activities, Slovenia, a country with four distinct seasons is always the right choice. Your favourite form of exercise might sometimes be linked with high mountains, at other times with the seaside, or perhaps with river valleys, or vine-growing hills. Explore the green playground of Europe. Choose your activities for health and wellbeing.

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Top reasons why Slovenia is a popular hiking destination