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Explore the world of the Julian Alps on your own

The Julian Alps are made up not only of soaring peaks, but also magnificent waterfalls, clear rivers, green valleys, and interesting towns and villages. Learn about life in the shelter of the mighty mountain peaks and hit the circular long-distance hiking trail around the Julian Alps.

Views from a different perspective

To experience stunning views, one would usually head to the mountains to climb some summits, but there is also another way – hiking instead through the valleys, which offer amazing views of the Alpine world. If you are still in doubt, lace up your hiking boots and hit the circular long-distance Juliana Trail. The trail will take you through green forests and blooming meadows, along crystal-clear rivers, and past historical towns and picturesque Alpine villages that are perhaps as yet unknown to you. Seize the opportunity to genuinely interact with the locals and learn about the life, traditions and culture below the mighty peaks of the Julian Alps.

Juliana Trail – a walk around the Kingdom of the Goldenhorn

The Juliana Trail, a 270 km-long circular long-distance trail, offers an exciting opportunity to explore the area at the doorway to the Julian Alps, leading you under the high peaks and inviting you to explore them. The trail is divided into 16 sections, with each of them roughly 17.5 km in length. The sections are designed so that, at the completion of each, hikers can take a break and regain their strength to continue their journey. For those who are not satisfied with the basic circular route, the Juliana Trail has additional four approach trails from Goriška Brda and additional three to Breginjski Kot. Although the trail covers a total of about 10,000 metres of altitude difference, it is mostly flat in the majority of its sections, which makes it great for family outings.

 

On your hiking journey, you will meet people who live below the Julian Alps, in harmony with them, and learn about places in this area, accompanied by impressive views of Mt. Triglav, the highest Slovenian mountain. Don't miss the cultural attractions dotted all along the circular route, from museums and galleries to castles and old towns. The trail will also take you to the edges of Triglav National Park, where you will be able to take a deep breath and relax your thoughts in the pristine natural surroundings.

 

And you need not worry about getting lost, as the trail is well marked. The interactive map on the Julian Alps website will also help you and you can download the Juliana Trail mobile app.

Interactive trail mapMore information on the trail

Total length
270 km + 102 km*
Total height difference in ascent
10,000 m
Number of stages
16 + 7*
Average stage length
17.5 km (4–5 h)

*four approach trails from Goriška Brda and additional three to Breginjski Kot

The ABCs of the Julian Alps

Would you like to learn more about the beautiful mountain world of the Julian Alps? Discover and explore the natural beauty and the picturesque places, rich in cultural heritage and outstanding natural features. Thanks to its natural and cultural diversity and the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, the area of the Julian Alps is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in the MAB Programme.

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Respect the natural environment of Triglav National Park

Almost the entire area of the Julian Alps lies within Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s largest protected area and only national park. When visiting Triglav National Park, always respect the unspoilt natural environment and cultural heritage, which reflect the connection and harmony between the local people and their surroundings. You will be rewarded with unforgettable views, the serenity of the mountains, the pleasant coolness of the crystal-clear rivers and lush green forests and mountain meadows.

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The must see stops along the trail

The Juliana Trail offers many attractions along the way.

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Juliana Botanical Garden

Learn about the alpine flora of the valley! Visit the Juliana Botanical Garden in the picturesque Trenta Valley with around 600 plant species from the Alpine and sub-Mediterranean world.

Slovenian Alpine Museum

Learn about Slovenian alpine and mountaineering history in a fun and interactive way. Visit the Slovenian Alpine Museum in Mojstrana, where you can enjoy attractive virtual mountain experiences or try to solve mountain riddles and escape from a bivou

Kluže Fortress

The Kluže Fortress overlooking the Koritnica gorge has changed in significance throughout the centuries – from a defence site against the Turkish and Napoleonic invasions to a proper fortress during World War I. Today the Kluže Fortress is also promo

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.

Zelenci

Near the village of Podkoren, there lies the Zelenci Nature Reserve, a little lake with numerous springs and its signature blue-green colour that pours forth from porous chalk that can be found on the lake bed.

Peričnik Waterfall

The Peričnik Waterfall located on the way to the valley of Vrata is 52 m high, which makes it one of the highest Slovenian waterfalls.

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.

Museum of Apiculture

The museum represents the wealth of the Slovenian beekeeping with the largest exhibited collection of traditional painted beehive panels.

Old Town Centre of Radovljica

A charming medieval town with picturesque houses and a glorious mansion is one of the most beautiful town centres in Slovenia. This is where the only preserved defence moat in Slovenia is located.

Savica Waterfall

The unique 78 m high waterfall is divided into two parts fed by the water from two underground lakes. At heavy rainfall it even exceeds the height of 600 metres if waterfall areas are included. 

Lake Bohinj

The largest Slovenian permanent lake of glacial origin. It is recognisable by the Church of St John the Baptist situated at the southwest coast of the lake.

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.

Kozjak Waterfall

The Kozjak waterfall is considered the most picturesque waterfall in Slovenia.

Bled Castle

According to written sources from 1011, the oldest castle in Slovenia rises over Lake Bled.

Bled Island

On the island in the middle of the lake an ancient pagan temple used to stand and it is the location of today’s Church of the Mother of God.

Explore the Julian Alps with your taste buds

After completing several kilometres of the trail, your stomach will start to rumble. Treat it to something delicious and local. Try some of the typical dishes from the towns and villages around the Julian Alps.

Rateški krapi are a culinary delight from Rateče. This potato dough dish with curd cheese filling is available only at a few restaurants in the Upper Sava Valley.

The villages below Mt Stol and the town of Radovljica have a rich tradition of beekeeping. Treat yourself to their honey delights.

When visiting Bled, grab a slice of the famous Bled Cream Cake, a culinary treat made from puff pastry, fluffy custard and cream.

Bohinj is famous for its cheese. Try the Mohant cheese, a cheese with a distinctive smell and flavour that bears the European Designation of Origin.

Kobariški štrukelj is a pastry with a signature. Every housewife from Kobarid prepares hers in a slightly different way and "signs" it with her fingerprint in the middle of the dumpling.

Treat yourself to the Soča Valley's unique cheeses bearing the protected designation of origin. Try the Tolminc cheese made from cow's milk and the Bovec cheese made from mostly sheep's milk.

A time to take a break?

After you have achieved your daily target of kilometres, find appropriate accommodation to rest and regain strength. Below are some tips for overnight accommodation that you might find helpful.

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.9

Kronau Chalet Resort

113 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.9

Kamp Danica

80 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.9

Turistična kmetija Kranjc

106 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Hotel Milka

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.9

Penzion Kaps

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.7

Vila Podvin

219 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Hiša Franko

544 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.7

Old Bled House

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Rustic house 13

41 Reviews (open in a new window)
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Explore other trails in the Julian Alps

The picturesque world of the Julian Alps is criss-crossed by countless well-maintained trails. This area is also crossed by some other long-distance trails. Put them on your list of hiking trails and create unforgettable hiking memories.

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Reasons to add the Julian Alps Trail Run to your list

Take a look at the brochure, which features the best pictures of one of Slovenia's most popular running adventures, and see why it is worth your while.

Brochure Julian Alps Trail

Share your way of experiencing Juliana Trail

Capture the most majestic moments on Juliana Trail and share your photos and videos with the hashtags #ifeelsLOVEnia and #myway.

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