Slovenian Mountain Trail: a hiking adventure from the Pohorje Hills to the coast

This longest and most popular long-distance hiking trail is one of the oldest in Europe. Discover the beauty of the Alpine and Karst worlds on the trail leading from the Pohorje Hills to the Slovenian coast.

From the Pohorje Hills to the sea across the magnificent Alpine world

When Ivan Šumljak, the father of the concept for the Slovenian Mountain Trail, was thinking about connecting the entire Slovenian Alps more than 70 years ago, he probably didn’t think that it would become so popular. Its majestic views, wonderful nature, interesting sights, friendly people and cosy mountain huts quickly attracted numerous mountaineers who ventured on the 600-kilometre-long adventure it offered.

The trail starts in Maribor, the town that boasts the oldest grapevine in the world and ends in Ankaran on the Adriatic coast. Hikers cross all three Alpine mountain ranges and hills along the way and descend to the coast through the Karst. An experience well worth your time.

Length

616.4 km

Duration

28 days

Overall ascent

37,300 m

Overall descent

37,600 m

Difficulty

various levels of difficulty

Number of checkpoints

28 days of hiking experiences

The Slovenian Mountain Trail is not only made up of kilometres going up and downhill. It’s an experience of rich natural and cultural heritage, history and tradition, an experience of nature and urban vibes. Along the way, you can rest in 49 mountain huts, climb 21 peaks and visit five towns. You can also visit museums and see other sights of interest, enjoy the freshness of streams, rivers and lakes, and take in the scenic vistas of all the corners of Slovenia and even the surrounding areas beyond.

Further details about the trail can be found at Slovenia Outdoor

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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Where to find the best reasons for a stop?

The Slovenian Mountain Trail is also interesting for hikers and mountaineers because they can discover many other things along the way in addition to the hiking experience. Numerous sights can be found for which it’s well worth taking a break from walking. Here are but a few of the interesting sights worth your attention.

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Pohorje

The Pohorje Hills are a world of mighty forests, mysterious bogs, deep ravines, open plains and marvellous views. They are located in the eastern section of the Alps and border the wine-producing hills and the Pannonian plan further to the east. On the Pohorje’s highest peak, Črni Vrh, was born the idea about the formation of the Slovenian Mountain Trail, which became a reality in 1953.

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Kamnik-Savinja Alps

The mountain range of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps embellishes the northern backdrop of the Ljubljana Basin. This is a world of powerful peaks reaching 2,000 metres. Below them can be found vivid glacial valleys that excite with their pristine beauty. Tradition still plays an important role in these parts and the locals are proud of their heritage and customs which they delight in showing to visitors.

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Karavanke

The Karavanke Alps are the longest mountain chain in Slovenia and also one of the longest ridges in Europe. They were named after their typical east-west direction of ridges and valleys that follow each other like a caravan. Karavanke are the perfect choice for short and less demanding ventures into nature, but also for more challenging ascents that take several days.

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Mt Stol

Mt Stol is the highest peak in the Karavanke reaching 2,236 metres. Due to a quite easy access, it’s a popular destination for mountaineers. On the top of the mountain can be found the Prešeren Lodge,...

Mt Golica

A special attraction of this 1,836-metre peak above Jesenice are the meadows of white daffodils or poet’s daffodils which blossom in May and make the meadows look as if covered in snow. The most played...

Tržič

The historic town with a rich craft tradition focusing particularly on the leather industry and shoemaking attracts visitors who seek active experiences, as well as mineral and fossil enthusiasts.

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Julian Alps

The Julian Alps are the most extensive and highest mountain range in Slovenia. They are a true treasure trove of natural sights, as the majority of the area is part of the Triglav National Park. This is a world of green Alpine valleys, majestic peaks over which towers the highest Slovenian mountain, Mt Triglav, crystal waters in high mountain lakes, scenic rivers and a rich cultural and historical heritage.

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Cerkno-Idrija Hills

Discover the astonishing interplay of natural and cultural heritage at the junction of the Alpine and Dinaric worlds. The area is characterised by a diverse geological history represented by the Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark. In addition to the geological heritage, this area also features a rich cultural heritage ranging from the first settlements to the UNESCO world heritage. Towards the south, the hills merge with the Trnovo and the Banjšice plateaus, the latter descending towards the Vipava Valley.

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Idrija Geopark

Idrija Geopark is characterised by its rich soil composition, which was the basis for the development of the mercury mine. Natural features and rich cultural heritage are good reasons to actively explore...

Divje Babe

The Divje Babe Archaeological Park offers unique evidence of the first settlements in the Slovenian Alpine region. Found here was a 50,000-year-old Neanderthal flute that is considered to be the oldest...

Franja Partisan Hospital

The Franja Partisan Hospital operated during the Second World War in the hidden Pasice gorge of the Čerinščica stream, which is difficult to access. As an exceptional symbol of humanity and a unique example...

UNESCO town of Idrija

The UNESCO heritage of the mercury mine, famous Idrija lace and Idrija žlikrofi dumplings labelled a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed are the main features of the historical town of Idrija.

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Karst and the coast

The Karst and coastal area of Slovenia are characterised by stone that has been reshaped by water and man since ancient times. Hikers are fascinated by the mysterious and magical underground world, collapse dolines and amazing architecture that tastefully complements the image of the landscape. The Slovenian Mountain Trail ends on the Ankaran coast with a special underwater reef that represents one of the key areas for the preservation of biodiversity on the Slovenian coast.

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Slovenian Mountain Trail in one hour

Visit the exhibition at the Slovenian Alpine Museum, which opened on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the trail, where you can reminisce about the trail walked or find inspiration to venture on the Slovenian Mountain Trail yourself.

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Welcome to the land of hikers

Slovenians are keen to put on their hiking boots and set out on their way. There are more than 10,000 reasons to venture into nature on foot, as there are exactly 10,000 kilometres of well-maintained and marked trails. Will you join us?

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.

Slovenia is a hiker's paradise

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.

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.

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.

Accommodation for hikers

If you are hiking around Slovenia, you may choose from among 52 specialist accommodations for hikers that offer traditional food adapted to hikers, guided tours and luggage transfer service. This type of accommodation is provided in hotels and campsites with fast and easy access to well-organised hiking trails.

Walk through Slovenia

The Slovenian Mountain Trail will take you through a significant part of Alpine Slovenia and bring you to the coast through the Karst. Along the way, you will learn about various altitude zones, local particularities and tradition, rest in mountain huts and enjoy delicious snacks.

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Alpine Slovenia

Alpine Slovenia, at the heart of the mountains, along lakes and rivers. Visit Triglav National Park, Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora and the Soča Valley.

The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia

Enjoy the warmth of the seaside sun caressing your skin or descend to the mysterious world of underground caves.

Hiking and Mountaineering

Slovenia is a hiking paradise. More than 10,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails.

Mountains and hills

From the green landscape, head to rocky heights, to Slovenian hills and mountains.

Visit Triglav National Park with respect

Triglav National Park will delight you with its picturesque landscapes and unforgettable experiences!

Ferratas and climbing sites in Slovenia

Find climbing challenges and delight in the views on via ferratas, and in Slovenia’s many natural and artificial climbing areas.

Stories from Slovenia

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Slovenian Mountain Trail: a hiking adventure from the Pohorje Hills to the coast