Tie your laces and - on your marks, get set, go!

Why bother running uphill when you can walk, nice and slow, on the level land? Slovenians well know why. How wouldn't we, when our ancestors explored the vibrant natural environment long before it was considered cool. The popularity of trail runs has risen to another level in recent years. Slovenians can boast of not just following global trends, but also of contributing to creating these trends involving active leisure time spent outdoors. We have selected some of the most interesting events that you can mark on the calendar from spring to late autumn.

trailrun_slovenija_ultra trail vipavska dolina

Vipava Valley Ultra Trail: along the peaks around the blooming valley

5 - 7 May 2023

Distances: 11, 15, 30, 60, 110, 170km, hike

Transform into legendary warriors of the Roman era and take on the diverse terrain in the picturesque Vipava Valley. The supreme edition, which starts in Ajdovščina, includes the 170-kilometre Emperor Run with 6,800 metres of ascent and 6,710 metres of descent, for a route which the toughest have 46 hours to complete. It takes the quickest runners around 20 hours to complete the longest route that encircles the gorgeous Vipava Valley. If you’re not up for the toughest challenge, you can choose from shorter routes or venture on a hike and simply enjoy the great outdoors.

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Vipava Valley – a world of flavours and experiences for all days of the year

The Vipava Valley is not for homebodies. It’s an ideal location for those looking for an unforgettable experience at any time of the year. With the warm influence of the Mediterranean climate, it is an excellent venue for outdoor activities, even when people elsewhere are still hiding in the warmth of their homes. Add a colourful palette of rich flavours and indigenous wines to the mix, and you can be sure that you’ll not be bored there.

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Vipava Valley – a world of flavours and experiences for all days of the year

Vipava Valley – a world of flavours and experiences for all days of the year

The Vipava Valley is not for homebodies. It’s an ideal location for those looking for an unforgettable experience at any time of the year. With the warm influence of the Mediterranean climate, it is an excellent venue for outdoor activities, even when people elsewhere are still hiding in the warmth of their homes. Add a colourful palette of rich flavours and indigenous wines to the mix, and you can be sure that you’ll not be bored there.

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trailrun_slovenija_kočevsko outdoor festival
Photo: Marjan Artnak za Zavod Kočevsko

Kočevje Outdoor Festival: do you run faster if there’s a bear on your heels?

2 – 4 June 2023

Distances: 10, 15, 30, 60 km

Slovenia is known for its forests, but the Kočevje region is the record holder: its forests account for 91% of the entire area. Many running trails zigzag under this green canopy for those willing to accept a daring challenge. The Kočevje forests are namely the kingdom of the brown bear, so don’t be surprised if you come cross their paw prints. A bear paw symbol also marks the well-known Rog Hiking Trail, which running trails cross several times. The end of the run is refreshing, as the finish line is at Lake Rudnik.

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Kočevje – forest kingdom of the brown bear

Welcome to the vast forests of Kočevje, where oases where no human has ever set foot still exist. This is home to many plant and animal species, reigned over by the undisputed ruler of the Kočevje forests – the brown bear. Many paths, each providing you with a green shelter and peace, will take you around its kingdom. The forest is full of secrets that await your discovery.

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Kočevje – forest kingdom of the brown bear

Kočevje – forest kingdom of the brown bear

Welcome to the vast forests of Kočevje, where oases where no human has ever set foot still exist. This is home to many plant and animal species, reigned over by the undisputed ruler of the Kočevje forests – the brown bear. Many paths, each providing you with a green shelter and peace, will take you around its kingdom. The forest is full of secrets that await your discovery.

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trailrun_slovenija_podbrdo trail running festival

Podbrdo Trail Running Festival: up and down, and up and down …

16 – 18 June 2023

Distances: 10, 20, 42, 70, 103 km

This running event has a long tradition and this year marks its twenty-second edition. The slopes around the Bača Gorge, among others, were also a challenge to competitors in the world championships. And if you know how narrow a valley the village of Podbrdo is crammed into and what mountains surround it, you won't be surprised that the 103-kilometre run features more than 6,500 metres of ascents and just as many descents. In addition to the toughest course, you can also choose shorter ones that won’t prevent you from enjoying the pristine nature.

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I know that once I find my rhythm, a rhythm that I can keep up for hours and which I have been working on for many years, I not only notice and appreciate this whole paradise around me, but I become a part of it. I can't explain why, but probably the secret is in deep breathing, an increased heart rate and the absence of heavy worries, which you can easily cast aside when running uphill as if you were taking off a sweaty shirt.

An anonymous runner on why he loves mountain runs

trailrun_slovenija_soča outdoor festival

Soča Outdoor Festival: a party for the whole family

30 June - 2 July 2023

Distances: 10, 15, 25, 35, 50 km, MTB, family cycling circle, Parafestival

The Soča Outdoor Festival is about more than just who will be the fastest to cover the picturesque route along the slopes of the Soča River Valley. The location at the confluence of the Soča and Tolminka rivers is fabulous, as are the trails that take runners through mountain pastures and secluded villages on the outskirts of Triglav National Park. Irrespective of which distance you tackle, you’re in for an energising refreshment at the end when crossing the Tolminka River.

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Soča Valley – a paradise for outdoor adventures

The world along this beauteous emerald river is full of adventures that await you – in the steep mountain slope, between wild rapids and narrow gorges. The roar of the WWI Isonzo Front has been replaced by a wild heartbeat during unforgettable, adrenaline-fuelled adventures in the fabulously beautiful mountain scenery. And the sighs of gourmets as they taste heavenly cuisine, spiced up by Michelin stars. A variety of festivals with a unique natural backdrop add their own flavour.

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Soča Valley – a paradise for outdoor adventures

Soča Valley – a paradise for outdoor adventures

The world along this beauteous emerald river is full of adventures that await you – in the steep mountain slope, between wild rapids and narrow gorges. The roar of the WWI Isonzo Front has been replaced by a wild heartbeat during unforgettable, adrenaline-fuelled adventures in the fabulously beautiful mountain scenery. And the sighs of gourmets as they taste heavenly cuisine, spiced up by Michelin stars. A variety of festivals with a unique natural backdrop add their own flavour.

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trailrun_slovenija_k24
Foto: Tomo Jeseničnik

K24: have you ever run in a mine? We didn't think so.

11 – 13 August 2023

Distances: 24, 50, 100 km

The enthusiastic organisers of this legendary run have added another dimension to the breathtaking panoramas of the five peaks (Peca, Olševa, Raduha, Smrekovec and Uršlja Gora) and the freshness of the wild forests in Koroška – dark depths! With as many as 6.5 kilometres of the route going through the abandoned Mežica mine, K24 is a unique running event on a global scale, so it's no wonder that more than 500 competitors come to challenge the terrain in Koroška every year. The time for the "hundred" is limited to 28 hours.

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Koroška – a treasure trove of surprises

One of the most forested Slovenian regions is embraced by the UNESCO Geopark Karawanken, the green Pohorje Hills and the Drava River valley. You will be enchanted by the views from the peaks and the mysterious world below the surface, which you can explore on foot, by bicycle or in kayak. The legendary King Matjaž sleeps under the Peca Mountain, while lonely farms watch over the rounded hills where the rich flavours of Koroška are born.

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Koroška – a treasure trove of surprises

Koroška – a treasure trove of surprises

One of the most forested Slovenian regions is embraced by the UNESCO Geopark Karawanken, the green Pohorje Hills and the Drava River valley. You will be enchanted by the views from the peaks and the mysterious world below the surface, which you can explore on foot, by bicycle or in kayak. The legendary King Matjaž sleeps under the Peca Mountain, while lonely farms watch over the rounded hills where the rich flavours of Koroška are born.

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trailrun_slovenija_triglav trail run

Triglav Trail Run

18 – 20 August 2023

Distances: 12, 26, 44, 78 km

As the highest Slovenian peak and a major symbol of Slovenia, Mt Triglav plays a central role among the Slovenian mountains. That’s why the organisers of the Triglav Trail Run placed it in the centre of the action. Don't worry, you won't have to climb all the way to the top of the highest Slovenian peak, while the routes take you around it and its vicinity, from where you'll have a wonderful view of the "three-headed rock giant". The starting point is at the Slovenian Alpine Museum in Mojstrana, where you can start tackling the distance and cumulative elevation gain of your choosing.

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trailrun_slovenija_julian alps trail run

Julian Alps Trail Run: in the Goldhorn's kingdom

8 – 10 September 2023

Distances: 10, 15, 25, 60, 100, 170km

The event, which is situated in an idyllic environment of Triglav National Park, is one of the most recent in the country, but due to the exceptional location and scenic trails it quickly became one of the 30 elite runs of the UTMB World Series. The longest route will take you from Kobarid round the entire area of the Julian Alps and along the ridge of the western Karavanke to the finish line in Kranjska Gora, whereby you’ll overcome more than 8,000 metres of height difference. The starts of shorter routes are arranged in the charming historical town of Radovljica, the idyllic town of Žirovnica under Mt Stol and the famous mountain ski resort of Kranjska Gora. This experience, which will bring you closer to the gems of the highest Alpine massif in Slovenia, will stay imprinted on your heart forever.

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Julian Alps – the world of the highest Slovenian peaks

The highest mountain range in Slovenia stands tall in the north-western corner of the country. The king of the Julian Alps is the 2,864-metre high Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia, which also has an important symbolic role for Slovenians. In addition to the mighty peaks, the world of the Julian Alps is also adorned by picturesque valleys with iconic lakes and rivers of world renown.

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Julian Alps – the world of the highest Slovenian peaks

Julian Alps – the world of the highest Slovenian peaks

The highest mountain range in Slovenia stands tall in the north-western corner of the country. The king of the Julian Alps is the 2,864-metre high Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia, which also has an important symbolic role for Slovenians. In addition to the mighty peaks, the world of the Julian Alps is also adorned by picturesque valleys with iconic lakes and rivers of world renown.

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What’s the appeal of a running adventure in the heart of the Julian Alps?

The Julian Alps Trail Run has become one of the most popular running adventures in recent years.  The race’s main attraction is the breathtaking natural scenery, which unveils itself as an endless series of priceless natural and cultural treasures. To find out more about what makes this race so attractive, take a look at the special brochure.

Brochure Julian Alps Trail

trailrun_slovenia_obala ultra trail

Obala Ultra Trail: extend the season on the Adriatic coast

3 – 5 November 2023

Distances: 12, 18, 35, 65, 100km

Haven’t had enough of running challenges? OK: those who love to run up hill and down dale all year round can extend the season in the milder climate of the Slovenian coast. And if this is precisely what you love – the coast, choose one of the shorter runs (11, 18, 35 km), as the longer ones lead away from the sea to the hidden corners of romantic, hilly Istria. There is a chance that you’ll fall in love with the hills, return and want to get to know Istria at the pace at which the locals experience it, which is a shade more relaxed than a runner's.

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Slovenian Istria – from the sunny hills to the coast

While the Slovenian coast may not be very long, it features so many pleasant corners and charming places that you can easily fall in love with it. Rising above it are the picturesque hills where the best flavours of Istria bask in the sun.

Koper

This picturesque historical town with its own green surroundings is a bridge between the Karst and the Sub-Mediterranean world.

Koper

Koper

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Izola

Enter the World of Fish and Get in Touch with the Authentic Mediterranean!

Izola

Izola

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Portorož - Piran

The very centre of social events on the coast and one of the most beautiful historical Mediterranean towns, connected by the story of salt.

Portorož - Piran

Portorož - Piran

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Ankaran

A green and healthy starting point to explore Slovenian Istria.

Ankaran

Ankaran

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Are you ready for new running challenges?

Slovenians love to run and every year there are more and more people active in this sport. Running is an exceptional outdoor form of relaxation that has a number of benefits for your overall well-being. Running is also becoming an increasingly popular form of socialising, as many recreational running events do not have only a competitive character, but also a social note as they are accompanied by a number of other events and activities.

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A thousand and one reasons for an active break in Slovenia

With its diversity, Slovenia invites you to enjoy active outdoor experiences, so it will be difficult for you to find an excuse to be lazy. Sport is in our blood, and this also shows in the numerous achievements and medals won by Slovenian athletes in international competitions. Feel the invigorating energy and embark on an active adventure yourself.

Active holidays

Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.

Active holidays

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Slovenia – top hiking destination

Hiking in Slovenia rules! Find out why.

Slovenia – top hiking destination

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Ten reasons to go cycling in Slovenia

Discover why it is worth choosing Slovenia for your cycling holiday.

Ten reasons to go cycling in Slovenia

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Top reasons to visit Slovenia for adrenaline junkies

In need of adrenaline-filled adventures? Choose your favourite!

Top reasons to visit Slovenia for adrenaline junkies

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Water activities

Vacation by rivers, lakes, in thermal spas or at the seaside.

Water activities

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The most beautiful hiking trails

Discover some of the most interesting trails with beautiful views.

The most beautiful hiking trails

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The most beautiful biking trails

Pick an unforgettable cycling experience on some of the most beautiful trails.

The most beautiful biking trails

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Green story of Slovenia

Plan your holidays in green.

Green story of Slovenia

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