When I walk the lively streets of Ljubljana, with people cheering over mulled wine, celebrating the upcoming New Year and the small festivities that tend to fill this time of year, I feel like I don’t belong. And I don’t even want to belong. I miss the mountains—the paths that always lead to other paths, an endless maze of beauty that ignites passion and feeds the soul. The mighty rock walls, the greenest forests, and the endless shapes and curves of nature are where my heart truly warms.

This past year has been both beautiful and bumpy—one could argue in just the right measure. It’s been an amazing ride with all of you, dear followers and fellow hikers and climbers. I feel beyond grateful for having shared my path with you and for seeing you enjoy it as much as I do. It has been a great pleasure, and I can only humbly thank you for trusting me—trusting us.

Exploring Slovenia has become a team effort rather than a solo journey. While I lead many tours, our wonderful guides—Tim, Jakob, Jure, Maja, Franci, Blaž, Marko, Aljaž, Luka, and Petra—have stepped in countless times. Hearing your positive feedback after each tour truly warmed my heart.

Petra wrote about her climb to Mt. Triglav:

“One of the highlights of my life! I have wanted to climb the mount Triglav for a while but had no idea what I am in for. Because of that and having my son with me, our group decided to have a guide with us. And we couldn’t have asked for a better person than Neja. When we were doubtful she showed us we not only have the strength to climb to the top, but also enjoy the journey. Triglav was on my bucket list for a while and because of Exploring Slovenia, I have successfully checked it out :)”

Petra and her group climbing Mt. Triglav in September

Wenne wrote about their climb to Mt. Triglav

“Exploring Slovenia is a great way to explore the mountains of the Triglav national Park. We thoroughly enjoyed our time climbing Triglav with our guide Jacob! Due to the weather we had to start early and go up to the peak and back down to the hut in one day. We were a little uncertain if we would be able to do it, but Jacob encouraged us to go for it and made sure we reached the Top!”

Wenne and his friend almost at the top of Mt. Triglav

Allyson wrote about her two 3-day treks (From Bohinj to Soča Valley and 7 Triglav Lakes Trek):

“My sister and I joined two tours with Exploring Slovenia, experiencing the incredible Julian Alps, the Soča Valley and the Triglav Lakes. In our first tour, our guide, Neja, lead seven women on challenging and amazing hikes, pushing us gently to step into our own capabilities and limits. For all of the group, the ascents, the mountain foods, the huts, the descents, and the many more opportunities pushed us to discover more about ourselves and to push beyond comfort zones – all done safely and with fully competent guidance. Neja, our fearless leader, shared her enthusiasm and pride of Slovenia and it was contagious to all as we got a taste of the truly beautiful country! The second tour again offered amazing and wonderful experiences. The mountain huts that we experienced were an adventure of their own. If sleeping communally amongst many strangers from all over the world is something you haven’t yet experienced in your life, go into these experiences with open minds – you will do fine! 🙂

‘Exploring Slovenia’ was a wonderful company to work with. Communication was timely and informative and all questions from us, big or small, were addressed with patience and understanding. Our guide was organized, professional (without being standoffish) and prepared and we felt appropriately supported at each step of the way. She shared some great photos of us too which was very special.

This Canadian sister duo would definitely recommend this company and the experiences!”

Allyson, her sister and five other strong women enjoying our June From Bohinj to Soča Valley Trek
Allyson and her sister on our 7 Triglav Lakes Trek

Matt wrote about his private climb to Mala Mojstrovka

“I cannot recommend Exploring Slovenia more highly!! I did the Mala Mojstrovka Via Ferrata tour with Neja. It was my first time doing a via ferrata and I absolutely loved it. The mountain we climbed was really breathtaking and I felt so accomplished when we reached the top. And I felt confident enough with what I learned to go on and do the Triglav summit via ferrata a few days later on my own.”

Matt was all smiles during the climb to Mala Mojstrovka

It has truly been a privilege sharing those moments with you! You have enriched my life and, hopefully, me and other guides of Exploring Slovenia managed to touch yours as well.

Here are a few highlights of the mountain paths that we shared in 2025. Enjoy!

Exploring the Stunning Julian Alps in January
We hiked our Fairytale Hike in Karavanke at sunset in January!
Mt. Snežnik was one big spectacle of nature last February
We did a private tour in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in February
Our March Soča Valley Day Trip stunned us with the turquoise Soča River”
Exploring Slovenia’s Flower Hikes on Golica were simply amazing!
Endless fields of blooming daffodils crowned Mt. Golica in May
Even though we hiked almost 1,000 meters up these mountains, the unanimous verdict on Goli Vrh above Jezersko was: “It’s worth every step.”
I love these guys! Raul, Phil, you two made our 5-day trek truly fun and easy!
Not to mention these amazing women! This group of friends from the UK do a trip together every year and this year they decided to try our Stunning Julian Alps!
These guys came all the way from the UK to Slovenia to celebrate a stag party! We didn’t have the views at the top of Mt. Stol, but we did have beer! 😀
Our bestselling 3-day trek From Bohinj to Soča Valley always displayed beautiful flowers; in June we found the endangered Kranjska Lilija (Eng. Carniolian lily) growing in abundance in certain spots
7 Triglav Lakes Trek in all its glory! This was our first hut to settle in
This is how we started the third day of our 7-day Trekking in Slovenian Mountains and Croatian Islands
The Croatian Islands part of the trek was a true feast for the eyes, especially at sunset!
We had our first marriage proposal at the top of Goli Vrh above Jezersko!
To be honest, Goli Vrh above Jezersko is one of my favorite tours…
… and Jezersko one of my favorite places in Slovenia
We introduced a new 5-day Hut-to-Hut Trek in the Julian Alps this year!
Spending many nights in mountain huts creates great opportunities for photography. This photo was taken on an otherwise cloudy day, when the sun finally came out, almost setting behind the mountains and lighting the first Triglav Lake.
Happy New Year from Exploring Slovenia. Here are a few photos from our 2025 guided tours in the mountains!
We chased sunsets again and again on our Fairytale Hike in Karavanke when the vast larch forests turned golden
The Church of St. Ana barely peeked out of the wavy sea of fog during our December tour of the Southern Rim of the Ljubljana Marshes

I remain guided by one simple belief: the mountains make us happy. And so, for 2026, I wish you adventures that live up to their promise. This is what gives meaning to everything I do, every single day.

Thank you for walking this path with us. Wishing you a wonderful 2026!

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