Hut-to-Hut Trek in the Julian Alps

Itinerary

Days 1 | Bled – Julian Alps

We meet in Bled, drive to the alpine plateau of Pokljuka, and begin our five-day trek with a gentle ascent along an enchanting forest trail. While the path offers an occasional glimpse of what lies ahead, the truly mesmerizing views unfold as soon as we break through the treeline—just a short walk from the hut where we’ll enjoy a traditional mountain lunch.

From there, we follow an easy trail toward gorgeous alpine meadows atop a spectacular 2,000-meter peak. After feasting on soul-stirring vistas of Mt. Triglav, Rjavina, and other striking summits of the Julian Alps, we continue our hike along a ridgeline that weaves through an idyllic high-mountain world. We pause at another beautiful peak before descending to a charming mountain hut at around 1,600 meters—our home for the night.

Accommodation: a mountain hut in the Julian Alps. Amenities in the hut: shared and private bedrooms, bathrooms with toilets and sinks, electricity plugs.

Meals: lunch and dinner in the hut.

Stats: 11 km distance, 860 m ascent, 560 m descent.

Day 2 | Julian Alps

We wake to a panorama of green mountains and, after breakfast, head back onto the trail, climbing toward our first summit of the day. From the meadows just below the ridge, we take in clear views of Mt. Triglav rising across the alpine valley that cuts between the surrounding peaks. We continue across inviting green slopes to our second summit, the 2,000-meter Mt. Viševnik, before descending through valleys and over mountain passes toward our next hut—a well-equipped alpine shelter with private rooms and a hot shower.

Accommodation: a mountain hut in the Julian Alps. Amenities in the hut: shared and private bedrooms, bathrooms with toilets and sinks, hot shower (10 Eur), potable water in front of the hut, electricity plugs.

Meals: breakfast and dinner in the hut, packed lunch on the trail.

Stats: 11 km distance, 830 m ascent, 650 m descent.

Days 3 | Julian Alps

We kick off the day by descending into a beautiful alpine valley where cows graze in summer and shepherds offer delicious dairy products like sour milk and cheese. We follow the lush valley floor, with mountains rising above us like a cathedral of towering rock walls. Gradually, the trail leads us into the rocky high country of the Julian Alps, where hiking across this stark landscape feels almost otherworldly—like walking on Mars.

Huge boulders lie scattered across the limestone slopes, dotted with crevices and pockets, and with a bit of luck we may spot ibex picking at sparse patches of greenery on the scree below the cliffs. In the afternoon, we reach the Triglav Lakes Valley and settle into an idyllic mountain hut near the lakes, which often puts on dramatic displays at sunset and sunrise.

Accommodation: a mountain hut in the Julian Alps. Amenities in the hut: shared bedrooms, toilet, non-potable water for washing in front of the hut, potable water 10 minutes from the hut, electricity plugs.

Meals: all meals in the huts.

Stats: 9 km distance, 750 m ascent, 530 m descent.

Day 4 | Julian Alps

Today’s hike leads us through the picturesque Triglav Lakes Valley, where we’ll visit six of the seven lakes and immerse ourselves in what is likely the most stunning alpine valley in Slovenia. We’ll make photo stops at each lake and take our time to capture memories of these remarkable places.

The trail gradually descends from the grey, rocky terrain of the high Julian Alps back into the lush green mountains. Along the way, we stop at a small alpine shelter—one of the few remaining traditional wooden mountain huts in the area—where we can enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of apple strudel. From there, we continue down to a peaceful alpine meadow with grazing cows, where we’ll spend our final night in a cozy hut beside a lake.

Accommodation: a mountain hut in the Julian Alps. Amenities in the hut: shared and private bedrooms, bathrooms with toilets and sinks, potable water in front of the hut, electricity plugs.

Meals: all meals in the huts.

Stats: 13 km distance, 280 m ascent, 880 m descent.

Days 5| Julian Alps - Bohinj - Bled

Our final day won’t be any easier than the previous ones, as we hike more than 13 km and descend around 1,300 meters down to the Bohinj Valley. Along the way, we visit two charming alpine villages with views of the surrounding peaks and follow a beautiful gorge carved by the Mostnica River. If time allows, we can make a stop at Lake Bohinj for a refreshing dip before driving back to Bled to say our final goodbyes.

Meals: breakfast and lunch in the huts.

Stats: 13.5 km distance, 420 m ascent, 1300 m descent.