Slovenia Mountains: a 7-stop adventure into an unspoiled side of the alps

For whichever adventure you set off on in Slovenia, the best place to start is the country’s capital, Ljubljana. As the largest city in Slovenia, Ljubljana is also a buzzing student city with youthful energy contrasting with historical architecture.

The city is also located in a natural lower depression which means no matter where you are, there’s an astounding view of the Julian alps and its peaks. I know, what a tease! You can find just about anything in Ljubljana for your mountain trip, so be sure to stock up on any supplies and snacks before embarking. In the meantime, take a stroll through the pedestrian-friendly streets, soak in its romantic medieval atmosphere, and enjoy the reasons for Ljubljana donning the crown of Europe’s Green Capital.

Now the key to exploring Slovenia is knowing how easy-to-reach places around the country are from Ljubljana. Driving to the next stop, Kamnik is only 30 minutes away (at 23 kilometres northeast of the capital). Since it’s so close by, it’s an easy blink and you’ll miss it stop since day trippers usually have their sights set on more prominent locations like Lake Bled.

But the thing is, Kamnik is a major getaway into the Kamnik-Savinja alps. For those longing to just unwind in nature, the mountains here beacon. First, explore the medieval centre of Kamnik - it’ll only take half a day, and then drive to Velika Planina. While you’re in and around Kamnik, if you’re interested in doing long-distance hikes of various levels, check out this list by the Slovenian tourism board here.

Velika Planina is like the highlands of Slovenia - where alpine pastures adjoin customary heritage. It’s where a whimsical fantasy world meets reality, a setting that is so fitting for Lord of the Rings yet easily accessible from a 15-minute chairlift.

As one of the few herdsmen villages left in Europe, there are about 60 traditional huts covered in shingles still belonging to the Shepherds of the area.

These huts are where the Shepherds bring their cattle each summer, from the months of June to September, for grazing. Once you’ve finished exploring Velika Planina, go on to Logar Valley and then continue onto the next stop with Lake Bled via driving through Austria to the Slovenian town of Jezersko.

Ginormous in size, Triglav National Park covers about 4% of Slovenia - that’s 880 square kilometres! It’s one of the oldest National Parks in Europe yet surprisingly still quite undiscovered by most travellers and tourism. For any outdoor enthusiast - Triglav National Park is a must, since the mountains of the Julian Alps run through it, spanning the majority of the park.

The surreal tall peaks make for a fitting pairing with the almost mythical-like lakes like Lake Bled that Slovenia is prominent for. Whether you’re taking it easy on one of the many beaches dotting Lake Bohinj, or climbing to the highest peak in the country on Mount Triglav, this national park has a little something for everyone.

Sir Humphry Davy, a renowned English scientist, once said "I know of no greater beauty in Europe!" on the Sava Valley, in this area of Slovenia. Nestled in this valley is Kranjska Gora, a place where outdoor sportsmen can go mountaineering, hiking and really access the alps easily since the town is at its foot.

In the wintertime, Kranjska Gora is known as a top ski centre, while for other seasons, this triple border point (at the crossroads of Italy and Austria) makes for great alpine exploration.

Either way, you can’t go wrong whether you make Kranska Gora a base to get away in this northern region or just a short pitstop to get another slice of the Slovenian alps.

Driving down to the Soča Valley that runs through Slovenia, the first thing that will glisten in your eyes are just how vibrantly emerald the river is. This distinct colour of the Soča river cascades into waterfalls, carved-out canyons, tapering gorges, and Narcissus-like pools.

For someone who gets a thrill and rejuvenation out of the outdoors, the Soča Valley couldn’t be more of a delightful recreational ground set amongst a backdrop of the Julian Alps.

You can make the town of Bovec your base to explore this stop, as many of these memorable nature spots are close by there. Then you can hop on over to Tolmin, which is the largest town in the Soča Valley.

After your exploration of the mountains, perhaps your feet deserve to sit back and relax. Combine your trip with our wine region itinerary or check out our Slovenian beaches blog!

This mountain itinerary progresses naturally into a wine region of Slovenia, where you can taste joy like the local speciality of orange wine, and uncover unique sunset spots to go with your sips. Or, if you just want to swim in the warm waters of the Adriatic, continue driving down to the coastline of Slovenia, where seafood and summer feels like it can last forever.

What are you waiting for? Add onto your Slovenia travels with more spectacular natural sights (and maybe a glass or two of the country’s homegrown wine)!