Walking the Slovenian Alps

Marin Popa   -  Traveled, June 2022

an enjoyable walking week in a quiet and green place Various enjoyable hikes in green and beautiful scenery – lakes, gorges, woods, mountain peaks. The base was at Kunstelj Pension, a well-run two-star pension situated in the quiet and picturesque Radovljica. Thoughts on Group Leader The experience was enhanced by the exceptional leadership offered by Buggy & Rock, our two guides. Professionally, they seamlessly adapted each day’s trip to the changes in the weather and to the ability of the group. With good storytelling, they gave noteworthy information about the geography and the history of the places visited, and they were always calm, helpful, relaxed, good-humoured, and friendly. They love what they do and we felt good in their company.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/13/2022

Helen French   -  Traveled, July 2019

Hiking in Beautiful Slovenia-don't miss it. Slovenia is friendly place with unspoilt scenery in the lakes and mountains of the Julian Alps. The group of 15 members of wide age range from UK,USA and Canada gelled really quickly Five days of varied walks including low level at lake Bled and two different mountain ascents to 1800m and 2000m. All at a steady pace and achieved by all the group members. We had hearty soups and delicious strudels at rustic mountain refuges. The base in Radovljica was central family run hotel conveniently located in the old town. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the top of the hill on the Poljuka Plateau with views of Triglav mountain and into Austria. Thoughts on Group Leader Katija and Alaj were a great team both with good sense of humour. Advice for Potential Travellers Do some hiking in your local hills before you do the trip.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/21/2019

Gordon Brown   -  Traveled, May 2019

Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia Brilliant walking holiday (my first with Exodus) with some challenging walks and a group of 15 that got on so well with each other. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the top of BRDA with spectacular views of the Julian Alps Thoughts on Group Leader We had 2 group leaders who were highly professional and experts in their field. Advice for Potential Travellers Put your trust in the walk leaders and you will not go wrong.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/21/2019

Jacky Wilson   -  Traveled, May 2019

Beautiful country Slovenia is beautiful – clean, green, unspoilt, with beautiful lakes, waterfalls and mountains. The hotel is great with excellent evening meals and lovely views.Rooms are spacious with a really good shower and comfortable bed. The staff are very friendly. Radovljica is an excellent base for the week – the old town is pretty with a few decent restaurants, an ice cream shop (!) and regular buses to Bled, Ljubljana etc. Buses are cheap. Most Inspirational Moment Climbing to the viewpoint above Lake Bled and taking in that stunning view. Admiring the thundering waterfalls and flower-filled meadows Thoughts on Group Leader Bugy and Aleš were expert mountain guides and a good laugh. Advice for Potential Travellers A short city break in Ljubljana before the week’s walking starts is highly recommended - say from the Thursday. You’ll be too tired afterwards! Take poles! If you can fit in two pairs, both lightweight shoes and boots with ankle support are useful. Boots are essential. The easy (lake) walks really are easy and the harder (mountain) walks really are hard, harder than other Level 3 holidays I have been on. Three of the walks aren’t great if you’re not good with heights. Suggestions It was quite expensive compared to other holidays as no picnics were provided and only 3 dinners. On all other Exodus holidays, We have had picnics provided. Mountain huts serve soup, or soup, or soup and you’ll pay around €10 for, er, soup - and a drink. I guess the idea is to support the guys running the mountain huts, which is fine, but beware the additional budget needed. I really wish the hardest walk wasn’t planned for the last day on Exodus trips. ! By the last day people are a little tired and may be carrying a few niggling aches and pains. An easier day to wind down would be better.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/22/2019

Karla Bascaran   -  Traveled, August 2018

Slovenia mountain and lakes Very beautiful nice hikes would rather not have rest day trip to short. Most Inspirational Moment Slovenia is a very beautiful country very clean Thoughts on Group Leader Good Advice for Potential Travellers No Suggestions No rest day

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/12/2018

Mary Bambrough   -  Traveled, June 2018

A clean, green, mountainous country. Loved the airy, uncrowded mountain walks with profuse meadow flowers and views of rocky pinnacles. The two lakes were also incredibly picturesque and not spoilt. We enjoyed the family-run accommodation, food and wine as well. The day in Ljubljana was enjoyable (despite pouring rain) but I personally enjoyed the small town with its church, old houses, bee-keeping museum, wine merchant and ice cream parlour just as much. Most Inspirational Moment Suddenly coming upon a fabulous mountain view after a steep walk up through meadows. Thoughts on Group Leader We had two very assured and competent leaders. They knew their patch very well. I felt I was in safe hands at all times whether they were leading walks or driving us, and when they suggested a variation to a walk they were right. They also had a good sense of humour. They worked hard at the various huts, taking our orders and bringing them, to avoid potential language problems. Advice for Potential Travellers The walks are not difficult overall in terms of length and terrain, but do be prepared for some steep gradients from time to time on the mountain days. They are well worth it but require quite a lot of puff! Suggestions We particularly liked the recommended wine-tasting with ham and cheese-board at the local wine merchant.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/27/2018

Peter Norris   -  Traveled, June 2018

Slovenia - yes; Exodus - maybe This was part of a first trip to Slovenia. I’d definitely return. Whether I’d go with Exodus is another matter. The pluses: the base (Radovljica) is a very pleasant town. I’m glad we were there rather than Bled, which is on the cusp of getting over-touristed. The hotel (to which we were transferred three days before the holiday) was good (probably better than the first choice). Generally, I liked the food. Less good: I was a little disappointed with the balance of the walks (though because I was unwell I ducked out of one day that might have been spectacular). Two waterfall walks were pleasant but rather similar to each other. A walk around Lake Bled was taken in the company of hundreds of others. I’d have liked at least one day walking from the hotel rather than driving to somewhere allegedly more spectacular. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing chamois at nearly 2000 metres. Or maybe they were ibex. We asked one of our guides which they were but, rather than taking a dozen steps and looking at them, she asked whether they had long horns. Subsequent research indicates that female ibex and chamois have similar horns..... Thoughts on Group Leader We had two leaders. They led us efficently, sorted out lunchtime bills without fuss, were prompt and personable. They obviously have a great love for Slovenia and nature, but what I found frustrating in retrospect is that they said very little about the flora and landscape we were walking through, and the animals and birds we might see. Possibly this is a language issue, though their English was good (and, of course, far better than anybody's Slovenian). Suggestions We joined the holiday at the end of a week's cycling in Slovenia. We had liaiased with the Exodus office to ensure that we arrived in time for the introductory briefing, which necessitated leaving the Slovenian coast earlier than we might have otherwise. We were told the briefing would be at 7.30. We arrived in the dining room for the briefing at 7.10, to find everyone else seated, waiting for their first course, the briefing over. Not a great way to start, and easily avoidable as we'd been at our hotel since 3 pm. We were asked to be ready for the minibus at 8.30 or 9 each day. Sometimes the activity was finished by 3 pm. I'd have been happy with an earlier start and finish. This didn't seem to be negotiable.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/12/2018

Pauline leeson   -  Traveled, May 2018

A country of mountains, lakes and rivers good walking. great company. we had lovely weather although it does rain a lot. Most Inspirational Moment Swimming in Lake Bled and everyone making it to the top of the mountain on the last day. Priceless! Thoughts on Group Leader Budgie and Alex were excellent. very experienced walkers. gave us all a lot of confidence in their ability to lead the group and keep everyone safe. there were also a lot of laughs. great skill at helping group to gel ad get the best out of everyone regardless of their ability. We also had lessons on the geography, history, politics and culture of Slovenia. immensely enjoyable and very interesting. Advice for Potential Travellers get yourself fit so that you get the most out of the walking. and bring a swimming costume. Suggestions beautiful green country. go there before it is spoilt!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/17/2018

Neil Rank   -  Traveled, May 2018

Another excellent Exodus holiday Slovenia is a lovely country with lovely people – helpful and friendly. I can but pass on the advice given to me which was “go before it gets too popular”. An important factor in making the holiday is the Leaders and the Group. In both instances they were excellent. Walks are well planned and whilst some previous posts have commented re lunching in restaurants rather than a packed lunch, I preferred the former, which, with one exception, are not restaurants but mountain lodges. All helps the local economy. Weather can be changeable but aside from our Lake Bled day, we enjoyed good weather. When it rains, it rains. Most Inspirational Moment Walking along the ridge which marks the Border between Slovenia and Austria. The trip to the capital on the free day is also very enjoyable. Thoughts on Group Leader We had two Bugy (or Boogie Woogie as he is more affectionately known) and Alesh. Both are excellent guides with a great sense of humour. Very attentive and caring. Advice for Potential Travellers Go before the country gets discovered. Be prepared for changeable weather. Suggestions The hotel is good - no frills but clean with friendly staff - but the Wi-Fi can be a bit frustrating as the weather can impact on its reliability. Show less

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/25/2018

Katie Estruch   -  Traveled, October 2015

Lakes and Mountainsee trip This was my first Exodus trip and I loved it! The guides were hilarious, friendly and knowledgeable. The accommodation had amazing views, good food and cheap booze. The walks were all different and had breathtaking views. I never realised how beautiful Slovenia is. I would fully recommend this trip if you like walking, good food and good views. Most Inspirational Moment Swimming in the lakes. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/25/2016

Caroline Convery   -  Traveled, August 2015

Slovenia walking Relaxing and enjoyable walking in Slovenia although would have preferred only one day of walking on the flat around a lake rather than two. Accommodation good but surprised all lunches taken in restaurants and not as a packed lunch. Most Inspirational Moment Ridge walk Meeting my fellow walkers - all lovely people Thoughts on Group Leader very friendly and pleasant

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/23/2015

Paul Gofton   -  Traveled, June 2015

Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia Slovenia is a picturesque country, whose people are warm and friendly. The mountains are not as severe as those of the Western Alps with the lower levels covered with trees so there are less traditional Alpine meadows than I expected. In my opinion this added to the scenery but it did mean having to walk up through woodland trails before getting your reward of the stunning views. Lake Bled must be a highlight of anyones trip to Slovenia but Lake Bohinj is also memorable The Pension we stopped at in Radlovijca has views of the Julian Alps including mount Triglav Slovenia’s highest peak. It is within 5 minutes walk of the old part of the town with many pretty buildings and a number of restaurants. Most Inspirational Moment One of my fellow travellers had cycled from the UK to Slovenia to join his part of his family for this trip. He was then intending to cycle into Eastern Europe and Asia before hopefully reaching Australia in 18 months time. Being invited into a small village church by a local neither of us understanding a word of what the other was saying but me getting the impression he was proud to show me round Thoughts on Group Leader Bugy or leader and Miha were both very good, they loved the outdoors. Both had climbed Triglav which made them a true Slovenian. In terms of the walking they were always looking out and ready to help anyone having difficulty with the walking. They would also suggest and take some of the trip on easier walks when we were in the Mountains. Both seemed to be known by loads of people which helped in bars and restaurants. Advice for Potential Travellers There is a train track close to the accommodation and if your room is in that part of the Pension then this could disturb your sleep but you will soon get used to it and don't let this put you off booking. As for the walks this trip is graded 3 moderate, two of the days walk round stunning lakes but apart from one optional climb the walking of these days is flat and I would grade as 1 or possibly 2 . Of the other 3 days walking one day is through a gorge to some waterfalls with short sections of rocky narrow paths, whilst the remaining two are in the mountains and require a reasonable level of fitness for the up hill paths nothing worse than a day in the Lakeland fells. If you get chance for a barbecue at Lake Bohinj go for it - stacks of food and very cheap Slovenia is a cheap country compared with Western Europe especially for drink, however the food on the last day in the mountain hut is not. Suggestions Ljubliana is worth a visit on the spare day especially the old town and castle. Loved Slovenia it is definitely worth a visit and somewhere I would return to

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/12/2015

Michael Bond   -  Traveled, May 2015

Lakes and Mountains of Slovenia Slovenia has some stunning scenery, the people are very friendly, and the infrastructure is very well developed; an ideal holiday destination with walking at the higher end of the moderate grade, but nothing too extreme. Radovljica, where you will stay, is an ideal location from which to walk in the mountains and on your free day you can hire a bike and walk or ride to Lake Bled, or take the bus or train to the capital, Ljubljana, which is only an hour away and well worth a visit. A cool beer whilst sitting on the hotel terrace after a days walk is extremely civilised and very rewarding. Most Inspirational Moment The views from Golica, on the Austrian border, and Brda, just below mount Triglav, and the day trip to Ljubljana via bus on the way out and train on the way back. Thoughts on Group Leader David and Ales were very experienced leaders and both had a relaxed approach with an ideal (dry) sense of humour. Excellent leaders. Advice for Potential Travellers Walking poles can be useful on the steeper climbs and descents. Suggestions An attractive single track railway runs just down the hill from the hotel and if you have a garden room you may hear the odd goods train at night, but you soon get used to it so don't be put off.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/23/2015

Stephen Woolfson   -  Traveled, May 2015

Lakes and Mountains of Slovenia An excellent week’s Walking and a real History Lesson Most Inspirational Moment The walk up to the Croatian-Austrian Border. We retraced the steps of the 10,000 Refugees who trekked over these mountains in April 1945. Advice for Potential Travellers Before departing I picked up a book called "Slovenia 1945".by John Corsellis. It is about what happened, in Slovenia, during the Second World War. It is a fascinating and harrowing book and describes the events, in the exact area , in which the Trip is based. I found it gripping and a real eye opener as I knew little about the history of area . It is well worth buying or downloading, to read, while on the trip.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/23/2015

Michelle Mancy   -  Traveled, August 2014

Slovenia in September Slovenia was lovely – the people were warm and friendly, the landscape beautiful, the food hearty. Highly recommend a visit to this picturesque country! Most Inspirational Moment Perhaps the walk on the final day. We did not experience any view as the fog was very thick but I loved this steep walk in any case. The fact that it was our final challenge may have had something to do with this .. Thoughts on Group Leader Bugy was - I assume - our group leader. Overall I thought he was very good - a careful guide with good English language skills, a lovely man. I like the fact that he was a local Slovenian. He tended to be overcautious when setting our expectations on walk severity and timings and I would have found it easier if he was more receptive to feedback. On the whole I thought he was great in any case. Felt safe in his care. Advice for Potential Travellers We were slightly disappointed with the weather on this trip. It was quite wet. I still loved it but do make sure you have waterproofs for day long walking in the rain! Definitely take the opportunity to swim in a glacial lake :) Suggestions This is my second walking tour in 2 years and my first with Exodus. I was impressed with the quality and will book with Exodus again. The people on my tour were great and really made the experience very special and memorable.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/27/2014

Anonymous   -  Traveled, August 2012

LAKES & MOUNTAINS OF SLOVENIA The accommodation and food was excellent, the countryside stunningly beautiful, the fellow walkers great company, but I personally found the walks towards the end of the week too challenging for me. Most Inspirational Moment I think the views from the mountain huts were very inspirational, and also the visits to amazingly romantic Lake Bled. Thoughts on Group Leader The group leader was very competent and experienced. He obviously really knew the walks like the back of his hand. Advice for Potential Travellers A lot of the walking was more challenging than I expected, so make sure you've got good fitness, or do regular uphill walking. Suggestions I thought the trip advisor was misleading. It promised us 500m average ascent, with a maximum of 700m.By the third walk we were up to 900m and the next two walks were tougher, so I had to opt out of them. I could manage the 700m we been promised, but 200m higher was too much. Also it told us that we would be walking on well-marked paths with a few loose stones. In actual fact there was a lot of clambering up and down boulders and tree roots.I think if I'd known these things, I wouldn't have chosen this holiday.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/14/2012

Anonymous   -  Traveled, June 2012

LAKES & MOUNTAINS OF SLOVENIA This trip was absolutely fantastic, it gives a chance to mix a walking holiday with seeing such a beautiful and relatively undiscovered part of Europe. Each day is packed with beautiful views, walking can be challenging at times but you are rewarded again and again with the scenery on offer, even the airport had pretty mountains views! For me it was a perfect combination of a group organised walking trip but with some free time mixed in. Most Inspirational Moment Slovenia itself - it really is the most beautiful country! I have been to many stunning countries across the world but Slovenia really surprized me, such beautiful scenery, on my doorstep really, that i knew very little about. My favourite day was when we summited Golica and you walk with one foot in Austria and one foot in Slovenia, such pretty scenery, a little tough at times but i could have sat taking in the views at the top for ever and ever. Saying that though every day was fantastic, we had a great group of people and lots of fun. Even the free day which i choose to spend sunbathing and swimming in Lake Bled, as it was over 30 degrees, which was pretty special too. The trip had everything, great walking, stunning views, some free time and a fantastic bunch of people. Thoughts on Group Leader We had 2 leaders, David and Micah and they were such great guys. Very knowledgeable, with a real love and pride for their country and wicked sense of humour too. They were very good judges of character and took the time to make sure everyone was looked after and really helped to make the trip as good as it was. Advice for Potential Travellers The food portions everywhere are huge - one of our group ordered deep fried cheese for a starter on a night out - and it came with a side serving of chips - for a starter!! Lovely soups and cakes too - good job it was a walking holiday! Suggestions Just that i can't wait to go back to Slovenia - normally i'm already planning my next adventure somewhere new on the flight home but i would love to go back to this country. I wish i'd added a stay in Ljubljana onto the beginning or end of the trip as the people who had or went on the free day loved it, but that just gives me the perfect excuse i need to go back!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/23/2012

Anonymous  -  Traveled, September 2011

LAKES & MOUNTAINS OF SLOVENIA I had a complete blast on this trip, everything about it was fantastic! oh except Slovenia has the largest wasp population in the world! I had been expecting a wet soggy week but the weather was fanstastic, the group was one of the best I’ve travelled with, the pension was lovely, the guides top notch. I have travelled to over 65 countries and never go anywhere twice – I would go to Slovenia again in a heart beat and that for me says it all. Most Inspirational Moment There were so many - the scenery, the food, the wine, the beer, the group, the guides. Everyday I looked forward to getting up and came back laughing! Thoughts on Group Leader We had two guides - both spoke perfect English, had a huge knowledge of the area and made me feel totally safe. They fitted right in and became friends to all of us. Advice for Potential Travellers Do it! I loved this trip and I've been on loads of this type of thing. I can imagine it's a bit miserable if the weather isn't good but then it is mountain terrain and it goes with the territory.This is a really easy trip to do alone. I was supposed to go with a friend but she was taken ill and couldn't come. Slovenia is such an easy place to be in and well worth what little effort it takes to be there. Suggestions Any trip that ends up as a lock in at a local restaurant is OK with me! I would do it again in a heatbeat!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/26/2011