The Lakes & Julian Alps
About this trip.
Two lakes in the shadow of Triglav
Two lakes give this Slovenian walk its shape — Bled and Bohinj — and the Julian Alps frame almost every view. You'll spend three nights at Kranjska Gora, close to the tri-border with Italy and Austria, before moving south to Ribčev Laz on the shore of Lake Bohinj. The terrain is what the Alps tend to look like before the chairlifts and ski schools take over: meadows, wooded hills, river paths and the occasional gorge, with timber farmhouses and small wooden churches scattered through the valleys. Mount Triglav, Slovenia's highest peak, is a constant background presence.
From Kranjska Gora to Ribčev Laz
The first three nights are at Kranjska Gora, either at Rožle House Apartments or Hotel Miklič. From there you've a choice each day. A gentle 10.5km loop follows the Sava Dolinka — which rises near the village and eventually reaches the Black Sea — through quiet river paths and a narrow gorge, with the option to return by bus from Gozd Martuljek. A longer 17km circuit climbs south through forest to Koča v Krnici, an isolated mountain hut with peaks closing in on all sides. Or a taxi takes you over the border to Italy's twin glacial lakes at Fusine for a 14.5km return through the Upper Sava valley via Rateče, criss-crossing villages on the way back. Day three transfers you up to Rudno Polje, a high meadow used by climbers tackling Triglav, for a 14km walk mostly downhill into the Bohinj valley — around 1,000 metres of descent through panoramic pasture and woodland. The remaining days centre on Lake Bohinj, with Vintgar Gorge among the highlights worked into the week. Daily distances sit at 10-15km, the grade is 2 (moderate), and the ascents and descents are real but unhurried.
What's included and how it's run
This is a self-guided walk, run with GPS-loaded navigation, a route pack, and luggage moved between hotels for you. Seven nights take in one 3-star apartment and two 4-star hotels, with breakfast every day, one dinner and one picnic — the rest of your meals are left open, which suits a region where village inns and mountain huts are the point. Transfers on days three and five are included. Inntravel can arrange flights and connecting transfers on request, or you can travel out by train from London. Departures are any day from 1 May to 15 October, in 2026 and 2027, and prices start at £1,098 per person excluding flights. The trip suits walkers who don't mind regular ascents and descents, prefer three bases to one, and like their Alps with lakes attached.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for walking holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every walking day
- ✓Detailed route notes with maps and GPX files
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches — typically a village picnic or café stop
- ×Some evening meals — depends on the specific itinerary
- ×Alcohol beyond any wine included with set dinners
- ×Optional room or transfer upgrades
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
Other walking holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
