Juliana Trail Slovenia - a circular trail around Julian Alps

Juliana trail is a 267-km-long hiking trail around the Julian Alps in Triglav National Park, Slovenia.

The circular long-distance JULIANA TRAIL follows mostly easy paths around Slovenia’s Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps. Juliana Trail takes hikers through a variety of landscapes: valleys and secluded plateaus, over mountain passes and along hidden paths of the rural areas, through more popular tourist places scattered in the valley below the mountain peaks, further along the Soča, Sava, Bača and Tolminka rivers and just briefly along the quiet Italian border-line area...

We created this page as an ultimate guide for the trails and to help tourist choose Juliana Trail guide, map, stages and Juliana Trail accommodation as well as useful GPS track, health and safety info, gear info and other resources.

A majestic view of Triglav mountain, Slovenian highest mountain, pleases hikers along the trails in the valley. Hiking involves cultural heritage as well, learning the ironworks history in Slovenia, admiring the hometowns of great Slovenian writers and poets, getting to know the significance of beekeeping in the valley today and in the past as well as importance of preservation of forests and mountain environment. You will be drinking crystal clear spring water and listening to singing birds and famous Soča river and the beat of the tourist destinations in the valley. You will meet local people living on remote farms, cheese-maker farmes, where premium cheese is produced and you will get to explore the places that wrote history in the First World War, especially remarkable mountain and valley battles around Soča river.

“The Juliana gives conscientious hikers an avenue into remote valleys and villages untouched by tourism, which will also help boost the local economies.”

But most importantly you will enjoy, feel and admire the life experience in the Triglav National Park in beautiful Slovenia. You will learn to respect nature, travel previously unknown places and get to enjoy pristine environment.

Hiking Lake Bohinj stages

Juliana walking trail covers 3 stages in beautiful Lake Bohinj area. As it happens, Juliana walking trail Stage 8 passes by our Boutique Hotel Sunrose 7 welcoming you to a well deserved rest in the Restaurant Bohinj Sunrose 7. You may enjoy excellent coffee, delicious home made desserts, locally sourced snacks, amazing drinks and cocktails.

• Stage 6: Goreljek, Pokljuka – Stara Fužina

The stage 6 of Juliana trail winds through the forests and high pastures of Pokljuka where it gradually descends to Gorjuše, Koprivnik and Jereka in the Upper Bohinj Valley, from where the trail continues through Češnjica, Srednja vas and Studor to Stara Fužina.

Stage 6 is almost entirely within Triglav National Park bounds. Stage 6 starts at Šport Hotel at Pokljuka continuing through Goreljek and crosses many alpine pastures. The trail runs along the Goreljek peat bog, continues over the Spodnji Goreljek Pasture and descends to the villages of Gorjuše and Koprivnik. A nice vista is available along the way called Vodnikov razglednik (Vodnik viewpoint or Vodnik vista point). It is a perfect place to admire the entire Upper Bohinj Valley, Lake Bohinj and the mountains around the lake. Continuing from the Church of St. Margaret (Sv. Marjeta) in Jereka, the trail runs through the villages of Češnjica, Srednja vas and Studor. All these are traditional Bohinj villages with active people in tourism, cheese production and forestry. Every summer, St Martin's Church in Srednja vas hosts the Bohinj Summer Music Festival. The stage finishes in Stara Fužina, which is mostly known for the nearby Mostnica Gorge and the Alpine Dairy Farming Museum. Stara Fužina in Bohinj is also a starting point to climb Triglav and other peaks of the Julian Alps in Bohinj.

• Stage 7: Stara Fužina – Bohinjska Bistrica - Stage 7 for Sunrose 7

One of the more relaxing stages is Stage 7: starting from Stara Fužina to Ribčev Laz along Lake Bohinj on paths and gravel forest roads across the panoramic Dobrava meadows all the way to Bohinjska Bistrica, which is the administrative centre of Bohinj. And as it happens, Stage 7 coincides with Sunrose 7 - boutique Bohinj hotel with longest tradition, wouldn’t you agree?

There is even a dedicated cheese trail in Bohinj that connects several pastures for an inspiring day trip. A typical Bohinj Cow is called Cika. It is also very symbolic of Bohinj. Premium local products (and services) are certified with the Bohinjsko / From Bohinj brand. You can take a cable car to easily climb 1000 metres higher to the Vogel Ski Centre. Vogel offers amazing views of Triglav and other mountains of the Julian Alps. The trail continues along the Lower Bohinj Valley from Ribčev Laz to Bohinjska Bistrica, navigating villages under the Bohinj and Tolmin mountains and across the diverse meadows of Dobrava, with wonderful views of the Triglav National Park mountains. Bohinjska Bistrica is the administrative centre of the valley. Best hotels in Bohinj are located here as well as cafés, restaurants, hospital, shops and more. You are also more than welcome to come by Sunrose 7 for a sip of best coffee and tea, local delicacies and healthy meal before continuing your journey.

• Stage 8: Bohinjska Bistrica – Bača summit – Podbrdo

After previously relaxing stage, Julian hiking trail stage 8 is a bit more demanding. If you haven’t booked a night with us, we strongly suggest stopping by Sunrose 7 Kavarna pod kostanji, popular for the delicious breakfast in Bohinj, which you can enjoy under the chestnut trees on the riverside terrace. You can see the the longest train tunnel in Slovenia that our hotel history is closely tied to (and the hundred-plus-year-old railway running through it). This could also be an easy way to cheat one of the more difficult stages of the trail undercutting the Vrh Bače pass and taking you directly to Podbrdo village on the other side of the Bohinj-Tolmin mountains separating Gorenjska and Primorska.

Vrh Bače saddle has excellent views of Baška grapa, Porezen and other surrounding mountains. There is a nice seating area beside the panoramic hunters lodge, where we recommend to take a short (lunch) break, enjoy fresh air and amazing views. You will see bunkers on each side, which are remains from the time between the great wars. These military taverns, bunkers and other infrastructure around here is a typical example of almost 2.000 km long alpine fortification system Vallo Alpino, which defended the Italian border between both world wars.

Coming from the saddle, the Juliana hiking trail descends to Bača and further to a quiet place called Podbrdo, the largest village in Baška grapa.

Scenic hiking in Slovenia

New long-distance hiking trail in Triglav National Park circumnavigating the Julian Alps and mount Triglav

In general the Juliana Trail actually does not involve climbing to any mountain peak or summit. Instead it takes you around the mountain tops at a distance along the edge of the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park. It takes you places feeling the pulse of life in the Julian Alps and learn about the rich natural and cultural heritage of this magnificent and astonishing alpine world that abounds in biodiversity.

The walking trail is primarily flat, sticking to the river valleys winding between the peaks. A few sections of the trail, however, require a bit more effort and gain a few thousand feet of elevation gain.

We invite you to Slovenia. To enjoy your life. Walking and learning. Considering hiring a guide? Guided & self guided hiking trips we recommend!

If you are asking yourself why, then this might be the short answer… Juliana Trail is your personal pilgrimage to your inner-self, intact nature and the abundance of life, diverse landscape. But most importantly, walking the trail will teach you how full-filling and utterly enjoyable simple life of a hiker can be. Discover new places - wild rivers, waterfalls, forests, flora and fauna, all with meditative powers of its own and experience culinary and cultural treats. Beautiful landscapes that will blow you away! Places in nature we have preserved and protected for all of those, deciding to nurture life and nature. To move away from the rumble of the tourist-packed alpine trails.

Juliana trail will not challenge your ability to conquer mountain peaks. Instead it will challenge you to find yourself and learn to enjoy the benefits of a more simple, uncluttered life.

Discover, learn and experience barely noticeable small natural wonders that can bring about an unusual feeling called happiness.

Juliana Trail Map GPS and Detailed Itinerary

For the purpose of Heritage Boutique Hotel Sunrose 7 guests, starting point of Stage 8 and finish point of Stage 7, are right at our doorstep. Juliana Trail itinerary ideally takes 16 days to complete in its entirety. However, stages can easily be done separetely, on their own. Circumnavigation of the Julian Alps along the trail follows the stages listed below, but starting/finish points can be at any given stage. Regardless of start and finish, It is highly recommended to follow the circle in stages as listed further down, which is clockwise on the Juliana Trail map and in nature. Juliana Trail Map is available below and the Juliana Trail GPS and GPX tracks as well.

The Juliana walking trail varies in difficulty by stages, but is generally rather easy. The trail is safe and mostly easy to navigate as it follows marked paths, forest roads and mountain trails, logically connecting places. Many choose to do it on their own, self-navigating, using Juliana Trail guide app or map. We have embedded interactive map above as well as GPS tracks (GPX, KML) to be dowloaded to your navigation device (see free downloads section below). Please do make sure to also check other resources below for more detailed information.

Mobile app

Juliana Trail mobile app is available for download for iphone or android.

Juliana Trail gear requirements

What gear is needed for Juliana Trail? For most, it comes down to a personal preference. In general, follow the universal guideliness for low- and mid-mountain hiking. Regardless of season, a good, comfortable pair of hiking shoes is required. Though more and more people decide on low, under the ankle shoes for trails, it is worth noting that on longer hikes with potential foul weather days, proper hiking boots with high quality sole are recommended for stability, safety and long-term comfort, as you will be hiking more days in a row.

It is true that Juliana Trail is a multi-day trip, but unlike high-altitude trekking, you will have an abundance of possibilities to stop and have your clothes washed, that is why you only really need little extras. Two pairs of socks are a good idea if you soak a pair, you replace them before the end of the hike to get both washed and dried out. Hiking pants that are comfortable for all day hiking, that block the sun and breath well are a great way to shed weight, as you will have this on most of the days. For the lower altitudes and summer, hiking shorts are way to go. An active moisture wicking base-layer is a good idea. We recommend taking a short sleeved base layer and an additional long sleeved piece for the cooler mornings, sunsets. Long sleeves also help with battling the sun if you prefer not to use sunscreen. Swimsuit is a great idea if you wish to fresh up in Soča river or Kranjska Gora Jasna Lake and of course Lake Bohinj.

Waterproof and breathable jacket is very useful for windy or foul weather days with precipitation. Mid-layer such as fleece or similar is required as temperatures and weather conditions might change rapidly. For the cooler months a light down jacket is smart idea, as well as a headband and hat. A sun cap is advisable, especially during summer months.

Walking poles are a good idea if you suffer knee problems or feel safer and more solidquickly becoming a norm, however, this comes down to a personal preference, really. Some don’t even leave their home without hiking poles, whereas others hate them. It comes down to personal choice, really. And if your are travelling to Jesenice or Ljubljana in the end, some casual clothes for comfortable stroll through the city.

There is no need to bring a tent. Each stage ends in a village or town along the Juliana walking trail, where travelers can sleep.

There are of course more items from the 10 essentials which are recommended:

• Navigation: map, compass, altimeter, GPS device

• Headlamp: plus extra batteries.

• Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen.

• First aid: including foot care

• Knife: plus a gear repair kit.

Safety and Health recommendations

Asking yourself how safe is Juliana Trail in Slovenia? The Juliana hiking trail is absolutely safe for hikers, but certain precautions need to be highlighted. Firstly, you will be hiking in Triglav National Park. Park rules apply, and special care for the environment needs to be taken. The Juliana Trail with all stages becomes a long hiking circle, meaning you need to be used of hiking 4-6 hours daily. Most importantly, you need to know your gear, have comfortable hiking boots and gear you know how to use.

Emergency

In case of emergency you should dial 112. It is an international distress call centre and will redirect calls to the most appropriate first responders. As there are parts with weak mobile phone signal, you might want to hone your survival skills and consider not hiking the Juliana Trail alone. General Hospital in Jesenice is the main hospital in the valley.

How to get to Juliana trailhead?

Bohinj as a starting point for the Juliana Trail is easily accessible via public transportation. Bus and train station stops in Bohinjska Bistrica are mere 100 meters away from Heritage Boutique Hotel Sunrose 7, which is on Stage 7 and stage 8 path.

Buses and trains leave daily from Ljubljana, Kranj, Lesce, Bled and Jesenice. More information on bus schedules and trains schedules and tickets.

Ljubljana (LJU) international airport is just 45-minute drive away. Bus is available as well as airport shuttle. Please contact us to help arrange a taxi or a private shuttle. Should your travel schedule permit longer stay in Ljubljana, you should definitely take a few days to explore Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, as well. We can help you point to the right direction exploring Ljubljana secrets.

Motorway:

• Ljubljana – Jesenice – exit Bled, Bohinj

• Salzburg – Jesenice – Ljubljana – exit Bled, Bohinj

Regional road:

• Bled – Bohinjska Bistrica

• Ljubljana – Škofja Loka – Soriška planina – Bohinjska Bistrica

• Petrovo Brdo – Podbrdo

Parking

Car parks are available in Bohinjska Bistrica. Car par at the railway station is also available in Podbrdo.

All 16 stages of the entire circle around Julian Alps

• stage 1: Kranjska Gora–Mojstrana

• stage 2: Mojstrana–Jesenice (Mojstrana is the place of Slovenian Alpine Museum)

• stage: Jesenice–Begunje

• stage 4: Begunje–Bled

• stage 5: Bled–Goreljek na Pokljuki

• stage 6: Goreljek na Pokljuki–Stara Fužina

• stage 7: Stara Fužina–Bohinjska Bistrica

• stage 8: Bohinjska Bistrica–Podbrdo

• stage 9: Podbrdo–Grahovo ob Bači

• stage 10: Grahovo ob Bači–Most na Soči

• stage 11: Most na Soči–Tolmin

• stage 12: Tolmin–Kobarid

• stage 13: Kobarid–Bovec

• stage 14: Bovec–Log pod Mangartom

• stage 15: Log pod Mangartom–Trbiž/Tarvisio

• stage 16: Trbiž/Tarvisio–Kranjska Gora

Additional resources and free downloads

• Julian Alps, official page

• Bohinj.si tourist center

• Kranjska Gora tourist center

• Kranjska Gora municipality, Kranjska Gora destination site

• Soča Valley tourist center

• Triglav National Park, official page

• GPS track for Juliana Trail (GPX, KML); Map for Juliana Trail;

• Juliana Trail mobile app available for download for iphone or android .

• Weather info by ARSO

• General Trails conditions and huts info, Alpine Association of Slovenia

• Ljubljana Airport

• Jesenice Railway station and Jesenice Bus station

• Mojstrana - Slovenian Alpine Museum

• Mojstrana - Tourist society Mojstrana