Short distances, great contrasts, moderately demanding
Slovenia is one of those countries that surprises you from the very first moment. Small in size, but with a variety that means you can have breakfast in the Alps, hike through incredibly beautiful, green valleys and waterfalls in the middle of the day – and catch an espresso by the Adriatic Sea in the evening.
In the midst of this diverse landscape lies Bled. A small town with around 8,000 inhabitants. Known for its mirror-like lake, the island church and the castle that towers over the town. The trip starts here at a leisurely pace – with time to land, stroll along the lake and let the pace slow down.
Because already the next day, the trip goes up in altitude, and the landscape changes character.
The Julian Alps
You move into the Julian Alps, through forest, mountain pastures and open plateaus, and further towards higher and more open mountain terrain. Along the way, you pass areas with clear traces of the First World War, beautiful waterfalls and alpine lakes – before the landscape changes again.
Fun fact
The Soča valley has been the backdrop for several films, including Narnia and Eragon – chosen for the landscape that looks almost unreal, even without movie tricks.
The last few days, the trip descends towards the Soča Valley. Here, you follow the turquoise Soča River through gorges and green valleys, before the trip ends in Bovec – famous both for its mountain landscape and its many activity options.
For many, this is a natural end to the trip, for others the start of a few extra days with rafting, kayaking, Via Ferrata or cycling.