Tag: Hiking

  • 5 Beautiful Short Walks in “Gorenjska”

    5 Beautiful Short Walks in “Gorenjska”

    Leaving Bovec and heading over the mountains to Gorenjska region of Slovenia (Upper Carniola). Here I will lay out some nice, easy walks in that region that I have done in the last years. They can be done in winter, summer or any time of the year. They are beautiful in their own way in each season. And they are also all quite popular in Slovenia, expect crowds on a sunny weekend.

    1. Tamar and Planica Valley

      To start the walk to Tamar, you need to park your car at the sports centre Planica. You can follow the old road or the path, which goes just along the road. Either way it takes less than an hour one way, easy walk. We did around 11 km there and back, less than 200 m height difference.

      When you are there, it is nice to check out the waterfalls Črne vode and Nadiža. They are especially beautiful in spring or after rain.

      Nadiža waterfall
      Source of Nadiža waterfall
      Source of Nadiža waterfall
      Črne vode waterfall
      Črne vode waterfall
      Črne vode waterfall

      2. Koča na Ljubelju

        This hut is located at an old border check, the oldest mountain pass in Europe. The hut is normally open for the weekends. When there is enough snow, it is a popular spot for sledging. Otherwise it is a lovely, hour walk or so one way. Also a nice spot for a full moon walk. There is around 300 m height difference and 4.5 km up and down.

        Photo by A. M.

        3. Mojčin dom na Vitrancu

        This walk can be done from a few starting points. We started from Jasna and it took us around 2 hours up. We went down around the ski slope (it was closed then) to Kranjska Gora. It took us an hour and 15 minutes to get back to the parking lot. The walk was approximately 11 km and around 700 m height difference. The views are superb from the hut.

        On the way up – winter fairytale at the end of November.

        At the hut and the views.

        Photo by Vesna

        On the way down.

        4. Koča v Krnici

        Another beautiful choice for a winter, snowy walk. The walk takes about 2 hours round trip. It covers around 10 km with less than 300 m height difference, starting from Pišnica. There is also a hut, but open only for the weekends and holidays.

        If you go later in the afternoon, maybe you will be lucky to not meet anyone else.

        5. Peričnik Waterfall

        This one I have already mentioned once, but now I am showing you the winter version of it. In winter you leave your car before the ramp and take a one hour walk to the waterfall. There and back, again around 2 hours, 8 km, less than 200 m height difference. The conditions only allowed to go to the lower waterfall.

        On the way to the waterfall.

        The frozen Peričnik waterfall.

        Photo by a nice stranger
        Photo by Aida

        The photos of the same waterfall from springtime, approached from the other side.

        This isn’t a list of must-see places. It’s just a small reminder to myself of walks that work – on slow days, busy days and everything in between. But maybe it sparks an idea for your next walk in Gorenjska.

      1. First Time Hiking in France: A Short Van Trip Adventure

        First Time Hiking in France: A Short Van Trip Adventure

        We went with our MinionVan for a short but sweet trip to the border of France. It was actually a boys’ trip, but I decided to come along as well. And I’m glad I did!

        Our first lunch stop in France already had beautiful views of larches changing the color of their needles.

        But before we went to France, we had another stop in Pontida, Italy. We went for a short bike ride, where we stumbled upon a funny barbecue in front of the church.

        Anyway, the biking was a bit too cross country for me, but fun enough. The trails we did are called Uccellaia 2 and Guendalina Basso.

        Let’s return to France. It was still raining the first day. We checked out some waterfalls in the area of La Grave. We also visited my favorite French shop, E.Leclerc in Briançon.

        The second day the boys did some canyoning, I hiked up to Lac Lauvitel. Lac means lake in French. Beautiful, easy hike – 10 km, 2 hours up, less than 1.5 hours down, 750 m height difference. This was my first proper hiking in France.

        On the way to the lake:

        The views of the lake:

        The next day we were exploring a different part of Le Parc national des Écrins. I went for a nice walk to Cascade de la Pisse, along the Le Veneon river. I did this while waiting for the boys to return.

        The next day, Rick and I went to Les Deux Alpes, Venosc. Since it was a school holiday in France, we were lucky that the trails and chairlifts were open. Also the ticket was super cheap. There was snow on the top and wet further down. Still worth it!

        The views were magical!

        I was in love with this part of the trail! Photo by Rick.

        For the last day I had my morning coffee with the nicest views.

        After that I went for a stroll around La Grave. It was out of season, the town was very quite. All the locals were looking at me funny. The town is quaint though.

        This was it for our short, but magical French adventure!

      2. Jalovec: The Majestic King of the Julian Alps

        Jalovec: The Majestic King of the Julian Alps

        Jalovec (2,645 m) is often called the king of the Julian Alps and it’s easy to see why. Rising sharply above the valleys, its pyramid-shaped peak dominates the skyline. It captures your attention long before you ever set foot on the trail. It’s a mountain that feels powerful and elegant at the same time.

        The routes to the top are demanding and exposed in places, making it a true challenge even for experienced hikers. This isn’t a casual walk; it’s a mountain that asks for respect.

        For many mountain lovers, Jalovec is more than a destination—it’s a symbol of freedom and endurance. It reminds you how small you are, but in the best possible way. Standing beneath it or on its summit has a way of quieting the mind and grounding you in the moment.

        Photos by Rick of me starting the climbing part.

        The glorious view of Jalovški Ozebnik.

        Walking the main ridge just before the top, photos by Rick.

        We made it to the top.

        The King’s crown
        Recap of the activity.

        From the summit, the views are breathtaking. On a clear day, the Julian Alps stretch endlessly in all directions, with Triglav standing proudly nearby. Below, you can spot valleys carved by time. There are alpine meadows and rugged rock faces. These features make this part of Slovenia so special.

        Having the top to ourselves, what a reward.

        Jalovec has always stood out to me — powerful and impossible to ignore. Making it up there was far from easy, humbling and incredibly rewarding. I was proud, tired and completely in awe.

        Now, every time I see Jalovec again — before or after — it feels different. It’s no longer just a mountain in the distance, but a reminder of effort and respect.

      3. Experiencing Ferragosto at the Slovenia-Italy Border

        Experiencing Ferragosto at the Slovenia-Italy Border

        Another adventure in peak summer – 14 and 15 August. It is a famous Italian holiday on the 15th of August – Ferragosto. Since it was Monday and Tuesday, we were off. And my friend was also off, because it is a holiday in Slovenia as well. We decided to hike up Mangart and to visit one canyon in Italy – Rio Malimberg.

        In summer, there is a hop on hop off bus. It takes you from Bovec to Mangart Saddle. More precisely, it goes to the last parking lot just underneath it. So, from there to the top of Mangart took us around 2.5 hours on the “Slovenian” way. Down we went on the “Italian” way in around 2 hours. Both ways are pretty demanding, you have to be careful and have proper gear, also in summer. It is smart to go early, to beat the crowds and hot summer sun. When we were going down, there were crowds going up. Many of them not properly equipped.

        Going up the “Slovenian” way.

        Photo by A. M.
        Photo by A. M.
        Photo by A. M.
        Photo by A. M.

        Getting to the top and the views from Mangart.

        Photo by random hiker
        Photo by A. M.

        The views are superb already from the Mangart Saddle. It is Slovenia’s highest lying road. In summer is crazy busy with cars, motorbikes and bicycles. In winter is fun for sledging or tour skiing. We were just in time for sunrise and it was magnificent.

        Edelweiss flower symbolizes alpinism, rugged beauty and purity. I am always happy when I see one. They are short-lived and only grow in mountainous areas.

        The views on the way down and delicious lunch at the hut. I had “ričet”, which is traditional Slovenian barley and bean stew. In 2025 the hut was not operating anymore, unfortunately. From 2026 probably new caretakers will take over.

        The next day we did a canyon, called Rio Malimberg. It is a short canyon. It took us 2.5 hours car to car. It is beautiful, with clear water and nice rappels.

        Photo by Rick
        Photo by Rick
        Photo by A. M.
        Photo by A. M.
        Photo by Rick

        It is a fun canyon, also appropriate for beginners. And my favorite, it doesn’t have any long walking passages. Great two adventurous days with my people.