Hiking Slovenia’s Juliana Trail: Lake Bled to Lake Bohinj
The Juliana Trail is a 16-stage hiking route encircling Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak, offering spectacular views of the Slovenian Alps. You can take on individual stages or complete the entire trail over two weeks. Here’s a detailed guide to Stages 5, 6, and 7, which offer a perfect mix of challenging climbs, serene alpine villages, and stunning lake views.
Stage 5: Lake Bled to Goreljek
- Distance: 21 km
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
Stage 5 starts at Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s most iconic landmarks, and ends in Goreljek, a woodland area in the Triglav National Park. This stage is considered one of the most challenging, as it features steep climbs, particularly through the Pokljuška Soteska Gorge, a scenic but strenuous section.
Stage 5 Key Highlights
Lake Bled: Begin your journey along the picturesque path circling the lake before ascending toward the green hills surrounding it.
Pokljuška Soteska Gorge: A very cool section but be prepared for a tough climb, with some areas bordering on scrambling.
Stage 5 Practical Tips
Supplies: There are no water taps or food stops after leaving Bled. The last shop is a supermarket at Zgornje Gorje. Be sure to carry enough food and water for the day.
Weather: Avoid this stage on rainy days as the rocky terrain can become slippery and dangerous.
Where to Stay: There are two hotels in Goreljek, with Hotel Jelka Pokljuka being a popular choice for hikers. It’s a well appointed hotel rustic wood decor and roaring open fires. Reserve in advance, especially in the peak season. This hotel does have a restaurant, but check that it’s open as there may be no other place to buy food.
Stage 6: Goreljek to Lake Bohinj
- Distance: 21 km
- Duration: 6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Stage 6 is a stunning hike that takes you from the pine forests of Goreljek down to Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s most glorious lake. This stage involves a long descent, passing through picturesque alpine villages and cow pastures.
Stage 6 Key Highlights
Alpine Villages: Traditional Slovenian villages with small churches and grazing cows offer perfect spots to take a breather.
Lake Bohinj: The highlight of this stage, Bohinj is a peaceful lake surrounded by mountains, ideal for relaxing after the hike. Lake Bohinj deserves at least a full day to explore, so consider taking a break from the trail and spending an extra day here. You can hike around the lake or swim in its crystal-clear waters.
Stage 6 Practical Tips
Refill Water: This stage has plenty of water taps along the way, so you don’t need to carry as much as in Stage 5.
Lunch: There aren’t any cafés or shops until you reach the villages near the end of the trail. Consider packing a lunch from your accommodation.
Where to Stay: Hotel Majer’ca is a boutique hotel with stunning mountain views and a Michelin award restaurant. Reservations are a must, especially for dining.
Stage 7: Lake Bohinj to Bohinjska Bistrica
- Distance: 12 km
- Duration: 3-3.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Stage 7 is a shorter, more relaxed hike, taking you from Lake Bohinj through beautiful green pastures and ending at the town of Bohinjska Bistrica. This stage is one of the most scenic parts of the entire Juliana Trail, offering classic Alpine landscapes.
Stage 7 Key Highlights
Alpine Pastures: Rolling green hills with traditional alpine houses and a few villages scattered along the way. This stage is relatively flat, making it accessible for most hikers, though there are a few minor climbs.
Bohinjska Bistrica: The charming small town at the end of this stage is surrounded by mountains and has a cosy café, Gostilnica Štrudl, where you can enjoy local specialties like their apple, walnut and cheese strudel.
Stage 7 Practical Tips
Bus Connections: If you’re looking to return to Bled, there’s a convenient half-hour bus ride from Bohinjska Bistrica. Keep in mind that buses are cash-only.
Where to Stay: Consider staying at Sunrose 7, a boutique hotel known for its relaxing ambiance. Alternatively, it’s easy to catch a bus back to Bled. The bus ride is about 30 minutes.
Additional Juliana Trail Tips
Juliana Trail Map: The Julian Alps website has a map of the full Juliana Trail loop. We used this map as a starting point to understand the different stages of the trail. We decided on Stages 5, 6 and 7 because these were the most accessible segments of the trail from Lake Bled.
Navigation: We used the Komoot app for our daily navigation on the trail. The trial is mostly well-marked, particularly in Stage 7.
Travel Backwards: You can do these sections the opposite way round. We actually did hike this backwards, starting in Bohinjska Bistrica and ending at Lake Bled. Our only reason for doing this was availability of accommodation. The backward route has the added benefit of turning the challenging Stage 5 ascent into a descent instead.
Luggage Storage: We stored our luggage at Natour Bled, a travel agent in Lake Bled, for €5 per bag per day.
Accommodation: Book hotels ahead of time during peak season. Most places offer packed lunches for hikers.
Weather Considerations: Always check the weather, particularly for Stage 5, as the rocky paths can be treacherous in wet conditions. We hiked during September and conditions were mostly good with some infrequent light rain.
Supplies: Carry cash for buses and supplies, and pack sufficient food and water for the longer stages without amenities.
Gear: We recommend carrying a water-resistant backpack and using a CamelBak for water. Pack layers for the cooler evenings, especially at the higher altitude in Goreljek. Ensure you have comfortable and waterproof hiking boots.
Exploring stages 5, 6, and 7 of the Juliana Trail is an incredible experience, offering a mix of rugged Alpine adventure and serene lakeside beauty. Make sure to plan ahead and take your time to enjoy the peaceful, unspoiled landscapes of Slovenia!
