Exploring the Heart of Nature: National Parks of Slovenia and Croatia

Arrival and transfer to the hotel near Ljubljana.

Lake Bled is of glacial origin, located in the Julian Alps at 475 meters above sea level. The lake and the town of the same name, Bled, are the most famous and most visited places in Slovenia. Back in the second half of the 19th century, the town of Bled became a favorite spa and resting place for the European aristocracy, who built beautiful villas by the lake here. One of the most famous villas is the summer residence of the former president of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito. A walk along the emerald lake is a very pleasant experience in all seasons, and you will enjoy the view of the surrounding peaks, the Bled Castle and the only natural island in Slovenia located right on Lake Bled. After a morning walk around Lake Bled, there is a free visit of the city and a free lunch, and the bravest can go to the surrounding peaks, which offer a unique view of the lake and the city. In the early afternoon, we will go up on foot to the mountain lodge on Komna for 2 nights, and the luggage will be transferred to the lodge using the transport cable car. Dinner at the mountain lodge.
Transfer 1h / Walking time 5h 10min / Trail length 13km / Elevation 990m

The Triglav National Park is the only national park in Slovenia. It is named after Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak and national symbol with an altitude of 2864 meters. The national park  is part of the south-eastern Alpine massif. It is one of Europe’s oldest parks with the first protection dating back to 1924. Our hike leads us through the Seven Lakes Valley, the most famous attraction of Triglav National park and which is a 8-km-long alpine glacial valley. During the trek, we will enjoy the magical landscape of huge mountains surrounded by fabulous lakes. The valley shows varied terrain and karst phenomena, interesting flora and fauna, fossils and Alpine animals such as the chamois which will cross your way if you are lucky enough. After the hike, we will return to the mountain lodge for one more night.

Transfer Ø / Walking time 8h / Trail length 20,7km / Elevation 860m

During the morning descent from the mountain lodge towards the parking lot at Lake Bohinj, we will visit the Savica waterfall, the most famous waterfall in Slovenia, 78m high, located in a place resembling an emerald green oasis. Finally, we go to visit the Bled Vintgar, a very attractive canyon near the town of Bled. A wooden walkway passes through the canyon, crossing from one side of the river to the other with bridges in several places. As the path through the Vintgar canyon is one-way, after exiting the canyon there is a return to the parking lot via the wooded path above the canyon. Transfer (2h30) to Gorski kotar in Croatia for 2 nights. Free dinner.

Transfer 3h 15min / Walking time 5h 20min / Trail length 12,5km / Elevation 370m

Risnjak National Park is located in Gorski Kotar, a mountainous area between the capital Zagreb and the northern coast and which belongs to the Dinaric mountains. The base of the park is the massif of Mount Risnjak, with the peak of Veliki Risnjak at 1528 meters, which we will climb and enjoy the beautiful panorama towards the Istrian peninsula and the islands of the northern Adriatic on one side and towards Slovenia and continental Croatia on the other. The Risnjak mountain massif is one of the most beautiful Croatian mountains rich in plant and animal life, and it got its name from the lynx that lives in its forests. The river Kupa, one of the cleanest rivers in Croatia, rises below Risnjak. During the hiking trip, you will enjoy countless natural sights of rare beauty of this protected nature, walking along the paths used by wild animals, and with a little luck, a very mysterious animal, the lynx, will appear. Returnal back to Fužine. Free dinner.

Transfer 1h / Walking time 6h 30min / Trail length 17km / Elevation 940m

The White Rocks (Bijele stijene) is a 4 km long rocky ridge of unique beauty, interspersed with rainforest-type forest and small green valleys. They are protected as a strict nature reserve, of which there are only 2 in Croatia, and our trail Vihoraški put belongs to the most beautiful Croatian hiking trails. During the walk, we will pass various karst phenomena and unique rock formations, of which the top of Bijele stijene (1344 m) is particularly attractive due to its huge vertical sides. A tour of this unique place will delight all lovers of untouched wild nature, and the technical details are an additional challenge for every mountaineer. After the hike, transfer (1h15) to Otočac. Dinner at the hotel.

Transfer 2h / Walking time 6h / Trail length 10km / Elevation 500m

Transfer to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s crown jewel, renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls. Here, the turquoise lakes carved into the limestone rock reflect the soft green vegetation surrounding them. We hike between the lakes and waterfalls, immersed in this uniquely beautiful landscape. The route is designed to make the most of this natural wonder, minimizing exposure to large crowds. A picnic will be enjoyed during the hike. Afterward, we transfer to Krasno for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Transfer 3h / Walking time 6h / Trail length 15,7km / Elevation 750m

Departure transfers to airport/railway station. A possible visit of Zagreb, depending on departure time.