Slowing down in the Julian Alps in Slovenia means crisp mountain air and quiet spaces. Discover the best things to do, where to stay, and how to enjoy this breathtaking corner of Europe at a relaxed pace.

Yes – the Julian Alps in Slovenia are even more breathtaking in person than they look in photos!

Emerald lakes, small villages, and mountain views that make you stop mid-sentence just to take it all in.

We spent three days wandering along Lake Bled, driving scenic mountain passes, hiking from hut to hut, and enjoying Slovenian food in quiet little towns that felt worlds away from the tourist crowds.

If you’ve been dreaming of a European getaway with jaw-dropping scenery and a slower pace, the Julian Alps might just steal your heart just like they did ours in June 2025 :).

In a rush?

The Little Details

Maps

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

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How to Get To & Around the Julian Alps

Getting to Slovenia takes a little extra planning, but it’s 100% worth it.

The entire country of Slovenia is about the size of the US state of New Jersey (or half the country of Switzerland)!

And the Julian Alps are less than an hour from the Ljubljana Airport :).

Since our trip started with a Bruce Springsteen concert in Prague with family and friends (see our full itinerary at the bottom of this post!), we flew from Prague to Munich, then on to Ljubljana with Lufthansa Airlines.

There weren’t any direct flights from Prague so keep that in mind if you’re also starting your vacation in a smaller European city.

Bigger cities like Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, London, Brussels, and Paris usually have nonstop flights to Ljubljana, so starting there can make the journey smoother.

Ljubljana (LJU) is the main international airport in Slovenia, but there’s also a smaller one in Maribor (MBX) though it has limited flights.

In order to explore the Julian Alps fully, I’d HIGHLY recommend renting a car.

We used Hertz Rental Car that we easily picked up in the terminal parking garage immediately after landing and went straight to Logar Valley.

We then returned the car back to Ljubljana Airport after our six nights in the countryside before heading into the city for the last 3 nights of our Slovenian exploring :).

Driving in the country of Slovenia (for Americans anyway) is very easy (same side of car and road :)).

If you have Google Maps and a rental car with CarPlay – you will be perfectly fine driving in this country.

I saw on multiple blog posts that an International Drivers License (from AAA) is a requirement but we were NEVER asked for this piece of paper – EVER. So part of me thinks that is a scam that AAA puts out there to get a little extra cash – but don’t hold me to that statement ;0.

However – DO NOT, I REPEAT – DO NOT, pick up your rental car if you will be making Ljubljana the first destination on your trip!!!

ALL of Old Town Ljubljana is a no vehicle zone (i.e. there is no parking in Old Town if you have a rental car). So unless you are staying outside of this area (which I also do not recommend!), a car in the city will be way more hassle than it is worth!

There are day trip tour options that will help you explore the region around Lake Bled and Kranjska Gora, however we honestly enjoyed having our own car to go at our own pace around this stunning Alps region.

Best Time of Year to Visit the Julian Alps

You really can’t go wrong with a late spring through early fall visit to the Julian Alps.

We visited the last week of June, which is usually perfect for warm, sunny days and cooler mountain breezes—but we happened to hit a mild heat wave (even the locals said it wasn’t normal June temps).

Luckily, the higher elevations still offered comfortable temperatures for hiking, and the wildflowers were in full bloom.

Summer is ideal if you want clear trails, long daylight hours, and those gorgeous turquoise rivers, while late September brings fewer crowds and stunning fall colors.

How Many Days You Need in the Julian Alps

Two full days was just the right amount of time for us to soak in the mountains without feeling rushed.

We actually started our time in the Julian Alps with a few hours at Lake Bled on our way to Kranjska Gora in the heart of the Julian Alps, where we stayed for three nights.

That gave us plenty of time to explore the Vrsic Pass with a decent hike and the mountain village while still having slow mornings and those postcard-perfect peaks right outside our window.

Money and Plug Details in Slovenia

In Slovenia, the currency is the Euro (€), and while most places accept credit and debit cards, it’s always handy to carry a small amount of cash for smaller establishments or tips.

It is recommended to use a BANK ATM machine once in the country you are traveling to to withdraw money out of your US (presumably) bank account. This is the least expensive way to handle bank fees and foreign exchange rates.

Be sure you are also using a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees as those can add up!!

Don’t forget to pack a Type C or F plug adapter (these are my favorites) for your electronics.

I won’t travel without this travel extension cord or this portable charger because nothing kills the travel vibe faster than a dead phone and no way to charge it!

Best Place to Stay in the Julian Alps

When we visited the Julian Alps in June 2025, we decided to make Kranjska Gora our home base instead of Lake Bled which seems to be where most visitors to this region stop.

And honestly, I’m so glad we did.

Lake Bled is beautiful, but when I was planning the trip, everything I read made it sound a bit too touristy, crowded, and commercial for my taste… and let’s just say, the research was spot on.

Kranjska Gora, on the other hand, felt peaceful, charming, and so much closer to the mountains we came to see. We could stroll into town for dinner, wake up to views of the peaks right outside our window, and never feel like we were fighting a crowd for the “perfect photo spot.”

Boutique Hotel Milka

We spent three nights at Boutique Hotel Milka in Kranjska Gora in the Garden Suite with our own hot tub and views so gorgeous they didn’t even look real.

Between the mountains, the lake, and that cozy little luxury, it is the perfect spot to unwind after exploring the Julian Alps.

With a focus on natural materials and serene spaces, you cannot go wrong staying in any of the six available rooms in this perfectly located accomodation.

Other Options Near Kranjska Gora

KOTNIK SUPERIOR BOUTIQUE HOTEL – Family-run, warm, and walkable to the town center, plus they’ve got a pizzeria downstairs that will totally ruin your willpower in the best way.

HOTEL LIPA – Super welcoming, great food, and right in the heart of town so you can stroll to shops and cafes without needing the car.

GORA LUXURY APARTMENTS – Modern, stylish, and with the kind of views that will have you sipping your morning coffee in complete awe. Perfect if you love having a little extra space and a kitchen for lazy breakfasts in your pajamas.

HOTEL ŠPIK – Just a short drive from Kranjska Gora, with a spa, wellness center, and postcard-worthy views of the mountains from your balcony.

Best Places to Eat in the Julian Alps

Gostilna Pri Martinu

A local favorite in the heart of Kranjska Gora serving traditional Slovenian fare in a friendly, no-fuss atmosphere.

Lipa

Well-reviewed for a reason—think fresh trout, homemade dumplings, and a lovely terrace for sunny days.

Restaurant Milka

For a splurge-worthy experience, this fine dining spot takes local ingredients and turns them into something truly special, with the kind of presentation that makes you stop and take a photo before digging in.

Postman’s Lodge (Poštarski dom na Vršiču)

A rustic mountain hut with hearty Slovenian dishes, perfect after tackling some trails.

Erjavčeva Koča on Vršič Pass

This mountain hut has jaw-dropping mountain views and the kind of comfort food you dream about after a long day outside. Plus, their strudel is a must.

Top Things to Do in the Julian Alps

When it came to exploring the Julian Alps, we did not make the “Instagram darling” Lake Bled as our home base (as mentioned above) and instead set up camp in the quieter, cozier mountain town of Kranjska Gora.

Don’t get me wrong—Lake Bled is gorgeous (we did stop for about three hours on our way in), but between the crowds, tour buses, and selfie sticks, it just wasn’t the peaceful alpine vibe we were craving.

We found Kranjska Gora gave us exactly what we wanted—fresh mountain air, quiet mornings, and easy access to all the jaw-dropping scenery and outdoor adventures the Julian Alps are famous for.

Thus the list below will reflect how we spent our 2.5 days in this stunning part of Slovenia.

Drive the Vršič Pass

Driving the Vršič Pass is a wild mix of jaw-dropping views and hairpin turns that will have you saying, “Was that the 32nd curve, or the 33rd?”

Don’t miss pulling over at the Russian Chapel, soaking in the views from the top of the pass, and snapping photos of the turquoise Soča River—it’s pure Slovenia magic.

The total length of the road from Bovec to Trento is just shy of 27 miles with 50 tight hairpin turns – some of which are made of cobblestones even.

RUSSIAN CHAPEL

VRŠIČ PASS SUMMIT

SOCA RIVER VIEWPOINT

Hike from Hut to Hut in the Mountains

Upon the advice of an avid hiker at our hotel (Boutique Hotel Milka), we drove the Vršič Pass to Erjavčeva koča where we parked our car and then hiked to the next mountain hut, Postman’s Lodge.

With about a 600 foot elevation gain and a little over a mile one way, this hike is the perfect option to get up in the mountains and away from any crowds you are trying to escape ;0.

We ate lunch at the Postman’s Lodge and relaxed for a bit with the incredible views before heading back down to our car.

Then we continued to drive the rest of the Vršič Pass to check out ALL the views and ended our day back at Erjavčeva koča for their fantastic ričet (Slovenian stew).

Enjoy the Views at Lake Jasna

Lake Jasna is one of those postcard-perfect spots that just makes you stop and say, “Okay… this is gorgeous.”

You’ll want to slow down, breathe in the mountain air, and maybe even snap a selfie with the famous Zlatorog (the bronze mountain goat sculpture) watching over the water.

The walk around the lake is an easy 1.2 miles (about 2 km), so you can take your time, enjoy the crystal-clear water, and still have energy left for a refreshment at one of the little cafes nearby.

Wander the Streets of Kranjska Gora

Wandering the streets of Kranjska Gora feels like stepping right into a postcard, with charming little shops, cozy cafés, and that picture-perfect small church standing right in the middle of town.

Take your time and just soak in the mountain views—this place is pure Alpine magic.

Spend a Few Hours at Lake Bled

On our drive from the Kamnik-Savinja Alps to Kranjska Gora, we stopped at Lake Bled for a few hours.

We stretched our legs with a walk along the shore, soaked in those unreal island-and-castle views, and may or may not have justified a slice of famous Bled cream cake as “road trip fuel.”

Read more about how to spend an afternoon at Lake Bled here.

What to Wear in Slovenia in Summer

Visiting Slovenia in summer provides for the perfect mix of mountain and city adventures, so packing smart makes all the difference.

For our time in the Alps, I wore lightweight hiking dresses and a good pair of trail shoes—nothing fancy, just practical and comfortable for those moderate hikes.

FYI – I also brought along my Camelbak from home (can’t hike without it anymore!).

Once we got to Ljubljana, I switched to easy, breezy dresses that felt great in the warmer temps (we got there right when a heat wave started!!).

Just simple pieces that helped me feel put together without overthinking it.

I always wear my favorite cooling shorties underneath to stay comfy while walking around all day—no chafing, no fuss.

And if you are traveling during summer like we did, bring along this personal fan ~ you just never know when those temps will rise to an uncomfortable level and you don’t want to ruin your trip with heat exhaustion!

Our Slovenia Itinerary Day to Day Overview

DAY 1 | Fly San Diego to Prague on British Airways via London

DAY 2 | Arrive in Prague 5pm | Stay 5 nights at Malostranka Residences

DAY 3 | Prague: Walk around Old Town, Charles Bridge, go up Astronomical Clock tower, Dinner at Letna Beer Garden

DAY 4 | Prague: Early morning walk around Old Town, brunch at Monk, John Lennon Wall, dinner at U Fleků

DAY 5 | Prague: Bruce Springsteen concert with family & friends at Letnany Airport

DAY 6 | Prague: Prague Castle, Brunch at Restaurace Kuchyň, Strahov Monastery, Dinner at Čapadlo Summer Terrace

DAY 7 | Fly Prague to Ljubljana on Lufthansa via Munich | Pick up rental car and drive to Kamnik, Slovenia then Logar Valley | Stay 3 nights at Hotel Plesnik Logarska Dolina

DAY 8 | Logar Valley, Slovenia: Hike the Logarska Dolina Walking Trail to Rinka Waterfall

DAY 9 | Velika Planina | Overnight in Logar Valley (3rd night)

DAY 10 | Drive to Julian Alps with afternoon stop in Lake Bled | Spend 3 nights at Boutique Hotel Milka in Kranjska Gora

DAY 11 | Kranjska Gora: Walk around village, dinner at Gostilna Pri Martinu

DAY 12 | Kranjska Gora: Hike on Vrsic Pass, Lunch at Poštarski dom na Vrsicu Mountain Hut, Dinner at Erjavčeva Mountain Hut

DAY 13 | Drive to Predjama Castle, then to Ljubljana Airport to drop off rental car | Spend 3 nights in Ljubljana at Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel | Dinner at Spajza Restaurant

DAY 14 | Ljubljana: 6am photo shoot with Flytographer afterwards walk around city as it was waking up, funicular to Ljubljana Castle then walk back down to Central Market, dinner at Pop’s Burgers

DAY 15 | Ljubljana: Go inside Franciscan Church of the Annunciation and Museum, drinks at Nebotičnik rooftop cafe, Ljubljana City Museum, Dinner at Breg

DAY 16 | Ljubljana: walk to Metelkova artist district, return to Old Town and go inside Ljubljana Cathedral | 7pm flight from Ljubljana to London on British Airways | Spend 2 nights at Raffles London at the OWO

DAY 17 | London: walk to Borough Market and Queens Walk then walk across Tower Bridge, get drinks at The Ned, dinner at Ship Tavern, attend Just for One Day musical performance at Shaftesbury Theatre

DAY 18 | Fly London to San Diego on British Airways

I hope you found this post helpful for slowing down in the Julian Alps of Slovenia.

The Julian Alps are the kind of place that make you pinch yourself—crystal-clear lakes, storybook villages, and mountains that look like they belong on a postcard.

Whether you’re here for the hiking, the views, or just the peace and quiet, it’s the perfect spot to slow down, breathe deep, and soak in a little slice of European magic.

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Life is short, the world is wide.

I want to make some memories.

~Mamma Mia

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Have a wonderful day my friend! I hope something makes you smile today ;).