- Distance
- 296 km cycling / 48 km hiking
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Elevation
- 5,620 m cycling / 1,360 m hiking
- Season
- May – October
- Level
- Moderate to challenging
- Type
- Self-guided multi-activity (hiking & biking)
- CO₂ / person
- 126 kg
Hike and Bike Around the Julian Alps
This 8-day self-guided multi-activity journey connects the most iconic landscapes of the Julian Alps on two wheels and on foot. Instead of choosing between a cycling holiday and a hiking trip, you experience the region from both perspectives.
You cycle through peaceful alpine valleys, pedal up to Slovenia’s highest road pass at Vrsic, and descend into the emerald valley of the Soca River. Between cycling stages, you lace up your boots for hand-picked day hikes, including a scenic mountain trail to the triple border of Slovenia, Austria, and Italy, and a peaceful walk along the turquoise pools and gorges of the Soca.
Every stage is planned by local guides Grega and Maja, who live and ride in Bohinj year-round. You receive detailed digital navigation tracks, route briefings, pre-booked local accommodations with breakfast, daily luggage transfers, and 24/7 on-call local support. All you need to do is ride, hike, and enjoy the alpine scenery.
Why choose this Hike and Bike loop:
- Complete loop around the Julian Alps starting and finishing in Bohinj
- Perfect rhythm alternating between cycling stages and mountain hikes
- Ride over Vrsic Pass (1,611 m) and explore Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, and the Soca Valley
- Hike to the unique border point where Slovenia, Italy, and Austria meet
- Daily luggage transfers included so you travel light every single day
- Designed and supported personally by certified local guides based in Bohinj
Itinerary
Day by day
-
Day 1
Arrival in Bohinj & Warm-Up Alpine Cycling Stage
Welcome briefing with your local guide team in Bohinj. Receive your route pack, rental bikes (if booked), and GPS tracks. Start with a scenic ride connecting Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled via quiet side roads and tranquil glacial valleys.
Cycling: 80 km – Elevation gain: +1,160 m
-
Day 2
Hiking in the Heart of the Julian Alps
Leave the bike behind for your first dedicated hiking day. Explore pristine forest trails, deep river gorges, and open pastures beneath high limestone peaks with sweeping views of the central Julian Alps.
Hiking: 15 km – Elevation gain: +310 m
-
Day 3
Cycling Between Alpine Valleys to Kranjska Gora
Pedal through dense spruce forests and traditional alpine villages toward the northern edge of the national park, following river valleys toward the mountain hub of Kranjska Gora.
Cycling: 65 km – Elevation gain: +1,360 m
-
Day 4
Panoramic Mountain Hike to Three Countries
A standout day hike ascending alpine pastures to the summit ridge where three nations meet. Enjoy 360-degree panoramas across the Julian Alps, Austrian Carinthia, and the Italian Carnic Alps.
Hiking: 23 km -Elevation gain: +800 m
-
Day 5
Cycling Over Vrsic Pass into the Soca Valley
An epic cycling stage over Slovenia's highest alpine pass, tackling historic cobblestone hairpins before an exhilarating descent to the turquoise spring of the Soca River.
Cycling: 70 km – Elevation gain: +1,330 m
-
Day 6
Hiking Along the Emerald Soca River
A scenic hiking day focused on crystal-clear alpine waters. Cross wooden suspension bridges over the river, walk through the historic Kobarid area, and visit the hidden Kozjak waterfall. Afternoon offers time for optional rafting or the Kobarid Museum.
Hiking: 10 km | Elevation gain: +250 m
-
Day 7
Closing the Loop Back to Bohinj Valley
A gentle morning ride along the river followed by a climb over the mountain ridge back into the Bohinj basin. A historic railway tunnel option is available to shorten the climb if you prefer a lighter final day.
Cycling: 81 km | Elevation gain: +1,770 m
*optional train ride to avoid the big climb
-
Day 8
Departure from Bohinj
Enjoy breakfast by Lake Bohinj. Tour concludes after breakfast, with options to extend your stay or continue exploring Slovenia
Navigation
Proven app, effortless navigation
Self-guided with full local backup. Before you head out, we provide a thorough welcome briefing, review the daily stages, and check your bike setup.
You navigate using accurate GPX tracks compatible with your smartphone, Garmin, or Wahoo device, supported by written stage notes and local recommendations for lunch stops and viewpoints. While you are on the trail, we are based right here in the Julian Alps and available via phone or messaging for any questions, weather updates, or on-route assistance.
Start and finish: Lake Bohinj
What's included
Included, optional, not included
Included
- 7 nights in hand-picked, cyclist-friendly hotels or guesthouses
- 7 hearty alpine breakfasts
- Daily luggage transfer between accommodations
- Welcome meeting, route briefing
- Detailed GPX tracks and daily digital route notes
- 24/7 on-call emergency and logistical phone support from local Bohinj team
Optional
- High-quality gravel bike or e-bike rental with helmet, repair kit
- Bikepacking saddle and frame bags
- Extra nights in Bohinj, Bled, or Ljubljana
- Private transfer from Ljubljana or regional airports (Venice, Klagenfurt, Zagreb)
- Certified local guide for specific hiking or cycling days
Not included
- Travel to and from Slovenia
- Lunches, dinners, and drinks
- Travel and medical insurance
- Entrance fees to optional sights and activities (museums, rafting)
Where you sleep: We skip anonymous chain hotels. You’ll stay in charming, family-run alpine guesthouses and other carefully selected, outdoor-friendly hotels where we know the owners by name. Expect hearty local breakfasts, secure bike storage and a warm welcome. Exact places depend on availability and are confirmed at booking.
How booking works
From inquiry to first pedal stroke
- 1Send your datesTell us your preferred dates, group size, and bike preference.
- 2Get availabilityFinal price within 24 hours.
- 3ConfirmSecure your trip with a deposit.
- 4You are good to goDigital Guide & GPS before you arrive.
Is this tour right for me?
Who is this tour for
This tour is designed for active travelers who enjoy a mix of physical challenge and natural variety.
Fitness and Cycling: The cycling stages cover between 65 km and 81 km per day with substantial elevation gain, including the mountain pass at Vrsic (+1,330 m). A good base of cycling fitness is essential on a regular gravel bike. Touring e-bikes make the climbs very manageable and are a popular option for couples or friends with differing fitness levels.
Hiking: Hiking stages range from 10 km to 23 km on marked mountain and valley paths. Trails are technically non-exposed (no via ferrata), but require sturdy footwear and good walking stamina.
Flexibility: Because this is a self-guided trip, you control your daily pace, stop when you wish, and have shortcut options (such as the motorail train connection on Day 7) if legs feel tired or weather shifts.
Prefer a only cycling? Tour of the Julian Alps
Would like to ride all the way to the sea? Ride from Alps to Adriatic
Compare
Choose how you travel
Alps to Adriatic is available as a self-guided holiday or a digital package – or as the starting point for a bespoke adventure.
FAQ
Hike and Bike Around the Julian Alps – your questions
How does daily luggage transfer work between hotels?
You leave your main luggage at the reception of your accommodation each morning by 9:00 AM. Our transport team transfers your bags to your next hotel, where they will be waiting in your room or at reception when you arrive in the afternoon. You only carry a small daypack or handlebar bag with essentials.
Can I rent a bike for this tour, and are e-bikes available?
Yes. We maintain our own fleet of premium gravel bikes and high-end e-bikes in Bohinj. Rental bikes come fully inspected and serviced, fitted with flat pedals or SPD, a helmet, repair kit, pump, and a handlebar bag. E-bikes come with chargers, and all partner hotels provide overnight battery charging.
What fitness level do I need for the combined cycling and hiking?
This is an active holiday suited for regular cyclists and walkers. Daily rides average 70 km with sustained climbing, while hikes take 4 to 6 hours. If you ride a gravel bike, solid climbing fitness is recommended. With an e-bike, the tour is accessible to any reasonably active person who exercises regularly.
What happens if the weather is bad or I need help on route?
We track local mountain weather daily and keep you informed. If high winds, heavy rain, or fatigue make a stage difficult, we provide practical alternatives, including train connections, route shortcuts, or local transfer assistance. Grega and Maja are local and just a phone call away.
How do we navigate during the cycling and hiking stages?
Before departure, we send you a link to the phone app or you can use GPX files on your dedicated GPS device (for example Garmin, Wahoo, Hamerhead, etc.). You also receive written stage notes with key landmarks, recommended water refill points, and scenic detours.
Can we customize the route, stages, or add rest days?
Yes. We can add rest days in scenic spots like Kranjska Gora or Bovec, arrange extra nights before or after the loop in Bohinj, or organize private guided adventure activities like canyoning or fly fishing in the Soca Valley. Simply tell us your preferences when inquiring
What kind of accommodations are included in the package?
We work with authentic, locally owned alpine hotels, boutique guesthouses, and traditional farm-stays. All accommodations feature private en-suite bathrooms, secure indoor bike storage, and rich breakfasts made with local ingredients.
What our guests say
4.9 ★ · 525 Google reviews
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Check availability
Hike and Bike Around the Julian Alps
Three quick steps – we confirm availability and the final price within 24 hours. No payment needed to ask.
- From 1100 € / € / person
- Or digital package 250 €
- 4.9 ★ on Google · 525 reviews
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