Hiking the Alpe Adria Trail from Slovenia to Italy
Trip Overview
(Hiking) On this trip, we hike various sections of the Alpe Adria Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that spans 470 miles/ 750 km in the three countries of Austria, Italy and Slovenia. The trail passes through a diverse landscape of mountains, dense forest, glacier lakes and charming villages.
After spending a day exploring the beautiful city of Ljubljana, we drive to Austria to begin the hiking portion of our trip. The hike starts at the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, and from here we hike for 8-days finishing in the coastal town of Trieste, Italy on the Adriatic Sea.
This itinerary is perfect for those looking for a hiking adventure that includes a varied mix of local culture, beautiful and diverse natural scenery, and delicious food and wine.
WOW FACTORS
- Hiking through three countries all in one trip - Austria, Slovenia and Italy
- Hiking in Nockberge Biosphere Park, Austria where lush landscapes and alpine trails await your exploration
- Taking a gondola ride to the top of Monte Lussari, Italy where panoramic views and mountain air create an unforgettable experience
- Explore Ljubljana, Slovenia's enchanting capital city, with its historical old town, charming bridges, and vibrant atmosphere
Itinerary & Map
Day 1
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Arrival
Upon arriving in Ljubljana, make your way to your hotel in the old part of the city. You have the remainder of the day free to explore before the welcome dinner in the evening. Ljubljana is a charming city that is one of the hippest and greenest in Europe, reminiscent of Salzburg or Prague – without the crowds. It's small enough to easily explore on foot walking along the willow-lined pedestrian path bordering the Ljubljanica River, or jump on a boat to admire the city from a different perspective. Lively with bars, cafes and art galleries, this “Green Capital of Europe” is worth a full day visit.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, Austria
Hiking
We start our adventure with a transfer to the UNESCO Nockberge Biosphere Reserve in the Austrian state of Carinthia. This park is known for its diverse and unique natural beauty, including rolling hills, alpine meadows, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes. We'll ride the gondola up the mountain above the Lanmgaltal for breathtaking views over the Nockberge Alps and then begin our hike from the top of the gondola. After the hike we descend into Bad Kleinkirchheim, a small village known for its beautiful mountains, thermal spas, and ski resorts. We check into our lovely and relaxing family-run hotel and have time to relax before dinner. In the evening be sure to try the homemade pastries and strudels which Austria is famous for.
Hiking Distance: 9.2 km / 5.7 mi
Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours
Ascent/Descent: +/- 382m (1252 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Millstatter Alps & the Path of Love, Austria
Hiking
This morning, we transfer south to Millstatter Lake and the adjacent resort town of Millstatt. In the hills above town, we first stop at Lammersdorfer Hut, known for their local delicacies. We follow a dirt trail through idyllic cow pastures to Garnet Gate, where we are rewarded with a beautiful vista above the fjord-like lake. We continue our hike along the Path of Love and end back at Lammersdorfer Hut. There we enjoy a taste of local cheeses and cured meats before returning back down to the valley to Bad Kleinkirchheim for another night. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to enjoy the spa or go shopping for lederhosen and dirndls.
Hiking Distance: 7.3 km / 4.5 mi
Hiking Duration: 3-4 hours
Ascent/Descent: +/- 430m (1411 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Carnian Alps & Ojstrnik Loop , Austria & Italy
Hiking
This morning we transfer to the start of our next adventure – a circular hike on the Italian side of the Carnic Alps, stage 3 of The Alpe Adria trek. This hike is characterized by an impressive mountain backdrop and high mountain pastures. We first hike past shepherd villages at the foot of Mt. Osternig, enjoying majestic views over the Julian Alps to the south. Those eager to hike more can opt for an extension to the top of the mountain for 360 panoramic views over the Austrian, Slovenian and Italian Alps. In the afternoon we descend to Tarvisio, where we check-in to our hotel for the next two nights. The evening is free to discover the town’s Piazza Unita d'Italia and learn the unique history of the Canal Valley in which the town is situated.
Hiking Distance: 8.7 km / 5.4 mi
Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours
Ascent/Descent: +/- 600m (1968 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Laghi di Fusine & Monte Lussari, Slovenia
Hiking
After breakfast, we have a short drive to the start of stage 5 of the Alpe Adria trail. Today's hike is a loop and starts at Laghi di Fusine, a stunning pair of alpine lakes nestled in the Julian Alps. We'll set off into a lush forest and then make our way through meadows covered with wildflowers. It's a gentle ascent from Lago Inferiore to Lago Superiore, and if the skies are clear we'll see reflections of the towering peaks in the emerald waters. At the end of the loop we'll have a delicious lunch. This afternoon we transfer to the peak of Mt. Lussari for a gondola ride up – this is a historic pilgrimage site for Italians, Slavic and German believers since time immemorial. Be sure to enjoy an afternoon espresso and tiramisu in this mountain paradise before we descend back to the valley for another night in Tarvisio.
Hiking Distance: 4.2 km / 2.6 mi
Hiking Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours
Ascent/Descent: +/- 77m (254 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Vrsic Peak & Soca Valley, Slovenia
Hiking
Our adventure continues with a transfer to the Vrsic pass, the highest pass in Slovenia at 5300 feet / 1615 meters. It was built in WW1 by Russian POWs who were captured at the eastern front by the Austro-Hungarian Army, which is why the road over the pass is also referred to as the “Russian Road”. Once a strategic military access route, it is now considered one of the most scenic mountain passes in Europe. We hike a section of the old road and enjoy the 360° views at the top Mt. Vrsic. After lunch we continue across the pass to hike along the river Soca, legendary among hiking and whitewater enthusiasts alike for its emerald-green beauty. We end our day at a cozy local Agrotourism hotel, known for its sheep cheese and hearty stews.
Hiking Distance: 11.6 km / 7.2 mi
Hiking Duration: 4 hours
Ascent/Descent: + 84m (274 ft) / - 198m (650 ft)
Accommodation: Agrotourism Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Kobarid, Cividale del Friuli & Goriska Brda Wine Country, Slovenia
Hiking and Wine Tasting
Today we continue our journey with a scenic hike from Trnovo ob Soci to Kobarid. We hike along a rugged but lush trail alongside the Soca River as we make our way to the Kozjak waterfall. The hike ends in Kobarid for lunch and then we cross the border into Italy to the small town of Cividale del Friuli. Cividale is a charming medieval town with narrow streets and ancient architecture. After an espresso and gelato, we return to Slovenia to discover Goriska Brda Wine Country. The area is lush and fertile, producing not only wine and olive oil but also figs, cherries, apricots, and peaches. The day ends in Smartno, another medieval town. Before dinner we visit a local wine producer to learn about wine production (and taste) in the region.
Hiking Distance: 6.8 km / 4.3 mi
Hiking Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours
Ascent/Descent: + 116m (381 ft) / - 192m (630 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Trieste, Italy
Hiking and Sightseeing
This morning we leave the rolling hills of "Slovenian Tuscany" and cross flatlands into Italy to the city of Trieste, located at the tip of the Mediterranean. Trieste has a unique mix of Italian, Slovenian and Austrian influences. On the way we hike a coastal section of the Alpe Adria Trail, with views that contrast the high alpine landscapes we experienced just days before. We check-in to the hotel early afternoon and have free time to explore the city. Trieste has so many wonderful things to discover including a fascinating history, famous coffee culture, and diverse continental-Mediterranean cuisine. We meet again in the evening for a Mediterranean style farewell dinner.
Hiking Distance: 7.9 km / 4.9 mi
Hiking Duration: 2-3 hours
Ascent/Descent: +/- 215m (705 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Trieste, Italy
Departure
Make your way to either Venice or Ljubljana for your international flight back home. There are also regional flights within Europe that depart from the Trieste airport. If you'd like to book an extra transfer to one of the airports let us know and we'll give you a quote.
Meals: Breakfast
NOTE about Ascent/Descent numbers:
The ascent/descent numbers are usually generated using Ride with GPS. The numbers are TOTAL ascent/descent for the day and these numbers do not suggest altitude. There are usually multiple small ascents and descents added up throughout the day to reach this total ascent/descent for the day. (While our numbers are generally consistent with Ride with GPS, depending on the mapping technology used, numbers may vary).
What's Included
TRIP INCLUSIONS:
All accommodation (twin shared), meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), all internal transportation, equipment and English-speaking guides.
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
International airfare, airport departure taxes, airport transfers*, gratuities, meals not included and items of a personal nature.
MEALS:
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel: 8 Nights
*We can arrange airport transfers on your behalf as an add-on. Let us know at time of booking and we can arrange a quote for you.
Trip Facts
Weather During the Trip
The Alpe-Adria trail covers diverse landscapes, including mountains and lowlands, so temperatures and weather conditions will vary along different sections of the Trail. It's advisable to pack accordingly, considering both warm and cool weather, and to be prepared for the possibility of rain in mountainous regions.
Summer temperatures in the Austrian Alps range from cool to mild. Daytime temperatures typically range from 15-25’C (59-77’F). Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so it's advisable to be prepared for sudden
Moving south through Slovenia,the temperature will get warmer. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30’C (77-86’F) in the lowlands (like the city of Ljubljana), however the Julian Alps will be cooler.
As you approach the Adriatic Sea in Italy, temperatures will be higher with daytime temperatures ranging from 25-35’C (77-95’F).
Travel Documents
Citizens from Canada and USA require a valid passport to enter Slovenia, Austria and Italy. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival. A travel visa is not required if travelling with a Canadian or American passport. Citizens of other nations should check with their nearest Slovenian Embassy for visa requirements.
Food
Slovenian and Austrian cuisine have both been influenced by the countries surrounding them and are therefore a mix of tastes and textures. A typical main meal includes meat (beef or chicken), beef or chicken soup, green salad, and to finish off, apple, cherry, or cheese strudel with coffee. Potatoes, onions, cabbage, celery, carrots, bananas, apples, and walnuts round out the dietary staples. The forests provide a variety of mushrooms, berries and nuts.
Italy is well known for its cuisine. You will find hearty baked meals and simple pasta dishes, primarily consisting of vegetables and meat, while seafood is enjoyed along the coast.
FAQ
Our adventures are built for small groups, with a maximum of 12 travellers on each guided tour. Each group is diverse, comprised of men and women of many different nationalities and ages. By travelling in small groups we leave minimal ecological impact, cause less disruption to the native life and are able to gain a better appreciation for our surroundings. Small numbers also allow greater flexibility and spontaneity: a dinner in a local home, an impromptu village wedding invite and any such experiences that can become among the most memorable experiences of your BikeHike adventure.
We understand that people come in many fitness levels, so we've graded our trips accordingly. There are four difficulty levels on our trips: Easy, Moderate, Challenging, and Strenuous.
This is a “moderate” trip. These trips include 4-6 hours of physical activity throughout the day, with many breaks along the way. During the hiking, the most you have to carry on your back is a daypack.
Our travellers share a common love for outdoor adventure. Most are looking for a physical adventure in an unfamiliar destination. A typical trip is comprised of men and women in good physical condition, who exercise regularly and are invigorated by a personal challenge. As well, the age range on this trip is typically from 40-60, although we occasionally get younger and older travellers as well.
The trip starts in Ljubljana, Slovenia and ends in Trieste, Italy. We suggest arriving no later than midday on day 1 of the trip so you have time to relax before the welcome dinner. On day 9 of the trip, you can depart Trieste at anytime. You can either fly from Trieste, Ljubljana or Venice. Most international flights depart from either Ljubljana or Venice, while regional flights within Europe depart from Trieste. We can help you arrange an airport transfer to one of the above airports.
The ideal time for this trip is from June to September, during the summer months. The weather is nice and warm and mainly sunny, however it will change depending on which section of the trail you are on. The trail passes through a varied landscape from mountainous terrain to coastal towns. When packing, make sure to being layers.
Can I take this trip if...
Many of our travellers (both men and women) join as singles. On average, BikeHike groups are 75% single travellers and 25% couples. Unlike many adventure travel companies, we don't charge single supplement fees to solo travellers. Instead, we pair you with another traveller of the same gender. If we can't find you a roommate, you get your own room at no additional charge. A single private room supplement fee is only required if you specifically request a confirmed private room for the duration of the trip. Learn more about solo travel with BikeHike.
We will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests (e.g. vegetarian, gluten free, etc.), but ask that you please discuss your request with us when signing up for a trip.
While most of our trips are created with adults in mind, many of our itineraries are suitable for strong and active teenagers. This trip is generally good for teenagers. For younger children, we offer many Family Focused trips, some of which are able to accommodate children as young as six.
More about this trip...
Be prepared for some ups and downs on uneven and rocky terrain. Hiking poles are recommended. You’ll only be required to carry a small pack, large enough for your water, snacks, layers, camera etc.
Accommodation
Most of our trips include comfortable mid-range accommodations. This includes accommodation that provides a clean and comfortable experience in characterful surroundings that reflect the destination. To build stronger connections with the communities and support the local economies, we avoid using large international chain brands on BikeHike trips.
More about the accommodation we use on this tour in Slovenia, Austria and Italy
SMALL HOTELS
BikeHike prefers small hotels that showcase the character and local flair of each destination. Throughout this tour, we have hand-picked accommodations for you that showcase the character and charm of Austria, Italy and Slovenia.
Click HERE for more information about accommodation styles.
Trip At A Glance
| Day | Destination | Activity |
Duration
|
Distance | Ascent / Descent | Lodging | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Ljubljana, Slovenia
|
Arrival
|
— | — | — / — |
Hotel
|
d
|
| 2 |
Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, Austria
|
Hiking
|
4-5 hours
|
9.2 km
5.7 mi
|
+/- 382m (1252 ft)
|
Hotel
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 3 |
Millstatter Alps & the Path of Love, Austria
|
Hiking
|
3-4 hours
|
7.3 km
4.5 mi
|
+/- 430m (1411 ft)
|
Hotel
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 4 |
Carnian Alps & Ojstrnik Loop , Austria & Italy
|
Hiking
|
4-5 hours
|
8.7 km
5.4 mi
|
+/- 600m (1968 ft)
|
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 5 |
Laghi di Fusine & Monte Lussari, Slovenia
|
Hiking
|
2.5-3.5 hours
|
4.2 km
2.6 mi
|
+/- 77 m (254 ft)
|
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 6 |
Vrsic Peak & Soca Valley, Slovenia
|
Hiking
|
4 hours
|
11.6 km
7.2 mi
|
+ 84m (+ 274 ft)
- 198m (- 650 ft)
|
Hotel
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 7 |
Kobarid, Cividale del Friuli & Goriska Brda Wine Country, Slovenia
|
Hiking
|
2.5-3.5 hours
|
6.8 km
4.3 mi
|
+ 116m (+ 381 ft)
- 192m (- 630 ft)
|
Hotel
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 8 |
Trieste, Italy
|
Hiking and Sightseeing
|
2-3 hours
|
7.9 km
4.9 mi
|
+/- 215 m (705 ft)
|
Hotel
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 9 |
Trieste, Italy
|
Departure
|
— | — | — / — | — |
b
|
