Slovenia is a very diverse country in terms of nature, so it is not hard to find something for everyone. There are many hills and mountains, many of which are challenging to conquer. However, there are also many that are family-friendly and suitable for beginners in hiking. In this post, I will list what I believe to be the 5 best hikes in Slovenia that practically any beginner who has walked at least a little can conquer.
The hikes last from half an hour to an hour and a half, are not difficult, and do not require top-notch equipment. The starting points are easily accessible by car. Despite the hikes being easier, this does not mean they do not offer nature and especially beautiful views, which make these hikes worth taking.
Even if the hikes are easy, you can still explore the beauty of nature.
Here are my top 5 easy hikes in Slovenia:
Šmarna gora
Easy and accessible
Šmarna Gora is located at an altitude of 669 meters. The hike to the top takes about 60 minutes, during which you will ascend 400 meters. The path is well marked and visible, and there are many people, so it is practically impossible to get lost.
I recommend sports footwear as the path is steep in some sections, and mostly forested, so you still need to be prepared for hiking. The view opens up towards Ljubljana. Šmarna Gora is a popular hiking destination, and there is also a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy a drink or a snack.
The hike can start from the town of Šmartno or Tacen, where parking is available and clearly marked. It is very easily accessible from Ljubljana.
Slivnica
peaceful and beautiful
Slivnica is located at an altitude of 1114 meters in the heart of the Notranjska hills. The hike to the top takes about 100 minutes, during which you will ascend 534 meters. The path is marked and well-maintained, but you still need sports footwear. Towards the top, animals graze in enclosed pastures, which you can cross without worry. The animals will not harm you.
At the top, you will have a view of Lake Cerknica, which is one of the largest intermittent lakes in Europe. The nature and the lake blend beautifully, offering exceptional views.
There is a restaurant at the top, and at the foot of the path is the town of Cerknica, where you start your hike.
Cerknica lake is also one of the most beautiful lakes in Slovenia, you can read more in blog about lakes here.
Srednji vrh
Family friendly and relaxing
Srednji Vrh is located at an altitude of 972 meters, above Gozd Martuljek and on the opposite side of the Julian Alps. For this reason, it offers the most beautiful views of the Alps and the prominent Mount Špik. Since Srednji Vrh is located on the Karawanks side and is high enough to receive many hours of sunshine, it gets sunlight for a long time in all seasons, even in winter when it is already dark in the valleys. The most beautiful views of the Julian Alps are at sunrise, sunset, or after rain, when the mountains glow in beautiful shades.
You can reach Srednji Vrh on foot, by bike, or by car. The road starts at the main road in Gozd Martuljek and is paved, single-lane, and winding. When you reach the “top,” you will see a large parking lot where it is recommended to leave your car.
In the area, there are also many farms where you can buy local products such as cheese, honey, and cured meats.
Ojstrica nad Bledom
Scenic
Ojstrica rises above Lake Bled and offers a beautiful view of Lake Bled and the surrounding mountains. The hike to the top takes about 20 minutes, starting on a forest path next to Camp Zaka.
The hike to Ojstrica is a super romantic trip, as the view of the lake will certainly not disappoint anyone. The trip to Ojstrica is also suitable for families, as there is a bench at the top where you can rest, refresh, and enjoy the beautiful views.
It is also worth climbing Ojstrica early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise.
Krvavec
Family friendly full day trip
Krvavec is located at an altitude of 1853 meters in the heart of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. The hike to the top takes about 70 minutes, during which you will ascend 455 meters. Even in summer, the circular cable car and the four-seater chairlift, which is part of the ski resort in winter, operate.
Krvavec is a popular ski resort with a wide range of winter activities, but it also offers many options for spending leisure time in the summer: an adventure park, adrenaline descents, a bike park, hiking, dining, accommodations, the Shepherd’s Dwarfs Trail… even weddings and business meetings.
This is a very beautiful destination, as it offers hikes across the ski slopes with views of the entire southern part of Slovenia. There are many spots where you can rest or have a snack, or just sunbathe and enjoy the views and nature.
you can read more and explore what Krvavec has to offer on the website.
