Slovenia and the Village of Bled - Bill Russell's Mountain Tours http://www.russelltours.com

Guided and Self Guided hiking tours in the Alps, Pyrenees, Norway Fiords, Dolomites and More...

Slovenia: Village of Bled

The Julian Alps
Slovenia is a young a republic, only about 15 years old, part of the former Yugoslavia. It's just east of Italy and south of Austria with spectacular mountains, the Julian Alps, which are just perfect for hiking. The people are friendly, the country is immaculate, the food is wonderful. The relative unanimity of the region has made it a unique and untouched location, unlike anywhere else in Europe. The location of the Bled village is a day hike away from Italy and Austria, winding through dense woodlands and stunning limestone peaks. Hikes will pass through alpine tunnels and pause at mountain huts for rest. Castles from as far back as the 12th century infuse the landscape with storybook views. Karavanke Mountains, the natural borders between Slovenia and Austria, offers much of the hiking for the week. The range offers panoramic views into Slovenia and Austria, wild meadows, rich forest and beautiful alpine flora. Hikes will takes us between the mighty peaks of the Julian Alps passing the dramatic Mountain of Jalovec, through to the Trenta Valley, finding views over into neighbouring Italy and Austria.
One of the most specacular hikes of the week is the Ljubelj into Austria. The old Ljubelj pass is one of the most historic walks in the Karavanke Mountain Range and in Europe, dating back over 330 years. From our start at Pod Ljubelj we look up at what used to be one of the most important trading routes between the Mediterranean to the courts of Vienna, Salzburg and Munich. This beautiful pass snakes its way up through the Karavanke while the valley of St Ana stretches out below. This area is also home to many species of fauna and flora which are found nestled here, due to the unusual mix of hot and cold air fronts. Meeting the pyramids at the top of this ancient pass we cross into Austria and can see the trail continue down towards the town of Klagenfurt. Back to Slovenia we lunch in a valley mountain hut while a local band performs traditional Slovene songs.