Hiking in Slovenia
Mountain trekking
Slovenia has about 8,500 km of marked hiking routes for tourists of all levels, experience and physical fitness. Hiking in the mountainous regions of the Julian Alps, Kamnik-Savinj Alps and Karavanke Mountains is most popular between April and October. These three areas are popular with local tourists as well as visitors from all over the world. There are also a number of other hilly areas popular with athletes and tourists. Among them: Idriysko-Gribovye, Pohorje, Tserklyansko-Gribovye, Shkofjeloshko-Gribovye, Polhograysko-Gribovye, Posavsko.
At the same time, you can travel independently through the hills and mountains of Slovenia. For some of the more challenging mountain trails, it is best to hire a guide, especially during the winter months. Snow can make some areas dangerous with avalanches as well as other hazards, but if you have a local, experienced guide who knows the area, you’ll be in good hands and can enjoy the scenic beauty in complete safety.
Thematic walking routes
The Slovenian Travel Association has teamed up with the Slovenian Tourist Board to develop a series of themed walking routes. There is a wide range of itineraries available that are designed to give tourists a deeper understanding of Slovenia’s culture and history, as well as help travelers learn more about Slovenia’s wildlife.
Thematic routes include: Cultural trails, heritage trails, history trails and even food and wine trails, which will give an insight into the history of Slovenia, its culture and customs. There are also trails that focus exclusively on nature, including trails through valleys and mountains, trails along the coast, trails around Coastal Slovenia and popular trails through forests.
Many trails pass through protected areas, and some open up little-known areas to tourists. If you contact the Slovenian Tourist Board and the Tourist Association, you can get more detailed information about the hikes and walks offered. So that you can understand whether the route is suitable for you, experts will give the basic parameters of the routes.
Such as:
– Information about the approximate completion time of the route.
– Length of the route from start to finish.
– You will also receive maps and booklets with instructions on the route and area you plan to visit, information about the area and other useful information.
The experts will provide you with recommendations from experienced guides who will help you discover the area and show you points of interest along the way.
Many of the thematic tourist routes are one-day, but also designed for several days. There are signs along the routes and recommendations for the most suitable accommodation.
Nordic walking
Nordic walking is very popular among Slovenians and many tourists visiting Slovenia. The sport originated in Finland and became popular in the 1990s. And now its popularity continues to grow.
This is a great way to get in shape. Nordic walking is suitable for all ages and for people with no experience. Nordic walking, which involves walking with poles, is one of the most effective, safe and comprehensive full-body workouts, so it’s a great way to get fit while enjoying the beauty of the scenery.
Nordic walking can be practiced on most hiking trails in Slovenia, but the best way to enjoy this sport is in Slovenia’s two Nordic walking parks. They are located in Šmarješke Toplice and Pomurje. The parks have special trails that you can follow yourself, as well as use the services of experienced guides in these parks.
In Slovenia you can get Nordic walking lessons from scratch. You will learn how to choose the right poles, what are the advantages of Nordic walking and much more.
It is worth noting that among the undeniable advantages of Nordic walking:
– full body workout, which uses about 90% of the total muscle mass of the body,
– this sport helps strengthen the human cardiovascular and respiratory systems,
– Nordic walking improves overall endurance,
– strengthens the upper body, especially the arms and shoulders, increases the flexibility of the body, especially the back and spine, helps strengthen the neck, shoulders and lower back.
– walking strengthens the muscles of the legs, buttocks and abdominal muscles,
– increases heart rate by 20 beats per minute more than during normal walking,
– burns about 30-40% more calories than regular walking,
– a person spends about 25% more oxygen than during normal walking.
The above are just some of the benefits of Nordic walking. Slovenia is a great place to experience this popular and healthy outdoor sport.
Hiking experience in Slovenia
All trails are marked with a route marking consisting of a red circle with a white circle in the center. At the starting point of the route, the level of each route is indicated by a red triangle for more difficult or difficult routes, a red triangle with an exclamation mark for the most difficult routes. Easy trails, suitable for everyone, have no slopes.
Many routes start and end at designated hotels that specialize in providing tourists with accommodation, equipment and information. There are several specialized holiday lodges in the mountains along the routes that are open during the summer months.
While in the high mountains, hikers can often spend summer nights in mountain huts along the trail. With the exception of some high mountain areas, hiking in Slovenia takes place all year round.
Additionally, hiking trails run throughout the country and connect to each other, meaning you can travel from one end of the country to the other on marked trails. Slovenia is also at the center of the European hiking routes E6 and E7, covering the whole of Europe.
If you enjoy hiking, then you will love Slovenia and what it has to offer. When you arrive here, you will be greeted with a warm welcome and a great hiking experience.
Source: https://www.slovenia.info/en/things-to-do/active-holidays/hiking-and-mountaineering
