Walking in Slovenia: The Karavanke

Discover Slovenia's Karavanke and explore a little-known mountain range of extraordinary variety, stretching 120km along the natural border between Slovenia and Austria through a landscape of soaring peaks, wildflower-filled meadows, ancient ridges, and traditional alpine villages. Less visited than the nearby Julian Alps, the Karavanke offers a wonderfully unspoilt walking destination in the heart of central Europe. Suitable for beginner and experienced walkers alike, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook describes 21 day walks and 2 multi-day treks across the full length of the Karavanke range. Routes range from 4 to 26km (2–16 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–9 hours, with approaches mainly from the Slovenian valleys and bases in unspoilt towns and villages. Choose from 21 day walks and 2 multi-day treks across the western and eastern Karavanke, from low-level valley walks and flower-filled ridge paths to demanding high summit routes, with all routes graded for difficulty to help you plan your adventure. Tackle two 2-day mountain hut treks taking in the majestic Košuta ridge and the Peca massif, with overnight stays in alpine huts offering a deeper experience of the Karavanke mountains. Discover the highlights of the Karavanke, including Stol, the highest peak in the range at 2236m and a stunning backdrop to beautiful Lake Bled, the prehistoric cave on Olševa, Golica in May for its famous white daffodils, and the fine summit views from Uršlja Gora in the eastern range. Navigate with confidence using sketch maps included for each walk, alongside detailed information on waymarking, and recommended map sheets for every part of the Karavanke. Plan your Karavanke walking holiday with practical information on getting there, local transport, accommodation in the Slovenian valleys, food and drink, money, health and safety, and the best bases including Kranjska Gora, Mojstrana, Jesenice, Tržic, Solcava, and Slovenj Gradec. Deepen your experience of the region with introductory sections on the landscape and geology of the Karavanke, its climate, wildlife and flowers, and the waymarking and equipment needed for walking in this distinctive alpine environment. Venture into the peaks, ridges, and valleys of Slovenia's Karavanke with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. From the wildflower meadows of the western range to the remote summits of the eastern Karavanke, this is the essential companion for walking in one of central Europe's most rewarding and least-visited mountain ranges.