The Alpe Adria Trail is a hiking trail linking Slovenia, Austria and Italy, showcasing the cultural diversity of the three different countries. It runs from the foothills of the Großglockner all the way to the Adriatic Sea in Muggia. The hiking trail follows existing hiking routes and is largely off the beaten track in the high mountains. The trail winds past drumming waterfalls, sparkling lakes, babbling brooks and a variety of flora and fauna. The mild Mediterranean climate will make the conditions just right for hiking, with pleasant temperatures along the way. There are no roped sections or dangerous exposed parts, which is why the trail is categorised as easy to medium difficulty. In addition to the existing map, the route is marked in the nature with signs or stickers displaying the Alpe Adria logo. You will also notice the logo markings along the route, which have been spray-painted on the edges of the trail.
The 750 km long-distance hiking trail is divided into 37 basic stages of approximately 20 km and 7 circular stages. The stages can be combined in any way, based on the preferences and abilities of the hiker. Two basic stages and 2 circular stages run through the destination Kranjska Gora.
STAGE 22: BAUMGARTNERHÖHE – KRANJSKA GORA
On this stage you will walk across the Austrian border for the first time: from Carinthia you will come to Slovenia via the Karawanken Mountains. The destination of today’s stage, Krajnska Gora, lies at the entrance to the Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps.
The Baumgartnerhöhe, near the Finkenstein castle arena and high above Lake Faaker See, forms the starting point for this stage along the national border. After a good two hours’ walk you will come to the Jepca Saddle and thus the Austrian-Slovenian border. After spending some time walking along the southern Karawanken you can enjoy the view of the idyllic mountain village of Kranjska Gora, which is the centre of skiing in Slovenia (Alpine skiing and World Cup races, plus cross-country skiing) and the ideal starting point for hiking and cycling tours in summer.
Kranjska Gora is a crossing point – if you go through the Vršič Pass you will come to the Soča Valley and then to the sea, or to Tarvisio in Italy, and via the Wurzen Pass you will come to Villach in Austria. Kranjska Gora is the ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries in summer and in winter, with an extensive range of active enjoyment such as hiking, Nordic walking and cycle tours. There are beautiful natural areas waiting to be discovered in and around the Triglav National Park.
STAGE 23: KRANJSKA GORA – TRENTA
This stage leads via the Vršič Pass, the highest mountain pass in the Julian Alps. Hikers can enjoy the picturesque view of the stunning north faces of the highest peaks.
This stage starts in Kranjska Gora (810 metres) and leads past the Hotel Kranjska Gora to the Jasna lakes before continuing along a forest trail to Erika. You will hike across Alpine meadows and through forests, along the Pišnica mountain stream and past the Mihov Dom shelter (at 1,085 metres) and the Russian Chapel. From there you will continue along the old donkey path to the summit of the Vršič (1,688 metres). It is just a few steps to the viewpoint from where you can see the face of a maiden in the rock (Ajdovska deklica). The Russian Chapel and the Ajdovska deklica are the magical points of this section.
The route leads along the road from the Vršič Pass into the Trenta Valley. 200 metres below the second (26th) bend you change to the hiking trail below the road and follow the markings of the Slovenian Alpine association to the car park in front of the lodge at the source of the Soča. The hiking trail continues behind the lodge to the source, and you then come back the same way. Near the car park a large display board shows the way to the Soča Trail. The typical small information posts of the Triglav National Park show the way to the information centre at the Trenta Lodge.
