Date: 29. August 2025
Time to read: 5 min
Hiking is a wonderful way to clear your mind, breathe in the some fresh air, keep fit and discover new corners of Slovenia. It's a perfect opportunity to enjoy good company and take in the beauty of nature. However, remember that hiking on mountaineering trails requires a certain level of physical fitness, stamina and basic navigation skills. So before setting out, check your fitness level, review your planned route.
What types of trails does Slovenia have?
Slovenia has no shortage of trails. You'll find them both in cities and in unspoiled landscapes. Many begin in the lowlands, often right on the edge of towns and cities, and wind through the mid-mountain region all the way up to the high mountains, where the network of mountaineering trails is densest.
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You can follow asphalt roads, gravel paths, cart tracks, forest trails or narrow footpaths winding through meadows and woods. Photo: Jošt Gantar
As well as mountaineering trails, Slovenia also offers many tourist, pilgrimage and sports trails. However, if you're heading into the mountains, it's best to stick to the marked mountaineering trails. These are marked by the famous Knafelc trail blaze (a red circle with a white dot) and the red signposts with white lettering. The more challenging sections are fitted with safety equipment for extra protection.
Depending on their level of difficulty, trails are classified as easy, demanding or very demanding. We'll take a closer look at the differences between them later on, as it's important to choose a trail that matches your abilities.
How do you choose the right trail?
When deciding where to go, it's a good idea to check three things at least: the estimated hiking time, the elevation gain and the trail category.
The Alpine Association of Slovenia classifies trails into three levels. This classification is based on the type of terrain and the safety equipment provided, rather than the hiker's physical fitness. It does not reflect the trail's length, steepness, exposure or navigation difficulty. So don't be fooled by an easy label – even the easiest trails require at least basic physical fitness.
Easy trails
An impressive 98.7% of Slovenia's mountaineering trails are classified as easy. These are mainly intended for walking and recreational running, with no need to use your hands.
Although easy trails are suitable for less experienced hikers, basic fitness, caution and proper footwear are still required.
Demanding trails
In Slovenia, there are about 80 kilometres of mountaineering trails classified as demanding. These lead across more technically challenging terrain, where you often need to use your hands to hike safely.
While some sections are fitted with safety equipment, it's possible to cross them without using it. Hiking on these trails requires good physical fitness, caution and the right equipment.
Due to the challenging terrain, they are best suited for experienced mountain hikers who are accustomed to steeper, more exposed slopes.
Very demanding trails
Around 50 kilometres of mountaineering trails in Slovenia are classified as very challenging.
Located in the high mountains, these trails require more than just walking; many sections also involve climbing. These trails are fitted with safety equipment.
To ensure a safe ascent, you will need technical gear such as a helmet, climbing harness and via ferrata set. Snowfields also require an ice axe and crampons.
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On some sections of the trail, the use of hands is required. Photo: Alex Strohl
Helpful applications
Topographical maps and mobile apps are invaluable when planning a mountain hike. They take into account both the features of the terrain and the trail itself. They enable us to quickly find the tried-and-tested routes and select the one that best suits our abilities, experiences and preferences. This makes preparation easier and enhances the enjoyment and safety of the outdoor experience
maPZS
The Alpine Association of Slovenia's web app shows all Slovenia's mountaineering trails that are maintained by mountaineering associations. You can easily filter trails by type, category, walking time, distance and altitude, which makes it easier to find the one that suits your preferences and fitness level. The app is available in English and Slovenian.
APPEAK
This mobile app makes it easy to filter peaks and trails by difficulty, elevation gain, altitude, estimated walking time, required equipment and more. It also provides information on current weather conditions and recommended gear. This app stands out for its strong sense of community, with users sharing photos and updating information on trails and peaks. It is available in English, German and Slovenian.
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With the APPEAK app, choosing the right trail is easy thanks to a wide range of filters. Photo: APPEAK
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Photo: APPEAK
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Photo: APPEAK
Slovenia Outdoor
This mobile app provides an overview of hiking trails across Slovenia, verified by local experts. As well as hiking, it also includes other outdoor sports and recreational activities, and provides an overview of specialised accommodations for those who enjoy active holidays. The app is available in Slovenian and in English.
Monolit2Go
This web and mobile app is based on an accurate and up-to-date topographic map. It provides an overview of various types of trails and numerous points of interest – including mountain huts, guest houses, accommodation, and cultural or natural sites of special interest. The app is available in English and Slovenian.
To access the map and trail information available offline, it's best to download them to your phone before setting out.
Using navigation applications can quickly drain your phone's battery. While phones are helpful for planning and hiking, they should not be relied on exclusively. Always carry a traditional topographic map in your backpack and make sure that you have at least basic navigation skills.
