Walking in Slovenia: The Karavanke

Explore the Karavanke, a little-known mountain range of extraordinary variety stretching 120km along the natural border between Slovenia and Austria. With soaring peaks, wildflower-filled meadows, ancient ridges, and traditional alpine villages, this wonderfully unspoilt destination offers everything the nearby Julian Alps provide—but with far fewer crowds. Discover iconic highlights including Stol, the highest peak at 2236m and stunning backdrop to Lake Bled; the prehistoric cave on Olševa; Golica with its famous white daffodils in May; and the fine summit views from Uršlja Gora in the eastern range. Suitable for both beginner and experienced walkers, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook offers routes ranging from 4 to 26km (2–16 miles), achievable in 2–9 hours. Choose from low-level valley walks and flower-filled ridge paths to demanding high summit routes, all graded for difficulty. Two 2-day mountain hut treks take in the majestic Košuta ridge and the Peca massif, with overnight stays in alpine huts for a deeper mountain experience. Approaches are mainly from Slovenian valleys, with unspoilt towns and villages as bases. Navigate with confidence using sketch maps for each walk, detailed waymarking information, and recommended map sheets. Practical sections cover getting there, local transport, accommodation in valleys, food and drink, health and safety, and the best bases including Kranjska Gora, Mojstrana, Jesenice, Tržic, Solcava, and Slovenj Gradec. Introductory chapters explore the landscape and geology, climate, wildlife and flowers, and essential waymarking and equipment for alpine walking. Venture into one of central Europe's most rewarding and least-visited mountain ranges with this trusted companion guide.