Meet the unique Julius Kugy Alpine Trail
The Julius Kugy Alpine Trail is a long-distance hiking trail in the Julian Alps, which offers hikers the opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the threen regions. The trail consists of 30 stages, each of which offers a unique experience and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests.
Summary of the entire Julius Kugy Alpine Trail
The route Julius Kugy Trail follows through the valleys, mid-mountains, and high mountains of all three regions – Austrian Carinthia, Slovenia, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It is circular, 720 km long, and has 44,000 meters of elevation gain and loss. The trail follows existing hiking trails, passing through 13 villages and small towns , and hikers can stay overnight in the 17 mountain huts, which are managed by mountaineering clubs. Hikers who embark on this trail will discover numerous natural and cultural landmarks of all three regions over 30 stages.
Julius Kugy Aline trail via Slovenia
Julius Kugy Alpine Trail via Slovenia is a long-distance hiking trail consisting of 9 stages.
- Stage 4: The trail crosses Slovenia in stage 4, starting from Bad Vellach in Austria and passing through Uschowa with the rock gates and Raduha, providing a unique experience. The first day in Slovenia will end under Raduha, at Koča na Loki.
- Stage 5: In stage 5, you will climb into the world of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. You will get to know the Savinja River and three glacial valleys – Logarska Valley, Robanov Kot Valley, and Matkov Kot Valley. The trail will take you to the Dleskovška planota, planina Korošica, and Kamniška koča na Kamniškem sedlu.
- Stage 6: In stage 6, you will walk through the central part of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. To the west, you will touch one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Europe, Logarska Dolina, and leave the Kamnik-Savinja area to the northwest.
- Stage 7: Stage 7 will lead you on the Slovenian mountain trail no. 1 towards Mount Storžič, which you will conquer, and through Male Poljane and Kriška Gora/Tosti vrh, you will arrive in Tržič.
- Stage 8: In stage 8, you will leave the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and climb into the Karawanks mountain range. This stage will take you from Dobrča to Begunjščica at Koča na Prevalu, and you will arrive at the Valvasorjev dom west of Stol mountain.
- Stage 9: Stage 9 brings new hiking challenges. Before you reach the Sava Valley, you will face a persistent climb to Rosenbachsattel/Rožca and Rosenkogel, with a view reaching southwest to the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park.
- Stage 10: In stage 10, you will enter the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park. The stage slowly approaches the challenges of the highest mountain group in Slovenia, the Julian Alps, as we touch the highest mountain, Triglav, at 2864m, on the southeast side.
- Stage 11: In stage 11, you will experience the Triglav National Park in its full glory. The trail is laid out in the heart of the Triglav National Park, leading to mountain huts and Triglav lakes, all the way to the foot of the highest peaks. The trail will take you over Prehodavci, past Triglav Lakes, to the mountain hut at Triglav Lakes. You will be able to admire the beautiful mountain scenery, spot a herd of Alpine ibexes, and enjoy the view of mountain flowers.
- Stage 12: In stage 12, you will walk through the southwest part of the Triglav National Park, including the Valley of Triglav Lakes, Komna, and a demanding ascent to Mount Krn. You will experience the magnificent Krn Lake and head to the Primorska side of the Julian Alps, to the Soča Valley.
- Stage 13: In this stage, you will experience the beauty of the Soča Valley. You will be amazed by the turquoise beauty of the Soča River. You will experience charming mountain pastures, waterfalls, sacral and memorial objects, museums (the Kolovrat Open-Air Museum), and other attractions.
This is the last stage in Slovenia. In stage 14, we leave Slovenia
Additional information about the Julius Kugy Alpine hiking trail
Here’s some additional information about the Julius Kugy Alpine Trail:
- The trail is named after Julius Kugy, an Austrian mountaineer, botanist, and writer who is credited with popularizing the Julian Alps as a destination for hikers and mountaineers.
- The trail covers a total distance of approximately 270 kilometers (167 miles) and takes an average of 20-25 days to complete.
- The trail is divided into 30 stages, each of which covers an average distance of 8-10 kilometers (5-6 miles).
- The trail is marked with blazes, which are visible on trees, rocks, and other natural features along the route.
- Hikers can stay overnight in mountain huts and refuges, which offer basic accommodations and meals. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
- The best time to hike the trail is from mid-June to mid-September, when the weather is generally mild and the trail is free of snow.
- The trail requires a good level of physical fitness, as it includes steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and occasional exposure to heights.
- Hikers are advised to bring appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, a map and compass or GPS device, and plenty of food and water.
The Julius Kugy Alpine Trail offers hikers the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the Alps, as well as to experience the rich cultural heritage of the three region, Austria, Slovenia and Italy.
