It seems that the summer has finally finished, but there are still several events happening in Slovenia. Apart from Euro Basket that has just started its second round, there are two hiking festivals taking place in September and October: Bohinj Hiking Festival and Soča Hiking Festival.
Bohinj Hiking Festival, from 13th September until 13th October 2013
The picturesque valley of Bohinj with its glacial lake and the outstanding surrounding mountains makes this area one of the best hiking spots in Slovenia. The first visitors ever coming to Bohinj valley, were the hikers. Bohinj also recorded the first succesful ascent of mount Triglav in 1778. Triglav, with 2864 m is today a symbol of Slovenia.
Bohinj Hiking Festival is organised as part of the Slovenian project Slovenia hikes – Hiking days, run by Slovenia Hiking Association, GIZ Hiking. During the festival, you can join:
– guided tours along foothpaths, on mountain trails and thematic trails (hikes can last one hour or two days)
– competitions
– cultural events – local products market, traditional cows’ ball, kayaking marathon, exhibitions, lectures, workshops etc.
Canyoning, rafting, nordic walking course, hike with torches and many others activities are scheduled during the festival for low price and some are even free. You will find more details in the official festival programme.
The major event in Bohinj, 57th Traditional Cow’s Ball, will take place on Sunday, 15th September. It is a presentation of herdsmen and their cattle returning from the mountain pastures at the end of the summer as well as the beginning of the autumn season. Interesting event, especially for families with children.
Hiking Festival in Soča Valley, from 20th September until 6th October 2013
Explore Slovenia even further and join guided hikes during the Hiking Festival in Soča valley, on the other side of Triglav National Park. If you are coming from Bohinj valley, you can take a short cut by train passing the railway tunnel through the mountains. It is the quickest and also an amazing journey.
Once in Soča valley, easy and more demanding guided tours are organised for hikers starting from the towns along the river. During your walks you will admire crystal clear rivers, their sources, gorges and waterfalls. Several exhibitions, lectures, open air museums are organised to tell you more about the area and about the 1st World War, that left many ruins in this part of Slovenia.
Do not miss the Štruklji in krapci festival in Kobarid on 5th October. Kobarid “štruklji”, dumplings filled with cottage cheese or walnuts, a traditional local dessert will be joined by other dumpling varieties from other parts of Slovenia and Italy. Come, taste and learn how to make this delicious dessert.