Conquering Slovenia's wild rivers by packraft
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationEurope / Slovenia
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions38.08 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
Italian
French
English
In a few words
Embark on an exceptional five-day outdoor adventure in the heart of the Julian Alps , an ideal playground for nature sports enthusiasts. This dynamic trip combines packrafting , challenging hikes , and wild exploration through unspoiled landscapes.
Your journey begins on the tranquil waters of the iconic Lakes Bled and Bohinj , perfect for getting acquainted with your boat and admiring the reflections of the surrounding peaks. You will then venture deeper into unspoiled nature, traversing dense forests , majestic alpine valleys , and deep gorges .
As the days progress, the journey becomes more intense, progressing towards more technical rapids. The highlight of this expedition will be taming the turquoise waters of the legendary Soča River .
Between physical challenges , breathtaking landscapes , and the camaraderie of a group , this Slovenian adventure offers the perfect balance for escaping the everyday. A total immersion experience for action enthusiasts seeking pure thrills and unforgettable memories.
The highlights
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Paddle on Lake Bohinj, in the heart of Triglav National Park
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Explore alpine villages, gorges and forests between water, train and hiking
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Descend the Soča River between rapids and gorges with turquoise waters
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trip is for you if:
- Physical condition: you are able to paddle 4 to 6 hours a day (with breaks and more sustained sections) and to carry your packraft as well as a 7 to 8 kg bag over 2 to 10 km (low elevation gain).
- Whitewater level: you are comfortable on class II to III rivers (with an optional passage in class IV ) and you want to perfect your crossings safely with an experienced guide.
- Water safety: you know how to swim, are comfortable in the water and you agree to wear a life jacket at all times.
In figures
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
Management
Italian
French
English
My name is Lou, and I'm a certified mountain guide (AMM), kayak instructor, climbing instructor, and cycling instructor. I'm passionate about nature, adventure, and exploration, and it's always a pleasure for me to take you through mountains and rivers. Through play and hands-on experience, my goal is to gradually guide you towards independence!
See you soon on the water!
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Meet at 10:00 AM in Bled to get acquainted before heading out on foot to the Sava Dolinka. This calm and accessible alpine river is ideal for getting acquainted with packrafting and discovering the first Slovenian landscapes. After this warm-up, we'll head to Lake Bled to reach its iconic island and church by packraft, before returning to the tranquil waters of the lake, with the castle and mountains as a backdrop.
9km
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure for Lake Bohinj, a jewel of Triglav National Park. A leisurely packraft trip allows you to fully appreciate the surrounding cliffs and forests. The descent continues on the Sava Bohinjka River: initially peaceful in a wild gorge, the river gradually gains intensity with more challenging rapids. Return to Bled at the end of the day, with a final crossing of the lake at sunset.
23km
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The day begins with a final descent of the Sava Dolinka, amidst alpine peaks and vast forests. This shorter stage allows you to refine your technique and build confidence before the next part of the adventure. In the afternoon, board the train through the mountains to reach the Soča Valley and Bovec, in the heart of the Julian Alps.
Day 3 -
Day 4
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
From Bovec, set off to discover the Koritnica, a more secluded but equally spectacular river. Its turquoise waters and deep gorges offer a wild and unspoiled setting. The route, short but intense, is excellent preparation before the grand descent of the Soča. Back in Bovec, enjoy a final meal together before the highlight of the expedition.
5km
Day 4 -
Day 5
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
To end the expedition in style, it's time for the legendary Soča River, famous for its turquoise waters and playful rapids. The descent alternates between narrow gorges, technical sections, and calmer stretches, offering a perfect blend of adrenaline and contemplation. A spectacular final run to conclude five days of adventure in the heart of the Slovenian Alps.
10km
Day 5
Note
How do the meals work?
We operate on a kitty basis : each participant contributes to a common fund dedicated to food expenses (purchases for picnics, shared meals, a few dinners in hostels, etc.).
It's the ideal solution to combine conviviality, discovery of local cuisine and control of your budget.
Accommodation
Night in a mixed dormitory at the Lake Bled hostel.
Night in a mixed dormitory at the Soca rocks hostel.
Access
We'll meet at 10am in Bled, Slovenia.
Go to the starting point
From Ljubljana airport to Bled:
- By direct bus (Arriva Slovenia): Regular bus services connect the airport to Bled bus station ( Bled Avtobusna Postaja ) in approximately 30 to 40 minutes (ticket at approximately €3.00 to €5.00 ).
- By taxi / Private shuttle (GoOpti): The journey takes approximately 25 minutes (expect to pay between €35 and €55 depending on the type of shuttle).
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a qualified and expert packrafting guide
- Accommodation with 2 nights in Bled and 2 nights in Bovec in the heart of the Soca Valley
- Technical equipment: packraft, paddle, life jacket, helmet, cold-water wetsuit and safety kit
- Local transfers (shuttles, buses and internal trains between the different departure and arrival points)
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
- Drinks and any personal expenses
- Meals: a kitty system (€150-200/person) is in place to cover group meals, groceries, and to allow the freedom to eat out as the group wishes.
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Overnight stay in a gîte before departure : CHF82.33 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
