Slovenia with kids: A 2-week itinerary for adventurous families (with a little bit of Austria too!)

Slovenia might be small, but it packs a serious punch for families who love the outdoors.

One minute you’re swimming in a glacial river, the next you’re hiking through alpine meadows or wandering a Venetian-style old town with the sea at your feet.

The distances are short, the variety is huge, and the landscapes are straight out of a fairy tale; all of which makes Slovenia with kids ideal for an active summer holiday.

We planned a two-week DIY trip in August that combined Slovenia with a few days over the border in Austria.

With kids aged 11 and 13, we hut-hiked in the Austrian mountains, swam in glacier-fed rivers, glamped in the Soča Valley, explored hilltop plateaus, and wrapped it all up with a couple of days by the sea.

It was outdoorsy, very varied, and full of adventures that have just the right amount of challenge.

Yes, it was August, and yes, Slovenia was busier (and pricier) than we’d expected in places, but we still had a great trip.

If you’re trying to plan a nature-first, active family holiday that’s doable in the school holidays and doesn’t feel like either a military operation or a spa break, this post will help.

I’ve laid it out day by day, with links to all the places we stayed (spoiler: you don’t want to miss our lotus bell tent in Bovec!) and real-life notes on what worked, what didn’t, and what we’d do again.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Should you click on a link to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, but I may receive a small commission, which helps to support this blog (THANK YOU)! See my privacy policy for more information. This post was written (and rewritten!) by Bea – always honest and always based on real-life experience.

🗺️ Slovenia & Austria itinerary with kids: 2 week day-by-day in brief

1️⃣ Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana and overnight nearby

We flew into Ljubljana on a Sunday afternoon, grabbed our hire car (super quick and efficient), and drove just 10 minutes to Hotel Dvor Jezeršek, a calm and comfortable spot near the airport.

It’s a great first-night choice if you’re arriving later in the day, and was really great value for a large family room with 2 sleeping areas.

🚗 If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know we usually try to avoid hiring a car and go for public transport instead; it’s more sustainable, generally less hassle, and makes the journey part of the adventure.

But for this route, I did a lot of digging, and getting between Slovenia and Austria, and around the mountain areas, just wasn’t easy without a car.

The connections were long, involved a lot of buses (not trains), and the kids don’t thrive on winding roads on buses (they’re a bit car sick prone, so it’s better to be able to stop every now and then). So this time, car hire was our best option.

We didn’t go into Ljubljana itself; not because it’s not worth seeing, but because we wanted to prioritise the outdoors and keep the pace manageable.

With only two weeks and a lot of things we really wanted to do, we found it more useful to spend our time in Slovenia’s mountains, valleys and coast rather than squeezing in a city stop.

2️⃣ Day 2: Drive to Austria via Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge (1h 30 drive excluding stops)

We left our hotel after breakfast and headed north towards the Austrian border and our destination of Seeboden (just a 1.5 hour drive if you’re going directly), but not before making two classic Slovenian stops en route: Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge.

Both are beautiful, but they were also super busy in peak summer, and it’s worth knowing that in advance if you’re planning an August trip.

At Lake Bled, we parked at Bled Central Parking (payable), which was one of the only available spots by mid-morning. There were a lot of people everywhere, and although it’s undeniably scenic, I’ve seen lakes just as beautiful in Austria with a tiny percentage of the crowds!

We didn’t stay long: just enough time for a look at the lake and an ice cream before moving on. I was quite pleased we weren’t staying there, to be honest.

Vintgar Gorge was also busy, but better organised. We managed to book tickets online that morning, though time slots were running out; be more organised if you can!

You park in the car park and take a 20-minute shuttle bus to the entrance, so make sure to arrive early enough to check in and board the bus, or you’ll miss your slot.

The entrance to the gorge itself was a bit chaotic, but once you’re through the turnstiles, it was smooth enough.

Everyone has to wear a helmet (not exactly chic, but fair enough) and the walk through the gorge is beautiful; elevated boardwalks, waterfalls, and that signature bright green water.

It was busy with lots of people, but it’s well managed with the time slots so it’s not overcrowded.

Once we got the end of the gorge, we chose to walk back through the river of trees trail, which was welcome on a hot day. The whole hike was about 5km, and they suggest 3 hours for the whole thing (I think it took us closer to 2 though).

If you’re planning a school holiday trip, just be aware that Slovenia’s headline attractions are popular for good reason; and they are not hidden gems any more!

We got back in the car, and crossed the border into Austria in the late afternoon and rolled into Seeboden am Millstätter See (Millstätter lake) , where we stayed at Familiengut Ertlhof, a classic Austrian family hotel with a pool, just a short walk to the lake itself

You could also base yourself in Millstatt, another town just along the lake. It’s a little more polished, with a lakeside promenade and swimming spots; still very family-friendly though.

In Millstatt there’s an amazing “Kinderhotel” if you’re looking for something special; with a private beach area, spa and wellness centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, fitness centre, and even a kids’ club.

3️⃣-5️⃣ Day 3–5: Hut to hut hiking on the Millstätter Höhensteig

This was the real start of the adventure; a three day hut to hut hike along the beautiful Millstätter Höhensteig in Carinthia, Austria.

It’s a fantastic intro to multi-day hiking as a family: the trail is well-marked, the huts are welcoming and not too remote, and the scenery is everything you’d want from the Alps; wildflower meadows, ridge walks, panoramic lake views and the occasional cowbell soundtrack.

We left our car and most of our luggage behind at the hotel and packed light for the hike, staying in two huts over two nights.

We took the local taxi/bus public transport option called the Nockmobil to get to the start and from the finish.

The walking was challenging enough to feel like a proper adventure, but well within reach for our kids (11 and 13 at the time), with plenty of stops for strudel and fizzy drinks.

There was the option to take in four summit crosses for extra challenge, or if the kids are smaller, you can skip these to keep things easier.

I’d recommend this hike for kids as young as 6; if they’re enthusiastic walkers. The terrain is fairly easy (but with some climbs!), the distances are manageable, and the huts are full of animals, toys, and distractions.

I’ve put all the details; route, bookings, gear, food, costs, and how to get to the start and back from the end, into a separate post:

After the hike, we returned to Familiengut Ertlhof in Seeboden for a bit of a reset; pool time for the kids, a proper shower, and space to repack and regroup before heading on.

❓ Why we did our hut hike in Austria, not Slovenia

If you’re wondering why this itinerary jumps the border for hut hiking, here’s why.

I seriously considered (and did a lot of research into) doing a hut to hut route in Slovenia, but in the end, Austria won out for a few key reasons:

• Food: With kids, food matters! I knew mine would be much happier with the Austrian hut menus (schnitzel, kaiserschmarrn, the works) than the more Slavic-leaning Goulash-style options in Slovenia’s huts. Less grumbling = more enjoyment for all.
• Logistics: Slovenia’s public transport to trailheads is limited, especially in the mountains, and I couldn’t find a workable way to do a suitable route without leaving the car somewhere awkward and having to double back to fetch it.
• Route clarity: A lot of the Slovenian hut hikes I looked at involved longer distances, more elevation, or some technical sections; not impossible, but it was harder to gauge suitability. Austria just had more family-friendly options that I could book with confidence.
• Lakeside downtime: I also really liked the idea of having a lake for swimming and relaxing before and after the hike, and whilst I considered both Bled and Bohinj, the Millstättersee felt like a better fit. It’s less busy than those famous Slovenian lakes, with fewer tourists, but also has brilliant infrastructure like the traffic-free bike path around the lake, which gave us an easy active day without any planning stress.

We’ll definitely go back to explore Slovenia’s hut network one day, but for this trip, Austria made the most sense, and I don’t regret it!

6️⃣ Day 6: Cycle & swim around Millstätter See (lake)

After three days on foot, Day 6 was all about cycling and swimming; a perfect active recovery day.

Millstätter See has a dedicated lakeside cycle path, and the 28km loop is mostly flat, scenic, and very doable with kids.

We hired bikes from SportPoint in Seeboden (you could also check out Bikeshop Seeboden, but it is closed on Sundays and Mondays, when we needed it), and set off straight from Seeboden, stopping at some of the many swim spots along the way.

Most of the swim spots around the lake are payable, a bit like outdoor pools – you’ll usually find changing rooms, restaurants, snack kiosks, man made beaches and sometimes extras like slides or diving boards. Not wild swimming, but very easy and family-friendly.

To keep the route manageable (and for extra fun!), we took the Peter Pan bike ferry from Döbriach to Großegg; a small boat that takes bikes and gave us a mini lake adventure en route. We had it to ourselves, and it was a great way to break up the ride while cutting out a chunk of the distance.

From Großegg, the path climbed briefly on a tarmac road (a short, steep push) before branching off onto a forest fire road which was shaded, quiet, and a lovely way to cruise back into Seeboden.

We stayed a third night in Seeboden, before driving back into Slovenia the next day.

7️⃣ Day 7: Drive to Bovec, Slovenia via Lago del Predil (1h 40 drive excluding stops)

We left Austria behind and headed for Bovec, crossing briefly into Italy on the way.

We stopped at Lago del Predil, which is a good leg-stretch-and-swim option before hitting the Soča Valley itself. The lake itself is gorgeous with turquoise glacial water, dramatic peaks, and decent swimming spots.

There is a small café near the car park, but it’s fairly basic so if you can be organised enough to bring a picnic, that would be a better bet, especially if you want to claim a shady spot by the water.

It was also pretty busy when we were there; unsurprising, since it was mid-August and edging into the Assumption of Mary holiday, when a lot of Italians take the whole week off.

Still a great stop, but don’t expect peaceful solitude unless you’re lucky with your timing.

The drive from Lago del Predil into Slovenia takes you over the winding Predil pass, which is short, scenic, and seriously impressive, with views of the Julian Alps opening up as you go.

Our kids, who are a bit prone to car sickness, were fine because the distance is short, but if yours are prone to travel sickness too, it’s worth being prepared.

From there, we dropped down into Bovec, which is basically Slovenia’s basecamp for everything outdoorsy.

It’s a compact village, surrounded by mountains and meadows, and full of people drying wetsuits, towing trailers full of kayaks, and hunting out ice cream. It’s a fun spot, and I easily could have stayed here longer.

Where to stay in Bovec, Slovenia

✅ Our pick: We stayed at Glamping Gozdna Jasa, just outside Bovec; a peaceful, tucked-away spot in a green meadow with good mountain views. It’s not walkable from town, so you’ll need a car, but the setting more than makes up for that.

We had one of their Lotus Belle tents for families, which was surprisingly roomy and came with proper beds and soft furnishings. The glamping area also has a huge covered outdoor kitchen area, hammocks, loungers and even a hot tub. There are also friendly goats, a very sweet little dog, and a few cats roaming about; the kids were in heaven.

Breakfast was genuinely astounding; buffet-style with all the normal breakfast stuff; coffee, juice, cheese, ham, bread, cereal, croissants and jam, but also a daily rotation of extras like home made chia pudding and fresh fruit jars, all served with a view of the mountains. If you’re glamping, it’s included, and sets you up perfectly for a day on the river or trails.

There’s a local restaurant/bar at the end of the drive where we ate one night, and a covered kitchen area on site if you’d rather self-cater. The place was a real hidden gem; relaxed, low-key, and ideal for a few relaxing more rural days.

✅ If you want to be in town, we also loved: Apartma Popeye
Super centrally located top floor apartment, sleeps 5. Air-conditioning, clean, and very comfortable. Includes a parking space in the car park opposite (not a given with most centrally located accommodation), and very kind hosts.

🏡 Also consider:

• Bovec Loft apartment
  Another good budget self catering apartment option in the town centre, with 2 bedrooms and a stylish decor and layout.
• Apartmaji Boka
  Simple, slightly old fashioned and good value self catering apartment with two bedrooms, in a traditional style farmhouse building. Kind hosts.

8️⃣ Day 8: Rafting and canyoning in the Soča Valley

This was one of our absolute favourite days, and Outdoor Galaxy in Bovec deserves a serious shoutout. They’re a small, independent outfit, and it showed.

Everything was friendly, calm, and brilliantly organised, with solid local knowledge and a really personal touch. They picked us up and dropped us off at the glampsite too!

We went white water rafting in the morning, and had a small raft just for the three of us (husband is not a keen swimmer so he opted out of this day), plus our brilliant guide.

We got to squeeze through gaps in rocks the big rafts couldn’t navigate, including one section where we went up on our side between boulders.

We also propped the raft up on a rock and slid down it, swam in the river, and generally had such a playful, personal experience. We passed multiple huge rafts on our way down the river, and I was glad we hadn’t ended up on one of those conveyor-belt trips.

The kit they provided was excellent – proper wetsuits, life jackets, helmets, shoes – and we didn’t need to bring anything except drinking water.

We were dropped back at our accommodation, Glamping Gozdna Jasa, for lunch, then collected again in the afternoon by a different guide for our canyoning trip.

By then it was very hot, and the walk up to the top of the canyon was a sweaty one; you have to carry your own kit (wetsuit, helmet etc.), and then wrestle it on before you start. But the canyon itself was shaded and forested, and we cooled off quickly once we got going.

Again, we had a guide to ourselves, and he was warm, professional, and patient, and again we saw massive groups of 16–20 people trudging through the same canyon, with grumpy guides and a serious lack of fun!

We couldn’t fault Outdoor Galaxy and would absolutely recommend booking with them if you’re in the area.

9️⃣- 🔟 Day 9–10: Hike the Soča Trail (Trenta to Bovec)

This was our big hiking stretch in Slovenia; two days walking the Soča Trail, which follows the river downstream from the Soča Source in Trenta all the way to Bovec.

It’s ridiculously scenic: turquoise water, suspension bridges, wild swimming spots and forested paths. Some sections are popular (with good reason), but large parts feel surprisingly quiet for such a well-known route.

We drove up to a car park near the source, parked there, and then walked back to Bovec over two days, staying overnight halfway along. The river is stunning and the hike is well worth doing.

The logistics take a bit of sorting (accommodation, parking, packing), but I’ve got you covered here:

Once we had hiked back into Bovec, and re-energised ourselves with a cold drink and an ice cream, we took a taxi back up to collect the car. It cost around €40–50 and was easy to arrange locally.

We stayed that evening in town, in Apartma Popeye, a super centrally located top floor apartment.

1️⃣1️⃣ Day 11: Drive to Piran via the Lipica Stud Farm (2h 30 drive excluding stops)

We left the Soča Valley behind and headed for the coast; but not before tackling the very winding road out of the mountains.

It’s scenic but even with breaks, car sickness was definitely a factor. Worth having snacks, water and something to settle the stomach if your kids are prone. We had to stop for fresh air a couple of times.

To break the journey to the Adriatic, we stopped at the Lipica Stud Farm, home of the famous Lipizzaner horses. It’s an amazing place, with huge grounds and gardens that are free to walk around.

We booked a guided tour of the stables (book in advance online), which gave a good overview of the history; interesting without being too long, and a great leg-stretch stop en route to the coast.

Depending on the day, you may also be able to book tickets for a riding show or to watch the horses during their official training sessions, which would be a fun upgrade for horse-mad kids (or adults).

From there, we drove on to Piran, a small town on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast with strong Venetian influences.

It’s got the red rooftops, narrow alleyways and faded beauty of the Croatian old towns, but on a smaller, more laid-back scale.

The centre is pedestrianised, the sea wraps around three sides, and it’s ideal for a gentle wander and a sunset gelato.

We checked into Guesthouse Opara, which I’d absolutely recommend.

It’s not inside the old town walls (which means it has parking – which seems to be rare in Piran!), but it’s only about a 15 minute walk into the historic centre and also to Fiesa Beach, a small, pebbly beach tucked into a quiet bay just around the headland.

1️⃣2️⃣ Day 12: Explore Piran and swim off the rocks

Today was all about taking it slow after a fairly busy previous couple of week. We wandered into Piran in the morning and just enjoyed the old town with its terracotta rooftops, sea views, and sea view cafes.

The main square is great for a coffee stop and some people-watching, and there are a few low-key museums and churches if your kids are up for it (ours weren’t!).

There’s a few decent swimming spots off the rocks at the end of the the old town. It’s not a beach per se, but you can lay towels down on the sea wall, and there are steps down into the sea.

The water is clear and calm, and actually nicer than I expected for a dip in town. You wouldn’t want to spend all day there, but it was fine for a swim and jump-about before gelato.

There’s another spot on the other side of the old town here.

We also walked down to Fiesa Beach, about five minutes from the apartment. It’s a small, pebbly beach with good water access and good swimming. It is quite narrow and busy when we visited (not much space to spread out), but fine for a dip and a bit of a play in the water.

Overall, the beaches near Piran were good for a dip, but not really a patch on Croatia’s rocky / pebbly beaches, and really pretty crowded in August (I guess that’s what happens when you’re a country with just a tiny stretch of coastline!).

The area itself is lovely for a chill out, but if we were to do this again, I’d probably think about crossing over into Croatia for the better beaches!

1️⃣3️⃣Day 13: Strunjan Nature Reserve and Moon Bay

For our last full day in Piran, we explored the Strunjan Nature Reserve; a stretch of coastline just a short drive (10 minutes) from Piran. From the car park (get there earlyish before it fills up!), it’s a pleasant walk up through the reserve and then along the cliff top and then down to Moon Bay, a striking crescent-shaped beach backed by steep cliffs and shaded by pine trees.

The beach is pebbly, scenic, and perfect for a swim, although – like everything in Piran – it was busy when we visited.

It’s worth noting we were still within the peak August holiday window, when most of southern Europe is off work. Still, we found a spot and enjoyed a refreshing dip and some dramatic coastal views.

There’s not much in the way of facilities at Moon Bay, so either bring a picnic or head back towards the car park where there’s a bar for food, drinks and snacks.

1️⃣4️⃣Day 14: Drive to mountain guesthouse near Velika Planina via Postojna Caves (2h 00 drive excluding stops)

We left the coast in the morning and drove inland towards Ljubljana, breaking up the journey with a stop at the Postojna Caves; one of Slovenia’s most famous attractions, and rightly so.

It was really busy, but actually extremely well organised.

Because it’s so popular, you really do need to book your time slot in advance, especially in the summer holidays. We booked a few days before and options were already limited. You also need to arrive well before your slot so you don’t miss your entry.

You queue for your pre-booked time slot, and then the tour begins with a train ride into the cave system, followed by a guided walk through towering stalactites and dramatic chambers. The scale of it is astonishing, and it’s genuinely the most impressive underground space I’ve ever seen.

One thing to note: it’s 10°C inside the caves year-round. If, like us, you visit when it’s 33°C outside, the temperature drop is intense (not in a good way)! Bring trousers, jumpers and decent shoes, even if it feels silly at the car park.

After the main cave tour, we also visited the Vivarium, which is near the cave entrance and included in some ticket options.

Our son is obsessed with reptiles and strange creatures, so this was right up his alley. It’s a small space showcasing the olm; Slovenia’s famous blind cave salamander that looks like a ghostly baby dragon.

There’s also a tank of olms in the main cave itself, so the vivarium isn’t necessary unless you’ve got a wildlife fanatic with you!

If you’ve already done Postojna, or just love caves, the Škocjan Caves (near to Lipica) are meant to be even more dramatic and possibly less crowded.

You could easily do Škocjan instead of (or as well as Lipica) on your way to or from Piran. I tried, but tickets were already gone on the day we wanted to go. Book far in advance!

After the caves, we drove on past Ljubljana, to a small mountain guesthouse at the base of Velika Planina. This had a very different vibe to the coast; it was more of an Austrian-style farmhouse / hostel type set up.

We had a family room with a shared bathroom, and there was a buzzing bar, simple restaurant and a garden with slacklines and kids’ play structures.

We had a chilled dinner and beer in the garden while the kids stretched their legs after the car journey.

1️⃣5️⃣ Day 15: Foggy wander on Velika Planina + 30 minute drive to airport

On our final day, we took the cable car and chair lift up to Velika Planina, a high Alpine pasture dotted with historic shepherds’ huts; used every summer by Slovenian shepherds.

Even today, many still live up here seasonally, tending their grazing herds, and some open their doors to visitors — offering tastes of their homemade dairy products.

There are a handful of mountain cafés and restaurants too, serving hearty traditional food, and on a clear day, you’d have sweeping views to go with it.

Sadly, we didn’t get those views. As we got on the chair lift, the fog rolled in thick. It was a total white-out. It was the only cool, cloudy day of the trip, and not ideal for hiking.

We still had a short wander round the huts (and the small shepherding museum), but skipped the longer hikes we’d originally planned. There’s loads of walking potential up here on a clear day, and we’d love to go back for a proper explore.

After that, it was back down the mountain and a half hour drive to the airport for our evening flight home. Two weeks of outdoor adventure, well and truly accomplished!

Slovenia with kids = wild swims, mountains & memories (without the faff)

This trip had the mix we’re always after: varied landscapes (mountains, lakes, crystal clear rivers, and the sea), affordable but memorable stays, a variety of activities and landscapes within easy reach of each other, and enough adventure to keep both adults and kids properly engaged (but not knackered).

There was space to slow down, potter, recover from hikes, and just enjoy being somewhere different.

What made it work? A clear plan, a flexible rental car (much easier than public transport for this route), and choosing variety over volume.

The Austrian hut hike gave us our mountain adventure fix, while Slovenia delivered on beautiful landscapes, relaxed seaside days, and a proper sense of somewhere new.

Yes, some bits in Slovenia were busy (it was August), but even then we found space to get away from the crowds and explore.

If you’re after an active family holiday that doesn’t feel like you’re on the same tourist trail as everyone else, this route hits a sweet spot; outdoorsy, independent, and well within the reach of any family looking for a bit of adventure!

🧳 What to pack for a Slovenia + Austria summer adventure

Planning a two-week active family holiday through Slovenia and Austria means packing for lakes, the sea, mountains, heat, and the odd thunderstorm. You’ll need a balance of hiking gear, swimwear, and a few practical extras to keep things running smoothly.

Tried & tested gear for our hut hikes

Over the years we’ve worked out which bits of kit really make hut to hut hiking easier for us and for the kids. Here are the exact things we actually use and would recommend packing. For much more detail, read my full guide to the best kids’ hiking gear here.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Should you click on a link to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission, which helps to support this blog! Views are always my own. See my privacy policy for more information.

Kids’ hiking backpack

We rate the Decathlon 28 litre kids’ hiking backpack and the Decathlon 40+10 litre kids’ backpacks:

👉Decathlon MH500 28L Kids’ Hiking Backpack (kids up to around 10 to 12)
👉Decathlon Quechua MH500 40+10L Kids’ Backpack (for bigger kids who need a bit more structure for heavier loads)

Kids’ hiking shoes

Comfortable, supportive shoes make a huge difference. These Salomon Kids’ Hiking Waterproof shoes have been a winner for our kids.

👉 Kids’ Salomon waterproof hiking shoes

Small trekking towel

Huts usually have shared bathrooms and don’t provide towels. These trek towels are light, compact, and dry fast overnight.

👉 Microfibre towel

Sleeping bag liner

Most mountain huts require one. Silk packs down smaller and lighter than cotton and is warmer.

👉 Silk sleeping bag liner

Kids’ trekking trousers

Zip-offs for warm days, and a soft shell pair or leggings for cooler weather.

👉 Zip-offs (unisex)
👉Softshell (boys’ fit)
👉Softshell (girls’ fit)

Lightweight headtorch

Essential for finding the loo at night! We use this super lightweight rechargeable one

👉 Rechargeable, lightweight headtorch

💡 Next steps?

• Download my FREE kids’ hut hiking packing list
• Grab my Soča Trail with Kids Book-and-Go PDF guide; with maps, GPX files and everything you need to book and think about in one place for you
• Read my introduction to hut to hut hiking in Austria
• Read the full guide to our hut to hut hike in Austria: a family‑friendly route in Carinthia