Arrival to Slovenia and blue hour by the lake

The journey to Slovenia had to be re-organised shortly before the start of the tour because the Slovenian Adria Airways filed for bankruptcy. We postponed the start of the tour to Zagreb. Already by the landing we were spoiled with a fascinating sunrise above the clouds.

At the airport Dan, our local guide, is already waiting for us. He knows his home country like no other. The experienced photo guide has worked as a photographer for the Triglav National Park for several years.

From Zagreb we drive to Bled. Lake Bled, a small alpine lake on the edge of the Triglav National Park, is famous for its small picturesque island with the church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. We take pictures of this beautiful motif during the blue hour. Shortly after sunset there is even a touch of pink in the sky.

Afterwards we visit a local restaurant and get in taste of the Slovenian cuisine.

A breath-taking sunrise in Bled

Just in time before sunrise we hike to a lookout point. From here you can enjoy a genuinely nice view of Lake Bled. A big cloud cover decorates the sky. A small gap in the east gives hope for a promising sunrise. We are spoiled with a fantastic colour spectacle. The whole sky shines in different shades of pink and purple. When the sun appears, the whole thing transforms into a harmonious orange. Satisfied, we walk back to the lake, where we take some more pictures of the island with beautiful reflections.

After this intensive morning we strengthen ourselves with a delicious breakfast in our hotel. Afterwards we get ourselves ready for another expedition. On the way to Kranjska Gora we stop at a beautiful waterfall. This falls down a steep rock face in the middle of a bright autumn forest. We continue to the lakes at Kranjska Gora. These lie at the foot of the impressive mountain scenery. The landscape glows in autumnal colours. We photograph extensively the autumnal wonderland. For the sunset we drive for a church, which is beautifully embedded in the mountain panorama.

In the afternoon, a pass with a curvy serpentine road is on the program. The pass is the highest in the Julian Alps and always offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain panorama.

The blaze of autumn colours is beautiful. The trees shine in autumnal tones, from yellow, orange to fire red. We are particularly fond of the bright yellow larches. We stop again and again to enjoy and photograph this mountain panorama.

Lake Bohinj and enchanting fairy-tale forests in the Soca Valley

At sunrise we drive to Lake Bohinj in the Triglav National Park. We must wait a little until the thick fog clears and then we can take nice pictures. In the afternoon Dan leads us on side roads through autumnal forests and with a small detour to Italy over a mountain pass back to Slovenia.

In Bovec we first check in into our hotel. Bovec is located in the heart of the Julian Alps and is the perfect gateway to the Triglav National Park. Highlights of this region are the Soča and the Trenta Valley. Already in the afternoon we explore rushing brooks, a fairy-tale water grove and the turquoise blue shimmering Soča. Our guests are enthusiastic about nature and we can devote ourselves extensively to all facets of long-term exposures.

Again, a beautiful viewpoint for the sunset is on the program. We are now in the middle of the Trenta Valley and look at the impressive mountain peaks of the Triglav National Park. Waited alpenglow turns out very faint today, but still throws a beautiful soft light on the peaks.

The most beautiful waterfall in Slovenia and the impressive Mangart

Dan shows us more beautiful corners of the Triglav National Park today. He knows the area very well, both through his work as a photographer for the National Park and as a passionate mountain guide. You can really feel his passion and enthusiasm for the Julian Alps. In the morning we visit, as we are advised, the most beautiful waterfall in Slovenia. It is a true jewel that shines emerald green, hidden in a dark grotto. We visit small picturesque villages in this unique mountain landscape.

After a short lunch break, we drive up a small mountain road. Again, and again we enjoy beautiful views, which we photograph extensively. At the top, at the end of the road, there are breath-taking views. We have a 360-degree view of the Austrian, Italian and Slovenian mountains.

A part of the group hikes with Dan, who is also a qualified mountain guide, to a mountain top. The other guests explore the surroundings. Later we take pictures of the mountain scenery together in the beautiful light of the setting sun.

Ljubljana, the unknown pearl of Europe

In the morning we photograph other highlights of the Triglav National Park, before leaving for Ljubljana in the afternoon. We explore the Soča and the Trenta Valley. We visit an authentic, remote mountain village. We will also capture the emerald green iridescent waters of the wild Soča, fantastic gorges and thunderous waterfalls.

Farewell to Slovenia

An eventful week, peppered with magnificent photo motifs and lots of fun in our group, is slowly coming to an end. In the morning we take photos once again in the blue hour. The fog gives the city a mystical atmosphere.

The capital of Slovenia is a real jewel. We will stroll through enchanting alleys of the old town and take pictures of baroque churches, architectural details of the old town, the castle and much more. Dan tells us a lot about his hometown and shows us the most beautiful corners. We take pictures of the sunset on the banks of the Ljubljanica River. We enjoy a delicious dinner in a nice restaurant and then fall happily into bed in our charming hotel in the middle of the old town.

After breakfast, the journey comes to an end and we wistfully say goodbye to Dan and Slovenia. Our guests return with many beautiful pictures in their luggage. It was great fun and we are already looking forward to the Slovenia photo tour next year.

Images in this report: Jennifer Brühlmann, Dan Briski (group photo)