There's that magical time of year when we witness the convergence of two seasons. Down in the valleys, lively birds serenade, trees burst into blossoms, and the first flowers herald the arrival of warmer spring days. Meanwhile, higher in the mountains, relentless north winds and freezing temperatures maintain their grip on the snow-capped peaks. The best of both spring and winter unfolds in the great outdoors, awaiting our embrace. Fortunately, I've been fortunate enough to traverse endless verdant meadows adorned with wild marsh tulips, journey across rolling hills blanketed in purple crocuses, and witness the trees sprouting leaves in vibrant gorges. Conversely, a thousand meters higher, I've savored snowshoeing through half a meter of fresh snow towards breathtaking mountain summits, and ascended safely to a snow-draped peak affording views of both Slovenia and Austria. Here, I share five memorable spring hikes in the Slovenian Alps and the nearby Ljubljana hillside. Some are suitable for family and friends, while others are best tackled by seasoned hikers or in the company of certified guides. Regardless, enjoy the picturesque moments of early spring and the lingering traces of winter!

Zajamniki

Nestled amidst forests, approximately sixty huts dot this high-altitude pasture, framed by the Julian Alps to the west and the scenic Bohinj mountains to the south. Zajamniki Pasture forms part of the southwestern Pokljuka, a high karst plateau in the Julian Alps, spanning 6,300 hectares, predominantly covered in fir forests. It's home to a rich array of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, foxes, and even more elusive creatures like wolves, bears, and lynxes. The Alpine pastures of Pokljuka, including Zajamniki, have retained their traditional Slovenian Alpine architecture, free from any modern influences. The landscapes here appear frozen in time, untouched by new construction and contemporary features. A few scattered solar panels represent the sole hint of modernity. Spring brings its grace to Zajamniki as well.

Ljubljansko Barje (Ljubljana Marsh)

Nestled at the southern end of Ljubljana, extending towards the foothills in the south, Ljubljana Marsh covers 163 square kilometers, accounting for approximately one percent of Slovenia's total land area. This expansive wetland constitutes Slovenia's largest, boasting an intricate network of meadows, fields, ditches, and trails. Renowned for its vibrant wildlife and diverse flora, the marsh is a haven for 89 species of butterflies, 48 species of dragonflies, and over 100 species of birds, including some globally endangered varieties. Nearly half of Slovenia's bird population chooses this region for nesting. As winter yields to spring, the ancient hay meadows of the marshes burst into life, adorned by the splendid bell-shaped blossoms of leper lilies, displaying their reddish-purple elegance. These lilies are the first to grace the still-dormant meadows, offering a striking spectacle. My exploration of the enchanting Ljubljana Marsh revealed fields carpeted with leper lilies, deer grazing tranquilly, and trails devoid of crowds. This extraordinary place is just a stone's throw from Ljubljana. During my recent visit, the trees were just beginning to sprout leaves, creating a captivating contrast between the awakening valley forests and the rugged peaks above.

Martinj Vrh

Despite the name suggesting a peak, 'Vrh' meaning 'a peak' in Slovenian, Martinj Vrh is actually a village nestled along a hillside, ascending to as high as 1,000 meters. Its remote location would have remained inconspicuous were it not for the spectacular carpets of crocuses that grace its open meadows in early spring. With a web of trails and quiet roads, visitors can explore easy loops around the village and the nearby forest, embark on a breathtaking 3-hour, 9-kilometer loop hike around Koprivnik, a 1,393-meter hill above Martinj Vrh, or undertake a rewarding 4-hour, 11-kilometer hike to Blegoš, a picturesque 1,562-meter hill adorned with historical remnants from pre-World War II times. On two occasions, immediately after fresh snowfall transformed the entire Alpine landscape into a winter wonderland, we had to don snowshoes to ascend this enchanting peak.