Alpe-Adria Loop: From the Carinthian Lakes to the Sea at Trieste

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This trip is planned for 20 Jun – 01 Jul 2027.

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Day 1 · Sun 20/06 2:48 hr

From Salzburg to Lake Wörthersee

Arrival and first swim

A relaxed arrival day with a drive of a good 2.5 hours, leaving the afternoon free for swimming.

Start

Salzburg

This is where your Alpe-Adria loop begins. Take your time loading up in the morning and set off early so you can still get a swim in during the afternoon.

200 km · 2:45 hr
Campsite

Wörthersee (Camping Berghof, Klagenfurt)

Lake Wörthersee is one of the warmest swimming lakes in the Alps and glows turquoise on hot days. The campsite sits right on the water with its own bathing beach and jetty, ideal for arriving and taking your first dip. From the site, the southern shore is easy to explore on foot or by bike.

38–52 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 2 · Mon 21/06 12 min

Lake Wörthersee day: swimming and strolling

Lake and relaxation

A rest day with a short drive and plenty of time by the water.

9 km · 7 min
1
Sight

Pyramidenkogel

The world's tallest wooden observation tower offers a panoramic view over Lake Wörthersee and the Karawanks. For the way down there's a slide inside the tower, and a café at the top. Large motorhome parking areas at the base of the tower make stopping here easy.

14–16 € / person child-friendly
Website
9 km · 7 min
Campsite

Wörthersee (Camping Berghof, Krumpendorf)

A second night at the same lakeside pitch, so you can enjoy the lake at leisure. In the afternoon it's worth taking a trip into Klagenfurt by bus or bike — the Reptile Zoo Happ and the Europapark are on the western shore.

38–52 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 3 · Tue 22/06 24 min

Across the border to Lake Bled

Slovenian Alps

Buy an e-vignette in advance for the toll sticker required in Slovenia.

The Wurzenpass is demanding, with gradients of up to 18 percent; with a large motorhome it's better to take the Karawanks Tunnel instead.

2
Nature

Faaker See

Lake Faak is considered one of the clearest swimming lakes in Carinthia and shimmers an intense turquoise against the backdrop of the Mittagskogel. A short bathing stop on the lakeshore sweetens the drive towards the border. There are level parking areas at the public bathing spots.

5–8 € / person child-friendly
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34 km · 26 min
Campsite

Camping Bled

Lake Bled, with its island and the castle perched on the cliff, is one of Slovenia's landmarks. The campsite sits at the quiet western end right on the water, with its own bathing area. From here a flat path leads all the way round the lake, perfect for an evening stroll.

40–58 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 4 · Wed 23/06 12 min

Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge

Nature and walking

Visit Vintgar Gorge in the morning, when it's cooler and quieter.

5 km · 4 min
3
Nature

Vintgar Gorge (Soteska Vintgar)

Wooden walkways lead through the narrow Vintgar Gorge above the turquoise-green Radovna river, all the way to the thundering Šum Waterfall. The route, just under two kilometres, is easy walking and a real highlight of the region. There's a car park with motorhome spaces at the entrance.

12–15 € / person child-friendly
Website
5 km · 4 min
4
Activity

Lake Bled shore path and bathing beach

In the afternoon you can swim in Lake Bled or take a traditional pletna rowing boat across to the island to visit the pilgrimage church. The flat circular path around the shore, about six kilometres long, is easy to walk. The Ojstrica viewpoint offers the classic postcard shot.

18–22 € / person child-friendly
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Another night: Camping Bled
Day 5 · Thu 24/06 42 min

Lake Bohinj and into the Soča Valley

Mountain lake and Triglav National Park

A winding mountain route — allow time and take breaks.

The Soča region is a good base for the Predil Pass the following day.

5
Nature

Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is larger, quieter and more untouched than Bled, set within Triglav National Park. Its shores are excellent for swimming and paddling, ringed by the Julian Alps. A good stopping point on the way to the Soča Valley.

0 € child-friendly
Website
19 km · 14 min
6
Nature

Tolmin Gorges (Tolminska korita)

The Tolmin Gorges form the lowest-lying entrance to Triglav National Park, where the Tolminka and Zadlaščica rivers have carved narrow ravines. Walkways and the Devil's Bridge lead round a varied circular route. The Bear's Head rock and the emerald-green pools are the highlights.

8–10 € / person child-friendly
Website
15 km · 25 min
Campsite

Kamp Koren Kobarid

This family-run eco campsite sits above the emerald-green Soča river, ideal for nature lovers. From the site you can walk to the river and the famous Slap Kozjak waterfalls. Quiet, well-equipped pitches among the trees.

32–44 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 6 · Fri 25/06 18 min

Predil Pass and Laghi di Fusine

Alpine pass and mountain lakes

The Predil Pass has some tight bends on the southern side, but the gradient is moderate and manageable for motorhomes.

An altogether relaxed day, with short drives and plenty of nature.

7
Sight

Predil Pass (Passo del Predil)

The Predil Pass, at 1,156 metres, connects the Soča Valley with Italy's Canale Valley and is easily driven by motorhome. At the summit lies the small Lago del Predil, framed by the Julian Alps. The old fortifications recall the region's history as a border area.

0 € child-friendly
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10 km · 8 min
8
Nature

Laghi di Fusine

The two Fusine lakes lie deep green and mirror-still beneath the Mangart massif and rank among the loveliest mountain lakes in the Eastern Alps. A flat circular route of around five kilometres links the upper and lower lakes. Ideal for a peaceful walk in the nature park.

7–10 € / day child-friendly
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10 km · 8 min
Campsite

Camping Tarvisio

The campsite lies on the edge of Tarvisio in the tri-border region and is a good base for the surrounding mountain lakes. The popular Alpe-Adria cycle path runs from the site along the old railway line. A quiet, forest-fringed spot with solid facilities.

30–42 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 7 · Sat 26/06 18 min

On to the sea at Trieste

From the mountains to the Adriatic

Once you've reached the sea, let the afternoon wind down gently.

9
Sight

Miramare Castle (Castello di Miramare)

The white Miramare Castle stands on a rocky headland right above the turquoise Gulf of Trieste, surrounded by an extensive park. The opulent interiors of Archduke Maximilian are well preserved and open to visitors. The park, with its sea views, is freely accessible and perfect for a walk.

12–15 € / person child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

12 km · 20 min
Campsite

Camping Village Mare Pineta (Sistiana)

This large campsite lies in a pine forest above the Bay of Sistiana, with sea views and its own beach access. From here Trieste is easily reached by bus, so the motorhome can stay put. A good base for the Rilke Path coastal walk.

40–62 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 8 · Sun 27/06 1:18 hr

Discovering Trieste

Coffee houses and harbour city

Don't head for underground car parks in Trieste — your motorhome is too tall; park at ground level or take the bus instead.

21 km · 30 min
10
Town

Trieste old town and Piazza Unità d'Italia

Trieste blends Austrian coffee-house flair with the Italian sea and Europe's largest square open to the sea, Piazza Unità d'Italia. The canal, historic cafés and the San Giusto viewpoint hill all invite you to stroll. The city is easy to explore on foot.

0 € child-friendly
Website
· 20 min
11
Sight

Castello di San Giusto

The San Giusto Fortress crowns the hill above the old town, and from its ramparts there's a sweeping view over the rooftops and the gulf. Next door stands the Romanesque-Byzantine cathedral with its ancient mosaics. A good place to get a sense of the city's history.

3–6 € / person child-friendly
Website
Another night: Camping Village Mare Pineta (Sistiana)
Day 9 · Mon 28/06

On to Piran on the Slovenian coast

Adriatic town and salt gardens

Crossing back into Slovenia — check your vignette.

A short drive, with the afternoon by the sea.

12
Nature

Sečovlje Salt Pans (Sečoveljske soline)

In the extensive Sečovlje Salt Pans, salt is still harvested using traditional methods, set within a nature park rich in birdlife. Wooden walkways and nature trails lead through the pans. A peaceful contrast to the bustle of the coastal towns.

7–11 € / person child-friendly
Website
3 km · 2 min
Campsite

Camping Lucija (Portorož)

Camping Lucija lies between Portorož and Piran right on the sea and makes a good base for the western Istrian coast. A bus runs from here to Piran, so the motorhome can stay put. Swimming spots and the promenade are within walking distance.

34–50 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 10 · Tue 29/06 24 min

Piran and swimming in the Adriatic

Old town lanes and the sea

Piran is closed to motorhomes; be sure to park outside and take the shuttle or walk in.

4 km · 3 min
13
Town

Piran

Piran is a Venetian-flavoured town on a narrow spit of land, with narrow lanes, Tartini Square and the Church of San Giorgio rising above the rooftops. Car-free and compact, it's wonderful to explore on foot. From the town walls the view stretches across the whole bay.

0 € child-friendly
Website
· 15 min
14
Sight

Town walls and Church of San Giorgio

The climb up to the Church of San Giorgio and the old town walls rewards you with the finest panorama over Piran and the sea. The bell tower echoes the Campanile in Venice. A short, worthwhile walk through the upper town.

2–4 € / person child-friendly
View on map
Another night: Camping Lucija (Portorož)
Day 11 · Wed 30/06 2:24 hr

Lipica and the return route via the Karst

White horses and cave country

A slightly longer drive in the afternoon; take breaks and aim to reach the lake before evening.

15
Sight

Lipica Stud Farm (Kobilarna Lipica)

At Lipica, the famous white Lipizzaner horses have been bred since the 16th century, shaping the tradition of classical riding. A guided tour through the stables and paddocks lets you see the horses up close, often with demonstrations too. The sprawling estate in the Karst is ideal for a morning visit.

16–24 € / person child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

97 km · 2:25 hr
Campsite

Kamp Bela Krajina near Bled no longer used – Camping Šobec instead

On the way back towards the Alps, the large, wooded Camping Šobec offers a peaceful stop by its own swimming lake with a pebble beach. It lies close to Bled and is ideal for one more swim before the final leg. Very family-friendly and well equipped.

36–52 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 12 · Thu 01/07 3:18 hr

Back to Salzburg

Homeward journey across the Alps

The final leg, with a good 3.5 hours of driving; set off early and take a break in the Salzkammergut or at the Katschberg.

Campsite

Camping Šobec (Lesce)

After breakfast and one last dip in the swimming lake, it's time to head home. From here it's not far to Salzburg via the Karawanks Tunnel and the Tauern Autobahn.

0 € child-friendly
Website
225 km · 3:20 hr
16
Town

Salzburg

This is where your Alpe-Adria loop ends after twelve days among lakes, gorges and the sea. You're back where you started.

0 €
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This trip is planned for 20 Jun – 01 Jul 2027.

Copy it and move it to your own dates.

Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.