‘A truly magical trip in the most beautiful country with a guide that guides so effortlessly it just feels like you're on holiday with friends. I will definitely be back. If you're considering it, get your place booked now.’ Kathy, Wild Swim Slovenia 2024

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Wild Swim Slovenia

Whether you choose to follow the emerald waters of the Idrijca river from its source over 60KM to where it meets the sapphire Soča, or seek out dramatic gorges and waterfalls in the Karst landscapes of Slovenia’s wine country, Wild Swim Slovenia promises to share some of Slovenia’s most serene swimming and dipping spots.

Including magical waterfalls, deep gorges and peaceful rivers, Wild Swim Slovenia offers a truly unique experience along Slovenia’s most beautiful rivers.

I love making space for joyful adventure, playful exploration and time spent simply having fun outdoors.

For 2027 we are proud to partner with the amazing Love Her Wild Community! That means for every LHW trip, a percentage of your booking goes back into grassroots opportunities to support women in the outdoors and adventure.

  • Smiling older woman swimming in a natural water body with a woman in the background, surrounded by trees and nature. On our Wild Swim Slovenia trip.

    Inspire me!

    Each day we will enjoy peaceful walks or E-bike rides, featuring natural pools, rivers or waterfalls for dipping. Every detail is chosen with sustainability, connection and wellbeing in mind. Our breakfasts, lunches and dinners will be locally sourced and made with care, whether we are visiting a farm, enjoying a picnic, or sharing each others’ company in a family run restaurant, alongside opportunities to visit local producers for tasting experiences, all found along the banks of the river.

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    Who's coming?

    Everyone who loves the water! These trips are focused on enjoying Slovenia’s incredible rivers and waterfalls from wherever you are at, whether thats simply supporting a friend, partner or family member, dipping a toe, or full immersion, everyone is welcome. Wild Swim Slovenia is not a distance swimming holiday, and many of our spots are small, natural pools, some are deep, but most have areas where you can remain in-depth should you wish. Some of my Wild Swim Slovenia trips are partnerships with Love Her Wild and these dates are for women only. Others are for everyone, please get in touch for a chat, if you are not sure which dates to book.

  • A person in a black swimsuit wades in a clear, shallow river with a rocky bed surrounded by green trees.

    Leading Together

    Led by Mikaela (founder of More to Explore), I believe in the power of walking and dipping and the positive impacts time spent in nature can have for ourselves, each other and our understanding of the natural world. We protect what we love! This trip was created alongside Mental Health Swims‍ ‍and over the last two years I have been proud to support them with 20% of Wild Swim Slovenia profits. Despite their recent closure, we continue to be inspired by the MHS community and their ethos of Dips over Distance.

People swimming in a river surrounded by tall, rocky cliffs.

Itineraries

I believe in the power of letting go, embracing the unknown and leaving space for awe. Each day we will embark on a beautifully crafted experience, which will involve a mix of hiking, gravel Ebike rides, tasting local food, and of course opportunities to swim and dip. I always include 1-2 incredible spots for immersing yourself in Slovenia’s beautiful waters, often coinciding with a picnic lunch, and we take our time to relax and enjoy the places we are in. Wild Swim Slovenia is always flexible and my expertise and local knowledge enables me to pick the best locations every day to suit the weather and conditions. Awe often comes from allowing yourself to be surprised, and so I am letting go of the day-by-day itineraries on my website in place of a little mystery!

  • "This trip gave me a kind of quiet strength and clarity I didn’t know I needed. It was the kind of trip that quietly changes you."

    Tamara H, April 2025

  • “I keep replaying some of our amazing adventures in my head to keep me going. They’ll be living rent free in my head for a very long time.”

    Helen - Sept 24

  • "This was an incredible trip and I loved every minute of it! Each day included carefully thought out walks, combined with a swim in various breathing taking locations."

    Rebecca O, April 2025.

  • "The Wild Swimming Slovenia trip far exceeded my expectations! It was a magical week swimming in gorges, lakes and hidden rivers - in whatever the weather!"

    Hannah - Sept 2024

  • "Had the most incredible week of wild swimming, hiking and cycling in Slovenia guided by Mikaela, who is knowledgeable, patient and thoughtful in the way she puts together the itinerary and guides the trip."

    Katie - Sept 2024

  • "The warmth and inclusiveness of our group which ranged from 30 to 70 was also inspiring and Mikaela gelled the group together so that we felt like we'd known each other forever."

    Kathy - Sept 24

  • "I cannot recommend this holiday and company enough. I return home feeling younger, totally inspired- with new friends and memories to last a lifetime."

    Jane - Sept 2024

  • " Mikaela transferred her enthusiasm, confidence and encouragement to the group giving us confidence to experience our best, regardless of age, ability and weather conditions!"

    Susan - Sept 2024

Mountain Rivers.

7 nights

Price: £1800pp

2026 Dates: September 11th - 18th (Fully Booked)

2027 Dates: September 10th - 17th

  • My flagship Wild Swim Slovenia adventure! On this journey we will follow source-to-source along the full length of the emerald Idrijca river to where it meets the sapphire Soča.

    Each day we will walk and cycle through vast forests, to hidden spots, exploring my home region and welcomed by wonderful hosts and friends along the way.

    We’ll stay in family run farm-stays and comfortable apartments in lovingly restored homes, nestled in among the foothills of the Julian Alps. This is a landscape surrounded by mountains but shaped by the rivers that flow through it.

  • This special journey follows two mountain rivers from source to source, the Idrijca and the Soča. Each location for dipping and swimming connects us with their unique character, and includes deep pools at the bottom of hidden waterfalls, swimming through the dramatic and sculptural limestone features that line the rivers, exploring narrow gorges and immersing ourselves in the emerald and sapphire waters that make these rivers unique.

  • From peaceful, forgotten, forest paths, to dramatic viewpoints overlooking ancient fault-lines and hiking between the awe-inspiring peaks of the Julian Alps, the hikes included on our Mountain Rivers journey connect the surrounding landscapes and cultures with the water each day. Our hikes vary from 1-4 hours and in summer when the days are longer, we may have the opportunity to extend these.

  • Our EBike ride makes some of Idrija’s more remote areas accessible, journeying on a gravel adventure through the history of the upper Idrijca, and Belca rivers, with historic and uniquely designed UNESCO protected Dams, connecting the region’s industrial past with the beautiful forests and rivers we enjoy today. A fun and exhilarating descent brings us back to our swim spot, supported the entire way by Mikaela and an additional cycle-tour leader for the day.

  • We love bringing our adventures together with the beautiful culture of Slovenia, shared with us through the families who host us in the evenings, enjoying local specialities in working farms and visiting globally significant ancient sites, tracing back to early civilisation’s connections to the river.

Three women are joyfully running out of a river along a wooded area, holding hands and smiling. On Wild Swim Slovenia.
Group of seven people in swimsuits and sunglasses enjoying Wild Swim Slovenia and playing in a river with clear water, raising their arms and smiling, in a natural outdoor setting.
Group of hikers gathered around a tree in a dense forest with a small waterfall and stream in the background. On Wild Swim Slovenia.
Three women swimming in a narrow, rocky canyon with clear turquoise water. On Wild Swim Slovenia.
Six women standing in a river, smiling and celebrating, with a rocky, wooded backdrop. On Wild Swim Slovenia.
Seven people posing outdoors with mountains in the background, smiling and wearing hiking gear. On Wild Swim Slovenia.
Four women swimming and smiling in a river with green water, some wearing swimsuits and goggles, some with gloves, looking up at the camera from above. On Wild Swim Slovenia with More to Explore.
People swimming in a narrow canyon with steep rocky walls and clear blue water. On Wild Swim Slovenia with More to Explore.
People swimming and wading in a river with sunlight reflecting off the water, surrounded by trees and rocks. On Wild Swim Slovenia with More to Explore.
A woman smiling and swimming in a natural pool at the base of a waterfall surrounded by rocks and fallen autumn leaves. On Wild Swim Slovenia with More to Explore.

Rivers of the Southwest.

6 nights (with 1 x Michelin recommended restaurant)

Price: £1800pp

2027 dates: April 5th - 11th and November 1st - 7th

  • Explore Slovenia’s peaceful karst region, where the Soča river emerges and the Vipava river winds its way through the historic vineyards of this beautifully rolling landscape. We will hike, cycle and travel by train, to explore the waterways that gives life from the limestone, and of course have the chance to enjoy tasting the wine that makes this region so special.

    Seeking out cold water springs, slow stretches of river and following an underground journey through a dramatic gorge, each day will be full of exploration, laughter and plenty of opportunities to swim.

  • From crystal blue springs hidden in the forest, to the slow meandering journey of the Vipava river this trip is full of surprises. We will also have the opportunity to explore one very special river that emerges from a canyon deep underground, bursting briefly into the dramatic Karst valley before disappearing again just a few kilometres away, and there will be the opportunity to visit Slovenia’s small stretch of coast along the salt-flats on the adriatic sea.

  • Throughout the trip we will enjoy hikes that take us through shady lowland forests, with secret pools and gorges, to soaring plateaus with dramatic ridgelines and views towards the adriatic sea across the mediterranean vineyards of the Vipava Valley.

  • Partnering with a local expert, we will take an EBike tour travelling up, down and around through beautifully rolling terrain, with a stop to swim in the meandering Vipava river and finishing at a vineyard to enjoy a tasting experience.

  • Culture is at the heart of this trip, as we travel through ancient vineyards on foot, in the water, by bicycle and by train and stay with families who have been tending the land for generations. Each evening, we will have the opportunity to enjoy food and wine made by our hosts, and learn about the characteristic Slovene varieties that are crafted here.

    On our final evening, we will enjoy a special home-cooked meal, looking back across the valley to celebrate our journey.

Three people enjoying Wild Swim Slovenia with More to Explore at a natural stream surrounded by rocks and green trees, with one person sitting on the rocks and two others wading in the water.
Three people walking along a dirt path through a vineyard under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, mountains in the background.
Four people standing in a lake surrounded by trees and a house in the background, enjoying a sunny day. On Wild Swim Slovenia with More to Explore.
Group of hikers walking along a winding dirt path through a green, hilly landscape with trees and shrubs, with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. On Wild Swim Slovenia with More to Explore.
Round wooden table set for a meal with glasses, plates, napkins, and a variety of charcuterie, bread, and salads, with a large abstract red and geometric art piece on a stone wall in the background. On Wild Swim Slovenia with More to Explore.
Group of hikers walking on a narrow trail through a wooded forest with green grass and leafless trees. On Wild Swim Slovenia with More to Explore.
Six people stand and sit in waist-deep water at the beach, with a clear blue sky and calm sea in the background. One person is swimming in the distance. On Wild Swim Slovenia with More to Explore.
A woman swimming in a natural rock pool surrounded by grey rocks and sparse trees, with green foliage and a hillside in the background. On Wild Swim Slovenia with More to Explore.
People swimming and relaxing in a natural river surrounded by trees and rocks. On Wild Swim Slovenia with More to Explore.
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Winter Lakes.

4 nights (2 x luxury nights with spa)

Price: £1550

  • Explore Slovenia’s winter beauty, as we hike, snowshoe and dip our way around it’s breathtaking mountain lakes. Alongside our daily journeys, this trip will be full of surprises that will be sure to inspire you!

    We will be venturing out each day together for a journey on foot, and for a cold water dip, before heading back to our accommodation for comforting home-cooked food, saunas and good company with 2 nights in luxury accommodation and a special evening meal on our last night together.

  • Cold water immersion is our inspiration for all of our winter swim spots. With easy access and breathtaking views, we will dip in alpine valley lakes surrounded by Slovenia’s winter mountains, before seeking the warmth of cosy fireplaces, hot chocolate, saunas and of course plenty of cake.

  • Alongside our daily dips we will enjoy a winter walk. From Alpine valleys surrounded by snowy peaks, to upland pastures, with shepherds huts and views across the Julian Alps. If the conditions allow, you will be invited to have a go at snowshoeing, enabling us to play and explore away from the trails, finding animals tracks as we go, in forests home to bears, wolves and the elusive eurasian lynx.

    No prior winter experience is needed for the hiking element of this trip, just a love of the outdoors and a good base level for enjoying hillwalking.

  • Winter activities are incredibly popular in Slovenia, and we will embrace and experience the warmth of Alpine Culture on this adventure. In the evenings we will enjoy hearty home-cooked food prepared by our welcoming hosts.

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Day trips & bespoke.

Prices start from: £250pd

Contact Me

  • Take a moment to reset and set off an a journey full of surprises. On my day trips I take care of everything, sharing some of my favourite hikes and swimming locations, and preparing a beautiful picnic full of local foods for you to try.

    If you’re looking for a bespoke multi-day trip, I will plan an itinerary for up to 8 guests from 1 day up to 7 nights fully guided.

  • The swims will be tailored around you. Whether you are looking for multiple swims throughout the day, or simply one to start and finish I will create a journey just for you.

  • My hikes can be adjusted to suit everyone, ranging from gentle valley walks to peaks and passes, all with amazing views on peaceful paths in my local regions.

    Prefer 2 wheels? We can set off on EBikes to explore forest trails and secret swim spots along the way.

  • I love sharing local culture throughout all my journeys. Whether it’s tasting local delicacies, learning about the history of the region or visiting producers along the route, it adds an extra sparkle to everything I do.

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I carefully select all of our accommodation to combine comfort, culture and delicious home-cooked food.

We often stay at a mix of working farms, small guesthouses and Alpine Cottages, giving you a real taste of Slovene culture and hospitality. The options above may be subject to change but the quality and character will always remain the same.

Accommodation

  • Podobnik Farm

    Idrija

  • Apartments Reida

    Kneža

  • Residential buildings with wooden facades in a mountainous area, sunny day with a clear blue sky and clouds, with green trees and grass.

    Residence Soča

    Trenta

  • A rustic building with stone and wood siding, labeled 'ŁUKNA Hostel,' situated in a mountainous area with green hills in the background.

    Hostel Lukn'a

    Mojstrana

  • A white house with brown window shutters and flower boxes, surrounded by a garden with vegetables and herbs, a tree, and mountains in the background.

    Majerija

    Vipava Valley

  • Row of small cabin-style houses on a hill with green trees and blue sky in the background, overlooking a body of water

    Glamping Zarja

    Podkraj

  • Čebron Family Estate

    Preserje

  • A snowy mountain house with black and white exterior, chimney stacks, and flags, set against a blue sky with clouds, surrounded by snow-covered trees.

    Garni Hotel Miklič

    Kranjska Gora

  • A multi-story house with wooden and stucco exterior, surrounded by snow-covered trees and ground, under a partially cloudy sky.

    Ribno Alpine Hotel

    Bled

  • A modern boutique hotel with a wooden exterior surrounded by snow, with a pine tree in the foreground and snow-capped mountains in the background on a clear, sunny winter day.

    Hotel Bohinj

    Ribčev Laz

What's included?

  • A person splashing in a natural river with trees and rocks in the background.

    Inclusions

    - All of your accommodation (with shared rooms) from arrival to departure.

    - All of your meals.

    - Private transport throughout the trip, including airport meet and greet.

    - Any technical equipment needs for example EBikes and winter equipment rental.

    - Fully guided experience with International Mountain Leader and Open Water Lifeguard Mikaela.

    - Pre-trip Whatsapp support.

    - Local produce tasting opportunities.

    - A series of professional photographs.

  • Four people swimming and smiling in emerald green water, looking up at the camera, on our Wild Swim Slovenia trip.

    Exclusions

    - Flights

    - Individual Insurance (We will require copies of this)

    - Additional drinks and snacks

    - Single room supplement available. Where we are staying in apartments, you will likely have an individual bedroom but a shared bathroom.

Get in touch.

Would you like to know more about any of my trips? You can pop me a message here and I’ll get back to you directly.

Any Questions?

Visit my FAQ page for more info on flights, room-sharing, kit and more. Or contact me directly at Info@mtexplore.com

FAQ