1. Mount Triglav
- Where: Triglav National Park, Julian Alps, Slovenia
- Starting point: Krma Valley, Stara Fužina, Mojstrana
- End point: Trenta
- Time needed: 2-3 days.
- Distance: 20 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Difficult
- When to hike: During the summer months, from June to September.
- Where to stay: Huts along the route, such as Kredarica and Planika
Mount Triglav is the highest mountain in Slovenia and the highest peak in the Julian Alps. The hike to the summit is a strenuous but rewarding adventure that takes you through stunning alpine landscapes. The route typically starts in one of several valleys and ascends to Kredarica Hut, where hikers usually spend the night before continuing to the summit the next day. The final section of the climb involves some scrambling and is only recommended for experienced hikers. On clear days, the summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
2. Mount Škrlatica
- Where: Triglav National Park, Slovenia
- Trail Head: Trenta Valley, from the Aljazev Dom mountain hut
- Time Needed: 8-10 hours.
- Distance and Type: 18 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Challenging, suitable for experienced hikers with proper gear and physical fitness
- When to Hike: June to September, weather permitting.
- Where to Stay: There are mountain huts and lodges in the area such as the Aljazev Dom mountain hut, Trenta Lodge, and the Dom Planika Mountain hut.
The hike to Mount Škrlatica offers stunning views of the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park. It is a challenging hike that requires proper gear and physical fitness. The trail starts from the Aljazev Dom mountain hut and follows the Soca River before ascending steeply towards the peak. The hike requires some scrambling over rocks and narrow paths, but the breathtaking views from the summit make it all worth it. The trail is marked and well-maintained, but hikers should still exercise caution and be prepared for changes in weather.
3. Mount Krn
- Where: Julian Alps in Slovenia, near the border with Italy.
- Starting Point: Lepena Valley and the village of Drežnica.
- End Point: Summit of Mount Krn
- Time Needed: 6-7 hours.
- Distance and Type: 13 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: The best time to hike Mount Krn is from June to September, when the weather is mild and the trails are clear.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations in the area, including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
The Mount Krn hike is a popular trail in the Julian Alps that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail starts in the Lepena Valley and follows a well-marked path through forests and alpine meadows before reaching the summit. Along the way, hikers can see a variety of flora and fauna, including wildflowers, birds, and butterflies. The final ascent to the summit is steep and requires some scrambling, but the views from the top are worth it. On a clear day, hikers can see as far as the Adriatic Sea.
4. Seven Lakes Valley (Dolina sedmerih jezer)
- Where: Triglav National Park, northwestern Slovenia
- Starting Point: Stara Fužina or Ribčev Laz
- End Point: Same as starting point or take a different route to exit the park.
- Time Needed: 5-6 hours.
- Distance and Type: 13 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: Best from June to October
- Where to Stay: Nearby accommodations in Stara Fužina or Ribčev Laz
The Seven Lakes Valley, also known as Dolina sedmerih jezer, is one of the most popular hiking trails in Triglav National Park. The hike starts in the villages of Stara Fužina or Ribčev Laz, and takes you through lush green forests, rocky terrain, and past seven stunning glacial lakes. The trail can be challenging in places, with steep ascents and descents, but the views of the surrounding Julian Alps are well worth the effort. It’s recommended to bring sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
5. Vršič Pass
- Location: Julian Alps, Slovenia
- Starting point: Kranjska Gora
- End point: Trenta Valley
- Time needed: 2-4 hours (depending on route and pace)
- Distance: 10 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to hike: Late spring to early fall (May-October), depending on snow conditions.
- Where to stay: Kranjska Gora or Bovec (both have accommodation options)
The Vršič Pass is a scenic mountain pass that offers stunning views of the Julian Alps. The hike starts in Kranjska Gora and follows the road to the top of the pass, where hikers can take a break at a mountain hut and enjoy the views. From there, hikers can choose to continue on to the nearby summit of Slemenova Špica or descend into the Trenta Valley, passing waterfalls and alpine meadows along the way. The hike is well-marked and relatively easy but does require some stamina due to the altitude (the pass is 1,611 meters, or 5,285 feet, above sea level). Overall, it’s a great option for those looking for a scenic day hike with plenty of photo opportunities.
6. Mount Nanos
- Where: Southeastern Slovenia
- Starting point: Predjama or Razdrto
- End point: Peak of Mount Nanos
- Time needed: 2-6 hours
- Distance: 9 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to hike: Best from spring to autumn, as winter conditions can make trails slippery and dangerous.
- Where to stay: There are some small villages near the mountain, such as Podnanos and Razdrto, or larger towns like Postojna and Nova Gorica
Mount Nanos offers several trails to choose from, each with its unique features and challenges. The peak of Mount Nanos offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, while the southern face of the mountain is home to the famous “via ferrata” climbing route. The trails are well-marked and maintained, and hikers can expect to see diverse flora and fauna along the way. The nearby Predjama Castle is also a popular tourist attraction and can be visited in combination with a hike up Mount Nanos.
7. Soča River Trail (Pot Soče)
- Where: Triglav National Park, Slovenia
- Starting Point: Town of Trenta
- End Point: Soča River
- Time Needed: 2-8 hours
- Distance and Type: 5-20 kilometers (varies depending on the length) point to point
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Best hiked from late spring to early autumn
- Where to Stay: Trenta or Bovec are good options for accommodation
The Soča River Trail, also known as Pot Soče, is a popular hiking trail that follows the crystal clear waters of the Soča River through the stunning Triglav National Park. The trail offers breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding mountains, including the Julian Alps. Along the way, hikers can admire the emerald, green pools and waterfalls of the river, as well as the diverse flora and fauna of the park. The trail can be hiked in sections or as a longer loop, and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming and picnicking along the way.
8. Savica Waterfall (Slap Savica)
- Where: Triglav National Park, Slovenia
- Starting Point: Ukanc parking area
- End Point: Savica Waterfall viewpoint
- Time Needed: 1 hour.
- Distance: 1.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Best Time to Hike: April to October (the trail may be icy in winter)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations in the nearby towns of Ukanc and Bohinjsko Jezero.
Savica Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Slovenia, with a height of 78 meters (256 feet). The trail to the viewpoint is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding mountains. The trail starts at the Ukanc parking area and follows a path through the forest and across a bridge over the Savica River. The trail then climbs uphill for a bit before reaching the viewpoint, where you can enjoy the impressive waterfall and the scenic landscape.
9. Kozjak Waterfall (Slap Kozjak)
- Where: Kozjak, Slovenia
- Starting Point: Parking area near Kozjak bridge
- End Point: Kozjak Waterfall
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours.
- Distance and Type: 4 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy –Moderate
- Best Time to Hike: May to October (the trail may be icy in winter)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations in the nearby towns of Kobarid and Bovec.
Kozjak Waterfall is a hidden gem located in the Kozjak valley, surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters. The trail to the waterfall follows the Kozjak stream and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The trail starts at the parking area near Kozjak bridge and leads through the forest and over a wooden walkway. The walkway goes behind the waterfall, offering a unique perspective and a refreshing mist. The trail then continues uphill for a bit before reaching the waterfall viewpoint, where you can enjoy the beauty of the waterfall and its surroundings.
10. Tolmin Gorges (Tolminska korita)
- Where: Tolmin, Slovenia
- Starting Point: Tolmin Gorges entrance
- End Point: Dante’s Cave or Zadlascica Gorge (depending on the route)
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 2-3 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations in the nearby town of Tolmin.
Tolmin Gorges is a natural wonder located in the heart of the Triglav National Park. The trail through the gorges follows the Tolminka River and offers stunning views of the crystal-clear water and the surrounding rocky cliffs. The trail includes several bridges, stairs, and narrow sections, making it an exciting and adventurous experience. There are two routes to choose from: the loop trail, which takes you to Dante’s Cave and back to the entrance, or the out-and-back trail, which takes you to Zadlascica Gorge and back. Both routes offer spectacular views and a memorable experience in nature.