While many people believe that relaxing on a beach and swimming in the sea are the essential components of a true vacation, others think that proper recharging is only possible through outdoor activities and reconnecting with nature. If you belong to the second group, you should really consider spending your next summer hiking in Triglav National Park. This gorgeous area in the northwest of Slovenia is a true paradise for all sport enthusiasts, who love the combination of fresh air, adrenalin shots and incredible landscape.
Yes, holidays in Slovenia are all about outdoor activities – trekking, cycling, rafting, kayaking, climbing, skiing, … you name it. Slovenes are a sporty nations and there is noting they wouldn’t try, but hiking in Triglav National Park has a special place in their hearts. Join the locals as they explore the hidden gems of the Julian Alps, marvel at the amazing views across the high mountain peaks, spot the mighty ibexes in their natural environment and take a well-deserved swim in a glacial lake once you get back to the valley.
HIKING IN TRIGLAV NATIONAL PARK IS FOR EVERYONE
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be very fit to go hiking in Triglav National Park. There are numerous trails for virtually all levels of difficulty. You can choose from literally hundreds of daily hikes ranging anywhere between one to eight hours, or you can opt for a multi-day track across several alpine peaks that will really help you escape the crazy world.
Not sure? Get in contact with our friendly agents who will be happy to advise you. As you can see in our broad selection of trekking tours, we offer different itineraries which you can do on your own, with a private guide or in a group of likeminded hikers.
for a hiking adventure in Slovenia
The first conservation zone of 1600 hectares was established as early as 1924, making Triglav National Park (TNP) one of the oldest in Europe. However, it wasn’t until 1981 that the park got its present size and formation. With an area of 840 square kilometers it covers about 4% of the Slovenia’s territory and includes a large part of Julian Alps. TNP is named after its heights peak, Mt. Triglav (2864 m), which stands almost in the center of the park and is by far the most popular hiking destination of the region. Numerous valleys spread out radially, supplying water to two large river systems – Soča and Sava which flow to the Adriatic and Black Sea, respectively.
Accommodations within the park itself are limited, but there is a few towns conveniently located just by the TNP‘s border. You can base yourself in Bovec, Kobarid, Tolmin, Kranjska Gora, Bled or Bohinjska Bistrica and explore the Julian Alps from there. Alternatively, since Slovenia is so small, you can also stay in Ljubljana, its charming little capital, which is just an hour drive away.
Don’t forget, hiking in Triglav National Park isn’t the only outdoor activity you can do in the region. There are also literally hundreds of kilometers of cycling trails you can explore. In hot summer months you can cool down by participating in one of the many water sports in Soča River Valley or Bohinj Lake area.
Enjoy Slovenia’s outdoors
by hiking in Triglav National Park
HIKES FROM BLED & POKLJUKA
Bled, a tiny alpine village famous throughout the world for its gorgeous fairy-tale setting which includes a small lake with a church island and a castle sitting on a high cliff, seems like an obvious choice to base yourself in. From here you can easily reach the Pokljuka plateau, a great starting point for conquering numerous peaks of the Julian Alps, including Mt. Triglav. This beloved mountain has become a national symbol and they say you are not a true Slovene unless you climb it. With 2864 meters it is not just the highest peak in Triglav National Park, but the entire ex-Yugoslavia.
For less experienced hikers, Bled offers a lot of easy, but gorgeous trails as well. You can climb Ojstrica and enjoy amazing views of the lake or visit the nearby Vintgar Gorge. Many alpine pastures in the area (Zajamniki for example) can be a great daily trip from Bled and give you an opportunity to try fresh local dairy products.
You can visit these places on your own or join our popular Alpine holidays tour, escorted by a professional guide.
ACTIVITIES IN BOHINJ VALLEY
The Bohinj Valley with its namesake lake, the largest one in Slovenia, is considered the heart of TNP. There are dozens of trails leading up the slopes of the Julian Alps from the valley, offering spectacular views of the Bohinj Lake. One of the most popular daily hikes is the trip to the Valley of seven lakes which can be extended in several directions. You can even continue towards Mt. Triglav or choose one of the many lower peaks (Pršivec or Komna for example). Shorter walks include a visit of the mighty Savica Waterfall, the pastures on Vogar or you can simply take a stroll around the Bohinj’s vast alpine lake. That said, Bohinj is also featured in almost every multi-day trekking itinerary if daily trips are not enough for you.
However, hiking in Triglav National Park isn’t the only activity in Bohinj Valley, since the lake offers numerus possibilities for swimming, canoeing or stand-up-paddling. The area can also be a great pick for your next winter holidays where you can combine hiking with skiing on Vogel, just above the valley.
HIKING AROUND KRANJSKA GORA
Kranjska Gora is one of the most popular sport centers in Slovenia, visited by skiers in the winter and hikers in the summer. There is truly many options you can choose from no matter the physical condition you are in. From easy walks through the alpine valleys (like Tamar for example) to high peaks over 2000 meters above sea level.
Kranjska Gora is also featured in several popular long-distance hiking trails. One of them is the famous Alpe-Adria Trail, which runs from Austria across Slovenia to Italy and – as its name suggests – connects the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. But you don’t have to do the whole 750 kilometers. We can arrange for you to hike just the selected stages in this region. The other long-distance track that runs through Kranjska Gora is the circular Juliana Trail which lets you encircle the Julian Alps in 16 days or less.
Cycling is also very popular here. Among the many options at your disposal, is the bike tour around the Alps which runs between Bled, Bohinj and Kranjska Gora.
Explore the spectacular Julian Alps
with professional local guides
TREKKING IN BOVEC AREA
The emerald-green Soča, easily the most beautiful river in Slovenia, is born at the foothills of the Julian Alps and flows south towards the Adriatic Sea. The first major town on her route is Bovec, a popular tourist destination, especially in summer. Rafting and kayaking are the major sport activities here, but hiking in Triglav National Park is also very high on the list.
One of the most jaw-dropping and not too-demanding trails follows the Soča River from its source in Trenta to Bovec. This path is also featured as one of the 43 stages of the popular Alpe-Adria Trail connecting Bovec with Kranjska Gora on one site and Kobarid on the other. Alternatively, you can take the picturesque Goldhorn Trail to Bohinj.
Those of you seeking for more challenging trekking will not be disappointed since there are numerus high peaks to chose from, like Svinjak (1653) or Rombon (2207). You can also take advantage of the cable car running from the valley to Kanin (2202 m) and continue your expedition from there.
HIKING AROUND KOBARID & TOLMIN
Another town along the banks of the gorgeous Soča River where you can base yourself for a few days is the historic Kobarid. Beside the beautiful landscape this area will also impress you with its rich gastronomy and incredible history. This is where some of the deadliest battles of WWI were fought and you can still visit numbers bunkers and an open air museum on Mt. Kolovrat. History buffs can follow the well-maintained Walk of peace, connecting multiple memorial sights on both sides of the Slovene-Italian border or visit the sorrowful Isonzo front museum in Kobarid.
Probably the most popular alpine peak you can climb from Kobarid is Mt. Krn (2244 m). The gory battles that were fought on that mountain got so notorious that even inspired young Ernest Hemingway, who was serving on the Italian front as an ambulance driver. In his famous novel A Farewell to Arms (1929) he describes Kobarid as “A little white town with a campanile in a valley.” although historians believe he never actually visited the town and probably confused it with equally charming Kanal ob Soči.
A pleasant walk from Kobarid takes you to Kozjak, easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia. A 15-meters high waterfall is captured in a stony chamber creating a breathtaking site you will simply fall in love with.
A short drive further south from Kobarid lies Tolmin, the biggest town of the region. Every summer Tolmin turns into a renown music party destination, hosting music festivals of all genres – from heavy metal to punk and EDM. Festival goers love to party by night and explore the beautiful surroundings by day. One of the most popular close-by attractions is the spectacular Tolmin Gorge carved out by Tolminka River. At 180 meters above sea level Tolmin Gorge is the lowest point of Triglav National Park and as such easily-accessible by most.
A pleasant hike from Tolmin takes you to the truly beautiful Church of the Holy Spirit on Javorca Hill (571 meters), built as a memorial for the fallen soldiers of Austro-Hungarian Empire during WWI. Due to its exceptional architecture and historical significance, the church has been awarded the European Heritage Label. Not far away is also the infamous Dante’s Cave, which, according to the legend served as an inspiration for depicting hell in Alighieri’s world-famous masterpiece The Divine Comedy.
More advanced hiking in Triglav National Park can take you from Tolmin to Mt. Vogel (1922). From there you can descent to Bohinj Valley, either on foot or by taking a convenient cable car.
Did we get you inspired to visit Slovenia and do some proper hiking in Triglav National Park?
As local experts we organize private tailor-made trips, as well as group tours and even self-guided trekking tours. Let us know what type of active holidays in Slovenia you would prefer.
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