Triglav National Park.
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Overview

Triglav National Park (Triglavski Narodni Park) covers nearly all of the Slovenian section of the Julian Alps, a total of nearly 85,000 hectares and is centered on Mount Triglav (2864m). It is popular for its outdoor adventure possibilities, numerous gorges and waterfalls, and the spectacular Lake Bohinj.

Understand

Triglav National Park borders Italy in the west and Austria in the north. It attracts over two million visitors annually. The park includes 25 settlements, with a total population of 2,352, most in the town of Ribčev Laz. Tolmin Gorges are the lowest and southernmost access point to Triglav National Park and an extraordinary natural feature.Triglav National Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The park also has several cultural attractions, including the Triglav Lakes Valley and the Vintgar Gorge.

History The first proposal to protect the area around Triglav came from Prof. Albin Belar in 1906. However, it was not until 1924 that the Alpine Conservation Park was established in the valley of Triglav Lakes. In 1961, the Triglav National Park was founded and in 1981, the borders were expanded to their current locations. In 2003, Triglav National Park was included in the UNESCO MaB (Man and Biosphere) network.

The park is home to many plants and animals. The park's most revered animal is the chamois, of which only 2,000 exist. Legend tells of the Zlatorog, the golden-horned chamois that live on the mountains. Other wildlife includes ibex, marmot, golden eagles and the brown bear, although most animals stay away from humans and animal sightings are rare. Common plant life includes the Julian poppy and the purple Zois bellflower. Most plants are protected.

Tourist Office Kobarid. In Kobarid, Tourist Office - Infos

Tourist Office Tolmin. In Tolmin, Tourist Office - Infos

Get in

By bus Buses run hourly from Ljubljana, through Kranj and Bled, to Bohinjska Bistrica, and terminating at , in the southeastern corner of the park. The 30-km journey from Bled takes 45 minutes or 120 minutes from Ljubljana. Schedules are available.

By train There are around 6 trains a day each way between and other stations to Nova Gorica. From Nova Gorica there are onward connections to every city in Italy and other parts of Slovenia. The train is cheap and the stations along the way are very picturesque with flowers adorning the station platforms and most of the journey offers impressive views of the turquoise Soča (Isonzo) river.

On some weekends during the summer there is a steam train service between Nova Gorica and Bled. The tickets include a return journey and lunch at Bled Castle.

Many of the outdoor adventure agencies based in Bled run sports-based excursions to the park.

Get around

By bus During the summer months, local bus routes run throughout the Bohinj area, connecting the towns to various trailheads and points of interest. Purchase a day pass in advance. The hourly bus from Bled and Ljubljana also makes local stops.

See

Bled. The famous lake with various activities in the surroundings

Vintgar Gorge. A wooden footbridge path (dating to 1893) runs for 1600 m along the Radovna River, terminating at the Šum waterfall.

Lake Bohinj. Pronounced BAW-heen. This beautiful lake is the largest in the country and is surrounded by the Julian Alps. Walk around the north side of the lake, take a swim in the cool water or hire a paddleboard or small boat at either end of the lake. A ferry also goes between Ribčev Laz or Ukanc at either end of the lake. Not as commercial as Lake Bled.

Pokljuka Ravine. 2-km long and 40-m deep, carved into limestone by water flowing from the Pokljuka glaciers, the only reminder of which is the Ribščica stream, a tributary of the Radovna River.

Savica Waterfall. 60-m high waterfall and a must-see. Climb up a series of zig-zagging steps to the top of the gorge. Very popular tourist attraction.

Kluže Fortress. Imposing picturesque fortification positioned above the deep gorge of the Koritnica River.

Mostnica Gorge. This smoothly carved ravine is 1-km long and 20-m deep, with hundreds of circular hollows known as river mills. Be careful if it is raining. The 21-m Mostnica Waterfall (Slap Mostnica) is an additional 40-minute walk through the fields to the north.

Church of St. John the Baptist. Tiny church, but includes some of the most brilliant frescoes in Slovenia, many painted by the Master of Bohinj. The exterior frescoes, however, are barely discernable. Dates to the 13th century. Wooden porch paved with river stones form the date 1639.

Migovec Caves. A 24,900-m (82,000 ft) long and 975-m (3,200 ft) deep Alpine cave system within Mount Tolmin Migovec.

Jasna Lake. A beautiful smaragd lake.

Zelenci. Peaceful spring of the Sava river.

Vitranc. A 1.5h hike to top of the mountain with views of Kranjska Gora

Ciprnik. View of Planica, Tamar Valley and Rateče

Hike along Pišnica. Hike along the creek through the valley

Lake Kreda. White lake, quite secluded and off-the-beaten-path

Lakes of Fusine. Two lakes at the Italian side, but still very near-by.

Vršič pass. Famous mountain pass between the Save and Soča river valleys, with great views.

Monte Santo di Lussari. A mountain on the Italian side, with pilgrimage and views of the mountains

Mangart saddle. A mountain saddle accessible via (paid) road with many turns and tunnels, and eventually great views. The top part/loop is closed due to landslides, but red hiking trail is still open.

Do

Climbing Mount Triglav. Mount Triglav is the 2864-m high "Three-Headed" mountain found on everything Slovenian ranging from the national flag to Laibach's LP Krst pod Triglavom (Baptism under Triglav). While you don't need any climbing skills to ascend it, you should have no fear of heights or steep parts and you should trust your grip. Starting from the nearest mountain hut, the easiest route to the peak will take less than a day. There are many steep parts but everywhere there are cables and metal handles to hold on to. As on all mountains, the weather can be viciously changeable, with temperatures alternating between +30 and -10°C, even in summer. The routes to the top are open only between June and October, and ascending with a guide is, while not legally mandated, very advisable due to the labyrinthine route. Most climbers spend two nights on the route, although fitness nuts have been known to complete it in a single day.

Dom Planika. 14h/2d, Red-class hike, Stara Fužina-Vodikov dom

Vogel Cable Car Ride. Ride up to the Ski Hotel at 1537m in 5 minutes. Offers great views of the lake and the reflections of the surrounding mountains, and possibly Mount Triglav. The optional walk down takes 2 hours. When at the top, spend some time to hike around the nearby ski slopes.

Other medium height mountains include:

Mala Mojstrovka. One of the most quickly accessible and most visited peaks in the vicinity, over 2333m. There is a 'normal' path from the south from Vršič (pass), and very difficult via-ferrata from the north. The whole path takes around 3.5h

Tromeja. Triplice confine of Slovenia, Austria and Italy, with views of the surrounding Triglav and Karavanke mountain ranges.

Monte Canin. Part of two-country ski area with a tiny glacier on top.

Canyoning. Triglav National Park has several picturesque gorges.

Log Koritnica. A picturesque glacial valley surrounded by 15 2000m peaks.

HourAway. Houraway offers bespoke outdoor adventures in Triglav National Park, with guided and self-guided cycling and hiking tours for all fitness levels. Rent high-performance e-bikes or gravel bikes to explore the park's stunning trails, with expert route tips from their knowledgeable team for an unforgettable experience.

Lake Predil. A lake at the Italian side with blue water and sandy/white-gravel-y shore.

Kravji Bal. Celebration of the return of the cattle from the pastures. Includes folklore events, live music, and a lot of drinking

Eat

In Ribčev Laz, many of the hotels have restaurants.

Gostilna Rupa. One of the best restaurants in the park, specializing in pork and fish. Live music on Thursdays.

Outside of the settlements, the mountain huts usually sell simple meals and refreshments.

The region is known throughout Slovenia for its locally-produced alpine cheeses. These are sold from the farmers, typically in half-kilogram wedges, in the small villages scattered throughout the valley and in many of the mountain huts below the treeline.

Sleep

Better accommodation options are located in the nearby towns of Bled, Dovje-Mojstrana, Kranjska Gora, and Bovec.

Mountain huts offering simple meals and accommodation are scattered about the national park. Reservations are strongly advised in peak season. Camping outside designated camping places is prohibited in the park.

Apartments Bohinj - Mavrica. Two bedroom apartments with kitchens that can accommodate 4 or 6 people. There is a common room and free internet downstairs.

Bohinj Hotel. All rooms are designed with warm natural materials and high standard equipment and offer a magnificent view towards Julian Alps.

Hotel Bellevue. Agatha Christie stayed here and commented that the lake is far too beautiful for a murder.

Hotel Jezero. The most prominent hotel on the lake. Pool, sauna, and fitness center. Popular restaurant with great food.

Hotel Pod Voglom. The cheapest option around. Rooms in the main building have shared shower facilities.

Pension Rozic. Rustic rooms but comfortable. Restaurant with good meat dishes.

Hotel Zlatorog. Dreary rooms but free use of the pool.