Triglav National Park Hiking Guide – Slovenia’s 7 Best Trails

Triglav National Park hiking trails are some amazing and underrated trails. This park is a paradise for trekking and, in my opinion, offers some of the best hiking in Europe.

Triglav National Park is the largest protected area in Slovenia and has the majority of the country's hiking trails. What’s nice about Triglav is that most of the day hikes are accessible to inexperienced trekkers. For the hardened mountaineer, there are options to hike further and higher into the peaks.

The Mountain huts remind me of larger versions of Nepal’s tea houses. These simple bed and breakfasts make it easy to explore the park from hut to hut.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular treks in Triglav National Park. But first, everything you need to for planning your trek in Triglav;

Hiking In Triglav National Park - Know Before You Go

Getting There - Where Is Triglav National Park?

Triglav National Park is located in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia. Triglav NP is easily accessible by car, bus, or train from the major cities.

There are daily bus departures from Ljubljana to Bled, and Bohinj. Another option is to take a train to Bohinjska Bistrica or Jesenice and then take a bus to Kranjska Gora (the north entrance).

Entrances To Triglav National Park

Triglav National Park has several entrances, each with its own set of hiking trails and attractions. The main entrances to the park are:

Eastern Entrance: Bled

This entrance is located on the Eestern side of the park and is easily accessible from the town of Bled. From here, you can access popular hiking trails like Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bohinj.

Southern Entrance: Bohinj

This entrance is located on the southern side of the park. The closest town to this entrance is Bohinj. From here, you can access hiking trails to the Savica Waterfall, the Vogel ski resort, and the Triglav Lakes Valley.

Northwestern Entrance: Trenta

This entrance is located on the northwestern side of the park. It is accessible from the town of Trenta. From here, you can get to hiking trails to the Soča River, the Vršič Pass, and the Krn Lakes.

North Eastern Entrance: Kranjska Gora

This entrance is accessible from the town of Kranjska Gora. it is a popular entrance point if you plan on hiking trails to the Tamar Valley and the Vrata Valley.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Triglav National Park?

Generally, the hiking season in Triglav National Park starts in late spring (May) and goes through early fall (October). The weather is usually clear during this time and trails are accessible.

Spring & Fall

If you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, then the best time to hike is in the spring (March-May) or fall (September - November). Keep in mind that there is often snow or rainfall during this time. Still, it’s a great opportunity to see the park come to life with new growth or transform into a beautiful autumn landscape.

Summer

If you prefer warmer weather and longer daylight hours, then the summer months (June-August) may be the best time for you. Be aware that this is the peak season. the trails are busier and accommodations usually increase their price.

Winter 

Between December and February hiking in Triglav National Park is more challenging and can even be dangerous. This is due to heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. Some trails are closed, but some remain open ( including the Krma Valley trail).

Note: some of the open trails in winter require specialized equipment such as crampons, ice axes, and snowshoes. If you do not have experience trekking in snow and don’t have the equipment, it’s better to visit in a different season.

How Many Days Do You Need For Hiking In Triglav National Park?

Ideally, you will want 3-5 days in Triglav NP to tackle a couple of the popular day hikes. Its easy to pass a week or more exploring the Julian Alps.

Ultimately, it depends on what your goals are in terms of the specific trials you want to see.

Do You Need A Permit For Hiking In Triglav National Park?

If you only plan to do day hikes in Triglav National Park, you will not need a permit. However, there are some exceptions where permits or fees may be required, such as:

• Climbing Mount Triglav - Currently you don't need a permit to climb Mount Triglav. However, if you don't have experience with via ferrata, its worth hiking Triglav with a guide.
• Camping permits- If you plan to camp overnight in the park. You may also only camp in designated areas.
• Permits for fishing or hunting - If you are doing activities other than hiking, check what permits are necessary.

7 Best Hikes In Triglav National Park

There are loads of hikes to choose from in and around Triglav National Park. A great way to see the park is to hike hut-to-hut. Mountain huts are strategically located along the trails and are the ideal place to rest up, eat or spend a night in-between trek.

These are a few of my picks for hiking in Triglav National Park

1. Triglav Summit Hike (Krma Valley Trail)

• Distance: 11km / 6.8 miles one-way
• Duration: 2 days (12 - 16hrs)
• Difficulty: Moderate

This is the most popular hiking trail in Triglav National Park. There are a few different routes to climb Mt Triglav. The route most often walked is the Triglav Bistrica Trail, also known as the Krma Valley Trail.

90% of this trail is fairly easy. Unlike some of the other route options, Krma Valley trail does not have any technical sections so it is a fairly straightforward hike. This trail starts in the town of Mojstrana and leads through the picturesque Krma Valley before ascending steeply toward the summit. 

It is possible to hike Triglav in a single day. You should only consider this if you are in top physical condition and you are sure the weather is good.

There are huts along the way where you can rest and spend the night before continuing your ascent to the summit. The views from the summit are spectacular, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Adriatic Sea.

Book a Triglav climb with our recommended local operator.

2. Seven Lakes Valley Hike - Planino Blato Trailhead

• Distance: 15.2km / 9.5 miles (out and back)
• Duration: 7-8hrs
• Difficulty: Easy - Moderate

This trail is a favorite in Triglav national park, it leads to the emerald-colored Bohinj Lake. The trailhead from Planino Blato is the easiest option, there are more difficult trails and you can also extend this hike further.

From Planino Blato, the trail leads through a beautiful alpine meadow and gradually ascends through the forest towards the Mostnica Gorge. The trail is well-marked and easy to walk. The elevation gain is only 400 meters (1,300 feet) throughout the hike.

After passing through the Mostnica Gorge, which features several waterfalls and pools, the trail descends towards Bohinj Lake.

3. Vintgar Gorge 

• Distance: 3.3km / 2 miles (out and back)
• Duration: 1hr/ 1hr 30 mins
• Difficulty: Easy

This is a shorter, easy hiking trail that takes you through a picturesque canyon with stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear pools. The trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate. It is a great option for families with children or those looking for a shorter hike.

Keep an eye out for chamois (wild mountain goats) on this trail.

4. Mostnica Gorge Trail

• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles (out and back)
• Duration: 2 -3 hrs
• Difficulty: Easy

This trail takes visitors through the picturesque Mostnica Gorge. The trail starts at the Voje Valley, which is accessible by car or public transport from nearby towns.

From the Voje Valley, the trail goes through a forest and gently descends towards the Mostnica River. The trail follows the river upstream through the narrow gorge. There are several waterfalls and pools along the way, you will want to stop often for photos!

After passing through the Mostnica Gorge, the trail leads toward the Voje Mountain Hut. This is a good spot to stop for a rest. From here, you can choose to continue further up the trail toward the Voje Mountain Pasture. If you are tired or it is late, call it a day and return the same way.

5. Mangart Saddle Hut Hike

• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles (out and back)
• Duration: 1 hr 45 mins - 2hrs to the top
• Difficulty: moderate - challenging

Mangart Saddle Hut, this short but steep trail goes to a mountain hut located at an elevation of 2,055 meters (6,742 feet) on the slopes of Mount Mangart.

The trailhead for the hike is located at the Mangart Pass, which is accessible by car or by public transport from nearby towns. From here, the trail leads up through the forest and gradually ascends towards the Mangart Saddle. 

The trail is well-marked and relatively easy at first but becomes steeper and more challenging as it nears the hut. The hut has a restaurant that serves some delicious traditional Slovenian meals.

6. Mount Vogel

• Distance: 11. 2 km / 7-mile circuit
• Duration: 5 -6 hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate

This prominent peak rises to an elevation of 1,922 meters (6,306 feet). From the top, you have an amazing view of Lake Bohinj and the surrounding mountains.

The trailhead for the hike is located near the top station of the Vogel cable car, which provides easy access to the mountain. From the cable car station, follow the well-marked trail that leads up through the forest. You will cross some pretty meadows before the final climb ascent to the summit.

The hike has an elevation gain of around 600 meters (1,969 feet). The trail is well-maintained and there is a mountain hut at the summit.

7. The Soča Trail

• Distance: 25km / 15.5miles (one way)
• Duration: 4- 6hrs
• Difficulty: Easy

This trail is not actually within Triglav NP boundaries, however, it runs close to the park and is a popular hike. I felt that it deserved mention!

This trail follows the course of the Soca River which runs through the Julian Alps. It starts from the town of Trenta to the town of Bovec.

Along the way, you will see waterfalls, rapids, and gorges. There are several access points along the trail. This means you can customize your route depending on the distance you want to hike.

Looking for another multi-day hike in Slovenia? I'd recommend you also make time for hiking at least part of the Slovenian Mountain Trail.

Triglav Nation Park Hiking - FAQs

Do You Need A Guide To Hike In Triglav National Park? 

No, the trails in Triglav are well-marked and easy to navigate. There are guided hikes available but it is easy to arrange an independent hiking trip in Triglav National Park.

Are There Other Activities In Triglav National Park?

Other than hiking, you can kayak, fish, and rock climb amongst other outdoor activities. Lake Bohinj is particularly popular for sailing and swimming in summer. You can even go ice climbing with a guide in winter.

How Big is Triglav National Park?

Triglav National park is 840 square kilometers. This protected area is 4% of the whole of Slovenia.

Is It Expensive To Hike In Slovenia?

Slovenia is a very affordable trekking destination compared to other European Mountains. The French Alps for example is a much more expensive region.

Is Lake Bled In Triglav National Park?

No, Lake Bled is not within the boundaries of Triglav National Park. It is located in the northwestern region of Slovenia, roughly 26km from the park.

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