When it comes to the beautiful natural landscape of Slovenia, Triglav National Park offers the best of the best.
Mountains, rivers, lakes, gorges, waterfalls, hiking trails, & plenty more makes up the extensive surroundings of the National Park.
Sitting right in the middle is the namesake of the park, Mount Triglav. Standing at 2,864 meters / 9,396 feet, Triglav is the highest point in Slovenia, and one of the top hikes to complete during a trip.
Learn more about Triglav National Park and everything you will need to know when taking part of a visit for yourself.
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1) Background & Facts
Triglav National Park (TNP) is one of the most visited regions in Slovenia (and for good reason!).
There is nowhere else in the country where you can get so much natural beauty compared to what Triglav has to offer.
If you are looking to get out of the city center and out in nature, then be sure to add TNP to your Slovenia itinerary.
Below are a few helpful facts and things to know about this region in general:
→ Triglav National Park is actually the ONLY national park in Slovenia. While there are other fantastic regions to explore in the country, none of them are considered protected national parks.
→ It took some time though for the region to be considered a national park. While the process started back in 1924, it wasn’t until 1981, when it became official.
→ Today, Triglav National Park comprises of 880 square km (340 square miles) in the northwest corner of the country (near the Austria & Italy border). In its entirety, the area of the park comprises up of 4% of the total area of Slovenia!
→ Throughout TNP you will find the Julian Alps mountain range. This mountain range stretches across most of Triglav National Park and into the northeastern part of Italy.
→ During a visit you will have the chance to visit the best that the park has to offer. Whether you just want to enjoy a relaxing lakeside, or head up to Slovenia’s tallest peak, Triglav has something for you.
2) Triglav National Park Weather & When to Visit
In general, the main time to visit Triglav National Park will be from June to September.
During this time period, you will find the majority of snow cleared off of hiking trails and the higher mountain pass roads.
Since hiking at higher altitude is one of the top reasons people like to visit the National Park, it is important to do so only when the weather conditions permit.
In addition, the Vrsic Pass (one of the main roads that goes through the park), usually doesn’t open until the snow is cleared.
You will also find the weather during this summer period is most suited for hiking and spending time outdoors.
Getting the chance to hit the trails in the morning and spend some time by the lakeside in the afternoon, is a perfect way to go about a day.
I should also note that during the summer season, you can expect afternoon rain to roll through. While this doesn’t happen every day, do prepare for the potential.
When it comes to weather forecasts, be sure to check the weather for particular mountain or area you plan to visit on that day. Remember, the weather up in the mountains may not be the same compared to the weather down in the valley.
I always used sites like Meteoblue, which give more accurate weather forecasts. You can also leverage some webcams around the region to get a better idea of the live weather.
3) How to Get to Triglav National Park
In general, the easiest way to get to Triglav National Park (and get around it), will be by having your own rental car.
The ability to do what you want, when you want, will go a long way when it comes to fully enjoying your trip.
There will be no need to worry about public transport or getting yourself to a trailhead. Simply grab your rental car from Ljubljana and be on your way.
When renting a car in Slovenia, I would recommend checking out Rentalcars.com for potential options. You will be able to browse through cars based on price, category & other filters, to find the perfect car for your trip.
While renting a car is the most convenient option, you can also make your way to the National Park by public transport from other cities in the country.
Slovenia does run busses from city to city, so getting yourself to one of the main towns around the National Park will certainly be possible.
However, you may just find yourself relying fully on public transport once you are actually there.
Can You Drive Through Triglav National Park?
Once you have made it to one of the main towns around the National Park (more on those soon), you will need to get yourself to trailheads, lakes, viewpoints, and more.
Now, since much of the interior of the TNP is mountainous, you will not find roads that go through it all.
You will find some main roads that encircle the park, in addition to the Vrsic Pass which cuts through the mountainside.
The Vrsic Pass is essentially the only road that runs north to south through the National Park.
In addition to these main roads, you will also find many other roads that can get you further up towards the mountains & lakes of the park (closer to some trailheads).
These roads can be a bit less maintained and can be quite narrow, depending on which ones you take.
Seasonal Bus Routes in TNP
In the case where you will be relying on public transport (and not rental car), you will need to take advantage of the seasonal bus routes that make their way around Triglav National Park.
There are several bus routes, which you learn about on the Triglav transportation website. Some of these include:
- Bohinj Park & Ride
- Soca Valley Bus Lines
- Kranjska Gora Bus
- Lake Bled Bus
4) Triglav National Park Hotels & Accommodation
When it comes to where to stay in Triglav National Park, you will have an array of options to choose from.
There are several towns spread around, each of which can be used as your home base as you make your way to the top highlights.
Depending on the places you are most interested in, it may make sense to just choose one spot for your trip around the area, or it may be convenient to stay in multiple places.
Lake Bohinj
One of the main areas to consider is right around Lake Bohinj, a beautiful lake in the National Park.
On the eastern side of the lake you will find the towns of Ribcev Laz and Star Fuzina. A bit further away from the lake itself is Bohinjska Bistrica.
On the western side of the lake is the small town of Ukanc.
Any of these could work if the Lake Bohinj area looks good to you.
- Ribcev Laz Hotel | Hotel Bohinj
- Star Fuzina Hotel | Hotel Majerca
- Bohinjska Bistrica Hotel | Bohinj Eco Hotel
- Ukanc Hotel | Hisa Erlah
Northern End
On the northern side of the National Park, the towns of Mojstrana or Kranjska Gora are solid options.
Kranjska Gora is right near another body of water called Lake Jasna, which sits at the base of the Vrsic Pass.
- Mojstrana Hotel | Guesthouse Veranda
- Kranjska Gora Hotel | Hotel Alpina
Soca River
As you head across the Vrsic Pass and down along the Soca River, you will pass by the town of Trenta.
This is another great option for exploring this side of the park. There is also a route that heads up to Mount Triglav, just outside the town center.
- Trenta Hotel | Apartment Zorc
Bovec
While Bovec is just outside the border of TNP, it is another popular spot to stay in when visiting.
It is just a 25 minute drive from Trenta, and offers a larger amount of accommodation options to choose from.
- Bovec Hotel | Hotel Soca
Triglav National Park from Bled
Now, you may also be thinking of staying in the famous Lake Bled area.
While Bled is technically not part of the park, it is very close to its eastern border. Due to this, many people opt to just stay there when visiting the region.
You can still easily take day trips all around Triglav National Park, get yourself to trailheads, and have a larger town center to come back to at day’s end.
It is of course a great option for those that also want to explore Lake Bled itself. Whether that is heading up to Bled Castle, visiting the several Lake Bled viewpoints, or just hanging out by the lakeside.
During my stay in the region, I ending up calling Bled my base for most of the time there, before heading off to Bovec via the Vrsic Pass.
Bled Hotel | Hotel Lovec
Triglav National Park Camping
When it comes to camping in Triglav National Park, you can only do so at official campsites. You are not allowed to just wild camp wherever you choose.
You can find these campsites all around the main towns I pointed out before. So, if you did want to save some money on accommodation and bring your own gear, that is certainly possible.
Triglav Mountain Huts
As you see on the map above, there are an abundance of mountain huts all around Triglav National Park.
Many of these mountain huts are inaccessible to cars, meaning you must hike to them.
Hut to hut hiking is quite a popular way to go about some of your time within the park. Whether that is just a single overnight or a longer multi day route.
You will find that many of these huts will only be open during those prime summer months (~June to September). Depending on which hut you are looking to book, you may want to consider reserving well ahead of time.
Some of these huts (especially the ones on Mount Triglav) can sell out. So, be sure to reserve your spot once you know your dates.
To learn more, check out this helpful Triglav mountain huts website.
5) Triglav National Park Things To Do
Throughout Triglav National Park there are endless things to do and see.
In the following sections I will be talking about it all some more, but here is a list of the top places & activities to consider:
Hiking Trails
• Soca Trail
• Mount Vogel, Sija & Rodica Hike
• Mount Triglav Hike
• Seven Lakes Valley Hike
• Slemenova Spica Hike
• Triglavska Bistrica Trail
• Goreljek Bog Nature Trail
• Planica Tamar Trail
Waterfalls
• Martuljek Waterfalls
• Pericnik Waterfall
• Boka Waterfall
• Sum Waterfall
• Savica Waterfall
Gorges
• Pokljuka Gorge
• Mlinarica Gorge
• Vintgar Gorge
• Tolmin Gorge
• Mostnica Gorge
Lakes & Rivers
• Lake Bohinj
• Lake Jasna
• Soca River
• Zelenci Nature Reserve
• Lake Krn (Krnsko Jezero)
• Lake Bled (nearby)
Other Landmarks & Highlights
• Vrsic Pass
• Memorial Church of the Holy Spirit
• Kluze Castle
• Russian Chapel
• Church of St Catherine
• Church of St John the Baptist
Triglav National Park Entrance Fee
In general, there is no entrance fee to enter Triglav National Park. In addition, there are no permits or other reservations needed to enter.
However, if you did want to visit certain attractions on this list (particularly some of the gorges and waterfalls), then you will need to pay a small fee.
If you opt to stay overnight at a mountain hut within the park, then you will also need to reserve and pay for your night at the hut.
6) Triglav National Park Hiking
To see the most natural beauty in the region, you will want to make your way on some Slovenia hiking trails.
There are endless routes that make their way to all corners of the park. Some of them are quick and easy loop trails while others are demanding climbs.
While I can’t list out each and every hiking trail in the park, below are some of the top ones to consider.
Soca Trail
One of the fan favorite trails in Triglav National Park, is the Soca Trail. Altogether the route is just around 25 km long, making it one of the longer day hikes to take part of.
It is a one way route that starts at the source of the Soca River, and makes its way towards Bovec.
Throughout the hike, you will consistently be walking along & across the Soca River, with beautiful views in all directions.
If you are looking for a refreshing swim, that is possible too. The crystal clear water may be cold, but it does make for the perfect place to cool down during a hike.
As you make your way through you are sure to pass by highlights such as Mlinarica Gorge, Dr Julius Kugy Monument, Great Soca Gorge, among others.
Be sure to check out the Soca Trail guide to learn everything you need to know about the day.
Mount Vogel, Sija & Rodica Hike
If you are spending time around Lake Bohinj, be sure to take the cable car up into the mountains.
From there, you will be able to hike to Mount Vogel, Sija, and Rodica.
Depending on your fitness levels, you can decide to head up to one, two, or all three of them.
The trail looks outward towards the tallest peaks of Triglav National Park, including great views of Mount Triglav itself.
Even if you do not want to take part of this hike, you can still head up the cable car to get some great elevated views of the surrounding landscape.
The Lake Bohinj hiking guide will go into more detail about what this day entails.
Mount Triglav Hike
If you are trying to reach the top of Slovenia, then Mount Triglav is for you.
This is no ordinary trail though. Instead, be prepared for a long grueling hike up to the summit, which also includes a via ferrata route.
Most people opt to take part of this hike as a two day route with an overnight at one of the mountain huts (usually Kredarica or Planika).
However, for those that want to tackle it in a day, that is certainly possible as well.
There are several routes to consider including the Krma Valley, Pokljuka Plateau, Vrata Valley, Zadnjica Valley, or Seven Lakes Valley.
Whichever route you choose, you will be greeted by a fixed line route (via ferrata) closer towards the summit.
This entails wearing a helmet and a harness with carabiners. As you make your way up, you will need to clip in and out of the fixed line to the peak.
I put together a complete overview for the Mount Triglav hike if you want to learn more about how to go about the trail.
Seven Lakes Valley Hike
Another great hike to consider is the Seven Lakes Valley trail. This route can be done in a multitude of ways depending on your fitness levels.
You can head to just a couple of lakes on an out & back trail, or take part of the complete loop. For those that also want to climb Triglav, that is possible too!
The hike begins at the Planina Blato, where you will soon pass by lakes, farm houses, pastures, mountain huts, and some of the most beautiful views you can ask for.
If interested, you can also make this a multi day hike with an overnight at the Koca Pri Triglavskih Jezerih or the Zasavska Koca na Prehodavcih hut.
Be sure to check out the Seven Lakes Valley overview to learn more about the trail.
Slemenova Spica Hike
If you are heading up and over the Vrsic Pass, be sure to add the Slemenova Spica hike to the list.
The pass itself is essentially a windy 50 turn road that traverses the National Park. It is the only main road that cuts through the park.
On the top of the pass, you will come across some great views and trails to consider, one of which is Slemenova Spica.
The hike offers beautiful views of the surrounding Julian Alps, and is perfect addition to a day around the area.
Check out the Slemenova Spica hike guide to learn more about how to take part for yourself.
The trails mentioned above are more on the intermediate to advanced side of things. For those that want some easier trails, below are a few options to look into.
Triglavska Bistrica Trail
This trail runs all alongside the Triglavska Bistrica River. It is a relatively flat hike all the way through as you visit various parts of the valley.
Some of the highlights include Pericnik Waterfall, Lake Kreda, Galerije, views of Triglav, and the Slovenian Alpine Museum.
Goreljek Bog Nature Trail
If you are hiking with kids and want an easy and informative hike, then check out the Goreljek Bog Nature Trail.
This trail heads into the Pokljuka forest, where you will find the Goreljek Bog. It is intended for educational purposes and how other areas around park can be preserved.
Altogether it is just a kilometer long trail with various informational signboards that can be found throughut.
Planica Tamar Trail
Near the northern part of Triglav National Park you will find the Planica Valley.
It consists of a glacier shaped valley with views of the surrounding Julian Alps peaks.
The round trip hike starts at the Planica Nordic Center should take a couple hours to complete.
7) Waterfalls
Throughout TNP, you will come across various water features. Some of the most beautiful ones will be waterfalls.
Many of these waterfalls will also require a short hike to reach them. So, in reality, these do fit under the hiking section as well.
Savica Waterfall
Perhaps the most famous of waterfalls in the area is Slap Savica. Located near the western part of Lake Bohinj, you will find a short hiking trail that will take you to the waterfall.
The trail does comprise of elevation gain and stairs, so it may not be suitable for everyone.
You should also expect a gate at the end of the trail, meaning you wont be able to get down to the waterfall itself.
However, the views from a far are just as beautiful to take in.
Learn More | Slap Slavica Waterfall
Pericnik Waterfall
One of my personal favorite waterfalls to visit is the Pericnik Waterfall.
This waterfall is located closer to the northern side of the park, right nearby the village of Mojstrana.
Once you reach the parking lot, it is a short walk up to reach the waterfall. As you arrive at Pericnik, you will have the chance to actually walk behind the waterfall.
This is quite a unique experience to take part of as you get to see the waterfall from a whole array of angles.
If you are up for it, you can also head to the top of the waterfall on a less maintained pathway. From up top, you will get some great views down the valley.
Learn More | Pericnik Waterfall
Martuljek Waterfall
A visit to the Martuljek Waterfall will require a longer overall hike to see this natural landmark.
Located just nearby Pericnik, you will find a hiking trail that takes you up to two waterfalls – one at 30 meters and one at 110 meters.
If you want to visit both the lower & upper waterfall, the hike can be closer to 4 hours. If you just opt for the lower falls, then you can expect to spend around 2 hours out on the trail.
The next three waterfalls are not technically within the confines of TNP. However, they are right on the outskirts, and you will find them mentioned as top highlights to visit in the area.
Boka Waterfall
If you are looking to visit one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in the country, be sure to check out the Boka Waterfall.
Located just outside of Bovec, you will find a 15 minute trail that heads up to a viewpoint area.
From this viewpoint you will be able to enjoy the view from afar. Just note that you will be quite a long distance away from the waterfall itself.
Depending on water levels, it may be hard to fully appreciate the size and strength of the waterfall.
But if you are looking for a nice, short hike with some great views either way, then the Boka Waterfall may be for you.
Learn More | Boka Waterfall
Virje Waterfall
Another nearby waterfall to Bovec is the Virje Waterfall. From the parking lot, it is just a short walk down to the waterfall area.
Here you will find the emerald green pools at the base of the waterfall, and plenty of places to relax & enjoy the view.
I found Virje to be one of the best spots if you just wanted to spend a quiet and enjoyable afternoon by the water. Be sure to check it out during your trip!
Learn More | Virje Waterfall
Sum Waterfall
Lastly on the waterfall list is the Sum Waterfall. This waterfall can actually be found as part of the famous Vintgar Gorge.
So, if you end up visiting the gorge, you will be visiting this waterfall as well.
The waterfall is actually the highest river waterfall in all of Slovenia as it is part of the Radovna River.
During a visit, you will be able to walk the pathway down below and also get views from up above.
8) Gorges
When mountains, valleys, and rivers are talked about, so are gorges. A gorge is essentially a deep gap between two cliffs that was created due to erosion.
When visiting gorges, you can expect a manmade pathway built along the gorge walls, with dramatic views in all directions.
These are easier walking trails to take part of, in case some of the ones mentioned earlier don’t work for you.
Tolmin Gorge
One of the most well-known gorges in Triglav is the Tolmin Gorge, located near the southern end of the park.
Within the Tolmin Gorges you will find several different walking paths to hike along, as you see a variety of highlights.
Some of these include the Confluence of Tolminka & Zadlascica Rivers, the Thermal Spring, Bear’s Head, Dante’s Cave, and Devil’s Bridge.
Take a look at the Tolmin Gorges guide to learn more about what it all entails
Mlinarica Gorge
If you are taking part of the Soca Trail, then you have the chance to also add on a visit to the Mlinarica Gorge.
While it is essentially inaccessible to reach the main part of the gorge, you will be able to check out the exit of the gorge. Here lays a beautiful waterfall, along with an elevated viewing platform.
Mostnica Gorge
Located just outside of Star Fuzina near Lake Bohinj, you will find the Mostnica Gorge.
The Mostnica River is a perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring the crystal clear waters.
You can take part of short or long routes around Mostnica, depending on how much time you would like to spend in the area.
Pokljuka Gorge
Unlike some of the other gorges on this list, the Pokljuka Gorge no longer has a river running through it.
Today, the water retreated underground, and you can find the largest dry fossil gorge in the country.
All along the gorge you will come across unique rock formations, natural bridges, and caves.
If you are looking for a different type of gorge experience then be sure to check out Pokljuka.
Vintgar Gorge
While the Vintgar Gorge is not technically within TNP, it is just nearby its border.
Due to its immense natural beauty, I still wanted to include it on this list.
The gorge is located just on the outskirts of Bled, where you will find a 1.6 km trail that follows the Radovna River.
Throughout the gorge you will come across 50 – 100 meter walls, with an easy pathway to follow throughout.
At the end of the gorge, the Sum Waterfall makes an appearance, in addition to other smaller waterfalls throughout the river.
Read the Vintgar Gorge guide to learn more about the overall day.
9) Lakes & Rivers
By now you may be familiar with some of the best water features of Triglav National Park.
Here is a list of some of the top lakes & rivers that you will come across (either on their own or part of visiting a nearby attraction).
Lake Bohinj
The main lake in Triglav National Park is Lake Bohinj. At 790 acres in size, Bohinj is actually the largest permanent lake in all of Slovenia.
Throughout its coastlines you can find places to jump in the water and enjoy a cold & refreshing swim.
You can also make the walk around its shores, view the lake from above, or just hang out by the lakeside.
Lake Jasna
Just alongside the town of Kranjska Gora is Lake Jasna. If heading up the Vrsic Pass, you are sure to pass this lake along the way.
Jasna is made up of two interconnected artificial lakes, where the Velika Pisnic and Mala Pisnica streams converge.
It is a popular swimming and fishing spot, for those that want to have some lakeside activities.
Zelenci Nature Reserve
A bit further west from Kranjska Gora is the Zelenci Nature Reserve. Here you can find an abundance of local fauna and flora along the emerald lake.
All along this nature reserve, you will find a wooden boardwalk to more easily explore the area.
The main Zelenci lake is always at a constant temperature above the freezing point. This means even in the winter, the lake will not freeze.
Soca River
I know the Soca River has been mentioned a few times already, but this is definitely the river to visit during a trip to TNP.
You can visit the river in a variety of ways. Whether that is just heading to the main points of interest, hiking the full Soca Trail, or even taking part of some river rafting.
Lake Krn (Krnsko Jezero)
The largest glacial lake in Slovenia is Lake Krn, at 300 meters long and 150 meters wide.
The only way to visit the lake is by heading out on a hike, which should take around 6-7 hours round trip.
If interested, you can also stay at a nearby mountain hut for the night and make this a multi day excursion.
Lake Bled (nearby)
Although Lake Bled is not part of TNP, you cannot visit the region without making a stop there.
The lake itself offers so much to its visitors and is perhaps the most picturesque lake in the country.
There is a walking path that makes the loop around the lake in addition to hiking trails to various viewpoints up above.
You can also head to one of the beaches for a swim, or take a boat out onto the water to visit the small island in the middle of the lake.
When it comes to lakes in Slovenia, be sure to add Bled to the list!
10) Other Landmarks & Highlights
Vrsic Pass -> a 1,611 meter / 5,285 foot mountain pass with 50 hairpin turns.
Memorial Church of the Holy Spirit -> built as a memorial for the fallen soldiers of the Battles of the Isonzo
Kluze Castle -> a fortress built in 1472 as a defense system against the Turks
Russian Chapel -> located on the Vrsic Pass, this church was built by Russion prisoners of war
Church of St Catherine -> a medieval church that can be reached by hiking along God’s Trail
Church of St John the Baptist -> a 700 year old church that stands on a hill on Lake Bohinj
11) Is Triglav National Park Worth Visiting
Without a doubt, Triglav National Park is worth a visit.
If you are planning to take a trip to Slovenia, adding several days in and around the National Park will have you seeing some of the best that the country has to offer.
When it comes to beautiful natural landscape, there is no other part of the country that compares to what Triglav has to offer.
Like I said in the beginning, you will have a never-ending list of hikes, lakes, rivers, gorges, waterfalls & more to enjoy during a visit.
If all of the above sounds good to you, then certainly be sure to head to TNP during your trip.
12) How Many Days Do You Need in Triglav National Park
This will all depend on how much you want to see and do with the park. In general, I would recommend spending around 3-5 days within the Triglav National Park region.
This will give you enough time to see many of the main highlights, take part of some hikes, and also give you time to simply relax by a lake.
Since weather can get in the way of certain activities, you will want to take that into consideration as well. Always give yourself a day or two of buffer just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
That wraps up a guide to Triglav National Park of Slovenia. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to add them in below.
Also, don’t forget to check out the other Slovenia itineraries and guides up on the site.
Have fun out there and safe travels!
