Triglav National Park

What makes it special

Triglav National Park is the only national park in Slovenia, centred on the mountain it is named after, which rises to 2,864 metres. It was first protected as a conservation area in 1924, which makes it one of the oldest parks in Europe.

On the summit stands the Aljaž Tower, a small tower carried to the top in 1895 and now a cultural monument of national importance.

You do not have to climb to see the park. Lake Bohinj lies inside it, ringed by the Julian Alps, and the Vrata Valley is the largest glacial valley on the northern side of the range. Vintgar Gorge, a boardwalk route through a narrow gorge a short ride from Bled, is in the park too.

Look down as well as up. The park has 19 endemic plant species, and its emblem is the Triglav rose, a pink cinquefoil that grows on sunny slopes.

Visiting

Pick one of three days: the lake, the valley or the summit. Ask the desk at the Triglavska roža infocentre in Bled, on Ljubljanska cesta, which route suits your experience and kit.

For a lake day, take the bus on to Bohinj, where a second park information centre stands at Stara Fužina. The Vogel cable car above the lake usually runs from May to mid October, up to the Ski Hotel at 1,537 metres; check it is running before you plan around it.

For a valley day, drive to Mojstrana and walk into the Vrata Valley, which ends at the foot of the north face of Triglav. The loop routes from its head are hard mountain walking and need alpine experience.

To reach the top, plan two days, up and down, with a night at the Kredarica hut; the huts on the way give shelter, rest and refreshments. Most of the route is steady walking, but the final hour and a half is exposed and cabled, so wear a helmet against falling rock.

Guided or on your own

Walk the lakes and valleys on your own, on a route that matches your experience. Climb the mountain independently only if you have done high alpine routes and cabled climbing before, and hire a mountain guide if you have not. The park also organises guided tours on request.

Tips

Reserve mountain huts ahead in peak season and bring your own bedding for the night. Set off early in summer, since afternoon thunderstorms are common, and check the official forecast from the Slovenian Environment Agency and the park's current conditions before you leave.

Pack boots with a grippy rubber sole, warm layers with a hat and gloves, and enough food and water. Keep to the marked trails and keep a dog on a lead. Leave the bike, the tent and the drone behind: cycling and camping outside designated areas are not allowed, and drones are restricted.