It's been 240 years since the first ascent of Mount Triglav

2018 marks the 240th anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak and iconic symbol featured also on the country’s flag. This year, a number of special events is taking place to remember this first historic ascent, including documentaries, unique walks and tours, competitions (e.g. Cebe Iron Triathlon, which takes place this Sunday) and much more. 

When has all started?

It was back in 1777 that renowned scientist and determined mountaineer Balthasar Hacquet first attempted the ascent via mountain pastures of Konjščica and Velo Polje, a route that has since then become known as the Bohinj Ascent. Then, in 1778, four brave men from Bohinj became the first to complete the climb. The ascent took three days and on August 26 they reached the peak via Zeleni Plaz, recording the path leading to Triglav using stone markers. This historic feat led to Slovenes being recognised as a true Alpine nation of explorers and mountaineers. The ascent of Mount Triglav took place eight years before the ascent to Mont Blanc, 22 years before Grossglockner and 87 years before the Matterhorn. Despite the fact that the other mountains may be taller, Slovenes were amongst the first nations to scale their highest peak. 

On this occasion, the Slovenian Tourist Board together with the Hiking and Biking Association and Bohinj Local Tourism Board hosted Martin Fickweiler, a renowned Dutch outdoor photographer and climber, who came to Slovenia to write an article about the iconic mountains of Europe and their first ascent routes. The article will be published in the magazine of the Royal Dutch Alpine Club called Hoogtelijn. When asked why Triglav, he answered: "When thinking of iconic mountains, Triglav came to my mind as one of the first, and when I discovered it’s an anniversary, I immediately wanted to write an article”. Fickweiler climb to Triglav three times in three days from different directions and visited the Slovenian Alpine Museum in Mojstrana.  

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