Triglav: The symbol of Slovenia and its highest, most revered mountain

Find out what you need to know before setting off for Slovenia’s highest peak and where to enjoy the most stunning views of Triglav.

Triglav – a mountain that commands respect

At 2864 m above-sea level, Triglav is Slovenia’s highest peak. Triglav is not only visible in the Slovenian Alps, but on clear days, it can be admired across most of Slovenia, even from the coast and the Goričko region.

Triglav is not only a mountain but also the symbol of Slovenia. It appears on the national coat of arms and has its own anthem, which is also the anthem of Slovenian mountaineers (Alpine Association of Slovenia). With 50,000 to 70,000 mountaineers climbing it each year, it is one of the most popular mountains in Slovenia.

However, Triglav is a challenging destination. The route should be carefully planned – and it’s best to allow an extra day for the trip. Regardless of the route you choose, the final section from Kredarica to the summit is exposed and steep, and involves some climbing along fixed cables (via ferrata).

Triglav is located in Triglav National Park, and visitors are asked to respect the park’s rules.

What to know before climbing Triglav

While Triglav's altitude is considerably lower than many other Alpine peaks, it shares some of the unique characteristics of the Julian Alps, which are important to consider when planning your trip. Here are the most important features to keep in mind:

Crumbly terrain:

Triglav is primarily composed of limestone, making the terrain loose and unpredictable.

Sudden weather changes:

Weather in the high mountains can change quickly, with temperatures dropping sharply. In summer, afternoon showers and storms are common, sometimes even with snow, and the winds are stronger than in the valley.

Longer winters:

On Triglav and in the high mountains, winter conditions can last well into spring, even as late as June, and snow may fall as early autumn or late summer.

Deep valleys:

To reach the summit, you will need to tackle a 1,500-metre ascent through glacial and river-carved valleys.

Tour duration:

No matter which route you take up Triglav, expect at least 6–8 hours of hiking each way. It is essential to start early in the morning, and splitting the hike it into two days will make the tour more manageable.

What else should you know when planning your route to Triglav?

Now that you have a rough idea of what to expect, it is time to decide if you are ready for the challenge, and begin planning. Here is a checklist of the most important things to consider before your trip to Triglav.

vremenske in snezne razmere

Check the weather and snow conditions: Stay updated on current conditions, even while on the trail.

Go to Slovenian Environment Agency

izbira poti in psihofizična pripravljenost

Choose the right route: Pick a route or starting point that matches your fitness level and check its condition.

Visit Alpine Association of Slovenia

Prepare the right gear - along with standard mountain equipment, you will need a helmet, a self-belay kit and a harness to safely reach the summit.

planinska koca

Check mountain hut availability: Find out the opening hours of huts along the route and book your stay ahead if needed

Book a Bed in Mountain Hut

Stay safe in the mountains

Before heading to Triglav, make sure to plan your trip carefully. The routes to Triglav are marked as demanding or very demanding, requiring climbing skills and safety equipment to reach the summit. Don’t forget to check the weather and snow conditions, prepare the right equipment, estimate walking time and assess your altitude tolerance. For detailed instructions on ensuring a safe mountain tour in Slovenia, be sure to follow the recommendations that also apply to Triglav.

Learn How to Prepare for a Safe Hike in Slovenia’s Alps

Where to start and how to reach Triglav?

There are about 30 marked trails leading to the summit of Triglav. The first thing you need to know is that most of them are very demanding. However, some starting points are more suitable for hikers with less experience. You can choose to hike only to the Triglav Mountain Hut at Kredarica, Slovenia’s highest mountain hut, located just below the final ascent to Triglav. From there, a very demanding and exposed trail leads to the summit, equipped with steel cables and requiring full mountaineering gear, including a helmet, harness and self-belay kit. Keep in mind that all tours take at least 6 hours each way. However, your effort will be rewarded with breathtaking views of nature.

To help you decide, we have outlined some of the best starting points for your alpine tour to Triglav.

A very challenging mountain trail

Destinations near Triglav

Let’s start by looking at the destinations that serve as starting points for trails to Triglav.

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Kranjska Gora

A world-class ski centre nestled in the Julian Alps at the triple border point of Slovenia, Italy and Austria

Bohinj

An oasis of peace and pristine nature in the Julian Alps and in the Triglav National Park.

Soča Valley

Escape on an active break in the picturesque world of the Julian Alps, the Triglav National Park and the emerald River Soča.

Bled

Lake Bled and a castle perched on a cliff is one of the most beautiful Alpine resorts in Europe.

Starting points in Kranjska Gora

Vrata, Kot and Krma are three valleys that lead from the mountain villages of Dovje and Mojstrana towards Triglav. The Vrata Valley is accessible by public transport, Krma offers several parking areas, while Kot is more remote and can only be reached on foot or by bike.

Three hikers walk along a forest trail overlooking rocky peaks and a large metal ring fixed to a rock.

Vrata Valley

The Vrata Valley is dominated by Triglav’s impressive 1,000-metre-high north face, a favourite among climbers. Three very demanding trails to the summit begin here – the Čez Prag Route, the Tominšek Route and the Čez Plemenice Route – all suitable only for experienced mountaineers.

Explore the Vrata Valley

A wooden cabin by a field of yellow flowers with sunlit mountains and a pink-tinted evening sky in the background.

Kot Valley

The ascent to Triglav from the Kot Valley is considered the shortest, taking about four hours to reach the Valentin Stanič Hut and another two hours to the summit. The valley itself is more remote and rugged, with no mountain huts along the way. The path to the hut is challenging and steep in parts.

Explore Kot Valley

Mountain panorama with forests and a meadow under a blue sky, surrounded by sunlit rocky peaks.

Krma Valley

Krma is the easternmost of the three valleys starting in Mojstrana. While it offers the easiest ascent to Triglav, it is also the longest. Two easy hiking trails lead to the nearby mountain huts, the Planika Hut and the Valentin Stanič Hut, both of which can be reached in around 4–5 hours.

Explore Krma Valley

Starting points in Bohinj

The mountain trails from Bohinj to Triglav are generally less demanding than those from the northern side, but they are longer. Therefore, it is advisable to allow more time and consider a two- or three-day tour. You can spend the night in mountain huts, but due to the high number of visitors, especially in summer, it’s advisable to book in advance. It is also possible to reach the starting point by bus.

A grassy field with wooden cabins in front of a forested mountain slope under a partly cloudy sky with sunlight.

Blato Mountain Pasture

The Blato Mountain Pasture (1,147 m) is one of the most popular starting points for ascending Triglav, offering access to the picturesque Triglav Lakes Valley. From Blato, hikers often continue past the Pri Jezeru and Dedno Polje Mountain Pastures and on towards the Koča na Doliču Hut or Prehodavci Pass. This mountain pasture is typically the starting point for two- or multi-day tours.

A waterfall flows down a rocky cliff into a turquoise pool, surrounded by greenery, grass, and rugged rock formations.

Koča pri Savici Hut

One of the starting points for those who wish to climb Triglav via the Triglav Lakes Valley begins at one of Slovenia's most iconic waterfalls, the Savica Waterfall. The trail commences with a challenging section that crosses the steep slopes of Komarča, but it is equipped with safety barriers. As one of the longest trails to Triglav, it is ideal for a two- or multi-day tour.

Two people walk down a grassy hillside toward a wooden village surrounded by mountains and bathed in sunlight.

Pokljuka

The high karst plateau of Pokljuka is considered one of the easiest starting points for ascending Triglav. Located at an altitude of about 1,300 metres above sea level, the elevation gain to the summit is slightly less than from the valley. The most common route passes by the Konjščica mountain pasture and the Vodnik Hut, leads to the Planika Hut, and then continues to the summit. However, the route is quite long, taking around 7 hours each way. Pokljuka is accessible by car and, during the summer, by bus from Bohinj and Bled.

Explore Pokljuka

Two hikers stand on a grassy plateau overlooking a deep valley surrounded by majestic peaks.

Zadnjica Valley (Trenta)

Triglav can also be reached from the Soča Valley, specifically from Trenta. The trail through the Zadnjica Valley offers routes for both experienced mountaineers and climbers, as well as those seeking a slightly less demanding option. One popular route is the mule track, which passes by the Koča na Doliču Hut. For more experienced climbers, the trail can be extended via Luknja Pass and the Plemenice Ridge. Whatever path you choose, be prepared – the ascent typically takes 7 to 8 hours each way.

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Discover the best trail to Triglav using official apps

Along with maps, official apps can help you plan your tour and navigate the way. They also provide real-time updates on trail conditions. For the Slovenian Alps, the maPZS and the Slovenia Outdoor app are great options.

maPZS App

Download the maPZS mobile app for hiking in Slovenia

Slovenia Outdoor App

Download Slovenia Outdoor App

Climb Triglav with a mountain guide

Triglav is a challenging mountain and if you lack sufficient experience, it is strongly recommended to hire a licensed mountain guide. In the high mountain region, including Triglav, only guides with an international IFMGA licence are authorised to lead tours.

View the oficial list of licensed mountain guides

logo gv in IFMGA

Mountain huts in the Triglav mountain range

If you need a break during your hike up Triglav, there are mountain huts along the trail where you can rest. They offer simple meals and drinks so you can rest and recharge for the rest of your tour. You can also stay overnight, but due to the large number of hikers, especially in summer, it is recommended to book your spot in advance. The huts in the high mountain region are typically open from May to October.

Book your overnight stay in a mountain hut

Tržaška koča na Doliču

Vodnikova koča na Velem polju

Koča pri Savici

Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih

Planinska koča pod Bogatinom

Kovinarska koča v Krmi

Koča na Planini pri Jezeru

Planinska koča na Uskovnici

Respect the natural environment of Triglav National Park

Triglav is the central peak in Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s only nature park. It extends over about 84,000 hectares and covers nearly the entire area of the Julian Alps. The park protects valuable treasures of natural and cultural heritage and is home to around 7,000 animal and 1,600 plant species, some of which are rare and endangered. When visiting Triglav, it is important to respect this unique natural environment and the life it sustains. Here are some tips on how to behave responsibly in a nature park and leave a minimal impact.

Learn about the rules of Triglav National Park

Follow marked trails

If you stray from marked trails, you risk disturbing the habitats of animals and protected plants.

No camping

Tents and caravans are not allowed in the wilderness. Camping is only allowed in designated campsites.

No swimming in high mountain lakes and streams

As tempting as the beautiful and crystal-clear water may seem, high mountain lakes and streams are sensitive and fragile habitats, and swimming is not allowed. Dogs are also not allowed to swim.

No drone use

The use of drones in the natural environment is prohibited without prior authorisation, despite the stunning footage they can capture.

Please refrain from being a disruptive visitor

Residents and visitors to the park should be able to enjoy peace and quiet. Respect quiet areas.

No open fires

Open fires are strictly prohibited except in designated areas for agricultural and forest protection purposes.

Dogs must be kept on a leash

Many animals in the park can be disturbed by dogs, so it's important to keep your dog on a leash.

Visitors can only enter the park on foot

Driving, stopping, or parking motor vehicles in the park's natural environment is strictly prohibited. Bicycles are also not allowed except on designated paths.

Preparing for the tour

Triglav, with its stunning views reaching as far as the Adriatic Sea, the Dolomites and the Pannonian plains, is an attractive destination for many mountaineers. But reaching the summit takes time, effort and good preparation. Here are a few tips to help you get ready for your climb.

Three hikers with poles walk along a mountain trail among green hills and rocky peaks under a clear sky.

Build your physical and mental fitness with easier hikes

Prepare for your ascent on Triglav by starting with less demanding peaks and shorter hikes that match your current fitness level. As your confidence grows, you can gradually take on longer or more challenging tours.

Explore hiking and mountaineering in Slovenia

A person with a helmet and climbing gear rappels down a rock face with trees and a mountain landscape in the background.

Try a via ferrata

The valleys around Triglav offer well-maintained via ferratas – secured climbing routes, equipped with steel cables, anchors and other safety gear. These trails are a great way to test your comfort with heights and ability to move through demanding terrains. A via ferrata is also the perfect opportunity to practice using your safety equipment – especially the harness and the self-belay set.

Explore via ferratas and climbing spots in Slovenia

Check access to the starting points

Whether you are planning a one-day or multi-day tour to Triglav, it is good to know how to reach the starting points. Some locations are accessible by car, with parking available in marked areas – most of which require payment. In certain valleys, car access is limited or restricted altogether, but in summer buses run to popular starting points such as Blato Mountain Pasture or the Vrata Valley. If you plan to descend by a different route than the one you took up, be sure to check your options for getting back to your starting point.

Tips for sustainable and responsible mountain mobility

Aljaž Tower on Mount Triglav

At the summit of Triglav stands the iconic cylindrical metal tower, built 130 years ago by Jakob Aljaž, a priest from Dovje. With this symbolic gesture, he crowned Triglav as the king of Slovenian mountains. The Aljaž Tower has since become a cultural monument and one of Slovenia’s national symbols. Over the years, the tower has seen various changes. Today, it stands in grey, marked with a flag bearing the year 1985 – the date of its reconstruction. To mark its 130th anniversary, the Slovenian Alpine Museum is preparing an interactive exhibition, opening to the public in late August 2025.

Meet the story behind Aljaž Tower

Spectacular views of Triglav

Triglav might be too challenging a destination for some, but that shouldn’t stop you from admiring its majestic presence. While you can catch a glimpse of it from various parts of Slovenia, here are some of the best spots to encounter Triglav up close and enjoy breathtaking views.

A person on a bench with a backpack gazes at a mountain valley surrounded by greenery and a sky with bright clouds.

Juliana Trail – a long-distance trail around the Julian Alps

The Juliana Trail is a circular long-distance trail that takes you across picturesque plateaus, through beautiful valleys, charming villages and spots in the Julian Alps. Stretching over 270 kilometres, it offers an exciting opportunity to explore the natural and cultural heritage at the doorway to the Julian Alps, leading you beneath the high peaks and inviting you to explore them. The basic circular route can be completed in 16 days, but you can extend your trip by visiting the Breginjski Kot and Goriška Brda regions, adding an additional 100 kilometres to your adventure.

Learn more about the Juliana Trail long-distance circular route

View of a valley with a river and village at sunset, surrounded by mountains, trees, and warm sky colors.

View from the Karavanke

In clear weather, the Karavanke mountain range offers stunning views of Triglav and the Julian Alps. Most of the peaks in the Karavanke are less demanding than those in the Julian Alps, but proper preparation and equipment are still essential. A 143-kilometre long-distance trail runs along the Karavanke mountain range, which also marks the natural border between Slovenia and Austria. Some of the most spectacular view of Triglav can be enjoyed along the sections of Begunje and Kranjska Gora.

Find out more about the Karavanke Trail

Two people with poles hike on a grassy hill above a foggy valley with a town and mountains in orange light.

View of Triglav from the mid-mountains

Just as the view from Triglav stretches far across the landscape – all the way to the sea and the Pannonian plains – the mountain itself can also be seen from many parts of Slovenia on a clear day. Hikers who prefer less demanding peaks can enjoy great views of Triglav from the hills of Škofja Loka, Idrija and Cerkno. Beautiful views of Triglav also open up from some of the Polhov Gradec peaks, and in clear weather, from the Karst Edge, Snežnik Plateau and the Posavje Hills.

Experience the beauty of the mid-mountain trails

A person with a helmet and backpack walks on a rocky trail with mountain goats and high peaks under a cloudy sky.

Less demanding peaks around Triglav

If you want to enjoy the charm of the Julian Alps and take in views of Triglav but prefer an easier hike, here are a few great alternatives. Even though these routes are less demanding, it is important to be properly equipped – wear proper hiking boots, bring appropriate gear and consider wearing a helmet. Keep in mind that some sections may be exposed (altitude), even if they are not technically difficult.

Viševnik (2050 m)

One of the easiest two-thousanders in the Julian Alps. Viševnik offers a stunning, direct view of Triglav and its surrounding foothills. The trail begins at Rudno Polje on Pokljuka, from where a well-marked, easy hike of 1.5 to 2 hours leads you to the summit.

Debela peč (2014 m)

Debela Peč provides fantastic views of the Triglav mountain range and the Krma Valley. It is also suitable for less experienced hikers. The trail starts at Rudno Polje and follows an easy-to-moderate mountain trail to the top.

Tosc (2275 m)

After a slightly longer and quieter hike, Tosc rewards you with a spectacular view of Triglav from the south. The trail is less frequented, providing a peaceful experience. You can start from either Pokljuka or Uskovnica, with a moderate and well-marked trail that takes 4 to 5 hours to reach the summit.

Vogel (1922 m)

A gondola takes you to this popular mountain resort, where a stunning panorama of the Triglav mountain range unfolds before you. From there, you can choose from several hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels that lead you to the summit of Vogel. Among the easier options are the routes from the Zadnji Vogel and Kuk Mountain Pastures, which take about 2.5 hours.

Images of Triglav and mountaineering through time

In Slovenia, there is a well-known saying: to be a true Slovenian, you must climb Triglav at least once in your life. But why does this mountain hold such a special place in the hearts of Slovenians? Explore the history that has placed Triglav on a pedestal among Slovenian mountains – through captivating stories and historical photographs. Discover why mountaineering is so deeply rooted in the Slovenian consciousness.

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Archive images and postcards provided by the Slovenian Alpine Museum – Gornjesavski Museum Jesenice

Trails for every step

Slovenia is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 10,000 kilometres of well-maintained and clearly marked trails, hikers and mountaineers can explore the country in all directions. Discover the breathtaking mountain landscapes and respect the life that thrives within them.

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Triglav: The symbol of Slovenia and its highest, most revered mountain

Triglav – a mountain that commands respect

What to know before climbing Triglav

What else should you know when planning your route to Triglav?

Stay safe in the mountains

Where to start and how to reach Triglav?

Destinations near Triglav

Starting points in Kranjska Gora

Vrata Valley

Kot Valley

Krma Valley

Starting points in Bohinj

Blato Mountain Pasture

Koča pri Savici Hut

Pokljuka

Zadnjica Valley (Trenta)

Discover the best trail to Triglav using official apps

maPZS App

Slovenia Outdoor App

Climb Triglav with a mountain guide

Mountain huts in the Triglav mountain range

Respect the natural environment of Triglav National Park

Preparing for the tour

Build your physical and mental fitness with easier hikes

Try a via ferrata

Check access to the starting points

Aljaž Tower on Mount Triglav

Spectacular views of Triglav

Juliana Trail – a long-distance trail around the Julian Alps

View from the Karavanke

View of Triglav from the mid-mountains

Less demanding peaks around Triglav

Viševnik (2050 m)

Debela peč (2014 m)

Tosc (2275 m)

Vogel (1922 m)

Images of Triglav and mountaineering through time

Trails for every step

Stories from Slovenia

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