If you love beautiful nature and hiking, the Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps in Slovenia should not be missed. Here are 15 tips for best hikes and things to do in Triglav National Park, Slovenia.
Triglav National Park is like a postcard – green meadows full of flowers, crystal clear mountain rivers and lakes, deep valleys and steep rock peaks. You will find easy trails suitable for families with children, as well as alpine hikes with breathtaking views.
Join us for a look at the most beautiful hikes and the best things to do you can visit in Triglav National Park. The article also includes tips on areas to stay so you can get an idea of what attractions are nearby. At the end you will find an overview map that you can download, edit and plan your holiday in the Slovenian Alps.
Triglav National Park, Slovenia
Triglav National Park is the only national park in Slovenia. It is located in the northwestern part of the country and occupies almost the entire Julian Alps in Slovenia. The park is named after the highest mountain in Slovenia and the entire Julian Alps – Triglav, which reaches a height of 2,864 metres above sea level.
The park was officially established in 1981, but the area has been protected since 1924. Covering an area of approximately 880 km², it is the third largest national park in Europe.
The park is known for its diverse flora and fauna. There are more than 1,500 different species of plants and many species of animals, including deer, chamois, marmots, lynx and even brown bears.
The most beautiful trails and the things to do in Triglav National Park
Entrance to the Triglav National Park is free, no entrance fee is charged.
In the entire national park there is a ban on collecting mushrooms and plants, bathing, camping outside the designated areas.
Note: Approximate times are calculated in the outbound and return directions unless otherwise stated.
1. Triglav
- Difficulty: moderate-difficult (large elevation gain and secured sections)
- Time: full-day to two-day route
- Mountain huts: yes
There is an all-day route to Triglav itself, which is suitable especially for those who have experience with high mountain terrain (sheltered and steep sections, high altitude). Still, it’s crowded at the top, so if you want to enjoy Triglav more in peace, you can sleep in a mountain hut a short distance from the summit and be among the first to reach the top in the morning.
There are several routes to Triglav – the easiest starts at the parking lot on the Triglav Trail near the Aljažev dom mountain hut or in the Krma Valley. A popular but challenging route is the one from Trenta in the west of the park.
2. Vintgar and Šum waterfall
- Difficulty: easy
- Time: 1.5-2 hours (circular route)
- Restaurant: before entering the gorge
The Vintgar Gorge, also known as the Bled Gorge, is the most famous gorge in the Triglav National Park. The perfect place for hot summer days, where you can cool off among the rocks in the shade of the trees.
Vintgar is famous for its vertical rock walls, the bright blue Radovna River and its clear pools. It is only 1.6 km long and consists of bridges and suspension footbridges, which take you to the 13-metre high Šum waterfall.
It takes about an hour to walk through the trail, it is one-way, so you have to return to your car on one of the marked trails.
How to visit the Vintgar Gorge
There is a paid parking lot at the entrance to the gorge, or you can take a local bus. It’s better to buy tickets in advance in high season to avoid queues at the venue, or arrive early in the morning.
At this link you will find the current opening hours and entrance fees for the Vintgar Gorge.
☞ Kranjska Gora is strategically located for exploring the Triglav National Park – from here you can visit the Zelenci Nature Reserve, Lake Jasna, Martuljek Waterfalls, the Soča River bed, the Vršič mountain pass or climb one of the impressive peaks including Triglav. Lake Bled and the Vintgar Gorge are half an hour’s drive away.
Accommodation Kranjska Gora 😴
3. Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is the largest lake in the Triglav National Park and in the whole of Slovenia. It is also one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, surrounded by majestic mountains and green forests.
Lake Bohinj is also strategically located for exploring the eastern part of the Triglav National Park.
The whole area offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing or boating on the lake.
With its mild climate, peaceful surroundings and beautiful scenery, it is one of the best places to visit in Slovenia.
Accommodation Lake Bohinj 😴
4. Mostnice Gorge and Waterfall
- Difficulty: easy
- Time: 1.5 hours round trip around the gorge or 3 hours round trip to the Mostnice waterfall
- Restaurant: yes
Just a short distance from Lake Bohinj is the Mostnice Gorge (Korita Mostnice). The easy trail follows the mountain river Mostnice, which creates deep pools with crystal clear water and beautiful rock formations (no swimming here).
The trail goes first around the gorge (45 minutes), then you go through the valley of Voje, where you can stop for a delicious blueberry pie and continue to the Mostnice waterfall.
How to visit the Mostnice Gorge and Waterfall
The starting point is the village of Stara Fužina near Lake Bohinj, which can be reached by shuttle bus or you can park in the paid parking lot here (3 €/hour).
Entrance to the Mostnice Gorge is charged at €3, €1.50 for children aged 7-14 and €2.50 for students and seniors 65+.
5. Peričnik Waterfalls
- Difficulty: easy
- Time: 1 hour round trip
- Restaurant: no
Peričnik Waterfalls are among the most beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia. It is located in the north of the Triglav National Park.
This double waterfall has a lower cascade 52 metres high and an upper cascade 16 metres high. There is a trail behind the lower waterfall where you can walk behind the falling water.
The upper falls can be reached via the forest trail – it is much less crowded, as most people only stop at the lower falls.
How to visit Peričnik waterfalls
Paid parking (5 €/2 hours) is located just below the waterfall. Entrance to the waterfalls is free. The path is easy, but can be slippery in places.
☞ Is travel insurance necessary for Slovenia? Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will cover necessary medical treatment due to illness or accident. However, the insurance does not cover any deductibles (for example, for hospitalisation, dental treatment or medicines). It is the travel insurance that covers these deductibles, as well as situations such as trip cancellation, loss of luggage or liability insurance. Find out more about, what travel insurance covers .
6. Soca River Valley
- Difficulty: easy
- Time: depending on the chosen route – you can choose a short route suitable for children or choose a longer route
- Restaurant: no
The Soča River Valley (Velika korita Soče) is one of the most beautiful places in the Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps. It is a narrow and deep canyon created by the Soca River. It is famous for its incredibly turquoise and clear water. There are bridges over the river, you can walk around the canyon and take a swim.
The venue is free to enter, but be prepared for crowds. You can park right at the entrance to Velika korita Soče – there are several places along the road.
A little further away is Mala korita Soče. This part of the riverbed is known for its narrow and deep canyons that the river has carved into the limestone bedrock. The water here flows fast and swiftly, creating the bright blue and green tones that are typical of the Soca River.
From the trail you will enjoy beautiful views. Free parking is located at the edge of the trail.
One of the most popular activities on the Soča River is rafting or canyoning:
7. Tolmin Gorges
- Difficulty: easy
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Restaurant: a short walk from the entrance to the gorges
The Tolmin Gorges (Tolminska korita) are one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Triglav National Park. You can find them near the town of Tolmin, on the southernmost tip of the Julian Alps.
The Tolminka and Zadlaščica rivers, which cut deep into the bedrock, created the canyons. From the bridges and observation walkways, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the clear, turquoise blue water, which forms a perfect contrast to the dark rocks.
How to visit Tolmin Gorges
If you are arriving by car, you have a choice of two car parks: a small paid car park right at the entrance and a free car park about 20 minutes’ walk uphill (a free shuttle bus runs between the lower car park and the entrance during the season from late June to late October).
On this link you can find current information about entrance fees and opening hours to Tolmin Gorges.
8. Ruins of Kozlov Castle Rob
- Difficulty: easy
- Time: 2 hours round trip
- Refreshments: at the beginning or at the end of the route in Tolmin
Are you looking for a place from where you can enjoy a beautiful view near the Tolmin Gorges? The ruins of Kozlov Rob Castle are not far from here and a short trail through the forest leads to it.
The starting point is the free car park for the Tolmin Gorges. The castle is open all year round free of charge.
9. Savica Waterfall
- Difficulty: not difficult, not suitable for people with reduced mobility and strollers (the path is mostly up stairs)
- Time: 1 hour round trip
- Restaurant: restaurant by the car park
Savica Waterfall is one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in Triglav National Park in Slovenia. It is located near Lake Bohinj, so there are queues at the waterfall in high season.
Savica is unique for its characteristic “A” shape, which creates two main streams of water that rush into a deep green pool. The main stream is about 78 metres high, while the smaller stream is about 25 metres high.
The way to the Savica waterfall is along a marked trail that starts at the parking lot of the Savica House. On the way to the waterfall, you will climb more than 550 steps with benches and views of the valley.
How to visit Savica Waterfall, Triglav National Park
You can arrive at the Savica house by your own car (parking for 4€ for 3 hours – no one checks how long you take) or by shuttle bus from Lake Bohinj.
From here you will climb for about 20 minutes to the Savica waterfall. There is a €5 entrance fee to visit the waterfall (reduced entrance fee for children, students and senior citizens and free for children under 6).
10. Valley of the Seven Triglav Lakes
- Difficulty: moderate
- Time: 7-8 hours round trip
- Refreshments: the mountain hut Koča pri Triglavskih jezeraih directly in the valley
Are you looking for a day hike in the Triglav National Park that will take you through the beautiful alpine nature? The Valley of the Seven Triglav Lakes (Dolina Sedmerih jezero or Dolina triglavskih jezero) is one of the most beautiful routes in the Julian Alps.
The valley is named after seven mountain lakes of different sizes, which are situated at an altitude of between 1,000 and 2,000 metres. Each of the lakes has its own unique character.
How to visit the Valley of the Seven Triglav Lakes
There are several ways to visit the Triglav Lakes Valley. All are full-day to two-day trips (there are options along the way where you can stay overnight).
The easiest, one-day route starts in the picturesque village of Planina Blato, reached by a toll highway (€20 per day in 2023) from Lake Bohinj. The parking lot will be gassed early in the season. You can also get here by shuttle bus.
From Planina Blato you will head towards the mountain hut Koča on Planini pri Jezeru. Planina Blato is an excellent starting point for further hikes in the Triglav National Park.
Accommodation Lake Bled 😴
11. Mountain pass Vršič
The Vršič mountain pass is the highest mountain pass in Slovenia and one of the most important transport links through the Julian Alps, connecting the towns of Kranjska Gora and Bovec. The pass is 1,611 metres high and is famous for its winding road with a total of 50 hairpin bends. You can drive it in about an hour if you don’t make any longer stops.
The road that passes through the pass is known as the Russian Road because it was built by Russian prisoners of war during World War I. A Russian chapel was built near the top of the pass in their memory.
Along the pass there are refreshments, rest areas and free parking lots where you can just enjoy the views or venture further into the mountains.
In high season, arrive early to avoid queues. If you go from Kranjska Gora, the turns will be numbered in ascending order.
12. Martuljek waterfalls
- Difficulty: easy to moderate depending on the chosen route
- Time: 1-3 hours round trip
- Restaurant: yes
Martuljek Waterfalls are located near the village of Gozd Martuljek, near Kranjska Gora in Slovenia. The waterfalls are part of the Martuljek River, which rises in the Julian Alps.
The first waterfall, Martuljek, is easily accessible – 20 minutes along an easy trail from the village.
The second waterfall, Martuljek, is a bit more challenging to access, but definitely worth a visit as it is surrounded by impressive rocks. It is about an hour’s walk from the first waterfall – on the way you pass through a gorge with bridges and steel steps.
The waterfalls are free of charge. Parking is available in the village of Gozd Martuljek (next to the Triangel restaurant).
13. Mangart saddle
- Difficulty: easy
- Time: 1 hour if you are not planning to hike
- Restaurant: yes
The Mangart saddle is the highest road in Slovenia, where you can experience a real adventure. The road is narrow, with hairpin bends and takes you up to 2,072 metres.
It winds along the slopes of Slovenia’s third highest mountain, Mangart, which reaches a height of 2,679 metres. From the saddle you can see the Italian side of the Julian Alps and, in good weather conditions, you can see all the way to the Adriatic Sea.
You can drive your car up to two thirds of the way, where there is a car park. The road is not passable and the toll is 10 €.
☞ How to protect yourself when travelling by car: Auto insurance provides you with car insurance to get your car repaired, towed to a garage, transported back home or a replacement vehicle if needed. They will arrange and communicate everything for you.
14. Vogel
- Difficulty: easy to moderate, depending on the chosen route
- Restaurant: yes
Vogel Peak (1 923 m) is one of the most popular peaks in the Triglav National Park, which is a popular ski resort in winter.
From the village of Ukanc on Lake Bohinj, you can take the gondola lift to an altitude of 1,535 m, where there is a mountain hut and a viewpoint with a fantastic view of Lake Bohinj.
From there you can continue along one of the hiking trails and walk, for example, to the top of the Vogel (2 hours) and continue along the ridge.
Here you will find up-to-date information on the timetables and prices for the Vogel cable car.
15. Fortress of Cluj
- Difficulty: easy, parking directly at the fortress
- Time: 1 hour
The Fortress of Kluže (Trdnjava Kluže) is an impressive historical fortress located near the town of Bovec in Slovenia. The fortress, situated in a strategic position at a narrow gorge above the Koritnica River, played a key role in the defence of the region during various conflicts.
The fortress houses a museum with exhibits from the First World War and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. You can explore the fortress structures and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Directly opposite the Kluže Fortress you will see a tunnel leading to the path leading to the ruins of the Hermann Fortress (about 30 minutes on a rocky path). It is completely free of charge, but at your own risk.
Where to stay in Triglav National Park
Triglav National Park is large – it is good to choose your accommodation strategically. Below you will find the best areas for accommodation around the national park. Most places also offer bicycle or water sports equipment rental.
Kranjska Gora
The mountain village of Kranjska Gora offers perfect facilities for hiking and winter skiing. A short drive away you can visit the Zelenci Nature Reserve, Lake Jasna, Martuljek Waterfalls, the Soča River bed, the Vršič mountain pass or climb one of the impressive peaks including Triglav. Lake Bled and the Vintgar Gorge are half an hour’s drive away.
- Best Western Hotel: Four-star hotel with facilities including a swimming pool, gym, garden, free parking and half board
- Hotel Alpina: Popular 3-star hotel with lounge, restaurant and free parking
- Erjavčeva mountain hut: Traditional mountain hut right in the Vršič saddle
- Vitranc Apartments: Fully equipped apartments with kitchenette, swimming pool and free parking
- Mountain hut in the forest: Traditional mountain chalet in a beautiful setting, offering hotel at a great price
Accommodation Kranjska Gora 😴
Mojstrana
The small village of Mojstrana is located in the north of the Triglav National Park, near Kranjska Gora. This is an ideal location for those looking for a quieter backdrop, yet excellent accessibility for trips to the west and east of the park.
- House Katja-Privat wellness: 3 bedroom house with outdoor pool and large garden
- Villa Edelweiss Rooms&App Kranjska Gora: Comfortable apartments with complete facilities, garden and outdoor pool
- Hostel Lukna: Beautiful hostel decorated in traditional mountain style, offering accommodation in single or shared rooms
Lake Bled
Bled is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenia. The town is famous for its picturesque lake, castle and church on the island. As a result, it offers a wide range of hotels and apartments, restaurants and leisure options.
- Hotel Ribno: Beautiful mountain hotel with wellness and excellent cuisine
- Hotel Bled Rose: Stylish hotel with wellness, swimming pool, excellent cuisine and surrounded by lots of greenery
- Villa Alpina: New, modern accommodation with views of the countryside and outdoor seating
Accommodation Lake Bled 😴
Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is another great summer destination for swimming, boating, taking the cable car to the Vogel, visiting the Savica waterfalls and the Mostnica gorge, or hiking along one of the many hiking trails, including the Triglav Lakes Valley. Lake Bled or the Vintgar Gorge can be reached in 20 minutes by car.
- Hotel Jezero: Traditional four-star hotel on the shores of Lake Bohinj
- Triglav Apartments: Fully equipped and newly furnished apartments with a view of the mountains and Lake Bohinj
- House Pr’Pristavc: Pleasant, very cosy hotel with excellent cuisine and great value for money
- Erlah House: Family-run guesthouse with a friendly atmosphere, cosy rooms and outdoor seating
Accommodation Lake Bohinj 😴
Bovec
Bovec is a village located on the Soča River, which is famous for its water sports and adrenaline activities, from rafting to zip line.
- Hotel Soča: Fantastic four-star hotel with outdoor pool and complete facilities
- Hotel Sanje ob Soči: Stylish, modern hotel (rooms and apartments) with wellness and surrounded by nature
- Apartments and Rooms Skok: Modern and fully equipped apartments with kitchenette and outdoor seating for a great price
- Hostel Soča Rocks: Cheap accommodation with shared or separate rooms and shared kitchen
Best Things to do in Triglav National Park – map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of the Triglav National Park in Slovenia. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in my guide to the best things to do in Triglav National Park. If you want to save the map, star it. It will then be saved to your Google Maps and can be retrieved at any time on your mobile phone or computer. For a larger version of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner.
These were tips for trips hiking trails and best things to do for Triglav National Park, Slovenia. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about Slovenia
SLOVENIA: Get inspired with tips on the most beautiful places to visit in Slovenia.
In a separate article you will find even more tips for hikes and things to do in the Julian Alps in Slovenia.
