When you embark on a journey to Slovenia, the Triglav National Park is a must-visit. The park offers breathtaking natural diversity, and the establishment of national parks, including Triglav National Park, aims to protect these special landscapes and ecologically valuable areas from human interference. In addition to admiring and observing nature and wildlife, you can also enjoy numerous activities in the park, ensuring there's something for everyone.
The name “Triglav National Park” comes from the fact that the Triglav mountain massif forms the centerpiece of the park. Not geographically, but thematically. Triglav is the highest mountain in Slovenia, standing at 2,864 meters. The varying peaks, which are snow-covered year-round, are also referred to as the “Three-headed” and serve as the national symbol and coat of arms of Slovenia. Due to its distinctive shape, the peak is visible from over 100 kilometers away. Triglav is located 1,500 meters above the Vatra Valley, one of the highest walls of the Eastern Alps.
The national park spans about 84,000 hectares and extends across the Gorenjska and Primorska provinces, bordering Italy and Austria. Triglav National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Slovenia and is also one of the oldest in Europe.
In addition to the breathtaking mountain backdrop, there is so much more to see. The park is known for its pristine water sources. This includes crystal-clear lakes, fascinating waterfalls, emerald-green and turquoise rivers, and streams. Notably impressive and popular are Lake Bohinj (Bohinjsko jezero), the largest lake in Slovenia, and the Soča River, which is very popular for its clear water and wild water sections.
A rich variety of plants and animals can be found there as well. In fact, more than 7,000 animal species can be admired, including many bird species and wild animals such as chamois, lynx, ibex, and brown bears. Over 1,000 plant species can be found throughout the park, including on the sun-drenched slopes of the limestone massif. You can also join guided tours to increase your chances of getting to know the flora and fauna better. For example, there’s a tour where you can observe bears and learn a lot about these magnificent creatures.
A large part of the park is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This protects the natural diversity and beauty as well as biodiversity. Additionally, there are special zones that serve as nature reserves and are strictly protected. These exist to safeguard the flora and fauna from human destruction.
Especially for outdoor and nature lovers, there is plenty to experience in Triglav National Park. Most of the activities offer sports and beautiful views that you can enjoy for hours. The activities are suitable for all ages and interests, and they are sure to be an adventure.
Triglav National Park offers more than 20 different climbing routes. Many walls and rocks provide challenging routes. One of the most famous is the Triglav North Wall. With heights of up to 1,500 meters, it is one of the highest walls in the Eastern Alps and the most famous wall of the Julian Alps.
The Soča Valley also offers some climbing opportunities. There is even a section to practice routes from the third to the fifth difficulty level, as well as rappel training. The area is 20 meters high and is perfect for practice. One section is marked as “Sočatrail” and is a 25 km trail along the water.
For nature enthusiasts who want to enjoy nature without many other tourists, there are 9,000 km of hiking trails. Like with climbing, there are easy hikes as well as long expeditions off the beaten path.
One of the most famous routes is the ascent to the summit of Triglav. Numerous mountain huts invite you to stop along the way. There are many routes with varying degrees of difficulty. The view from the summit is spectacular, making the climb worthwhile. However, this route is not recommended for those with a fear of heights.
The “Soča Trail” is also a wonderful hike, taking you through stunning turquoise waters, viewpoints, gorges, and waterfalls. The actual length of 25 km can quickly stretch to 32 km when accounting for additional distances to various attractions not located directly on the path.
Before setting off on a hike, be sure to carry enough water, any necessary safety equipment, suitable footwear, and have enough experience and physical fitness. The Soča Trail should not be underestimated with its total hiking time of around 10 hours, so you may want to split it over two days.
If you’re planning to hike for several days, a hut-to-hut trek is also an option. The hut-to-hut trek on the Pokljuka Plateau lasts 3–4 days. The daily distances vary, with altitude differences ranging from 800 to 1,100 meters.
For passionate hikers who can’t imagine anything better than exploring the park’s nature on foot, long-distance trails are ideal. Thematically interesting and varied, these routes are never boring, even on multi-day hikes. You can visit Austria, Italy, and Slovenia all with one long-distance trail, the “Alpe Adria Trail,” where you can admire the different landscapes and enjoy local culinary delights.
Even though nothing beats careful planning, you can also opt for "hiking without luggage." This way, you’ll only carry your daypack, and the rest of your luggage will be transported from accommodation to accommodation every day.
There are numerous water activities, with something for everyone. Just swim or try white-water rafting?
Rafting is a great experience for everyone. For example, you can conquer a 10 km stretch of the Soča River in an inflatable boat with other participants. You can also sign up as a group. There are smaller and larger rapids, followed by more relaxed sections where everyone can chat and admire nature from the river. This activity is a good option even in the rain, except in winter.
One of Europe’s most popular kayaking destinations is the Soča River with its tributaries. Almost year-round, except in winter, white-water kayakers gather here. But even without prior knowledge, you can kayak there. There are courses, training sessions, camps, and workshops organized by local sports agencies. The rapids of the Soča River are occasionally selected for the largest international and European kayaking competitions. It’s also beautiful to watch the swirling water create fantastic formations.
In the Sušec Gorge, you can try canyoning. The gorge is also called “the natural water park,” where you can slide down small waterfalls and swim in the water. This activity is also suitable for families.
For more advanced adventurers, there is canyoning with rope techniques, where you’ll overcome waterfalls up to 10 meters high. A qualified guide, familiar with the terrain, will accompany you.
A stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) excursion can be done in a calm section of the Soča River or at Lake Rabeljsko jezero, which is very peaceful and ideal for beginners. Here, you can admire the surrounding nature and mountains. You can relax and simply enjoy the beauty of nature.
Swimming and bathing is particularly beautiful in the mountain rivers, especially in summer. Several rivers are popular for swimming. In the Soča River, there are swimming areas in the quieter parts of the river. Be sure to watch for signs to ensure safety. Even in summer, the water temperature remains around 14°C. In the “Nadiža” River, however, temperatures reach around 20°C in summer. This river is also stunning, and the meadows along the banks invite you to read or have a picnic. The third most popular river, "Idrijca," has a summer temperature of around 22°C. The river is known for its deep river pools. A beach and swimming pool have also been set up at this river.
Although Triglav National Park is well-known to outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, it’s a different story for cyclists. In addition to the hiking and climbing routes, there are also numerous routes that can be cycled. There are also trails for mountain bikers and road cyclists. Guided tours are available for this activity as well.
There are so many beautiful things that Triglav National Park has to offer. The entire park is a sightseeing destination in itself. However, there are some areas of the park that are particularly popular. First, of course, the Triglav summit. As the park’s landmark, it is definitely a must-see. Lake Bohinj is also one of these, as is the Savica Waterfall. The Soča River and the Soča Gorge are definitely worth seeing. The Soča Trail is a great idea if you want to see both of these and more. The Savica Waterfall is also a fantastic photo opportunity.
If you prefer a quieter experience, the trails outside of the most popular areas of the park are perfect. The northern part of the park offers many beautiful places and far fewer tourists. Those who love the charm of mountain villages will be happy to visit places like Stara Fužina.
If you're planning a trip to Slovenia, the Triglav National Park is definitely worth a visit. The beautiful nature, crystal-clear waters, and the incredibly diverse wildlife will impress and enchant you. There are numerous activities to enjoy, suitable for the whole family and even dogs. Whether you're hiking, climbing, or simply admiring the breathtaking views, there's something for everyone. Best of all, the entrance is free. You can dine at one of the restaurants, enjoy the regional cuisine, take beautiful photos, and relax. A visit to the Triglav National Park will certainly make the stresses of everyday life feel like a distant memory.
