No self-respecting mountain lover can pass through Slovenia without making the effort to climb Triglav. At 2,864m (9,396 ft) this is Slovenia’s highest peak. You will hear locals saying that you are not a ‘real’ Slovenian if you don’t climb Triglav at least once in your life.
When compared to tough hikes around the world, Triglav peak is a fair trek that is accessible to adventurers with a range of experience. There are a multitude of trails to choose from as well as mountain huts which make it possible to break the climb into two days.
This article has everything you need to know to prepare for and climb Mount Triglav. I hope this helps when planning your Triglav trek.
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Thing To Know Before You Climb Triglav
Where is Mount Triglav?
Mount Triglav is part of the Julian Alps, in the northwestern part of Slovenia. The trails to the summit are in Slovenia’s one and only national park, Triglav National Park.
The most popular starting point for the trail to Mt Triglav is Vrata Valley, which is nearby the village of Mojstrana. It is a short bus ride from Mojstrana to the trailhead.
How difficult is it to climb Mount Triglav, Slovenia?
Hiking Up Mt Triglav (Photo credit: Stefanos Nikologianis)
As far as European Mountains go, Triglav is a fairly easy climb. If you are relatively fit, you can make it up and down the mountain in a single day. If you need to take it slower, you can break the trek into two days and stay the night in a mountain hut.
The route you take and your level of experience will determine the difficulty. If you are unsure about your abilities (particularly on steep rock faces), opt for the easiest route to the summit.
Many people are put off climbing mount Triglav by seeing pictures of people in harnesses over steep drops. However, the most popular trail does not involve technical climbing. Even families with older children can tackle Mt. Triglav. Just take it slow.
If you want to feel better about this climb, check out some of the most dangerous hikes in the world.
When to climb Mount Triglav
July to Mid October is the best time for climbing Mt. Triglav. This is over Slovenia’s dry season. The mountain huts are open between these months which means it is possible to overnight in the park.
Spring (March-early June) and Autumn (September - November) are also good times for hiking. During these shoulder seasons, you need to be a bit more cautious of the weather as snow, ice, and rain are fairly common.
It is possible to climb Mt. Triglav in Winter (December -March), particularly over April when snow conditions start to stabilize. Don’t attempt this unless you are experienced. You need to be prepared. Snow gear, including crampons and a pick axe may be required.
Should I get a guide to climb Triglav?
Climbing Mount Triglav Without a Guide
You don’t really need a guide to climb Mount Triglav. As long as you have some experience hiking, are relatively fit and apply good sense you should be fine. There are a lot of other people on the trail which gives a sense of security.
Climbing independently is by far the cheapest way to hike Triglav. I’d suggest you buy a map from the park information center in Bled. Although the trails are very well marked, it’s useful to have. Especially if you plan on doing some other hikes in Triglav National Park.
Mount Triglav Guided Hike
If you are not confident in your mountaineering abilities you may want to book a guided hike up Triglav. A guided tour is a good option for those who want to do a more challenging route but are nervous about going alone.
Good guides add a lot of value to any trek. They can tell you more about the area and point out interesting things that you would never notice on your own. If you do book a guide, make sure they are from a reputable tour company.
Do I need special equipment to climb Triglav?
It’s a bit of a grey area as to whether helmets are officially required to hike Triglav peak. Some tourist information centers will tell you ‘absolutely yes’, yet you will see many people on the trail without them. Tour operators should always issue their clients with helmets.
Assuming you have a helmet, you will only need to wear it for the rocky ascent to the summit.
There are via ferratas along the steep, rocky parts of most of the routes. This is a metal cable attached to the rock face. It’s a simpler and safer version of rock climbing. Climbers can attach themselves to the cables with a harness and via ferrata kit (sort of a leash with carabiners).
It’s not compulsory to use a via ferrata but it definitely makes you feel safer! You can bring your own or rent this equipment from the nearby towns. The mountain huts along the trail also offer gear rentals.
Lastly, you should take a headlamp. This is just in case it gets dark before you complete the descent.
Take snacks and 2-3l of water. You can buy water in the huts but it is expensive. Refilll your bottle with tap water at the huts
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How much does it cost to climb Mount Triglav?
There is no entrance fee to Triglav National Park. With some planning, you could summit the peak as a day hike almost for free. That’s assuming you have all your own gear.
These are a few costs you may incur depending on your trekking plans;
- Mountain hut fees: 20 to 60 euros per night usually including meals. Camping is not an option in Triglav.
- Equipment rental: If you do not have your own, you may need to rent harnesses, trekking poles, and helmets from a local outdoor shop. This can cost between 20 to 50 euros per day.
- Guide fees: The cost of hiring a guide can vary depending on their level of experience. A good guided tour will cost about 500 euros per person.
- Transportation costs: Depending on where you are coming from, you may need to pay for transportation to the trailhead. This can include bus or train tickets, car rental, or taxi fees.
Triglav Climbing Routes
If you want to summit Triglav, you have some options. You can make the most of your choices by descending a different route to what you came up.
Whichever route you take, be sure you know what you are getting into. Some trails have very steep sections that are not suitable for those with acrophobia (fear of heights). Pathways can also become dangerously slippery following rain or snow.
Below are the most popular hiking trails to Triglav peak.
Triglavski Dom route - The Normal Trail To Triglav Peak
This is the most popular and frequently used route to the summit. It is 12 km (7.5 miles) each way. In total, you gain 1,600m (5,250 ft) elevation.
The route starts at the Aljažev Dom mountain hut, which is located at an altitude of 1,011 meters (3,317 feet) in the Vrata Valley. You can get to Vrata Valley by car or bus from the town of Mojstrana.
Most people take between 5-6 hours complete the ascent from the Aljažev Dom hut to the summit. Depending on your fitness level and the weather conditions. The descent takes around 3 to 4 hours.
Krma valley route - The Easiest Trail To Triglav Peak
Even though the Krma Valley route is easier, it is usually less crowded than the Triglavski Dom route. This is because it is longer and fewer people choose it as a day hike. Also, some say Krma valley scenery is not as interesting as on other routes.
The distance of the Krma Valley route is around 16 km (10 miles) one way, with a total elevation gain of around 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). The Krma Valley trail starts in the village of Krma. To get to Krma, you first need to catch a bus or drive from Mojstrana. From the trailhead to Triglav summit on Krma valley hike takes around 7 to 8 hours.
Luknja Trail (Bamberg Route) - The Most Difficult Route to Triglav Summit
The Lukjna trail is a case of high effort, and high reward. The trail is steep and the exposed passes are not recommended for beginner mountaineers. However, if you have climbing experience and a head for heights, the views of the Trenta Valley are magnificent.
The trail starts at the Vrata Valley, near the town of Mojstrana. The first part of the trail is relatively easy through the valley. As you approach the pass, the real challenge begins.
The most difficult part is when you reach the narrow, rocky exposed rock across Bamberg’s pass. You are probably going to want to hook on to the cables! You will need to watch your footing and do a bit of scrambling to get to the top.
Once you get up the steepest section of Triglav’s north face, the path levels off to a plateau and rejoins the main trail from the Dolic hut. There is a bit more climbing to the summit but nothing as tricky as the first bit at Bamberg.
Most climbers choose to descend on the eastern, narrow ridge. The exposed rocky spine with a sheer drop on both sides is more than a little hair-raising. When you get down to Mali Triglav (Little Triglav) you can take the left trail to Kredarica hut. Be very careful as this section is slippery.
Take another left at the hut and past the remains of a Triglav glacier. You will then have the option to return by the Tominškova' or Čez Prag Trails. These are described below.
In total, this trail is around 12km / 7 miles each way, depending on variations you choose.
Tominšek and Čez Prag Routes - Triglav’s North Face
The Tominšek route and Čez Prag (“rock step”) route are two well-marked trails to the Triglav Summit starting at the Vrata Valley to the Triglavski Dom Mountain hut. The Čez Prag route takes about 30mins more than the Tominšek route.
There is not a huge difference between the two except that Čez Prag has steeper via ferrata sections and more rocky scree slopes. The Tominšek and Čez Prag routes take roughly (5-6 hours) to ascend. Tominšek is recommended for ascent and Čez Prag as a descent.
The most notable part of Čez Prag route is Medvedova Skala (‘The Bear’) a 15m, almost sheer wall climb. You need upper arm strength for this ferrata section but it’s not as bad as it sounds. There are good footholds carved into the rock.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Climbing Mount Triglav
Can I make the Triglav ascent without climbing experience?
Yes, you are able to summit Mt, Triglav without prior mountaineering experience. However, some experience goes a long way. If you are not familiar with via ferrata systems, I’d recommend taking one of the easier routes with less intimidating rock scrambles.
Do I need a permit to hike Triglav?
At this time, no permits are required to enter Triglav National Park. You should double-check the official website to be aware of any changes or possible trail closures.
Can I climb mount triglav in one day?
It is possible to go to the top of Mt Triglav and back down in one day. You should be fit to do this and start early in the morning (I'd recommend by 6am).
What else is there to do in Triglav National Park?
Other than hiking, Triglav national park is great for kayaking, swimming and fishing. Many trails can be cycled and mushroom foraging is allowed (only in the peripheral zones).
While in Slovenia, I'd recommend also hiking part of the Slovenian Mountain Trail.
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