13 Greatest Issues to Do in Triglav Nationwide Park in Slovenia
Slovenia is one among my favourite nations to go to in Europe, partially as a result of it packs so many various landscapes into such a small space. From the Adriatic Sea to hillside vineyards to Moria-esque caves to snow-capped mountains, Slovenia actually has all of it!
And relating to gorgeous surroundings, you’ll be able to’t actually ask for higher than what you will discover in Triglav Nationwide Park.
Triglav Nationwide Park is Slovenia’s solely nationwide park, overlaying 340 sq. miles within the northwestern a part of the nation. The park is understood for its turquoise rivers, tumbling waterfalls, and dramatic Julian Alps. It will get its title from from Mount Triglav, the very best peak in Slovenia at 9,396 ft (2,864 meters).
It is comparatively simple to succeed in this nationwide park, too; it is only a 50-minute drive from the capital of Ljubljana, or a 10-minute drive from Lake Bled. So that you undoubtedly have to put it in your Slovenia to-do checklist!
When to go to Triglav Nationwide Park
Triglav Nationwide Park is each a summer time and winter vacation spot. Through the summer time months, you’ll be able to go climbing, swimming, and sightseeing all through the park. And within the winter, snowboarding and different snowsports are doable.
This submit principally focuses on issues to do in the summertime, nevertheless, as a few of the greatest issues to do in Triglav Nationwide Park aren’t accessible in the course of the winter months.
High issues to do in Triglav Nationwide Park
When you’re there, listed here are all one of the best issues to do in Triglav Nationwide Park, whether or not you need to get adventurous or simply see some nice views.
1. Hike by Vintgar Gorge
One of the vital widespread actions in Triglav Nationwide Park is climbing by Vintgar Gorge. This picturesque gorge near Lake Bled was carved out by the Radovna River, and you may stroll by it on wood boardwalks.
That is a simple hike (1 mile lengthy) that takes you alongside the turquoise-blue waters of the river gorge, previous small waterfalls and clear swimming pools. It is completely gorge-ous! (Sorry, could not resist the unhealthy pun…)
As a result of Vintgar Gorge is so widespread (and likewise solely open from mid-April/early Could by early October annually), they do function on a timed ticket foundation. I like to recommend booking a timed ticket very first thing within the morning or later within the afternoon to keep away from a few of the crowds, particularly if you happen to’re visiting in the summertime.
NOTE: Nowadays, the boardwalks by Vintgar Gorge are one-way solely, which means you will have to hike a unique path again to the trailhead or parking space. The stroll by the gorge itself takes 45-60 minutes, and then you definitely’ll need to permit not less than 1.5 hours for the stroll again, on one among two trails. More info here.
2. Watersports at Lake Bohinj
Masking 790 acres, Lake Bohinj is the most important lake in Slovenia. And its location is made further gorgeous because it’s nestled throughout the Julian Alps.
The lake is a well-liked spot to go to Triglav Nationwide Park, and is a good vacation spot for watersports, together with kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. You possibly can lease boats and extra on the southeast finish of the lake, or get tickets for a panoramic boat tour if that is extra your pace. (Search for “Ladja Bohinj – Ribčev Laz” on the map for the embarkation level.)
You can even stroll a path round Lake Bohinj – be sure you cease to see the Church of St. John the Baptist, and the statue of a legendary Zlatorog, or Goldenhorn deer/ibex. And if you wish to cease for lunch right here, I cherished the views at Restavracija Kramar.
3. Experience the Vogel Cable Automotive
Need to see Lake Bohinj from one other vantage level, or maybe go for a summer time hike? Then you definitely need to catch the Vogel Cable Automotive on the southeastern finish of Lake Bohinj. This scenic cable automotive will whisk you up 3,280 ft, to the Vogel Ski Middle.
Through the winter, that is clearly a preferred snowboarding spot! However in the summertime, you’ll be able to journey the cable automotive for wonderful views and entry to alpine climbing trails.
You possibly can after all simply cease on the high cable automotive station (there is a restaurant the place you’ll be able to seize a snack or drink), however I like to recommend going even larger on the Orlove Glave chairlift if you happen to do not thoughts heights. This chairlift is free to journey (it is included within the worth of the cable automotive ticket), and takes you even larger up into the mountains.
From the chairlift, you’ll be able to even see Mount Triglav on clear days!
You could find climbing trails branching off from the chairlift station, together with one which results in the highest of Mount Vogel. Nonetheless, be aware that that is alpine climbing, and you will have to be correctly ready! I additionally discovered that there weren’t nice path markings or maps accessible, so I do not suppose I would advocate climbing up right here for newbies.
Tickets for the Vogel Cable Car fluctuate by season, however you’ll be able to count on to pay between €29.50 and €32 for an grownup return ticket.
PRO TIP: If you would like a fantastic picture of Lake Bohinj from above, you will need to snap it from the higher cable automotive platform *earlier than* you head contained in the constructing. There unusually are not any nice viewpoints as soon as you allow this platform. Do it once you exit the cable automotive on the journey up!
4. Go to a waterfall (or two)
There are fairly a number of notable waterfalls in Triglav Nationwide Park, a number of of which you’ll hike to – and even hike behind! (Enjoyable truth: the Slovene phrase for “waterfall” is “slap,” which is further enjoyable.)
The three hottest waterfalls in Triglav Nationwide Park are:
- Pericnik Waterfall – Situated within the northern a part of the park, Slap Peričnik is comparatively near the Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bled. You possibly can hike as much as and proper behind the higher cascade of this waterfall; the path is reasonably steep however simple to comply with. The entire hike will take you 30-60 minutes if you happen to go behind the falls. (The waterfall is free, however you will have to pay for parking.)
- Savica Waterfall – Close to Lake Bohinj, Slap Savica is one other widespread waterfall that flows down a rock wall into a reasonably pool. The hike is barely difficult with some steep sections and steps, and can take 30-60 minutes to finish. (You will have to pay for each parking and an entry price right here.)
- Kozjak Waterfall – One other lovely waterfall to go to is Slap Kozjak, which is a tall column waterfall that falls right into a turquoise pool in a bit of canyon. It is *technically* simply outdoors of Triglav Nationwide Park, however I am together with it anyway. The hike to this waterfall is comparatively simple alongside a river (and contains strolling over a bridge with wonderful views), and takes about 40 minutes round-trip. In case you’re courageous sufficient, you’ll be able to even swim within the Soča River – however it’s normally very chilly! (There is a small entrance price to pay when you get near the waterfall.)
5. Go rafting on the Soca River
In case you’re trying to get adventurous in Triglav Nationwide Park past climbing, you must undoubtedly go rafting on the Soča River.
On my first journey to Slovenia, I booked the Emerald River Adventure, which is a enjoyable full-day tour that features whitewater rafting on the Soča River (in addition to some hikes and waterfalls). Whereas the complete day tour is great, rafting on the Gatorade-blue river was undoubtedly the good half!
The rafting is not notably technical (the largest rapids are solely Grade 3 out of 5), however the surroundings is totally gorgeous.
6. Hike to the supply of the Soča
This was included within the Emerald River Journey tour I did, however you too can do it by yourself! The hike to the “supply” of the Soča River (the Izvir Soče) is situated within the northern a part of Triglav Nationwide Park, and is comparatively quick (about half-hour round-trip) however distinctive.
The hike follows a small tributary river to a cave spring, and the final part of it’s arrange like a through ferrata, with cables and iron ladder-style steps that can assist you skirt round rock faces. It isn’t a hike for everybody – and also you NEED good footwear for it – however it’s enjoyable if you’re ready and take it sluggish.
7. Drive over the Vrsic Go
The Vršič Go is the very best mountain cross in Triglav Nationwide Go, winding by the Julian Alps and providing up some really breathtaking views.
The cross is at an altitude of over 5,200 ft, and you will attain it through a winding mountain street with greater than 50 hairpin turns – which means this drive is just not for the faint of coronary heart! It is value it although.
I drove as much as the cross from Kranjska Gora, after which went again the identical means. There are a number of viewpoints and climbing trailheads on the way in which up, after which a parking space and extra climbing trails on the highest level of the Vršič Go.
In the summertime, you too can cease on the restaurant on the Tičar Lodge for a drink or meal with nice views proper on the high of the cross.
Word: This street particularly may be very widespread with bike riders and common cyclists, so you will need to be further cautious as you are taking these hairpin turns. Go sluggish, and look out for bikes of all styles and sizes!
8. Cease on the Russian Chapel
On the street from the Vršič Go again to Kranjska Gora, you’ll be able to cease to see the Russian Chapel, a picturesque wood church with a barely darkish historical past.
The Vršič Go was constructed throughout World Warfare I, largely utilizing the compelled labor of Russian and different Slavic prisoners of conflict. Those self same prisoners constructed the Russian Chapel devoted to St. Vladimir in 1915.
Now, the church serves as a conflict memorial and was declared a monument of nationwide significance in Slovenia in 2015. You possibly can’t go inside it, however it’s value a cease for a photograph.
Word: There is a car parking zone for the chapel simply throughout the street, however it sits on a type of bends, so be very cautious once you go to cross it!
9. See Lake Jasna
Not removed from the city of Kranjska Gora within the northwest nook of Triglav Nationwide Park is one other lovely little lake value visiting: Lake Jasna. That is truly a man-made lake and it isn’t large (you’ll be able to stroll round it in lower than half an hour), however it’s within the good place to be surrounded by dramatic Julian Alps views.
You possibly can take photographs on the well-known Chamois statue on the northern finish of the lake, get pleasure from a drink or meal at one of many eating places there, and even go for a swim – however know that these clear waters aren’t normally very heat!
Close to the parking space for Lake Jasna, you too can comply with a path that results in a bit of suspension bridge over the Pišnice Gorge and a few small waterfalls. Price it for a fast picture!
10. Get sporty in Kranjska Gora
Through the winter months, you’ll be able to go snowboarding within the little alpine city of Kranjska Gora. And in the summertime, the ski slopes are used for different sports activities. You are able to do some downhill and mountain biking at Bike Park Kranjska Gora or Ski Kranjska Gora. Ski Kranjska Gora additionally opens up a summer time “toboggan” run (like an alpine curler coaster, with particular person vehicles on a rail), which is enjoyable and family-friendly.
You can even wander round Kranjska Gora, which is only a actually cute alpine city. (And sure, it is technically situated simply outdoors the borders of Triglav Nationwide Park, however it’s one of many major park bases so I am together with it!)
11. Go to Planica Nordic Centre
The Planica Nordic Centre is a large sports activities complicated with a wide range of actions, situated simply outdoors the northern fringe of Triglav Nationwide Park. Within the winter, Planica is a coaching middle for snowboarding, with ski leaping hills and in depth cross-country snowboarding trails.
Through the summer time, although, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a 1,856-foot zipline, or attempt different actions like disc golf, a chairlift journey, or perhaps a wind tunnel skydiving simulation. Find more info here on all of the actions they provide.
Bonus: Border Tripoint (AT/IT/SLO)
Not removed from Kranjska Gora, you are able to do one thing tremendous distinctive and stand on the border of three nations: Slovenia, Austria, and Italy! Once more, that is outdoors of the borders of the nationwide park, however shut sufficient that I need to point out it.
Marked on Google Maps as Border Tripoint (AT/IT/SLO), it is a quiet vacationer vacation spot that gives scenic views throughout all three nations. Many individuals hike up right here, however you too can drive principally all the way in which as much as the positioning on a gravel street from the Slovenian facet.
There is a tripoint marker on the border – and, enjoyable truth, representatives from all three nations meet right here every year in September to have a good time the friendship between the nations.
Bonus: Experience the automotive practice
One other distinctive factor you’ll be able to expertise simply outdoors the boundary of Triglav Nationwide Park (this time to the south) is the journey a car-carrying practice from Most na Soči to Bohinjska Bistrica (or vice versa).
A automotive practice works the way in which you’d count on: you drive your automotive onto a practice, and journey the practice by the mountains. The journey takes about 35 minutes – however if you happen to drove your automotive the identical distance, it might take about 1.5 hours. I’ve performed this earlier than, and it is a distinctive expertise!
You possibly can see ticket costs for the automotive practice here, however be aware that you simply can not pre-book tickets; simply present up early (not less than half-hour early in the summertime) for the time you need to journey.
How lengthy do you want in Triglav Nationwide Park?
You possibly can see loads in Triglav Nationwide Park in simply at some point (the Emerald River Adventure tour covers lots of the issues listed right here!), however if you wish to hit every thing on this checklist, you will need to dedicate 2-3 days to the nationwide park.
Extra Slovenia posts you would possibly like:
The place to remain in Triglav Nationwide Park
Slovenia is kind of a small nation, so you’ll be able to simply get to Triglav Nationwide Park from locations like Ljubljana or Lake Bled if you happen to do not need to e book separate lodging.
In case you DO need to keep in or not less than nearer to the park, nevertheless, your greatest choices are the realm round Lake Bohinj and Kranjska Gora.
Round Lake Bohinj, my high picks are:
- Hotel Bohinj – High-rated and newly renovated, with mountain views and a spa.
- Art Hotel Kristal – An alpine-style lodge set again from the lake with a very good restaurant.
- Vila Park – A comfy B&B possibility on the different finish of the lake, in Ukanc.
And in Kranjska Gora, my high picks are:
- Garni Hotel Miklic – High-rated alpine-style lodge with free parking and a very good breakfast.
- Skipass Hotel – A beautiful boutique lodge possibility in Kranjska Gora.
For a reasonably small nationwide park in a small nation, Triglav Nationwide Park has so many distinctive issues to do and see! I completely love this nationwide park, and suppose you’ll, too!
Who’s able to plan a visit to Triglav Nationwide Park?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 nations on 6 continents from her house base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas based mostly on her private experiences and locations she’s truly traveled!
