Climbing Mount Triglav: 2 Day Hike in Slovenia
Mount Triglav (2864 m) is the reigning symbol of Slovenia and of the Julian Alps. Emblazoned on the national flag, the three-headed mountain serves as true north, orienting Slovenians to their mountains, forests, and green spaces.
For years, we’ve marveled at Mount Triglav from afar, wondering when and how we’d hike up there. During our last trip to Slovenia, we decided to go for it. And, it was spectacular. Hiking to the highest mountain in Slovenia is an experience we’ll never forget, and one we hope to repeat.
In this guide, we’re going to outline the “easiest approach” to Mt. Triglav, which starts at Rudno Polje on Pokljuka Plateau. This southern approach to Mount Triglav is visually stunning and very approachable. Other notable ascent routes start in the north from Vrata Valley and Krma Valley. There’s also the famous Bamberg route, which starts at Luknja pass (for experts only).
This is a 2-day hike, whereby you’ll overnight in Dom Planika pod Triglavom mountain hut (2401 m). We do not recommend attempting this as a day hike, because the elevation gain and length are just too long. You can decide if you want to summit Triglav on Day 1 (late afternoon), or Day 2 (morning).
While 90% of this hike is actually quite easy, the final 1:30 hrs to the summit is a protected climbing route (via ferrata). That means that the trail is secured with steel cables and fixed pegs to help you ascend to the peak.
Having high alpine hiking and some via ferrata experience is essential for safely summiting Triglav independently. If you’ve never hiked a via ferrata route, but are keen on climbing Triglav, definitely hire a certified hiking guide.
Here are some 2-day guided tours you can join (different ascent route):
- Mount Triglav: Krma Valley from Bled (Altitude Activities)
- Mount Triglav: Krma Valley from from Kranjska Gora/Mojstrana/Bled (Kofler Sport)
- Mount Triglav: Krma Valley from Bled (Explore Share Slovenia)
If you want to extend your Triglav Climb to Seven Lakes Valley, check out this 3-day Triglav guided tour.
When to Hike Mount Triglav
July, August, or September. Avoid hiking to Triglav on the weekend, as it’s very crowded. We hiked on a Sunday, and the trail from Rudno Polje to Vodnikov Dom was teeming with families.
Dom Planika usually opens around June 20th. The exact date depends on weather conditions and the amount of snow.
Pokljuka to Mount Triglav Route Summary
- Trailhead: Rudno Polje, Pokljuka | Google Maps
- Type of Hike: Out-and-back
- Route: Rudno Polje (1347 m) – Jezerce – Studorski preval (1892 m) – Vodnikov Dom (1817 m) – Konjsko sedlo (2019 m) – Dom Planika (2401 m) – Mali Triglav – Mt. Triglav (2864 m). You can summit Triglav on Day 1, or on Day 2.
- Distance: 12.9 km one-way / 25.8 km out-and-back
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1920 meters
- Time Needed: 2 Days (13-14 hours hiking); Rudno Polje to Vodnikov dom (3 hours); Vodnikov dom to Dom Planika (2 hours); Dom Planika to Mount Triglav (1:30 hours)
- Difficulty: Rudno Polje to Vodnikov dom (Easy); Vodnikov dom to Dom Planika (Moderate); Dom Planika to Mount Triglav (Difficult)
- Permit: No permits are needed to climb Triglav.
- Entrance Fee: There’s no entrance fee to enter Triglav National Park.
- Where to Eat: Vodnikov dom and Dom Planika. There’s a water spring (free drinking water) at Vodnikov dom.