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Triglav Lakes Valley (Seven Lakes Valley) Day Hike, Julian Alps, Slovenia

Triglav Lakes Valley is an alpine glacial valley in Triglav National Park in the Slovenian Julian Alps. The valley takes its name from Slovenia’s highest peak, Mount Triglav, the most beloved mountain in Slovenia.

Famed for its string of seven lakes, this pristine valley is also called the Seven Lakes Valley. The Seven Lakes of Triglav Lakes Valley are:

  1. Jezero pod Vršacem (Lake below Vršac) or Jezero v Podstenju
  2. Mlaka v Laštah (Pond in Ledges)
  3. Rjavo jezero (Brown Lake)
  4. Zeleno jezero (Green Lake)
  5. Veliko jezero (The Great Lake) or Jezero v Ledvicah (Kidney Lake)
  6. Dvojno jezero (Double Lake)
  7. Črno jezero (Black Lake)

You can hike to the Seven Lakes Valley as part of a multi-day hike (read: 4-day Triglav National Park trek), or as a day hike.

For day hiking, there are two notable approaches. The easiest approach is from Planina Blato, accessible by a toll road from Stara Fužina. The more difficult approach is from Koča pri Savici, accessible from Ukanc, on the other side of Lake Bohinj.

The tourist board at Ribčev Laz cautions people against hiking to Seven Lakes from Koča pri Savici after rain, and are emphatic about not descending that route.

In this guide, we outlined the easiest approach to the Triglav Lakes Valley, starting at Planina Blato.

It’s also the most romantic, as the trail ambles across several alpine pastures dotted with traditional herdsmen huts. We sorely loved this route and we hope you will too. 

Double Lake, Seven Lakes Valley, Slovenia
  • Trailhead: Planina Blato | Google Maps
  • Destination: Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (Triglav Lakes Hut)
  • Distance: 15.2 km out-and-back
  • Time Needed: 6 hours
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 1051 meters
  • Difficulty: Easy-Moderate marked trail
  • Permits/Entrance Fee: None needed
  • Route: Planina Blato (1147 m) – Koča na Planini pri Jezeru (1453 m) – Planina Dedno Polje (1560 m) – Planina Ovčarija (1660 m) – Štapce (1851 m) – Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (1685 m) – Štapce (1851 m) – Planina Ovčarija (1660 m)- Planina Viševnik (1625 m) – Koča na Planini pri Jezeru (1453 m) – Planina Blato (1147 m)
  • Where to Stay in Ribčev Laz: Hostel pod Voglom (budget), Apartments and rooms Cerkovnik (midrange), or Hotel Bohinj (luxury)
  • Where to Stay in Stara Fužina: Pr `Agotnik apartmaji sobe Bohinj (midrange), Hotel Majerca (midrange-luxury), or Apartmaji Triglav (midrange-luxury)

Triglav Lakes Valley (Seven Lakes) Hiking Map


Responsible Exploration of Triglav Lakes Valley

The Seven Lakes Valley is located within Triglav National Park, a protected natural environment. During your visit, please adhere to the following rules: 

  • It is prohibited to bathe or carry out any other recreational activities in the alpine lakes of Triglav Lakes Valley. 
  • Meadows, pastureland, and forests are owned by local farmers. Respect private property and walk only on marked trails.
  • Picking flowers and plants is prohibited. 
  • Wild camping is prohibited. 
  • Bonfires are prohibited.
  • Leave no trace. Pack out all your garbage.
  • Flying drones is prohibited. 

How to Get to Planina Blato Trailhead

Triglav Lakes Valley Trail Sign, Slovenia

Drive to Planina Blato

First, drive to Stara Fužina, an alpine village located on the eastern-end of Lake Bohinj. From Stara Fužina, drive 8.2 km (20 minutes) to Planina Blato. 

Planina Blato is an alpine pasture and a popular trailhead in Triglav National Park. 

To access the road to Blato, you have to pay a 20 EUR toll.

Follow the serpentine road all the way up to the parking area just below the mountain pasture. 

Given the popularity of this trailhead, we highly recommend getting an early start.

Note: There’s a driving ban on all camper vans and RVs. If you’re traveling with a van, take the free shuttle up to the trailhead (see below).


Take a Free Bus to the Vogar-Blato Crossroad (high season only)

During the high summer season, a free shuttle connects the villages of Lake Bohinj with Planina Blato.

The shuttle drop-off point is called “Križišće / crossroad Vogar-Blato.” Exact Location: Google Maps.

Križišće is located 640 meters from the Triglav Lakes Valley trailhead. When you get off the shuttle, head towards Blato, not Vogar.

For up-to-date timetables, check out the Lake Bohinj website and the Promet website.


Hike up from Stara Fužina

If you’re visiting off-season without a car, you can still hike to the Seven Lakes Valley. Starting in Stara Fužina, hike to the Seven Lakes via Planina Vogar. 

The route is essentially the same, however, you would have to hike up an additional 600 meters. In total, your hike to the Seven Lakes would be 12-km one-way (5 – 6 hours one-way), involving a 1500 meter ascent.

If you’re determined to do that, you might consider breaking up the journey, by overnighting in Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (Triglav Lakes Hut), or Koča na Planini pri Jezeru. 


Triglav Lakes Valley Hike: Route Description


Planina Blato to Koča na Planini pri Jezeru (1 hour)

Planina pri Jezeru, Julian Alps, Slovenia
Planina pri Jezeru

After arriving at the Planina Blato car park, walk back down the road a few meters, to the signed trailhead (Exact Location: Google Maps). Follow signs to Planina pri Jezeru.

Note: Depending on the time of day and season you’re hiking, you may not be able to park at the car park. If that’s the case, just park on the side of the road, as close to the trailhead as possible.

You’ll steadily ascend along a wide forest road for about an hour to Koča na Planini pri Jezeru, a managed mountain hut located on an alpine pasture above a lake.

This is the only part of the hike that’s a bit monotonous.


Koča na Planini pri Jezeru to Planina Dedno Polje (30 min)

Planina Dedno Polje, Julian Alps, Slovenia
Planina Dedno Polje

From Koča na Planini pri Jezeru, there are two ways to Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (Triglav Lakes Mountain Hut).

You can hike to the Triglav Lakes hut via the Planina Dedno Polje mountain pasture or the Planina Viševnik Mountain Pasture. 

Ideally, you’ll hike both routes, ascending via Dedno Polje and descending via Planina Viševnik (or vice versa). 

The Dedno Polje ascent route is slightly shorter (.2 km) and involves less elevation gain/loss. 

At Koča na Planini pri Jezeru, continue straight to Planina Dedno Polje (signed 45 minutes, though it’ll only take about 30 min), Planina Ovčarija (signed 1:45 hrs), and Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (2:45 hrs). 

The gravel track is flat initially, but quickly steepens. After about 10 minutes, you’ll arrive at a trail intersection. Continue straight. 

The path progresses through beautiful spruce forest for another 20 minutes to Planina Dedno Polje. 


Planina Dedno Polje – Planina Ovčarija (1 hr)

The track wraps around the planina at a slight elevation.

As you walk, a picturesque scene of herdsmen huts huddled together in a sea of green grass, speckled with boulders, unfolds before you. It’s one of the most enchanting places in the Julian Alps. 

Follow signs to Planina Ovčarija (1:35 hrs) and Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (2:15 hrs). 

The wide track ends at Dedno Polje. You’ll now follow a narrow hiking path across open larch forests and lush meadows. It’s a very enjoyable trail. 

Planina Dedno Polje to Planina Ovčarija, Julian Alps, Slovenia

After about 45 minutes, the views open up towards the Southern Julian Alps.

You can see Vrh nad Škrbino, Podrta Gora, Tolminski kuk, Vrh Planje, Mahavšček, and Bogatin. 

Southern Julian Alps and Planina Ovčarija, Slovenia
View of the Southern Julian Alps

The trail descends to the large Ovčarija mountain pasture. 


Ovčarija – Štapce – Dvojno Jezero (1 hour)

Štapce ridge gap, Triglav Lakes Valley, Slovenia
Štapce

At the signed intersection at Planina Ovčarija, you can choose to hike to Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih via Štapce (“Preko Štapce”) or Prodov (“Preko Prodov”).

The more direct route is via the Štapc saddle. Though it’s 1 km shorter, it’s the more difficult route. 

We continued right, opting for the Štapc route. The rolling trail ascends through forest for about 40 minutes (1.4 km) to Štapc. 

Štapc is a gap in the ridge, below Mala Tičarica (2071 m). 

Descending Štapce to Triglav Lakes Valley, Slovenia
Descending Štapce to Triglav Lakes Valley

The initial descent from Štapc is steep, but easily managed, as it’s secured with a fixed cable.

Though the secured passage is short, we recommend putting your hiking poles away, so you can grasp the cables more easily. 

Štapce to Double Lake, Triglav Lakes Valley, Slovenia
Štapce to Double Lake

At the base of the secured passage, a trail continues diagonally towards Dvojno jezero (Double Lake), which you can already see.

The path crosses the slopes of Mala Tičarica along a loose rocky path, which can be slippery at times. 

Take extra care as you make your final zigzag descent to Dvojno jezero (Double Lake).


Dvojno Jezero (Double Lake) to Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (5 minutes)

Dvojno Jezero (Double Lake), Triglav Lakes Valley, Slovenia
Dvojno Jezero (Double Lake)

When the trail joins the path parallel to Double Lake, head right and walk 5 minutes to Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (Triglav Lakes Hut). 

Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih is an ideal destination for lunch. Order food and drinks inside (cash only).

To the right of the counter, there’s a board with the daily offerings like:

  • Jota – thick stew made with sour cabbage (Sauerkraut) and beans
  • Ričet – barley stew made with beans
  • Gobova Juha – mushroom soup
  • Zelenjavna Juha – vegetable soup
  • Golaž – goulash
  • Kranjska klobasa – Carniolan sausage
  • Makaronovo meso – macaroni with minced meat/bolognese sauce

If you need to fill up your water, there’s a water fountain outside the hut.

Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih, Seven Lakes Valley, Slovenia
Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (Triglav Lakes Hut)

Optional: Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih to Jezero v Ledvicah (45 minutes one-way)

Jezero v Ledvicah, Triglav Lakes Valley, Slovenia
Jezero v Ledvicah

Most hikers will end their hike at Double Lake, enjoying lunch at Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih.

However, the Double Lake is only one of 7 gorgeous lakes in the 8-km-long Triglav Lakes Valley.

If you have the stamina, we recommend hiking up the valley another 45 minutes (2.5 km, 168 m ascending) to Veliko Jezero (also called Jezero v Ledvicah which means Kidney Lake), the largest lake in Triglav Lakes Valley.


How to Extend your Seven Lakes Valley Hike

Veliko Špičje Ridge Hike, Slovenia
Veliko Špičje Ridge Trail

It’s easy to make this a 2-day hike. If you want to see more highlights of the Triglav Lakes Valley, continue hiking up the valley to the mountain hut Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih (2071 m), where you can stay the night.

If you have a lot of high-alpine hiking experience, we highly recommend the Veliko Špičje Ridge Trail. This exciting route follows the route described in this post and then continues 2:30 hrs to the summit of Veliko Špičje.

From the peak, you’ll continue along the main crest of Špičje for 2 hours, before descending to the Zasavska koča hut.

The next day, you’ll hike down the gorgeous Seven Lakes Valley, passing Zeleno Jezero (Green Lake) and Jezero v Ledvicah (Kidney Lake), before returning to the Triglav Lakes Hut.

Learn More: Veliko Spicje Ridge Trail

Zeleno Jezero, Triglav Lakes Valley, Slovenia
Zeleno Jezero

If you’re interested in learning more about overnighting in a Slovenian mountain hut, read these posts next Slovenian Mountain Huts and Hut to Hut Hiking in Slovenia.


Return Journey: Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih – Štapce – Planina Ovčarija – Planina Viševnik – Koča na Planini pri Jezeru – Planina Blato (3:30 hours)

Koča na Planini pri Jezeru, Julian Alps, Slovenia
Koča na Planini pri Jezeru

We recommend hiking back to Koča na Planini pri Jezeru via Planina Viševnik for more variation. However, you can also follow the same route you ascended via Planina Dedno Polje, which has slightly less elevation gain and loss.

Ascend to the Štapce pass and hike down the dwarf pine flanked path to Planina Ovčarija.

Alternatively, you can bypass Štapce pass by taking the easier route to Planina Ovčarija via Prodov.

From the Ovčarija planina pasture, head right to Planina Viševnik (45 minutes), another scenic mountain pasture peppered with herdsmen huts.

At Planina Viševnik, you can grab refreshments at Bregarjevo zavetišče na planini Viševnik (Bregarjevo Shelter on Plateau Viševnik). Bregarjevo used to be a cheese factory.

In 1981, the old farm was transformed into the shelter which offers overnight stays. It’s open from early June until the end of September.

From Planina Viševnik, the trail descends for 25 minutes (1.1 km, 179 m descending) to Koča na Planini pri Jezeru.

Once you arrive at Koča na Planini pri Jezeru, follow the familiar wide track back down to Planina Blato.


Where to Stay for the Triglav Lakes Valley Hike


Ribčev Laz

Ribčev Laz is the main hub at Lake Bohinj, with a direct bus connection to Lake Bled and onward to Ljubljana. Here, you’ll find a cluster of eateries, grocery stores, and boat rental shops.

Budget | Hostel pod Voglom is located along the southern shore of Lake Bohinj. This budget-friendly accommodation offers simple twin, single rooms, triple, and quadruple rooms. Bathrooms are either private, or shared.

From the hostel, it’s a 20 minute walk (1.8 km) to Ribčev Laz, the closest village (restaurants, shops, etc…). You can rent kayaks, SUPs, and bicycles on-site. 

Midrange | Apartments and rooms Cerkovnik is located in Ribčev Laz, a mere 10-minute walk to the lakeshore (1 km). This sparking clean accommodation offers double and triple rooms as well as well-equipped apartments.

Breakfast is available for an additional fee. On-site parking is free. 

Luxury | The newly renovated Hotel Bohinj is located in the center of Ribčev Laz, only a few meters from Lake Bohinj. Designed to impress as much as to pay homage to the region’s cultural heritage, Hotel Bohinj is the most striking hotel in the Bohinj region.

All rooms have air-conditioning. Guests are treated to a healthy and delicious breakfast buffet. You can also enjoy dinner at the hotel and indulge in a wellness package.

Look for accommodation in Ribčev Laz


Stara Fužina

If you want to combine this hike with lakeside goodness and afternoon dips in Lake Bohinj, consider staying in Stara Fužina.

Midrange | Ideal for families, the top-rated Pr `Agotnik apartmaji sobe Bohinj offers spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens, and washing machines. 

Midrange | The recently renovated Residence Novak Bohinj offers stylish one-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens in an idyllic area of Stara Fužina. Guests love the idyllic surroundings and mountain views, the proximity to Lake Bohinj, and the kind hosts. There’s a minimum stay requirement of 2-3 nights.

Midrange-Luxury | Apartmaji Triglav is a stylish aparthotel in Stara Fužina with an on-site restaurant and bar and spa and wellness center. Rooms are clean, modern, and feature balconies, kitchenettes and seating areas. Guests particularly love the mountain views and the hotel’s proximity to hiking trails and the lake. Breakfast is included.

Luxury | Hotel Majerca is a lovely boutique hotel with an on-site restaurant in Stara Fužina. The restaurant extends onto a grassy lawn, with views of farmland backed by the Julian Alps. It’s wonderful to start and end your day here. The al fresco breakfast is phenomenal.

Look for accommodation in Stara Fužina.


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Seven Lakes Valley (Triglav Lakes Valley) Hike in the Julian Alps, Slovenia

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Sabrina Brett

Hello! I’m a spirited traveler on a quest to hike in the most picturesque alpine and coastal destinations across Europe. In 2016, I left my home and job in San Francisco, California, to move to Germany, and later Austria. The following year, I created this blog to help like-minded travelers experience new and exciting ways to travel authentically. I travel to hike, and I hope to inspire your next adventure.

This post may contain affiliate links.

38 thoughts on “Triglav Lakes Valley (Seven Lakes Valley) Day Hike, Julian Alps, Slovenia”

    • Hi Ashley,

      You will pass the lake below Koča na Planini pri Jezeru (which isn’t in the Seven Lakes Valley). The hike ends at Dvojno jezero (Double Lake), but you have the option to continue to Jezero v Ledvicah (Kidney Lake), before starting your return. If you want to visit all the lakes, we recommend doing a 2-day hike, with an overnight in one of the huts.

      Reply
  1. Hi! We did this trail today, it was lovely! We’ve taken your description to get to the double like (via Planina Visevnik & Stapce). We thought ascending back to the Stapce saddle was a bit too steep and slippery (due to the gravel/sand) so to get back to Planina Blato we choose the route via Podrov (not knowing if that was easier). To get to this path we followed the signs to ” Hotel Zlatorog and at the first intersection there is a sign indicating “Planina Ovčarija – 45m. At Planina Ovčarija, instead of taking the trail via Planina Visevnik, we went via Dedno Polje. We found going via Podrov and Dedno Polje definitely easier than via Planina Visevnik & Stapce, so if you’re legs are tired when you reach the Double Lake, this could be a nice suggestion to make it back to Planina Blato.

    Reply
    • Hi Anouk,
      Thanks for the tips! I updated the guide. I’m glad you enjoyed your excursion to Seven Lakes Valley.
      All the best,
      Sabrina

      Reply
    • We are a group of 4 strong hikers and did this hike yesterday on a partly sunny day (it rained the day before) end of July 2023. We are very thankful for the description of the trail posted by moonhoneytravel. However we totally agreed with the above poster with some additional comments.

      We got to Double Lake via Dedno Polje and & Stapce. And went the extra 1.5 hour round trip to Kidney Lake. We went back to the car via Podrov (way easier than if we had gone back via Stapce) and then via Planina Visevnik. The route via Planina Visevnik is very rocky and dangerous esp in the rain or in our case, the day after the rain. But even in dry weather, the way back Visevnik does not add significantly to the variety of views other than a few huts along the way.

      Thus as a group we agreed that best approach up was via Dedno Polje and Stapce, and best return route is via Podrov (follow the sign to “Hotel Zlatorog” and at the first intersection follow the sign to “Planina Ovčarija – 45m” then don’t go back up via Visevnik but go via Dedno Polje.

      Reply
    • Hi Sinead,
      We always recommend sturdy, high-cut hiking boots for hiking in the Slovenian Alps.
      All the best,
      Sabrina

      Reply
  2. Hi there,

    Is it possible to park overnight at Planina Blato? We’re looking into making this a two-day hike by staying in a but, but not sure what the restrictions on parking might be.

    Thanks,
    Joelle

    Reply
    • Hi Joelle,
      There’s no refuge at Planina Blato. You can stay in Koča na Planini pri Jezeru (1 hour walk from Planina Blato).
      Have a great time,
      Sabrina

      Reply
  3. Hello! Is it still possible/recommended to hike the trail at this time of the year? I tried to check for webcams to see how much snow is already on the route, but I didn‘t find any.
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Hi Johanna,
      This October is unusually warm and the conditions are excellent. You can do it as long as the weather holds.
      -Sabrina

      Reply
      • Hi! Is it recommended to hike this trail during early April? Noticed that the post mainly talks about summer hiking. Thank you in advance!

        Reply
        • Hi Regine,
          The hiking season runs from (late May) June – late September (late October), depending on snow conditions. April is not a safe time to hike in the mountains, because of the snow conditions.
          All the best,
          Sabrina

          Reply
  4. Hi!

    We were planning to go early to mid-May. We understand the huts won’t be open but would the trail be open for us to do it in a day?
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Hi Andrew,
      The trails don’t formally open or close. You can ask the local tourist office in Bohinj about trail conditions in the days leading up to your trip.
      -Sabrina

      Reply
  5. hi, we wanted to do this hike but there arent any available places in Zasavska koca for the overnight? Is it possible to sleep in a tent in front of the house or is there any alternative?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Hi Filip,
      Wild camping is not allowed in Triglav National Park.
      You could see if there’s availability in the Triglav Lakes Hut, further down the valley.
      Good luck,
      Sabrina

      Reply
  6. Hello there! First of all, thank you very much for this post, it is very thorough.

    I was wondering whether this hike is suitable under light rain?

    Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Do you have to pay the €20 if you go on the free bus? I see there are buses the week I am planning to go 28.10

    Reply
  8. I did the hike yesterday; very good although challenging in wind and rain which we had yesterday! The free minibus was very reliable although you should allow more than 6 hours between arrival and departure to complete the walk. The various points on the walk are well signposted with mostly accurate times between each.

    Not sure about doing Stapche both ways, it was extremely inhospitable over the pass but not that difficult. I didn’t get to the huts by the lake as the last 1km was flooded. I had seen that there was an alternative way back via Podrov so I aimed to return that way (even though the sign did not show it) . The route was fine, just as much climbing as Stapche but less severe but down and up along a spectacular valley filled with trees. I met 3 walkers who had hiked up from Ukanc, a very bad idea but they had to return to their cars!

    Reply
    • Hi Martin,
      I’m so glad the transit worked out! I imagine the weather conditions made the hike more difficult. Congratulations on completing the hike. We don’t know the Podrov trail – we’ll check it out next time we’re in the area.
      Kindly,
      Sabrina

      Reply
  9. Is possible to leave the car overnight in the Blato car park as we have 2 nights reservation in the Koca pri Triglavskih jezerih

    Thanks

    Reply
  10. Hi, beautiful blog, thank you for your help.

    This hike is 6hours, is that the full loop you have dropped on the google map or is that 6hrs only to the top? Is it worth doing the one day hike? Or is it much better to do the 2 day hike to get the full experenice? We are limited with the amount of days we have in Slovenia.

    Lastly, do we need hiking sticks for this hike as well as Helmets? We are quite young and fit 29 year olds.

    Thanks,
    Kieren

    Reply
    • Hi Kieren,
      The Seven lakes Valley day hike we described is 6 hours total (without breaks). It would be worth staying a night in Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih, or Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih to see the whole valley. Helmets and poles are not needed if you follow the trail in the valley. The Veliko Špičje and Seven Lakes Valley 2-day hike is very difficult and requires alpine hiking experience.
      All the best,
      Sabrina

      Reply
  11. Thank you for the great guide. I followed your suggested route for the most part including the extension to Jezero v Ledvicah which I highly recommend to those who have the time and energy, as in my opinion it was the most scenic lake and the path to it felt quite unique. I skipped Planina Viševnik on the way back as some bad weather was coming in, but didn’t feel too bad going back the same way.

    Reply

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