Triglav National Park (Triglavski Narodni Park) is Slovenia’s largest protected area and only national park, covering a surface area of 840 square kilometers.

The park encompasses most of the eastern Julian Alps, a spectacular mountain range that forms part of the Southern Limestone Alps (like the Italian Dolomites).

Triglav National Park is located in northwestern Slovenia, nestled against the Italian border. 

As you explore the park, you’ll encounter crystal-clear rivers, glacier-carved valleys, alpine lakes, high-altitude pastures, roaming ibex, gorges (Vintgar, Mlinarica and Mostnica), and stunning peaks.

The focal point of the park is no doubt Mount Triglav (2864 m), Slovenia’s highest mountain. 

Triglav National Park is a highlight of any trip to Slovenia. In this guide, we’ll share our tips for visiting the park with a car as well as without one.

You’ll learn about when to go, where to stay, where to hike, rules for visiting, various transit options, and recommended gear.

Complete Guide to Visiting Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Triglav National Park Essential Tips

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• When to Visit: May – October
• When to Hike: late June – late September
• Entrance Fee: The park is free to visit 
• Permits: None needed
• Camping: Camping is only allowed in designated campsites. Wild camping is strictly prohibited.
• Must-See Places: Mount Triglav, Seven Lakes Valley, Lake Bohinj, Bohinj Alpine Pastures, Pokljuka, Vršič Pass, Soča Valley, and Krnsko jezero lake.
• Where to Swim: Lake Bohinj, Lake Jasna, Nadiža River, Soča River, and Idrijca River.
• Where to Stay in Kranjska Gora: Pri Marusi (budget), Hotel Vandot (midrange), or Boutique Skipass Hotel (midrange-luxury)
• Where to Stay at Lake Bohinj: Hostel pod Voglom (budget), Apartments and rooms Cerkovnik (midrange), or Hotel Bohinj (luxury) in Ribčev Laz
• Where to Stay in Soča Valley: Hostel Soča Rocks (budget), Hotel Sanje ob Soči (midrange), or Hotel Dobra Vila Bovec (luxury) in Bovec

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Triglav National Park Map

Triglav National Park Entrance Fee 

There is no fee to enter Triglav National Park. However, there are some natural attractions within the park that have fees. 

Tolmin Gorge

The Tolmin Gorge is situated at the southernmost tip of Triglav National Park.

An easy circular trail leads through the gorge and takes about 1:30 hours to complete. The cost of entry varies based on the month:

• Adults: 5 – 8 EUR
• Children 7-14 years: 2.50 – 4 EUR
• Students: 4 – 7 EUR
• Seniors: 4 – 7 EUR
• Groups (more than 10 people): 4 – 7 EUR

Vintgar Gorge

Vintgar Gorge is a 1.6 kilometer-long gorge in the eastern part of Triglav National Park, near Bled.

The gorge is generally open from May until October. It’s always closed in winter. The exact dates vary each year based on weather conditions. You can join this Self-Guided E-Bike Tour of Vintgar Gorge (from Bled).

Entry tickets cost:

• Adults: 10 EUR
• Seniors: 7 EUR
• Students: 7 EUR
• Children 6- 15 years: 3 EUR
• Children up to 6 years: 1 EUR
• Pets: 3 EUR

Slap Savica

Slap Savica is a waterfall and the source of the Sava Bohinjka river. The waterfall is easily accessible from Ukanc, the small settlement on the western shores of Lake Bohinj.

From Ukanc, you can either hike up to Slap Savica, take the bus (summer only), or drive to Koča pri Savici hut.

If you drive, there’s a parking fee:

• Cars (3 hours): 4 EUR
• Cars: (all day): 8 EUR
• Motorbikes: 2 EUR

From the Koča pri Savici hut it’s a 15-20 minute walk along a stone pathway to the waterfall.

The Savica waterfall entry costs between 1.7. – 31.8. It’s a little bit cheaper if you come off-season.

• Adults: 4 EUR
• Seniors: 2.50 EUR
• Students: 2.50 EUR
• Children: 2 EUR

Mostnica Gorge

Mostnica Gorge is a 2-km-long gorge in Voje Valley, accessible from Stara Fužina. Between mid-March and end of October, there’s a fee to enter the gorge:

• Adults: 3 EUR
• Children 7-14 years of age: 1.50 EUR
• Students, Seniors over 65 years of age, Disabled: 2.50 EUR
• Preschool children groups: 1 EUR

When to Visit Triglav National Park

The best time to visit Triglav National Park will vary based on what you want to do.

For example, if you want to hike hut to hut, then it’s best to visit in late June, July, August, or September, when the mountain huts are open.

If you want to summit Mt. Triglav, we recommend visiting in July, August, or September. 

For casual day hiking and visiting popular attractions (gorges, waterfalls, etc…), you can visit Triglav National Park from May until October. 

If you visit in May and early June, your hiking options will be limited, due to snow. However, you can still enjoy the park’s many valleys, gorges, and waterfalls. 

Traveling with a car

One of the popular drives in Triglav National Park is from Kranjska Gora to Soča Valley via the Vršič Pass. The Vršič Pass is open in summer only. 

If you’re visiting during the shoulder seasons (Spring and Fall), check the Promet website to see if the road is open. When we visited in mid-May, the road was still closed due to snowfall. 

If you’re planning on visiting Lake Bohinj, here’s some info regarding parking and park & ride options. 

Road Trip Inspiration: Here’s our 2 week road trip itinerary, which will guide you to our favorite places in Triglav National Park. 

Traveling without a car

If you’re visiting Triglav National Park without a car, then we recommend coming in summer (late June until early September), when summer buses are operating.

In the next section, we’ll outline what your transit options are.

Getting around Triglav National Park without a car

You definitely don’t need a car to visit Triglav National Park. The key is to pick the right base and visit at the right time.

There are several seasonal buses that only operate during peak summer season. These buses connect villages to popular trailheads and attractions. 

We recommend staying in:

• Lake Bohinj 
• Kranjska Gora
• Bovec, Soča Valley

Lake Bohinj Summer Transit 

Lake Bohinj has a really great free summer transit system. This website outlines all the Lake Bohinj bus lines and timetables.

These summer buses start running in late June or in early July. And, they stop running in late September. Here are some bus lines that are really helpful for hikers:

• Bohinjsko Jezero to Vogar-Blato. This is a really important connection because it gets you to the Planina Blato-Vogar crossroads (marked on the map). From here, you can hike to the Planina Blato trailhead, the starting point of the Seven Lakes Valley hike as well as multiple others. By starting your hikes here, you’ll save a lot of time and energy. 
• Hop-On Hop-Off Pokljuka. From the Rudno Polje trailhead on Pokljuka, you can hike to Viševnik, Vodnikov Dom, and even Mount Triglav (with an overnight in Dom Planika pod Triglavom).

Related: Lake Bohinj Travel Guide

Kranjska Gora Summer Transit 

If you stay in Kranjska Gora, there’s a summer bus that connects Kranjska Gora to the Soča Valley via Vršič Pass. 

Various hikes (Slemenova Špica) and via ferrata climbs (Mt. Mala Mojstrovka and Prisank) start at Vršič Pass.

You can walk, or take a bus from Kranjska Gora to the small town of Gozd Martuljek.

From here, it’s a lovely hike to the Martuljek Waterfalls. You can read more about this hike in our Kranjska Gora Summer Guide. 

Bovec Summer Transit

In summer, you can take the Vršič Pass bus to Bovec and other destinations in Soča Valley.

From Bovec, you can hike along the famous Soča Trail, a 25-km hiking path between Bovec and the source of the Soča river. For many, this is the most beautiful section of the Alpe Adria long-distance hiking trail. 

Bovec is a great base for anyone who wants to go river rafting and canyoning. 

Best Places to Visit in Triglav National Park

1. Mount Triglav

Mount Triglav is the highest mountain in the Julian Alps and in Slovenia. Adoring the Slovenian flag, Triglav is more than just a mountain. It’s the reigning symbol of the Slovene nation. 

Hiking to the summit of Triglav is a thrill. There are various ascent routes, ranging from difficult to very challenging. We’ve outlined the easiest ascent route from Pokljuka Plateau in our Climbing Triglav Guide. 

Other ascent routes:

• Prag Route from Vrata valley 
• Tominšek Route from Vrata Valley
• Bamberg from Luknja Pass (experts only)
• Krma Valley 

Learn more about these routes: The Julian Alps of Slovenia: Mountain Walks and Short Treks

No matter which route you take, you’ll need two days for this hike, with an overnight in a mountain hut. 

To reach Triglav, you have to climb a via ferrata route. This is only suitable for hikers who have experience hiking along secured routes in the mountains. 

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 (Krma ascent route):

• Mount Triglav: Krma Valley from Bled (Altitude Activities)
• Mount Triglav: Krma Valley from Bled (Life Adventures)
• Mount Triglav: Krma Valley from Mojstrana (Kofler Sport)
• Mount Triglav: Krma Valley from Bled (Explore Share Slovenia)

If you want to expand your Triglav climb to include the Triglav Lakes Valley, also check out this 3-day Triglav guided tour.

Essential Gear for Climbing Triglav:

• Climbing Helmet: women’s helmet and a men’s helmet
• Via Ferrata Harness: PETZL Corax Climbing Harness
• Via Ferrata Lanyard: PETZL Scorpio Lanyard with Carabiners and Energy Absorber
• Hiking Backpack: Osprey Kyte 36 (for women) and Osprey Kestrel 38 (for men).
• Grade B/C Hiking Boots: Hanwag Tatra II GTX  or Meindl Schuhe Island Lady (for women) and Hanwag Tatra II GTX (for men).
• Cat 4 Sunglasses: Julbo Shield Mountain Sunglasses
• Climbing Gloves (optional but highly recommended): Black Diamond Half-Finger Gloves

2. Bohinj Alpine Pastures

High above Bohinj Valley, evidence of alpine dairy farming is still present. In fact, some dairy farms are still active, producing homemade cheese and other dairy products. 

The Bohinj alpine pastures dotted with rustic herdsmen huts make for a great hiking destination. When you stumble upon a planina, it feels like you’ve uncovered a secret fairy tale world. 

We recommend driving (12 EUR Toll), or taking the bus up to Planina Blato from Stara Fužina, Lake Bohinj.

From here, hike the forest trail to Planina v. Lazu (1560 m) and then continue to the Pri Jezeru pasture and the Koča na Planini pri Jezeru mountain hut (1453 m).

You can grab a bite to eat here, before returning to Blato, or descending to Stara Fužina via Kosijev dom na Vogarju (1054 m). This 9.3 km circuit takes about 4 hours. 

If you want to learn more about alpine farming, you can visit the Alpine Dairy Farming Museum in Stara Fužina.

3. Seven Lakes Valley

Triglav Lakes Valley, also called Seven Lakes Valley, is a wildly enchanting destination in the Julian Alps. As the name suggests, this glacial valley is defined by a string of seven lakes.

There are several different approaches to Triglav Lakes Valley, including the route starting at Koča pri Savici, accessible from Ukanc, and the one starting at Planina Blato, high above Stara Fužina. 

We recommend hiking to Triglav Lakes Valley from Planina Blato. It’s easier and you’ll amble across some of the loveliest alpine pastures above Lake Bohinj, including Planina pri Jezeru, Planina Viševnik, and Planina Ovčarija. 

Learn More: Triglav Lakes Valley Day Hike

If you’re an experienced hiker with no fear of heights, we recommend hiking this 2-day Triglav Lakes Valley route: Veliko Špičje Ridge Trail.

4. Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia.

Kati and I have a summer tradition of hiking in the Julian Alps during the day and then retreating to the shores of Bohinj in the late afternoon. Dipping into crystal-clear Bohinj after a long hike in the mountains is summer at its very best. 

Lake Bohinj is a great place for swimming because the use of motor-driven vessels is prohibited.

However, you can also kayak, stand-up-paddleboard, or row in the lake. “Navigation is permitted for sport rowing boats with a maximum length of 8 meters.” Click here to learn more about boating regulations on Bohinj.

For swimming and water-sports, we recommend staying in a place like Hiša Erlah where you can borrow their SUP and kayaks for free.

Lake Bohinj is also the starting point for many hikes in Triglav National Park:

• Rodica
• Mount Vogel
• Komna Plateau
• Savica Waterfall
• Seven Lakes Valley
• Mostnica Gorge

Learn More: Lake Bohinj Travel Guide

5. Pokljuka Plateau

Pokljuka is an alpine plateau in Triglav National Park, located high above Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled. Blissfully rural and tucked away from Slovenia’s tourist attractions, Pokljuka is a perfect destination for slow travel.

Traditional alpine pastures dot the plateau in storybook fashion. 

When visiting Pokljuka, we recommend biking to Planina Zajamniki, a truly enchanting mountain pasture defined by a string of rustic wooden huts. Read our Pokljuka travel guide to find out how to get here.

Pokljuka is also a great place to start a number of Julian Alps hikes. From the Rudno Polje trailhead, we hiked to Viševnik and Mount Triglav.

6. Vršič Pass

The Vršič Pass (1611 meters) is the highest paved mountain pass in Slovenia. The serpentine mountain pass road connects Kranjska Gora with the Trenta Valley.

There are 50 total hairpin turns, with 24 on the Kranjska Gora side and 26 on the Trenta side.

The high-mountain road across Vršič Pass is known as the Russian Road because it was originally built by Russian prisoners of war during WWI who were used as laborers in the road’s construction.

The road was designed by the Austria-Hungarians to better supply the Isonzo Front.

Today, Vršič Pass is a fantastic place to start hikes to surrounding peaks. We started our multi-day trek across Triglav National Park at Vršič Pass.

The pass is only open in summer. If you’re visiting during the shoulder seasons (Spring and Fall), check the Promet website to see if the road is open.

If you’re visiting without a car, there’s a summer bus line to the pass: Kranjska Gora – Vršič Pass – Bovec. Click here for the timetable.

7. Soča Valley

The Soča is a 138 km long alpine river that stretches from Triglav National Park to Nova Gorica in western Slovenia.

Renowned for its turquoise color, the Soča river invites visitors to partake in a number of adventurous pursuits including rafting, kayaking, and canyoning.

We recommend joining one of these tours:

• From Bovec: Rafting on Soča River / Photo Package Available
• From Bovec: Soča: Kayaking on the Soča River Experience
• From Bovec: Half-Day Canyoning Tour in Soča Valley

You may recognize the Soča Valley from the first episode of Wheel of Time (Season 1). 

The main towns in the Soča Valley are Bovec and Kobarid, where you find the widest selection of restaurants and accommodations. 

8. Krnsko jezero lake

Krnsko jezero lake (Lake Krn) is the largest high mountain lake in Slovenia, with a surface elevation of 1391 m. The romantic scenery and the beautiful mountain backdrop makes Lake Krn undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the Julian Alps. 

The hike to the lake starts in Lepena Valley, at Dom dr. Klementa Juga v Lepeni, where you can park your car. The tedious trail leads up through the forest on a wide, marked path.

About 15 minutes before you reach the lake, you’ll pass the managed Planinski dom pri Krnskih jezerih mountain hut and shortly thereafter the Planina Duplje alpine pasture hut.

• Distance: 11.5 km out-and-back
• Time needed: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 875 m
• Minimum Elevation: 703 m
• Maximum Elevation: 1445 m

Best Base for Exploring Triglav National Park

Lake Bohinj

We recommend staying in the villages of Stara Fužina, Ribčev Laz or Ukanc.

You can also stay in Bohinjska Bistrica, which is a bit further away, but well-connected to the lake by transit.

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 your hikes 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-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. 

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. 

Look for accommodation in Stara Fužina.

Ukanc

Alternatively, you can also stay on the other end of the lake in Ukanc. This tiny settlement is a great base for hiking to Mount Vogel and exploring the Southern Julian Alps.

Budget | Rooms and Apartments Lake Bohinj

Midrange | Apartments Ukanc

Luxury | Vila Park B&B – Adults Only

Luxury | Hiša Erlah is a very welcoming B&B in Ukanc, very close to the beach. As a guest, you can borrow their SUPs and Kayaks for free.

Look for accommodation in Ukanc.

Bohinjska Bistrica

Budget | House Budkovič

Midrange | Apartments Klemenčič

Luxury | Sunrose 7 – Heritage Boutique Hotel 

Look for accommodation in Bohinjska Bistrica.

Lake Bohinj Campsites

• Camp Zlatorog

Kranjska Gora

Kranjska Gora is the best base for exploring the Northern Julian Alps. You can also stay in nearby Lake Jasna, Gozd Martuljek or Mojstrana.

Kranjska Gora

Budget | ​​Pri Marusi is a centrally-located guesthouse in Kranjska Gora with exceedingly kind and attentive owners. Rooms are modern and immaculate. Breakfast is included. 

More budget options: Vitranc Apartments, Gostilna Pri Martinu, and  B&B Brezov Gaj. 

Midrange | Hotel Vandot is a cozy and comfortable hotel in the center of town. Breakfast is included. 

Midrange | Garni Hotel Miklič is a traditional, family-run accommodation with spotless rooms and raving reviews. Guests love the welcoming hosts, central location, and superb breakfast.

More midrange options: Apartma Peček Kranjska Gora, Hotel Pino Alpino, and Vila Mojca – Apartmaji Lena.

Look for accommodation in Kranjska Gora.

Lake Jasna

Budget | Rooms Barovc is rustic, but nonetheless clean accommodation located at Lake Jasna, a walkable 1.2 km south of Kranjka Gora. Stay here for the easy lake access. 

Luxury | Jasna Chalet Resort is a modern and stylish aparthotel, located directly at Lake Jasna. This is one of the most beautiful places to stay in Kranjska Gora. Guests love the breakfast, lake and mountain views, and the friendly hosts.

Luxury | Milka Boutique Hotel is a new, responsibly-created alpine hotel with six rooms overlooking Lake Jasna and the Northern Julian Alps. The architectural design is an ode to the hotel’s pristine surroundings. Stay here for the elevated cuisine, sumptuous comfort, and of course the location. 

Look for accommodation at Lake Jasna.

Soča Valley

We recommend staying in Bovec or Kobarid when visiting the Soča Valley.

Kobarid

Budget | Premium Hostel Kobarid

Budget | Apartments Masera

Midrange | Apartments Pri nas

Midrange | We recommend staying in Tourist Farm Kranjc, which is located in Koseč, a small hamlet above Drežnica in the Municipality of Kobarid.

Look for accommodation in Kobarid.

Bovec

Budget | Hostel Soča Rocks

Midrange | Hotel Sanje ob Soči

Luxury | Hotel Dobra Vila Bovec

Look for accommodation in Bovec.

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More Information for Your Trip to Slovenia:

• Where to Stay in Slovenia
• Slovenia Hidden Gems
• Best Things to Do in Logar Valley 

Slovenia Itineraries:

• 2 Week Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary
• 5 Day Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary 

Hiking in Slovenia:

• Slovenia Alps Hiking Guide
• Best Hikes in Slovenia

Hiking in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps:

• Kamnik Alps Hut to Hut Hike
• Kamnik Saddle and Planjava
• Logar Valley to Ledinski Vrh 

Hiking in the Karawanks:

• Kofce Mountain Hut
• Košutnikov Turn