Hiking Hut to Hut across Triglav National Park in 5 days

Responsible Travel in Triglav National Park

Triglav National Park is a treasure and it’s a luxury to be able to visit. Please read these rules and follow them during your visit.

• Respect the habitats of animals and plants. Picking flowers is not allowed.
• Camping outside designated areas is not permitted. Wild camping is illegal. 
• Take all garbage back with you down to the valley. Leave no trace.
• Park’s trails are allowed only for hiking, not for mountain biking.
• Bathing in mountain lakes is strictly prohibited. (source)

Make Reservations for Mountain Huts

• It’s important to make reservations for overnight stays at least 2 weeks in advance. Note: if you’re staying in a mountain hut during the weekend, you should book earlier.
• The most reliable way to make reservations is by calling the hut directly. The email response rate is 50%.
• You can choose between sleeping in a shared-dormitory or a private room.

Here are the contact numbers of the mountain huts mentioned in this guide:

• Poštarski dom na Vršiču, +386 41 610 029
• Pogačnikov dom na Kriških podih, +386 4 8281 300
• Koča na Doliču, +386 51 614 780
• Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih, +386 4 828 03 09
• Kosijev dom na Vogarju, +386 51 613 367

Become a member of an Alpine Club

• You’ll get a significant discount on your overnight stay if you present your alpine club membership card. There are tons of alpine clubs throughout Europe, so just confirm with the hut owner whether your alpine club is accepted.
• If you don’t have an Alpine Club membership, you can apply for the Alpine Association of Slovenia. Processing may take a few weeks.
• We’re members of the Österreichischen Alpenverein (Austrian Alpine Club), and so we receive discounts on all mountain huts that have contracts with the Austrian Alpine Club. We received a discount in every hut in Slovenia.

Get Hiking Insurance

For peace of mind on the trail, make sure you have hiking travel insurance. When you have World Nomads insurance, you’ll get emergency medical insurance, emergency medical transportation, gear protection (in case of theft, loss, or damage) and trip protection (in case of cancellation). 

Learn more about hiking insurance here.

Buy a Hiking Map

• When planning a trek through the Slovenian Alps, a hiking map is essential.
• Via Ferrata trails are typically denoted by dotted lines. Routes that are difficult are denoted in broken lines.
• We recommend Sidarta’s Triglav 1:25 000 Map, or the Kompass Julian Alps 1:25,000 Hiking Map for this specific trek in the Julian Alps.

Bring enough Cash and Budget for 50 EUR per person per day

Note: budget an additional 15 EUR per day if you don’t have an alpine club membership card.

• Tourist Tax: 1.27 EUR per person per night
• Dormitory Mattress: 9 – 14 EUR per person with Alpine Club Membership discount. 11.70 – 18.20 EUR without Alpine Club Membership.
• Private room (2-beds): 11 – 18.90 EUR per person with Alpine Club Membership Disocunt. 14.30 – 24.50 EUR without Alpine Club Membership.
• Breakfast: 5 EUR
• Coffee: 2 – 2.60 EUR
• Dinner Meal: 6-10 EUR
• Soup: 5 EUR
• Beer & Wine: 3-4 EUR
• 1.5 L Water Bottle: 2.50 – 4 EUR
• Appliance Charging (phone, camera batteries): Free

Learn these Slovenian Words

• dober dan – hello
• hvala – thank you
• dom, koča – mountain hut
• gora – mountain
• vhr – summit
• greben – ridge
• jezero – lake
• planina – open pasture, alp
• sedlo – saddle
• dolina – valley
• slap – waterfall
• pot – trail

Follow the Knafelc Waymark

All trails are marked with the Knafelc Waymark, which is a red circle with a white center. Trail markings are generally well-maintained and easy to follow.

Pack your Passport, Sleeping Bag Liner and …

• 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).

Read our complete hut to hut hiking packing list.

Bring Water and Snacks

We recommend bringing a few snacks with you (trail mix, bars, etc…). In terms of lunch on each day of the trek, you have a few options.

Day 1: If you start in Planica, you can eat at Dom V Tamarju in Planica Valley. If you start at Vrsic Pass, there are at least two mountain huts at the pass including Poštarski dom na Vršiču.

Day 2: There are no huts between Poštarski dom na Vršiču and Pogačnikov dom na Kriških podih. Make sure to bring a snack with you. You could probably ask Poštarski dom na Vršiču to prepare a bagged lunch for you (but please confirm with them). We actually ate lunch and dinner at Pogačnikov dom na Kriških podih.

Day 3: There’s no hut between Pogačnikov dom na Kriških podih and Koča na Doliču. Bring a snack for today. We ate lunch and dinner at Koča na Doliču (one meal is enough here).

Day 4: You can eat lunch at Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih, a mountain hut located between Koča na Doliču and Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih.

Day 5: You can eat lunch at Koča na Planini pri Jezeru, a mountain hut located along the High Bohinj Pasture Route between Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih and Lake Bohinj.

We recommend spending at least 1 night in Kranjska Gora, before starting the trek, because this Slovenian alpine town is a lovely destination in its own right. Here are some things you can do in Kranjska Gora in a single day.

Where to Stay in Kranjska Gora

Budget | Youth Hostel Nika is a budget-friendly accommodation in Kranjska Gora. We had a great stay here and were pleasantly surprised by the bountiful breakfast buffet.

Mid-Range | Boutique Skipass Hotel offers an onsite gourmet restaurant and is very close to the bus stop (arriving from Ljubljana/Bled or Austria).

Luxury | Jasna Chalet Resort is a modern, stylish and impeccably-designed hotel located at Lake Jasna.

Look for accommodation in Kranjska Gora.

Stage 1 of this trek is optional. Because stage 2 requires an early start, we decided to sleep at the mountain hut Poštarski dom na Vršiču, which is located directly on the trail. It was nice to have a leisurely first day.

If you’re looking for a more challenging Day 1, you can start the hike today in Planica Valley. You’ll begin by hiking to the mountain hut Planinski dom Tamar (1108 m) along a flat wide trail (1 hour). From Tamar hut, you’ll ascend to Vršič Pass via Lahka planinska pot (3 hrs 45 min). This was our original plan, but there was not transit running from Kranjska Gora to Planica Nordic Center. You might need to get a taxi.

Getting to Vršič Mountain Pass

• There’s a bus that departs several times a day from Kranjska Gora to Vršič Pass. The same bus continues to Trenta and Soča Valley.
• Use the AlpeTour website to find out what the bus schedule is. As of 2018, a one-way ticket to the pass costs 3 EUR.
• The road to Vršič Pass is known as the Russian Road (Ruska cesta), because it was built by Russian prisoners of war during the first World War. 

Stage 1: Vršič Pass (1611 m) – Slemenova Špica (1909 m) – Poštarski dom na Vršiču (1688 m)

• Before settling into the mountain hut for the night, we decided to do a small hike to the lookout-point Slemenova Špica.
• The trail to Slemenova Špica is located at the pass. To find the trail, you may need to follow the footpath parallel to the road in the direction of Kranjska Gora for 1 minute. You’ll see a red signpost indicating the trail to Sleme (Slemenova Špica).
• Slemenova Špica is a grassy hill set amidst the dramatic Julian Alps. It’s a popular day hike destination suitable for families, so you’ll see more people on this trail than the other stages of this trek.
• It takes 1.5 hours to reach Slemenova Špica. After 30 minutes, you’ll reach the saddle Vratica (1799 m), where the trail splits. To hike to Sleme, you’ll go right (45 minutes). The hike to Mount Mojstrovka along the Hanzova pot (2 hours) steers left.
• After another ~ 30 minutes, you’ll reach a junction. You’ll see a path to the right signed Grlo that heads to the Tamar mountain hut. Stay to the left.
• Keep your eyes peeled for another trail intersection. You’ll want to head right. If you continue on the main trail, you’ll end up at the Slatnica saddle.
• After a few minutes, you’ll reach the grassy meadow of Slemenova Špic. With mountain views in every direction, this lovely hill is ideal for a picnic and snooze.
• To return to Vršič Pass, follow the same trail back. Once you reach the pass, cross the street and walk towards the hut Tičarjev dom. From Tičarjev lodge, follow the gravel road for 10 minutes to Poštarski dom na Vršiču.

Stay in Poštarski dom na Vršiču mountain hut

• Showers available: 4 EUR for 4 minutes (take advantage of it).
• Private and shared rooms available.
• Good food.
• Outdoor and indoor dining areas.

The hike today follows the Slovenian Mountain Trail (marked with the number 1). There are several ways to reach today’s destination, Kriških podih. We opted for the easiest route, which circumvented Mount Prisank. If you’re a confident alpine hiker with lots of via ferrata experience, you could hike up and over Prisank on your way to sedlo Planja. We recommend consulting a hiking map to see what your options are.  

Stage 2: Poštarski dom na Vršiču (1688 m) – Na robu – Zadnje Plate – Sedlo Planja (2349) – Pogačnikov dom na Kriških podih (2050 m)

• The hike today takes 6-7 hours.
• From the mountain hut, head to the Pagan Girl Rock lookout point, marked by an info-board. Here, you’ll find the turn-off to Prisank.
• After passing through dwarf pine, the first segment of the trail is initially very rocky.
• At Na Robu, the trail forks. You should head down and right. We somehow missed the trail and continued in the direction of Grintovci. Luckily, there’s a route labeled in red paint “Mlinarica” that connects to the trail we should have been on. However, it’s really easy to miss, as the trail marker is close to the ground. This trail is very poorly maintained and hard to follow. So, don’t miss the turn-off around Na robu like us.
• The trail follows just above, or just below the bushline for a long time. Eventually, you’ll reach a grassy open meadow framed by peaks. Take a break here.
• The trail traverses the meadow and then steadily climbs. You’ll reach an intersection, where the trail leads left to Prisank and right to Razor. Head towards Razor.
• The climb to Sedlo Planja, the mountain saddle between Razor and Planja, is challenging. We got caught in a thunderstorm as we were approaching the pass, which made this segment more difficult. Note: we recommend wearing a helmet for this part of the trail.
• At the Planja saddle, you can hike to the summit of Razor and/or Planja. Or, you can simply enjoy your first glimpse of Mount Triglav and start the descent to Kriških podih. 
• The trail is assisted by some steel cables and ropes. Be extra careful on the descent, because you’ll be hiking down scree and loose rocky terrain.
• After about 1-1.5 hours, the trail finally flattens out. As we hiked towards the Pogačnikov dom na Kriških podih, we saw two amazing things. First, we saw an ibex, and then the most beloved flower of the Alps, Edelweiss. The trail makes a final ascent to the mountain hut.

Stay in Pogačnikov dom na Kriških podih mountain hut

• This hut is positioned high above the Trenta Valley and surrounded by peaks and three alpine lakes. There’s nothing like lounging in a chair outside this hut with a Radler. As we soaked up the late afternoon sun, a few sheep visited us and used our table to scratch their backs (see photo below).
• From the hut, you can take a short hike to the lake: Sp. Kriško jezero (1880 m). To reach the lake, take the trail in the direction of Trenta.
• Pogačnikov dom only offers shared rooms. The prices vary based on how many people are in your room. If you sleep in the dormitory-loft (cabine), you’ll pay 9 EUR (with discount). If you sleep in a 4-bed-room, you’ll pay ~18 EUR (with discount). 

Day 3 is phenomenal. After climbing over the mountain Bovški Gamsovec, you’re met with heart-melting views of Triglav. In July, the trail was surrounded by color. There were so many wildflowers to admire, it was hard to keep a consistent pace.

Stage 3: Pogačnikov dom na Kriških podih (2050 m) – Bovški Gamsovec (2391 m) – Luknja (1756 m) – Koča na Doliču (2151 m)

• Stage 3 takes 6 hours.
• The hike begins gently, crosses slabs of limestone and ascends to the mountain Bovški Gamsovec.
• It takes about 1 hour to reach the Bovški Gamsovec ridge. There are assisted ropes and cables to aid your ascent. To reach the summit, you can take a short detour via a protected climbing route.
• Otherwise, the path continues over the ridge. Here, you’ll see the incredible northern wall of Triglav.
• The descent is gentle as you hike through beautiful wildflowers and grassy slopes. You’re heading to the mountain pass Luknja. We saw ibex on this part of the trail.
• As you near Luknja, you might see people climbing up the North Face of Triglav via the Plemenice trail. This is also called the Bamberg route. It’s impressive but looks incredibly dangerous.
• At Luknja, you’ll turn right and hike down a windy path.
• The trail eventually divides and you’ll want to take the trail to the left along pod steno. This part of the hike is uphill but very easy. You’ll have sweeping valley views to your right. The trail then flattens out for a while.
• The final stretch is another ascent to the mountain hut Koča na Doliču.

Stay in Koča na Doliču mountain hut

• This mountain hut is popular, due to its proximity to Triglav. Most of the hikers we met, were planning on summiting Triglav the next morning – which might be something you want to do. If so, you definitely need to bring a via ferrata kit as well as a light backpack to carry water and snacks. All the hikers left their heavy trekking packs at the hut and retrieved their stuff after their Mt. Triglav summit climb.
• Koča na Doliču has a great location, but there are some downsides. There’s no running water. The toilet facilities are pretty gross (squat toilet). You can only check-in at 4:00 p.m., or later. If you arrive after 5:00 p.m., you need to notify them before. The food was okay, but the portions were meager. And, if you opt for their half-board rate (which includes breakfast and dinner), the breakfast includes white coffee, which is a wheat-based coffee with milk, not real coffee. If you want real coffee, you have to pay more. Other than that, it was clean and comfortable.

Today, you’ll venture into the Seven Lakes Valley, one of Slovenia’s most beautiful landscapes. The hike begins with summiting a mountain. You’ll have an opportunity to take a break at the perfectly situated mountain hut Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih, before starting the slow descent through the lake-dotted valley.

Stage 4: Koča na Doliču (2151 m) – Kanjavec (2568 m) – Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih (2071 m) – Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (1685 m)

• We hiked to Seven Lakes Valley via the mountain Kanjavec. If you’re looking at a map, you’ll notice that there are at least two other options. According to the hut staff at Koča na Doliču, the trail via Skozi rizo shouldn’t even be on the map, as it’s not a secure, or safe route. The other option is to go via Dolič (2164 m) and Hribarice (2358 m), which is the most popular route (and perhaps the best route).
• The hike to the Kanjavec summit takes about 1.5 hours. The trail is very manageable. However, shortly before reaching the summit, you’ll have to climb up a steep section of trail that’s secured with ropes. That secured stretch is challenging, but only 5 meters in length.
• As you ascend, you’ll see Triglav bathed in the morning light. You’ surrounded by limestone mountains and it’s a treat to hike up here in the morning. You’ll likely have the whole mountain all to yourself.
• After reaching the summit, the trail dives down over scree slopes. It feels really desolate on this side. When we hiked here in summer 2018, the trail markings were fading. We needed to use Maps.me to make sure we were going the right way.
• This rocky terrain carried on until Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih. We took a detour to visit this mountain hut because we had sufficient time and wanted to rest. On the way to the hut, you’ll see the lake Rjavo jezero (2006 m).
• To get back on the trail towards Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (Seven Lakes Valley Lodge), simply follow the signs. The path is well-marked.
• The first gem you’ll pass is Zeleno jezero (1988 m), a emerald-colored lake with limestone boulders and a picturesque backdrop.
• The second lake you’ll hike by is Veliko jezero Ledvicka (1831 m). When illuminated by the sun, it glows with beautiful tones of teal and royal blue.
• As you lose elevation, the plants will be higher and you’ll start to hike through forest.
• You’ll pass one more lake before reaching the hut.

Stay in Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih mountain hut

• The Seven Lakes Valley Hut is a stunner. Surrounded by crystal-clear lakes, it’s what hiking dreams are made of. One of the most spellbinding sites of this whole trek is seeing the mountains reflected in the waters of Dvojno jezero. 
• The hut has running water and showers. It costs 4 EUR for a 3 minute shower.
• There are both private rooms and shared bedrooms available. This is a popular destination, so definitely book in advance.

Today, you’ll leave the high mountains and hike through alpine pastures and forests. Days 1 through 4 were filled with dramatic alpine landscapes. Day 5 is full of romantic scenes of rustic huts and grazing dairy cows.

Stage 5: Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (1685 m) – Štapce (1851) – Bregarjevo zavetišče na planini Viševnik (1620 m) – Koča na Planini pri Jezeru – Kosijev dom na Vogarj – Lake Bohinj

• From the Seven Lakes Valley Hut, you’ll leave the valley and ascend to the mountain ridge Štapce.
• After hiking over Štapce, you’ll hike a gentle path through dwarf pines.
• Follow signs to planini Viševnik.
• You’ll cross a small alpine pasture with several huts called Ovčarija, before reaching 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.
• Bregarjevo zavetišče is a charming place to relax and enjoy a refreshment.
• The trail continues to the mountain hut Koča na Planini pri Jezeru, which is situated above a lake and surrounded by tiny wooden huts. This is an ideal place for lunch. They serve traditional Slovenian stews and soups.
• From here, follow signs to Planina Vogar, signed 1.5 hours.
• The trail is wide. After about 70-80 minutes, the trail joins a paved road for about 10 minutes. Follow the paved road until you see signs and a dirt road veering left and leading in the direction of Vogar. You’ll pass by several huts and lodgings before reaching Kosijev dom.
• At Kosijev dom, take a short 3-minute detour to a Lake Bohinj lookout point. You can grab a drink and bite to eat at the hut as well.
• From Kosijev dom na Vogarj continue descending one hour to Lake Bohinj.

Stay in Stara Fužina, or Ribčev Laz

To finish the hike, walk directly to both Stara Fužina, or Ribčev Laz – two villages close to Lake Bohinj.

Budget | Apartments and rooms Cerkovnik in Ribčev Lav offers clean and comfortable rooms and apartments in a great location.

Midrange | Hotel Majerca is a brand new hotel in Stara Fužina offering superb views, delicious food and great hospitality.

Luxury | Hotel Jezero is a hotel in Ribčev Laz with a very nice spa and wellness center. It also has a fantastic location as it’s a 1-minute walk to the lake and situated right next to the bus stop (to Ljubljana/Bled).

Look for accommodation in Stara Fužina and Ribčev Laz.

Many of our readers have reached out asking how to tweak this Triglav hiking route. Some want shorter options, while others want easier options. Here are some ways to modify our trek across Triglav National Park.

5 Day Triglav National Park Hut-to-Hut Hike

Instead of starting the trek at Vršič Mountain Pass, you’ll start in Planica. This was our original plan, but we couldn’t find a transit connection between Kranjska Gora and Planica. This makes for a more strenuous day 1. Otherwise, the trek is exactly the same.

• Day 1: Planica – Planica Valley – Tamar Mountain Hut –  Vršič Mountain Pass – Poštarski dom na Vršiču  
• Day 2: Vršič Mountain Pass – Pogačnikov dom na Kriških podih
• Day 3: Pogačnikov dom na Kriških podih – Koča na Doliču
• Day 4: Koča na Doliču – Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih
• Day 5: Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih – Lake Bohinj

4 Day Triglav National Park Hut-to-Hut Hike

Instead of starting the trek at Vršič Mountain Pass, you’ll start in Trenta Valley.

• Day 1: Trenta Valley – Pogačnikov dom na Kriških podih
• Day 2: Pogačnikov dom na Kriških podih – Koča na Doliču
• Day 3: Koča na Doliču – Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih
• Day 4: Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih – Lake Bohinj

3 Day Triglav National Park Hut-to-Hut Hike

This is an easier route, whereby you don’t have to scramble over summits. On the first day, you’ll hike up the Seven Lakes Valley all the way to the mountain hut Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih (about 6 hours). On the second day, you’ll hike down the valley and then over the gentle mountain ridge Štapce to a series of beautiful alpine pastures. And on the third, you’ll hike back to Lake Bohinj (same route described above).

• Day 1: Slap Savica – Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih – Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih
• Day 2: Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih – Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih – Koča na Planini pri Jezeru
• Day 3: Koča na Planini pri Jezeru – Kosijev dom na Vogarj – Bohinj

2 Day Triglav National Park Hike

• Day 1: Slap Savica – Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih
• Day 2: Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih – Koča na Planini pri Jezeru – Kosijev dom na Vogarj – Bohinj