Lakes and Mountains in Slovenia – The Julian Alps & Triglav

The Julian Alps

The Julian Alps, named after Roman emperor Julius Caesar, is a mountain range covering parts of Northern Italy and mainly Slovenia. It contains the highest peak of Slovenia, Triglav, at 2864m, which is also the symbol of Slovenia.

A large area within mountain range, containing a number of peaks above 2000m, belongs to Triglav National Park. High mountain hikers can found shelter in a plenty of lodges, and an extensive network of trekking paths helps their way. The Julian Alps have a huge variety of landscapes, offering leisure opportunities for all kinds of visitors, from the beginner hikers to the serious climbers alluding to the Via Ferrata section.
 
The River Sava springs from the Julian Alps, one of its tributaries feeds Lake Bohinj, that also can be found here. Lake Bohinj, another huge lake in the region, can be found on the eastern end of the mountains.

The area, which is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, becomes a lively ski resort in the winter. Apart from the two ski resorts of Vogel and Kobla,  the famous biathlon centre, Pokljuka can be found here at a height of 1300m above sea level.

Triglav

The highest peak of Slovenia, at 2864m, is also the symbol of the country. The Triglav National Park, named after the peak, covers most of the mountain range.

The peak of Triglav is visited by many local and foreign tourists every year. Many marked trekking paths lead up to the summit from the lodges below, the biggest and most famous lodge is Triglavski dom, but many people choose to stay in DomPlanika too.

Tourist lodges have a high importance, because one day is usually not enough to climb up to the top, so most of them plan in advance a sleepover on the mountain.

In good weather the summit can be climbed without equipment, however using the via ferrata (or klettersteig) is recommended. (Via ferrata or klettersteig is a mountain route equipped with fixed cables, stemples, ladders, and bridges.) In bad weather climbing is quite difficult, and becomes dangerous in storm, mainly because the lightning hazard.

The route to Triglav leads on the open ridge, and metal handles and chains help along the way. Popular starting points to conquer the summit is Pokljuka to the east, Vrata Valley to the north, but many people set off from the southern side, around Lake Bohinj. This latter is the longest route, but the trip through the Valley of Seven Lakes from the Kocapri Savic is already more than just a trip to the top, and gives an unforgettable experience even without making it to the peak.

Ascent to Triglav.

Bled the Castle with Triglav in the background.

Family hiking in the Julian Alps, a view of Triglav.

Hiking, Triglav mountains.

Triglav Lakes.

Ibexes on Kriski Podi.

Triglav National Park - the Double Lake.