Triglav National Park

Triglav National Park protects the wild heart of the Julian Alps in the north-west of Slovenia, a landscape of soaring limestone peaks, deep glacial valleys, alpine lakes and the turquoise Soca river. At its centre rises Mount Triglav, the highest peak and the national symbol, which Slovenes say every citizen should climb once in their life.

Background

Albin Belar, a seismologist, first proposed protecting the Triglav Lakes Valley in 1906 or 1908, and the idea took effect in 1924 with a twenty-year lease on some 14 km². Fran Jesenko first used the name Triglavski narodni park in 1926. Protection became permanent in 1961, covering around 20 km², and the park took its modern form in 1981 at 838 km². Adding the settlement of Kneške Ravne in 2010 brought it to 880 km², 4% of Slovenia. Its valleys feed the Soča, draining to the Adriatic, and the Sava, draining to the Black Sea. More than 700 animal species live here, and Boka Falls, at 106 m, is its tallest waterfall.

Source: Wikipedia, "Triglav National Park"

What's there

• Mount Triglav - the highest peak and national symbol, a serious climb.
• The Vrsic Pass - the dramatic hairpin road over the mountains.
• The Soca valley - the turquoise river and its gorges.
• The alpine lakes and valleys - the Seven Lakes valley and high country.

When to go

The alpine summer from June to September for the high trails, passes and rivers; the season is short and snow lingers high. The Vrsic Pass closes in winter.

Things to know

It is serious alpine country, so climbing Triglav and the high routes need experience, fitness and often a guide, not a casual walk. Weather turns fast at altitude. The valleys, lakes and the Vrsic road give the accessible highlights.

Nearby

Bled and Bohinj are on the eastern side; the Soca valley and Kobarid lie west.

Key facts