Travel-Slovenia continues with discovering Slovenia and providing information about possibilities on how to spend time in Slovenia. This time we are heading out to Triglav national park, namely to discover our highest mountain, Triglav. The mountain reaches an altitude of 2864 meters and thus is the highest peak of Julian Alps and at the same time the only peak in Slovenia that exceeds 2800 meters in height. It is a symbol of the Slovenian nation, pioneer of mountaineering Julius Kugy named the mountain a Kingdom. On the top of Triglav is Aljaž’s tower that was brought there by Aljaž and his friend in the year 1895.
Triglav has always stirred the spirits of adventurers and alpinists, who wanted to reach the very top. This was for the first time accomplished on August 26th, 1778 by four people of heart, Luka Korošec, Matevž Kos, Štefan Rožič, and Loverenc Willomitzer. Their monument is located in Bohinj. From the top of Triglav, a beautiful view opens, which reaches into the distance. We can see the Adriatic sea, pass the Dolomites and High Tauern towards Karavanke, Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Pohorje, and pas entire Slovenia towards the highest peaks of Julian Alps. Over time Triglav bore seveal names, like Ocra mons, Krma, Terglau, Terglou and Terklou.
Feel the freedom at the top of Slovenia! — Travel-Slovenia
Triglav offers many options to spend time in these highlands, we can ascend, with suitable condition and equipment, in one day or you can spend some days in this beautiful environment and discover what it has to offer. If you decide to climb Triglav in one day, we suggest that you start in the early hours, as the whole trip will take you somewhere between ten to eleven hours. In that case, we suggest different ascent routes, from Aljaž’s home in valley Vrata, from Pokljuka, the valley of Krma, the valley of Kot, or from Uskovnica. These routes will take you around six hours to reach the top. You can take one of several different directions – along Tominškov’s path, across Planika and Mali Triglav, pass Kredarica or Triglav notch.
But we recommend that you take more time and experience the authentic life of Alpine meadows and authentic food served in a hut, meet highlands flora and fauna and sleep in real Alpine huts. In your discoveries include Triglav seven lakes, experience picturesque landscape, and witness how the landscape changes with every step. You will always be followed by a beautiful view and freshness of the height. Feel the freedom and intact environment, which Triglav offers. As already famous naturalist John Muir once said: »In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.«
Walk past beautiful Triglav seven lakes, which are located in one of the most picturesque Alpine valleys, and will offer a magical view towards surrounding mountains and show you the lake life. The path to the lakes will take you through forests, Alpine meadows, where still today pastoral communities work and produce dairy products. The valley of Triglav lakes, also the Valley of Seven lakes, is a glacial Alpine valley, which is located between Bohinj and Trenta. It was formed as a result of the thrust of the Slatnik plate. It is adorned with diverse terrain, interesting animals, plants, and fossils. It is also known for its Karstic phenomena and a story about Goldhorn. Furthermore, it offers a beautiful walk and is also a paradise for photographers.
There are many lakes and puddles in the Valley of Triglav lakes, but the seven Triglav lakes are most often mentioned, as the rest dry up several times during the year. The biggest among the lakes is Big lake (si. Veliko jezero) or Lake in Ledvice, which is located at an altitude of 1930 meters. It is 300 meters long, 120 meters wide, and 15 meters deep. Followed by Brown lake (si. Rjavo jezero) with 150 meters of length, 100 meters of width, and 10 meters of depth. Black lake (si. Črno jezero) is the warmest lake of all, Lake under Vršac (si. Jezero pod Vršacem) or Lake in Podstenje is often frozen most of the year, Puddle in Lašte (si. Mlaka na Laštah) under Zasavje hut at Prehodovci often dries out in summer, Green lake (si. Zeleno jezero) got its name because of its coloration by algae and Double lake (si. Dvojno jezero) next to the hut at Triglav lakes, which turns into one lake at high water levels.
In addition to all the paths that lead to the top of Triglav, those more experienced and enthusiastic about climbing can go climb the Northern Triglav wall, where you can challenge your body. Here you can learn new or revive old climbing techniques with the help of a guide. The wall offers stunning views of the surroundings.
The Northern Triglav wall is among the biggest walls in Europe with many rocky pillars, named Slovenian, German and Middle. The most difficult alpine ascent goes along 200 meters high wall of Sphinx, along the Middle pillar and western part of the Wall. Due to its northern location, the Wall is in the shadow most of the time, and because of that, we can find snowfields below the slope and in hollows deep in the summertime. The Wall can be crossed along its entire length, along Goldhorn shelves.
The ascent on Triglav is difficult and demanding, so we need to be physically prepared. Each season has its charm, as each offers different challenges and beauties. The best time to ascent on Triglav is during the summer, during this time, the highest number of climbs is recorded in August, or early autumn, with the highest number of climbs in September. If you are tempted by colder temperatures and the visit of mountains in winter, you can ascent to Triglav also in this time and make a winter tour. At this time you have to be even more careful, as the mountains are even more unpredictable.
Before the ascent, it is always advisable to check the weather forecast and to go to the mountain relaxed and without haste, safety must come first. Suitable clothes, footwear, and equipment are crucial. Since the weather in the mountains is unpredictable and the storm can develop quickly, we do not leave anything to chance. Always consider all elements that can affect your ascend or descend. If you will consider all the factors when visiting Triglav, you will experience the highest Slovenian peak in all its glory, get to know its nature, mountain life, and much more.
On Travel-Slovenia you can see other excursion options and see what to visit in our small sub-Alpine country next to Triglav and the same name national park. We are convinced that the visit to our highest mountain will open a whole new world and that you will want to explore further. You can share your unforgettable stories, narratives, tales, and feelings when visiting Slovenia with us and our readers. Send them to e-mail travel.slovenia.en@gmail.com with a few images, and we will make sure they are published.
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