Triglav National Park is the only national park in Slovenia, located in the Julian Alps. It covers an area of 880 square kilometers and is named after the country’s highest peak, Mount Triglav.
The park is known for its stunning alpine scenery, crystal-clear rivers and lakes, and diverse flora and fauna. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, cycling, skiing, and water sports.
Visitors can explore the park’s many natural attractions, including Lake Bohinj, Soteska Vintgar, Savica Waterfall, and Seven Lakes Valley.
Triglav National Park is also home to numerous cultural and historical sites, such as traditional mountain villages, museums, and historical monuments. The park is committed to preserving its natural and cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Where is Triglav National Park?
Triglav National Park is located in northwestern Slovenia, near the border with Italy and Austria. The park is easily accessible by car or bus from several major cities in Slovenia, including Ljubljana and Bled.
Do you need a car for Triglav National Park?
While having a car can be convenient for exploring Triglav National Park, it is not strictly necessary. There are several ways to get around the park without a car, including public transportation, organized tours, and hiking or cycling. The park is well-connected by a network of buses and trains, with regular services to major towns and villages within the park. Visitors can also join organized tours or hire a local guide to explore the park’s many natural and cultural attractions. Additionally, the park has an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike.
However, having a car can offer more flexibility and convenience, especially for those who want to explore more remote areas of the park or have limited time. Ultimately, the decision to rent a car or not will depend on individual preferences, travel style, and planned activities.
Visiting Triglav National Park – car hire
We have rented cars many times during holidays in Europe and we always used discovercars.com
Check out our guide to the best car hire company in Slovenia or simply explore the options directly on discovercars.com if you need a car during your next holiday in Slovenia.
How much does it cost to go to Triglav National Park?
There is no entrance fee to enter Triglav National Park. However, some activities within the park may have a cost, such as guided tours, recreational activities, and transportation. The cost will depend on the specific activity and service provider. Accommodation, food, and transportation to and within the park will also vary in cost depending on the level of comfort and distance traveled. Overall, the cost of a visit to Triglav National Park will depend on individual preferences, activities, and travel style. It is recommended to research and plan ahead to get a better idea of the cost and make informed choices.
Best things to do in Triglav National Park
1. Lake Bohinj
A picturesque lake located in the heart of Triglav National Park, surrounded by the Julian Alps. Lake Bohinj is the largest natural lake in Slovenia, offering crystal clear water, stunning views, and a variety of recreational activities.
2. Triglav Mountain peak
The highest peak in Slovenia, standing at 2,864 meters tall. It is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
3. Soteska Vintgar
A scenic gorge located near the town of Bled, featuring crystal-clear waters and impressive waterfalls. Visitors can explore the gorge on a wooden walkway, offering stunning views of the natural surroundings.
4. Vršič Pass
A mountain pass located in the Julian Alps, connecting the towns of Kranjska Gora and Bovec. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists.
5. Savica Waterfall
A majestic waterfall located in the heart of Triglav National Park, dropping 78 meters into a pool of crystal-clear water. Visitors can take a short hike to the waterfall and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.
6. Lake Jasna
A picturesque alpine lake located near the town of Kranjska Gora, offering crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Lake Jasna is a must-visit location in Slovenia!
7. Waterfall Pericnik
A stunning waterfall located near the town of Mojstrana, dropping 52 meters over a series of rocky cliffs. Visitors can take a short hike to the waterfall and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.
8. Vogel Ski Resort
A popular ski resort located in the heart of Triglav National Park, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a variety of ski runs for all skill levels.
9. Waterfall Kozjak
A scenic waterfall located near the town of Kobarid, dropping 15 meters over a rocky cliff. Visitors can explore the surrounding natural surroundings and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the nearby river.
10. Planica
A popular ski jumping destination located in the Julian Alps, hosting numerous international ski jumping competitions. Visitors can explore the nearby ski jumping museum and enjoy the stunning alpine scenery.
11. Seven Lakes Valley
A stunning alpine valley located in the heart of Triglav National Park, featuring seven crystal-clear lakes and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore the valley on a variety of hiking trails.
12. Boka Waterfall
A stunning waterfall located near the town of Bovec, dropping 106 meters over a rocky cliff. Visitors can enjoy the stunning natural surroundings and explore the nearby hiking trails.
13. Kranjska Gora
A popular tourist destination located in the Julian Alps, offering stunning alpine scenery and a variety of recreational activities, including skiing, hiking, and cycling.
14. Kanin-Sella Nevea Ski Resort
A popular ski resort located on the border between Slovenia and Italy, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a variety of ski runs for all skill levels.
What month is best for Triglav National Park?
The best month to visit Triglav National Park depends on your preferences and the activities you want to do. The summer months (June to August) are the most popular time to visit the park, as the weather is warm and sunny, and most of the hiking trails and outdoor activities are accessible. However, this is also the peak tourist season, and the park can get crowded, especially around major attractions such as Lake Bohinj and Soteska Vintgar.
If you prefer cooler weather and quieter trails, the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) months are also great times to visit. The weather can be variable during these months, with some rain and occasional snow, but the scenery is beautiful, and there are fewer tourists. The winter months (November to March) are ideal for winter sports enthusiasts, as the park offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities, but some hiking trails may be closed or inaccessible due to snow and ice.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Triglav National Park depends on your interests and what you want to experience during your visit.
Triglav National Park from Bled
Triglav National Park is located about 35 kilometers northwest of Lake Bled, and it is a popular day trip destination for visitors staying in Bled. There are several ways to get to Triglav National Park from Bled:
- By car: The easiest way to get to Triglav National Park from Bled is by car. There are several car rental companies in Bled, and the drive takes about 45 minutes. There are several parking areas throughout the park where visitors can leave their cars and explore on foot.
- By bus: There are several bus companies that operate between Bled and the park, with frequent departures during the summer months. The bus journey takes about an hour, and tickets can be purchased at the bus station in Bled.
- Guided tour: Many tour companies in Bled offer guided tours of Triglav National Park, which include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and stops at some of the park’s most popular attractions.
Triglav National Park hiking
Triglav National Park is a paradise for hikers, with an extensive network of trails that offer breathtaking views of the Julian Alps and the park’s many natural wonders. There are hiking trails for all skill levels, from easy walks along the shores of Lake Bohinj to challenging multi-day treks to the summit of Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia. Some of the most popular hiking trails in Triglav National Park include:
- The Soca Trail: A scenic hike along the Soca River, passing through picturesque villages, suspension bridges, and waterfalls.
- The Vintgar Gorge Trail: A short but stunning hike through a narrow gorge carved by the Radovna River, with a series of wooden footbridges and waterfalls.
- The Seven Lakes Valley Trail: A challenging hike that takes you through a rugged alpine landscape, passing by seven glacial lakes and offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- The Mount Triglav Trail: A strenuous multi-day trek that takes you to the summit of Slovenia’s highest peak, with incredible views of the park and the surrounding valleys.
- The Julian Alps Trail: A long-distance hiking trail that takes you through some of the most scenic areas of the Julian Alps, including Triglav National Park.
Before embarking on a hike, it is important to check the trail conditions and weather forecast, bring appropriate gear and supplies, and follow the park’s rules and regulations to ensure your safety and minimize impact on the environment.
Triglav National Park weather
Triglav National Park has a varied climate due to its location in the Julian Alps. The weather can be unpredictable, and visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature, rainfall, and snowfall.
During the summer months (June-August), the weather is generally mild with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F) during the day, although temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially at higher elevations. It is important to bring layers of clothing and rain gear as rain can occur frequently.
In the autumn months (September-November), the weather begins to cool down and become more unpredictable. Temperatures can range from 5-20°C (41-68°F), and snowfall can occur at higher elevations. Visitors should be prepared for colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours.
Winter in Triglav National Park (December-February) is cold, with temperatures ranging from -5 to 5°C (23-41°F) in the valleys and even colder at higher elevations. Heavy snowfall is common in the mountains, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Spring (March-May) is a beautiful time to visit the park, with temperatures ranging from 5-15°C (41-59°F). However, the weather can be unpredictable, with snow and rain possible even at lower elevations. It is important to be prepared for changing weather conditions and bring appropriate gear.
Triglav National Park wildlife
Triglav National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many species that are rare or endangered. The park’s diverse habitats, which include alpine meadows, forests, and rivers, provide a home for numerous plant and animal species. Some of the most notable wildlife in Triglav National Park includes:
- Brown bears
- Alpine ibex
- Chamois
- Lynx
- Wolf
- Red deer
- Roe deer
- Golden eagles
- Peregrine falcons
- Griffon vultures
- Salamanders
- Trout
Visitors to the park can see some of these animals in their natural habitat while hiking or exploring the park’s trails. However, it is important to remember that these are wild animals and should be observed from a safe distance to ensure both the safety of the animals and the visitors.
Is Lake Bled part of Triglav National Park?
No, Lake Bled is not part of Triglav National Park. While Lake Bled is also located in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia, it is not within the boundaries of Triglav National Park. Lake Bled is actually located about 35 kilometers to the northeast of Triglav National Park. That being said, both Lake Bled and Triglav National Park are popular tourist destinations in Slovenia, and many visitors choose to visit both during their travels in the region.
Is Triglav National Park worth visiting?
Yes, Triglav National Park is definitely worth visiting. The park offers some of the most stunning alpine scenery in Europe, with crystal-clear rivers and lakes, towering mountains, and breathtaking valleys. There are a wide variety of recreational activities to enjoy, including hiking, cycling, skiing, and water sports.
Visitors can explore the park’s many natural attractions, such as Lake Bohinj, Soteska Vintgar, and Savica Waterfall, or immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting traditional mountain villages or museums. Triglav National Park is committed to preserving its natural and cultural heritage, and visitors can feel good about supporting sustainable tourism practices while experiencing the beauty of this unique region.
