Sandwiched in between Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary, with a tiny sliver of coastline on the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia sits at the crossroads of Europe.
TRAVEL IN SLOVENIA
The little country – which at just under 8,000 square miles is the 45th smallest in the world – is composed of mountains, glacial valleys, and thick evergreen forests, all of which provide the perfect backdrop for any type of outdoor adventure.
The Julian Alps run across the north of the country and serve as a veritable playground for all sorts of outdoor adventures, year-round. From mountain biking to ski touring, this alpine sub-range offers dynamic scenery and appropriate challenges for participants of every level.
While the Julian Alps cover a little more than 1,000 square miles, there are countless outdoor activities to try out. Below is a list of some of the most popular ones to keep in mind.
1. CLIMB MOUNT TRIGLAV
Towering 9,396 feet above sea level, Mount Triglav is the highest peak in Slovenia and the Julian Alps. The mountain is depicted on the country’s flag and serves as a powerful national symbol.
For those interested in climbing Triglav and experiencing Slovenia’s patrimony, the peak is easily accessible from Ljubljana, the country’s capital.
Overall, there are four different routes up to Triglav’s summit, each of which takes between one and two days to climb. The route from Krma Valley is the easiest and most popular. It is rated as an intermediate-level climb and is appropriate for children as young as 10.
From the summit, Mount Triglav offers the best views in all of Slovenia. On a clear day, it is even possible to see as far south as the Adriatic Sea.
2. MOUNTAIN BIKING AROUND KRANJSKA GORA
Situated in the very north of the country, Kranjska Gora has quickly become a popular haven for mountain biking enthusiasts of every level.
The town is tucked into a scenic valley and boasts a well-worn network of single trails, military ways, and switchbacks in the nearby mountains.
A popular option is to ride up into the mountains and over the Italian border to the Rifugio Zacchi. From here, there are incredible views of Mount Triglav and the rest of the Julian Alps.
Kranjska Gora is also a popular starting point for experienced riders planning to head across the country. Over the course of one week, it is possible to ride from this northerly town to the shores of the Adriatic Sea in the south of the country.
There is no better way to see Slovenia in one week!
3. TRIGLAV SKI TOURING TRAVERSE
Summer may be the most popular season for visiting Slovenia, but there is no shortage of incredible wintertime activities as well.
While popular resorts in the rest of the Alps begin to fill up, Triglav National Park is a more off-the-beaten-path destination.
Slovenia’s only national park boasts a diverse array of ski touring opportunities. Easily the best way to experience as many of them as possible is with a hut-to-hut ski touring odyssey, which can include everything from freeride skiing down the slopes of Rodica – the county’s most popular ski touring peak – to a ski mountaineering expedition up to the summit of Triglav, itself.
Away from these lengthier options, day trips to Kranjska Gora offer 3,000-foot vertical descents in excellent powder conditions; the perfect way to mix sightseeing with adrenaline-pumping adventure.
4. HIKE TRIGLAV LAKES VALLEY
Nestled in the heart of Triglav National Park, the Seven Lakes Valley serves as the perfect destination for avid day hikers.
Boasting numerous trails that pass by the shores of the various lakes, meander through thick evergreen forests and provide spectacular scenic vistas of the verdant surroundings, there is no better way to spend a day of hiking in Slovenia.
Black Lake, in the south of the park, is a particularly popular destination. En route, hikers pass by the Savica Waterfall and hike along scenic mountain ridges.
Exploring the lovely valley on foot is the perfect way to learn about Slovenian folklore as well. According to legend, throwing a stone into Black Lake causes it to rain later. Why not find out if the legend is true?
5. CLIMB A VIA FERRATA IN THE JULIAN ALPS
Heading up the “iron path” is a great way to experience the scenic allure of rock climbing and mountaineering without having to possess the technical know-how.
The Julian Alps are chock-full of excellent via ferrata climbing options, any of which is a great way to enjoy the country’s incredible beauty while climbing to the top of a mountain.
Easily the most popular of these is the Prag route, which heads up the north face of Mount Triglav on to its summit. While it tends to get a bit crowded in the summer, the incredible views both on the way up as well as from the top are worth the patience.
Away from Mount Triglav, there are plenty of other incredible routes as well. The Kopišcar route on Mount Prisojnik takes the climber up an imposing north face wall and to the top of yet another iconic Slovenian peak. From the summit, there are plenty of great views into the national park and out over Kranjska Gora.
